Saturday, 30 January 2021
Friday, 29 January 2021
1114 fresh cases of COVID19 recorded in Nigeria
The Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC has announced that 1114 fresh cases of COVID19 were recorded in Nigeria today Friday, January 29.
According to the statistics released by the health agency, Lagos recorded 408 while the FCT recorded 95 fresh cases.
Nigeria now has 128, 674 confirmed cases of the disease. 102, 780 patients have been treated and discharged while 1, 577 patients have died.
A breakdown of the number of cases per states below:
UK prepares to welcome thousands of Hong Kong citizens leaving their country because of China's new national security law
The UK is ready to welcome tens of thousands of migrants from Hong Kong, with the opening of a new visa for residents of the former British colony this Sunday, according to a report by the BBC.
The report comes after China imposed a national security law on Hong Kong that ended the city's autonomy, civil and social freedoms, and solidified Beijing's authoritarian rule over the territory.
The rule has brought about the arrest of hundreds of activists and has made the US restrict it's business with Hong Kong, saying the economy of the former British colony is now being controlled by China.
The law criminalizes secession, 'subversion and collusion with foreign forces', and carries with it a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
After the law was enacted, the UK government announced it would provide a new path to citizenship for holders of British National (Overseas) passports, which were introduced in the final years of British rule over Hong Kong, enabling residents to hold onto a degree of British citizenship.
Under the new citizenship program by the UK, those with BN(O) status and their eligible family members will be able to travel to the UK to live, study and work, becoming eligible for settlement in the UK in five years, and citizenship 12 months after that.
In a statement Friday, January 29, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said by taking this move, "we have honored our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for freedom and autonomy -- values both the UK and Hong Kong hold dear."
Since July 2019, when anti-government protests broke out across the city, over 400,000 BN(O) passports have been issued to Hong Kong residents, according to data from the UK Home Office.
At the time the national security law was proposed, the number of passports issued jumped from 7,515 in June 2020, to over 24,000 in July.
Before the UK announced the new path to citizenship, there were around 350,000 BN(O) passport holders, but the number of people who are eligible those born before 1997, in British-ruled Hong Kong -- could be as high as 3 million.
In a press conference Friday, China claims the plan breaches the agreement under which Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese rule
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Zhao Lijian accused the UK of "disregarding the fact that Hong Kong has returned to the motherland for 24 years" and violating promises made at the time of handover.
He said the BN(O) path to citizenship "seriously violates China's sovereignty, grossly interferes in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, and seriously violates international law and basic norms of international relations."
From January 31, Zhao said, China will no longer recognize BN(O) passports as travel documents or identification proof, "and reserves the right to take further measures."
Daycare owner charged following death of 2-year-old after investigators spot abuse in TV reflection
A daycare owner has been charged following the death of a two-year-old girl who mysteriously died in her care 5 months ago.
The 2-year-old isn't the first child to die in the woman's care but a reflection on the TV led to her arrest.
Kaylee Thomas's death at the home of Jessica Anne Cherry on August 18, 2020 had been ruled indeterminate; but on Tuesday, Jan 26, the Chief Medical Examiner finally declared it a homicide, leading detectives to immediately arrest and charge the 37-year-old with second degree murder.
After the toddler died, police obtained a search warrant and discovered a Ring camera inside the daycare had been moved so that it faced a television screen.
But upon closer inspection, prosecutors claimed they could see several disturbing instances of abuse of other children the week before, caught in the screen's reflection.
Police said they could make out Cherry covering an infant’s nose and mouth tightly with a cloth, and then abandoning him alone in a room.
In another instance, they said they saw Cherry slapping an infant. Audio of the child crying in pain could be heard in the court when the video was played during a bond hearing.
As a result, Cherry was charged with two counts of gross wanton or reckless care for a child, two counts of endangerment cruelty or injuries to children, stab/cut wounds with malicious intent and attempted malicious wounding, but faced no charges in the death of Kaylee.
It also emerged during that hearing that Kaylee wasn't the first child to die in Cherry's care that year.
The prosecutor mentioned she was being investigated after a one-year-old boy was found unresponsive at her home on January 16, 2020. He died at hospital four days later.
The cause and manner of the boy's death have not been revealed, and no one has been charged.
Rapper T.I. and his wife, Tiny release a statement to react to the allegations of sexual and physical abuse
U.S rapper T.I. and his wife, Tiny have released a statement in reaction to the allegations of sexual and physical abuse made against them.
Earlier this week, Sabrina Peterson alleged that T.I. had put a gun to her head and Tiny responded to the allegation.
This eventually led to Sabrina sharing stories from other alleged victims, who claimed to have been sexually abused by both T.I. and Tiny.
T.I. and Tiny have now responded.
A statement released to Complex from a spokesperson reads: "Mr. and Mrs. Harris want to be on record and more importantly want the public to know they emphatically deny in the strongest way possible the egregiously appalling allegations being made against them by Sabrina Peterson. The Harrises have had difficulty with this woman for well over a decade. They are taking this matter very seriously."
Thursday, 28 January 2021
Wednesday, 27 January 2021
Former Ghanaian president, Jerry Rawlings laid to rest
The remains of former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings, have been laid to rest.
Late Jerry Rawlings was buried with full military honours today Wednesday, January 27 after a state funeral that was attended by Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo and representatives of world leaders.
Rawlings died last year November 2020. He was 73-years-old. He held power twice in Ghana, first as a military ruler and later as elected president.
Photos from his funeral below:
Lagos state govt bans trucks and trailers from plying roads state during the day
The Lagos State Government has banned trucks and trailers from plying roads in the state during day.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, announced this when he met with various truck owners in the state in Ikeja today Wednesday, January 27.
Oladeinde announced that trucks and trailers were now restricted to night operations on dedicated routes between the hours of 9pm to 6am daily in order to avert rising carnage’s on roads during daytime.
He said the move was necessary as the Apapa area of the state has been rendered less profitable for investors in all sectors due to the gridlock and activities of truck drivers along the axis, appealing further to Stakeholders to cooperate with the State Government to remedy the situation.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Fayinka, declared that none compliance from truck drivers would be met with stiff penalties on defaulters. He advised the truck owners to utilize the grace period to get their act together and conform with the directives issued out.
Fayinka further advised operators to secure parks outside Apapa to curb the gridlock and work hand in hand with the State Vehicle Inspection Services, (VIS) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) by ensuring their vehicles are Road Worthy with the warning that rickety vehicles will be impounded.
In the trucks restricted routes analysis, Director, Transport Operations, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, clarified the routes to be followed and vehicle specifications. According to him, any vehicle above 6ft with three sets of number plates is considered a Trailer and an Articulated Vehicle, explaining that Ikorodu road, Maryland, Costain and Funsho Williams avenue will be restricted.
Responding to the new directive, the union representatives of Council Of Maritime Transport Union and Association (COMTUA), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Association of Maritime Transport Owners (AMATO), Allied Truck Transporter Association of Nigeria (ATTAN) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) appealed to the State Government to support them with necessary infrastructure and further review the directive, especially with respect to restriction to night time.
Tuesday, 26 January 2021
Monday, 25 January 2021
Saturday, 23 January 2021
US talk show host Legend Larry King is dead
US Talk show legend, Larry King 87 has died after battling with Coronavirus. He passed away this morning January 23 at Cedars-Sinai hospital in LA where he was admitted after contacting the coronavirus.
The news of his death was revealed on his official Twitter account by his representatives, Ora Media, on Saturday January 23. Cause of death is not yet announced.
"With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host, and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” King’s official Twitter announced on Saturday morning.
“For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster. Additionally, while it was his name appearing in the shows’ titles, Larry always viewed his interview subjects as the true stars of his programs, and himself as merely an unbiased conduit between the guest and audience. Whether he was interviewing a U.S. president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage, or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct, and uncomplicated questions. He believed concise questions usually provided the best answers, and he was not wrong in that belief.”
Larry King’s death came weeks after it was revealed that the 87-year-old television/radio host was battling coronavirus.
Over the years, King has battled other health problems including prostate cancer and type-two diabetes. In 1987, he suffered a heart attack that required quintuple-bypass surgery, and in 2017 he underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor in his lung.
In August 2020, two of his adult children – son Andy and daughter Chaia – died within weeks of each other.
The Brooklyn-born began his career in the late 1950s as a newspaper journalist and Miami DJ before expanding his radio repertoire to celebrity interviews and sporting event commentary. In 1978, King launched his nationwide Larry King Show broadcast, which he continued to host even after his Larry King Live television show began airing on CNN in 1985.
He interviewed several celebrities, politicians, conspiracy theorists, psychics, and other newsmakers on his CNN show which aired nightly from June 1985 to December 2010.He was recognized with awards including two Peabodys, an Emmy award, and 10 Cable ACE Awards.
Larry King was married to seven different women and divorced eight times. (He married one of his ex-wives twice.) His three surviving children are: Larry Jr., in his late 50s, Chance, 21, and Cannon, 20.
Friday, 22 January 2021
A Pakistani man arrested in South Africa for killing his girlfriend and their 9-month old daughter
A 29-year- old man, Naseem Ahmed, who allegedly killed his girlfried and their child in South Africa was arrested on Thursday, January 21.
Chantelle Ester Ash and their 9-month-old daughter, Tasneem Isha Ash were found strangled at a lodge in R518 road between Mokopane and Marken road in Masodi village, on the 14th of January. Their hands were tied from the back and their bodies in a state of decomposition.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, who confirmed the incident said that on Tuesday, 12 January 2021 at about 19:00, “a man and woman with their nine-month-old baby were dropped off at the gate of the lodge by a grey unknown motor vehicle.”
Apparently, the trio rented a room for overnight accommodation without providing their personal information and promised the receptionist that they will check out the next day, on Wednesday 13 January 2021 at 09:00.
The following day, the receptionist decided to go and check on them and made the gruesome discovery. Furthermore, there was no presence of the male person who came to the lodge with them.
The Police were immediately notified. The 72-hour activation plan which included the Crime Intelligence, Tracking Team, Detectives and other supporting units were mobilised.
A massive manhunt was launched which resulted in the arrest of this suspect at Brixton, in the Gauteng Province.
Ngoepe said the motive behind this incident is still not clear at this stage but domestic violence may not be ruled out.
The suspect, said to be a Pakistani national, appeared in the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on Friday, January 22.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has welcomed the arrest of the suspect.
The Provincial Commissioner has applauded the Police for the speedy arrest and highlighted the swift action should send a clear message to those involved in heinous crimes especially against women and children that they will be tracked down and brought to book.
Iranian Supreme leader Ayetollah Khamenei's Twitter account suspended after he calls for Trump's assassination over killing of General Soleimani
A Twitter account belonging to Iranian Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei has been suspended by Twitter after the account posted a photo that appears to show Donald Trump playing golf below a large drone and calling for the assassination of the former US President.
The tweet called for an attack on Trump in revenge for the 2020 killing of its top military commander, Gen Qasem Soleimani.
The tweet from the Iranian account refers to Gen Soleimani, who was assassinated by a US drone in Baghdad a year ago.
Under Soleimani's leadership, Iran had bolstered pro-Iranian militant groups, expanded its military presence in Iraq and Syria and orchestrated Syria's offensive against rebel groups in its long-running civil war.
"Vengeance is inevitable," it reads.
The post, made on Thursday, Iranian time is now unavailable and the suspension by Twitter came hours after they were criticized for not quickly suspending the account but could suspend Trump for inciting the mob that attacked the Capitol on January 6.
Republican lawmaker turned away by police after he set off metal detectors put in place after Capitol riot, as he tries to bring gun on the floor of the house
A US Lawmaker, Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland tried to bring gun onto the Congress floor but was denied entry into the building after setting off a metal detector near the entrance to House chamber, according to a Friday, January 22 report by Huffington Post.
After the alarm set off, Capitol Police checked him and discovered a gun concealed inside his coat.
Harris then asked another lawmaker, Rep. John Katko of New York to take the gun so he can enter the chamber and vote on granting a waiver that would let retired Army General Lloyd Austin serve as President Joe Biden’s defense secretary.
Katko refused holding his gun, saying he had no license to carry guns. Harris then left the premises and returned minutes later without his firearm.
The incident which happened on Thursday, January 21, comes after the House imposed new safety rules following the January 6 MAGA riot at the US Capitol.
Rep. Lauren Boebert (pictured below) , has bragged about her desire to carry her pistol into the Capitol, and had a standoff with Capitol Police on January 12 as she didn't let them search her bag after she set off the security alarm on Tuesday night.
Previously it was legal for members of the House to carry a gun in office buildings, in the Capitol, and on Capitol grounds.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has threatened to fine members who refuse to go through the metal detectors or be scanned .
Thursday, 21 January 2021
Lil Wayne thanks Donald Trump for granting him presidential pardon
Donald Trump granted rapper Lil Wayne a full presidential pardon in his final hours as the US president.
In November, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida revealed that Wayne faced a federal weapons charge relating to a December 2019 incident at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.
He pleaded guilty in December and was facing up to 10 years in prison.
However, earlier this week, a statement about Wayne’s pardon was released by the White House and noted the rapper’s commitment to charity as a reason for the pardon.
See what he tweeted below:
A Turkish man Ali Ay pours boiling water on wife for waking him to surprise him with breakfast in bed
A man has been alleged of throwing boiling water on his wife because she woke him up to bring him breakfast in bed as a treat.
28 year old Ali Ay allegedly poured boiling water overs wife Rukiye Ay 23, because of her romantic gesture towards him which he took as disturbance.
Rukiye suffered horrific injuries to her back, and was rushed to hospital in Turkey on January 9.
Speaking from hospital bed, Rukiye said she had brought her husband breakfast in bed as a surprise, but he was angry that she had woken him up. She then left him alone and went to eat breakfast with her daughter but Ali followed and threatened to divorce her.
Before she knew it, Ali allegedly poured boiling hot water down Rukiya's neck and tried to pour on her face but she turned away.
The scared mum said she tried to run away but she could feel her "T-shirt sticking" to her skin.
Ali reportedly threw the "rest of the boiling water" at Rukiya which some of it landed on their child's feet.
She said: "I prepared it all and then went to tell my husband he had breakfast in bed. He was angry and demanded to know why I woke him up, and told me not to bother him, so I started having breakfast with my daughter.
"He came in still in a bad mood and told me he was going to divorce me and gain custody of our daughter no matter what I did.
"He then poured boiling water down my neck. He was going to throw it in my face but I turned away.
Rukiye said she wanted to "escape" but she passed out from the pain and could hear her daughter screaming in the background.
Ali then allegedly grabbed her hair and dragged her to the bathroom, where Rukiye found strength and took the opportunity to run to a neighbour who called the police.
Police arrested Ali but he was later released on bail, sparking public fury, which resulted in him being re-arrested and remanded in custody.
Rukiye said: "I couldn't believe it, as long as he is free me and my daughter are in danger."
Wednesday, 20 January 2021
Tuesday, 19 January 2021
Lady attacked on the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge while jogging
A woman was attacked while jogging early on Monday morning, Jan 18.
The woman named Sike was left with a bruised face, broken finger, and a gash on her thigh.
Her sister said she was mugged and rough-handled.
Unfortunately, as she was being attacked, people passed by and no one intervened.
Joggers have been advised to wait till it's brighter before they jog around the area.
Monday, 18 January 2021
US first Lady Melanie Trump addresses the nation in a farewell Speech
As US President Donald Trump's time in the White House comes to an end, his wife the US First Lady Melanie Trump released a farewell message today Monday Jan 18 reflecting on her four years in White House.
In the almost seven minutes speech which came few days before the inauguration of the new US President-elect Joe Biden, Melanie urged Americans to choose "love over hatred" and "peace over violence."
Her Speech Below:
"My fellow Americans, It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as First Lady of the United States.
"I have been inspired by incredible Americans across our country who lift up our communities through their kindness and courage, goodness and grace.
"The past four years have been unforgettable. As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination.
"I see the faces of brave young soldiers who have told me with pride in their eyes how much they love serving this country. To every service member and to our incredible military families: You are heroes, and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
"I think of all the members of law enforcement who greet us wherever we go. At every hour of every day, they stand guard to keep our communities safe, and we are forever in their debt.
"I have been moved by children I have visited in hospitals and foster care centers. Even as they fight difficult illnesses or face challenges, they bring such a joy to everyone they meet.
"I remember the mothers who have battled the disease of Opioid addiction, and have overcome incredible hardships for love of their children.
"I have been inspired by the devoted caregivers for babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and communities that give these children the support and care they need to grow.
"When I think about these meaningful experiences, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation with such kind and generous people.
"As the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, I thank all the nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, manufacturing workers, truck drivers, and so many others who are working to save lives.
"We grieve for the families who have lost a loved one due to the pandemic. Every life is precious, and I ask all Americans to use caution and common sense to protect the vulnerable as millions of vaccines are now being delivered.
"In the midst of this hardship, we have seen the best of America shine through. Students have made cards and delivered groceries to our Senior Citizens. Teachers have worked twice as hard to keep our children learning.
"Families have come together to provide meals, supplies, comfort and friendship to those in need.
"Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified.
"When I came to the White House, I reflected on the responsibility I have always felt as a mother to encourage, give strength, and teach values of kindness. It is our duty as adults and parents to ensure that children have the best opportunities to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
"The passion for helping children succeed would drive my policy initiative as First Lady.
"I launched Be Best to ensure that we as Americans are doing everything we can to take care of the next generation. Be Best has concentrated on three pillars: well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse.
"In a few short years, I have raised awareness of how to keep children safe online; we have made incredible progress on our nation’s drug epidemic and how it impacts the lives of newborns and families, and we have given a voice to our most vulnerable children in the foster care system.
"Internationally, Be Best has evolved into a platform that encourages world leaders to discuss issues impacting the lives of children and allows them to share solutions. It has been an honor to represent the American people abroad. I treasure each of my experiences and the inspiring people I have met along the way.
"As I say farewell to my role as First Lady, it is my sincere hope that every American will do their part to teach our children what it means to Be Best. I ask parents to educate your children about the courageous and selfless heroes who worked and sacrificed to make this country the land of the free. And to lead by example and care for others in your community.
"The promise of this Nation belongs to all of us. Do not lose sight of your integrity and values. Use every opportunity to show consideration for another person and build good habits into your daily lives.
"In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself.
"Together, as one national family, we can continue to be the light of hope for future generations and carry on America’s legacy of raising our nation to greater heights through our spirit of courage, goodness and faith.
"No words can express the depth of my gratitude for the privilege of having served as your First Lady.
"To all the people of this country: You will be in my heart forever.
"Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America."
Actress Ebube Nwagbo''s mum dies
Actress Ebube Nwagbo has lost her beloved mum after a battle with an undisclosed ailment.
The heartbroken actress took to Instagram in the early hours of today Monday Jan 18, to announce the sad news.
She said her mum was a fighter and fought till she breathed her last. She added that despite the fac tha she was going through pains, her mum fought to live.
She is survived by her husband and children.
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