The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended operations along the Abuja-Kaduna route after terrorists blew a track and attacked a train Monday night.

“Dear passengers, due to unforeseen circumstances, train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna route has been temporarily suspended. Further Communication would be given in due course,” NRC tweeted on Tuesday.

Terrorists attacked a train enroute Kaduna State on Monday evening with many travelers feared abducted.

The terrorists reportedly bombed the train track with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which forced the train to derail.

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Kaduna State commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the government contacted relevant security agencies who made “robust deployments of personnel” to “secure the passengers on board.”

“Efforts are ongoing to convey the passengers from the location and others that sustained injuries have been rushed to hospitals for urgent medical attention,” Aruwan said.

He said Kaduna State government is liaising with NRC to ascertain the list from the passengers’ manifest for efficient tracking to acquire an accurate inventory of all passengers and their actual status.

Aruwan noted that “security forces continue to comb the general area in additional rescue efforts.
“Emerging developments will be communicated to the public.”

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NRC suspend Abuja-Kaduna train trips after attack

The Nigeria Sports Ministry and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have bought up to 20,000 tickets to distribute among fans, ahead of the country’s 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana on Tuesday.

Both organizations are trying to ramp up support for the Super Eagles, by trying to fill up the Moshood Abiola Stadium, which holds up to 60,000 spectators.

“We will buy 20,000 of the tickets and give to fans at designated centers on Monday and Tuesday morning. We want to ensure maximum support for the Super Eagles by filling up the stands.

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“The NFF have done well to secure maximum capacity of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for the match. This move will guarantee us a full house,” Sports Minister Sunday Dare said.

The first leg of the tie ended in a goalless draw in Kumasi.

Nigeria needs an outright win to clinch one of five tickets to represent Africa at Qatar 2022.

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a football match between Ghana and Nigeria 

GHA/NIG: FG provides 20,000 free tickets for fans in Abuja

Will Smith stormed the Oscars stage and struck comedian Chris Rock across the face for joking about his wife, in a moment at Sunday’s gala that immediately went viral and left stunned viewers questioning if it had been scripted or genuine.

Rock, presenting the best documentary prize with a short comedy routine, had cracked a joke comparing Jada Pinkett Smith’s tightly cropped hair to Demi Moore’s appearance in the film “G.I. Jane” and suggesting she appear in a sequel.

In a moment that triggered awkward silence and confusion in the Dolby Theatre, Smith strode up to Rock and slapped him, before returning to his seat alongside Jada and shouting profanities.

“Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth,” yelled Smith, forcing the producers to bleep out several seconds of audio from the televised broadcast in the United States.

Jada Pinkett Smith, who is also an actress, suffers from alopecia, and publicly revealed her diagnosis in 2018.

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According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg, in attendance, a tearful Smith needed to be “pulled aside and comforted” by Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry during a commercial break.

“Will and Chris, we’re going to solve that like family. Right now we’re moving on with love,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs, presenting the next section.

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars

Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock Over Bad Joke at The Oscars

Nollywood Veteran mourns the loss of one of her beloved sisters, Judy.

The actress who has still not recovered from the shock following the death of her only child in 2020, broke the sad news on her instagram page.

As she mourns the death of her sister, Ada Ameh called the loss a colossal shock, noting that her late Sister taught her invaluable life lessons about ‘kindness’.

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Sharing the sad news on Instagram, the Johnson star wrote:

“Auntie Judy, you broke my heart. I just wanted to be like you Agabaya. We can never forget the great woman that you were while you lived.“

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“Thank you for everything love knows. I will be kind to everyone that was one of the things you taught me. I can never forget how you dressed me up for my interview 25 years ago #Domitilla.”

Veteran Ada Umeh Loses Sister, Mourns Her Loss

The President, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), on Friday, admonished the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to avoid being used for partisan politics or settle personal disputes.

Buhari disclosed this at the State House in Abuja during the unveiling of the EFCC’s Standard Operating Procedures, Policies and Manuals.

He urged the anti-graft agency to focus on serving the nation whilst entrenching good governance and equally advised its leadership including all operatives of the commission to resist the temptation of being influenced by political actors for personal gains.

“I must advise the leadership and operatives of this commission to resist the temptation of being used for partisan politics or dragged into personal disputes.

‘’Your job is to serve the nation in its efforts to entrench good governance,’’ the president noted.

Buhari commended the leadership of the EFCC for securing 2,220 convictions within one year and recovering over N152bn and $385m

“I am glad to note that the war against corruption, which is one of the cardinal objectives of this administration, is being strengthened.

“This is being done through the institutionalisation of operational procedures particularly as they form the building blocks of transparency and accountability in administration and public expenditure,’’ he said.

The president personally commended the EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, for efforts made in further institutionalising the agency by developing 26 Standard Operating Procedures and 25 Policies and Manuals for the Departments, Units and Staff of the commission.

He also appreciated the support of the Board, Management and Staff of the commission.

The President called on other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, especially Law Enforcement Agencies, to also ensure the standardisation of their processes within the extant laws and regulations.

“I need not underscore the importance of today’s occasion, but let me remind you that the stakes are high but national expectations are higher.

“Therefore, we must continue to strive and deal decisively with matters in accordance with the rule of law,’’ Buhari urged, stressing that the government would continue to accord all necessary support to the MDAs in order to ensure the sustainability of the initiatives already commenced in actualising the vision of a corruption-free society.

He said, “Let me conclude by saying that the fight against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians if we are to make meaningful progress as a nation.

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“I invite you all to fight corruption in all its ramifications and join us to entrench good governance values and integrity within all our systems.

Buhari hit the punch line saying, “If we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill us as a nation’’.

The chairman of the commission earlier said the agency was undergoing various phases of reforms, including the production of the manual, to reposition it for the task of fighting financial crimes in the country.

He appreciated the president and the National Assembly for the confidence reposed in his ability and competence to take over the leadership of the organization.

Bawa said departments had been reorganised and upgraded, including intelligence gathering, training, and the academic institutions, toward the fulfilment of the founding objectives of the anti-graft institutions.

He added that software had been developed for operations, and a mobile app, “The Evil Eye’’, deployed for ease of reporting economic and financial crimes.

He noted that the EFCC already had a five-year (2021-2025) strategic plan with clear and measurable targets, based on five objectives.

According to him, the objectives remain: improving – public engagement to fight crimes; systems and processes for prevention; intelligence gathering; prosecution, and law enforcement.

The chair summed up his speech, vowing to ‘’lead an agency that will be the pride of our country, Nigeria’’.

Buhari charges EFCC against political interference

Afrobeat superstar, Rema has released his much-anticipated debut album titled Rave & Roses. 

Real name Divine Ikubor, Rema details love, addition, and fate on the 16-track album.

Announcing the album’s release on Twitter, he wrote, “Here’s a piece of my soul to you, my debut Album Rave & roses out now. Thank you for the love & support over the years now, RAVE relentlessly! #RaveAndRoses“

Speaking to Apple Music about the album, he says, “I swear this album has different moods, different stories.”

He notes that every project holds different meanings to him asides from the story they tell and says, “it’s that bridge to bring the fans closer to Rema.”

Rema features Chris Brown, Aj Tracey, 6LACK, and Yseult on this album, which is a testimony of his hybrid approach to music and creative penmanship.

See the full tracklist for the Rave & Roses album HERE:

REMA Releases his Long Awaited Album Tagged ‘Rave & Roses’

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has formally declared to run for the office of the Nigerian president in 2023 under the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former vice president, who made the declaration at an elaborate event at the International Conference Center (ICC), in Abuja, also vowed to hand over at the end of his tenure to the younger generation.

The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries was hosted by the Adamawa State governor, Umaru Fintiri.

Mr Abubakar, an indigene of Adamawa State, clinched the ticket of the opposition party in 2019 but was defeated by incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

To clinch the PDP ticket in 2019, he defeated other aspirants such as a former senate president, Bukola Saraki, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, amongst others.

Mr Abubakar is expected to compete for the ticket with Mr Tambuwal, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and other PDP presidential aspirants.

The former vice president while reeling out some of the plans he has for the country vowed to hand over to a younger generation if elected.

He also said he intends to focus on five key areas which he listed as unity of Nigeria, security, economy, education and devolving more resources and powers to the federating units.

“Since the civil war, the unity of Nigeria has never been threatened as it is today. Nigerians are losing hope in the oneness of this country. My fellow Nigerians, I am the unifier that is coming to bond the broken union.

“We will open doors for dialogue to hear the grieving voices of all Nigerians. Under my presidency, there will be a new Nigeria, where everybody has an equal voice and is heard.

“Throughout my life, I have never looked at Nigerians as divided people. In my eyes, all Nigerians are the same. When I see you, I don’t see Yoruba or Hausa or Igbo or Fulani or a northerner or southerner; when I see you, I only see a Nigerian, and I expect the best from you.

“All Nigerians are equal and should be seen and treated equally. There is no unity without justice and fairness. That is why I will deliver leadership of justice and fairness,” he said.

Mr Abubakar accused the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to live up to its responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians which he said will be his top priorities.

“The APC administration has failed in its fundamental responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians. The most significant human right is the right to life, which has not been protected under the APC administration.

“Our military forces are fighting on the front lines without equipment and morale. That is not fair.

“If we get into power, we will increase the welfare of all security forces. We will use modern technology and intelligence to combat insecurity.

“We will also increase the number of personnel for our security agencies.

“Why security? Because national security is the first sign of a functional government, and where it does not exist, we must not blame those who threaten it. We can only blame a government that allows it to be threatened. And if I am elected as your President, insecurity is one thing I will not tolerate,” he said.

He also vowed to secure the rural communities to boost agricultural activities.

Atiku formally declares ambition, highlights five focus areas

Nigerians have taken to social media to critizie Denrele Edun after he confessed to having an affair with late singer Goldie while she was married.

The eccentric entertainer revealed the affair in a recent interview with NeeCee Bosslady.

He said his relationship with Goldie was more than people saw.

“I have not shared this anywhere but I can as well say it here, my beautiful late friend Goldie, a lot of people just thought we were friends but we did have a few intimate moments,” revealed Denrele.

“I knew she was married of course we kept that a secret.

“It was more than friendship you know, we entered the corner.”

Nigerians however berated Denrele for making such revelation about his relationship with a lady who can no longer defend herself.

Many commentators also said Denrele disrespected Goldie’s husband by making such comments.

A commentator, Gift Ama: “Denrele didn’t need to say that about Goldie though. I hate what social media has turned most people into.”

@Holuwaseun: “I just hope Goldie ghost can just flog this Denrele at midnight.”

Another commentator said: “Dear Denrele, your allegation that you had an extramarital affair with Goldie is disrespectful. Of course, there were suspicions of your ‘besties’ shenanigans.

“However, harnessing her memory, to deflect from rumors about your sexuality, is a betrayal.”

Denrele Comes Under Attack For "Sex With Goldie' Comment

Fast-rising Nigerian singer, Ruger surprised Heirs Holdings CEO, Tony Elumelu with a pleasant performance on his birthday.

The billionaire businessman clocked a new age on March 22nd, and Ruger decided to pay a surprise visit to him at his office.

His company’s business page took to Instagram story on Tuesday night to share a video of him and the singer. Ruger performed his latest hit song, ”Dior” for the business mogul who bust some dance moves.

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Employees at the office also joined in singing and vibing as the music act performed.

The billionaire in celebration of his birthday is set to give 1million Africans fellowship in partnership with Google.

Google and TEF (Tony Elemelu Foundation) revealed that nine full time Google staff will work with TEF to design and build an upgraded version of the TEF_Connect platform, adding that the partnership will bring new Opportunities to Africa’s digital community.

“The Tony Elumelu Foundation does so much to empower African entrepreneurs, and we are thrilled to be able to lend the expertise of Googlers to expand the reach of the TEFConnect platform to an additional 1 million entrepreneurs”.

Ruger Pays a Surprised Visit to Tony Elumelu on His Birthday

Multichoice Nigeria Limited, the operators of DStv and GOtv, has increased the subscription fees for packages on both platforms.

Multichoice blamed inflation and business operations for the increment. The new fees will become effective on April 1.

“In light of the rising costs of inflation and business operations, we have had to review the price of our packages to keep delighting our customers with great entertainment, anytime and anywhere,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Therefore, from April 1, 2022, a new pricing regime for both our DStv and GOtv packages will be in effect.”

DStv packages will now cost Premium (N21,000), Compact + (N14,250), Compact (N9,000), Confam (N5,300), Yanga (N2,950), Padi (N2,150), Business (N2,669), Xtraview + PVR access fee (N2,900)

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The new prices for GOtv package are Gotv Max for N4,150, GOtv Jolli for N2,800, GOtv Jinja for N1,900, GOtv Lite for N900.

Multichoice said customers who pay on or before April 1, 2022, would be eligible to pay the old price. Customers who paid before their dates will also be eligible for old prices for a period of 12 months.

“Customers who pay for 10 months upfront on the new price will get the 11th and 12th month free,” Multichoice said.

Multichoice hikes subscription fees for DStv, Gotv packages

Hong Kong will resume international flights from the United States, Britain and seven other countries, the government said Monday as it announced a loosening of some of the world’s toughest Covid-19 restrictions.

The finance hub has struggled to maintain China’s zero-tolerance policy during an Omicron-fuelled outbreak that has sparked a huge surge in cases and put the city in the spotlight with one of the highest Covid fatality rates in the developed world.

After the highly transmissible variant fuelled a wave of cases, authorities banned flights from nine countries deemed high-risk — including the United States, Britain, France and India.

But infections climbed rapidly. Hong Kong has recorded more than a million cases and 5,900 deaths this year, with the bulk of the toll among its unvaccinated elderly population.

On Monday, Lam said Hong Kong will lift flight bans for the nine countries from April 1.

“The epidemic situations in those countries are not worse than Hong Kong’s, and most arrivals did not have serious symptoms,” she said during a press conference.

Hong Kong has also reduced the quarantine period for vaccinated arrivals starting April 1 to seven days in a designated hotel, followed by another seven days of at-home monitoring.

Currently, Hong Kong residents trying to return from most destinations face a two-week quarantine stay in expensive hotels.

Lam’s administration has been excoriated for its handling of the Covid crisis, with critics calling it unprepared despite two years of breathing room due to its low number of cases before Omicron hit in January.

Once the variant broke through, hospital wards were flooded with patients and morgues overcrowded with bodies — leading to a coffin shortage last week.

Unclear public messaging from the government over mass testing and lockdowns has also fuelled bouts of panic-buying — leaving supermarkets shelves stripped bare.

Hong Kong, known as “Asia’s World City”, has seen a record exodus of foreign and local residents, with a net outflow of more than 134,000 people by mid-March.

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On Monday, Lam said that a previously floated plan to mass test Hong Kong’s 7.4 million residents was “not appropriate” at this stage, given the city’s limited resources.

“Our current opinion is to suspend it and whether we will do it depends on the development of the epidemic,” the leader said.

Lam also announced that kindergartens, primary schools and international schools will resume in-person teaching from April 19.

Beginning April 21, restaurants may stay open after 6:00 pm for dine-in services — currently banned — while public gatherings would be capped at four people, up from the current two.

Hong Kong’s deepened international isolation and lack of a roadmap to normality have incited complaints from business and diplomatic communities, even prompting some major international banks to accelerate relocations.

Authorities had repeatedly defended its methods, saying it was necessary to maintain access to the mainland Chinese market — which still has strict border controls.

But on Monday Lam signalled an attitude shift — saying the city now has to balance its status as an international hub and as a gateway to mainland China.

“For any longer term public health strategy, we will have to take into account both factors that is maintaining Hong Kong’s accessibility to the mainland and also ensuring her continued connectivity with the outside world,” she said.

Tens of millions of people in regions across China have been put under stay-at-home orders since last week when Omicron clusters started threatening the country’s zero-Covid model.

two people waiting at an Hong Kong airport

Hong Kong To Lift Ban On Flights From Nine Countries

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday be commissioning the newly built international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

The terminal has the capacity to process 14million passengers per annum and was built on a landmass of approximately 56,000 square meters and has 66 check-in counters. A statement by the acting general manager, corporate affairs, Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, says that there will also be a signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Lagos State Government on the 9km Airport-Shasha-Alimosho link Road to be constructed by the State Government.

The terminal was built also in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu, in a bilateral arrangement between the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the People’s Republic of China.

The ones in Abuja and Port Harcourt have been completed and commissioned already, while that of Kano has been completed and will soon be commissioned.

“Other facilities in the terminal include 5 baggage collection carousels, 16 Immigration desks at arrival, 28 Immigration desks at departure, 8 security screening points, 6 passenger boarding bridges (out of which 2 has already been installed), 2 food courts, 4 premium lounges, 22 guest rooms and spa, 16 airline ticketing offices, visa on arrival and port health facility, as well as praying area, more than 3,000 square meters of duty-free space, approximately 5,000 square meters of lettable utility space, amongst others”, the statement read in parts.

The Acting GM further noted that the new terminal is expected to generate about three thousand direct and indirect employment for Nigerians, as well as enhance passenger facilitation and comfort at the Lagos airport.

Buhari to Commission Airport Terminal In Lagos on Tuesday

Nigerian newspapers,on one page.