Author: Chisom OZ

  • Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon – Amorim

    Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon – Amorim

    Andre Onana will be recalled for Manchester United’s season-defining Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon after his costly goalkeeping errors in the first leg, manager Ruben Amorim confirmed on Wednesday.

    The 29-year-old Cameroon international, who was to blame for the two goals that United conceded in last week’s 2-2 draw in France, was axed for Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle.

    Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir played at St James’ Park but Amorim told his pre-match press conference that Onana would be back in goal on Thursday, saying he was confident he would be “really good”.

    “Onana, he will play tomorrow,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference.

    “As a coach, and also as a former player, I try to do things that can help a player in this situation,” added the United boss.

    “Sometimes we talk about managing players physically. We have to manage them also mentally but then they have to return to competition, and Onana is ready.

    “He had one weekend that I felt it was better for him to not play, and a good thing for Altay to play. This week, my thinking was to put Onana to play.”

    Amorim was pressed on whether United would need to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window after an inconsistent season from his number one.

    “My answer is that we need to improve every position on the field,” he said. “Goalkeeper is the same, we can work with Andre.

    “If our team scores more goals and is more dangerous on the forwards and the strikers, we will defend better. Andre Onana already proved that he is a top player at Inter (Milan).”

    Former United captain Harry Maguire also defended Onana, saying he had proved during his career that he is an “excellent goalkeeper”.“He’s going to be there tomorrow night,” he told reporters. “He is a big personality, a big character and he will be looking forward to the game. He will want to show everyone again what he is about.

    “Playing in front of Andre, it’s great. I have confidence in Andre, he has had a fantastic career. He has got great experience and we all know he is an excellent goalkeeper.”

    – Zirkzee out for season –
    Amorim also confirmed that forward Joshua Zirkzee would miss the rest of the season, adding to the club’s damaging injury list.

    The Netherlands international, 23, limped off in the second half of Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle after suffering a hamstring injury.

    “Joshua is out for the season,” said Amorim. “He will not play more this season, let’s prepare him for the next one.

    “It is tough for him, especially in this moment. He is improving in all aspects and it is hard for any player to stop.”

    United have endured a terrible season in the Premier League but can still end their campaign on a high by winning the Europa League, which would guarantee them a place in next season’s Champions League.

    Amorim said qualification for Europe’s top club competition would give United’s budget a major boost and “can change everything”.

    “But you can see it in both ways,” he said. “If you have the Champions League, it’s going to be tough to play against top teams on Wednesday and then top teams in the Premier League.

    “We are in the moment that you can feel that the team needs a lot of work. A lot of work means a lot of time to train.”

  • Osun signs 100million dollars investment deal with British investors

    Osun signs 100million dollars investment deal with British investors

    Following his recent investment drive in the United Kingdom, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke disclosed that his administration has secured a hundred million dollars in investment from British investors.

    In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed and made available to reporters in Osogbo on Wednesday, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which was witnessed by the UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy, Hon Florence Eshalomi, covers investments in different areas including agriculture, water, tourism and free trade zone.

    The trip also yielded a partnership deal with the British Museum on cultural tourism, focusing on Osun’s cultural assets.

    “Contrary to the fake news and doctored video from members of the opposition, the state governor successfully and flawlessly addressed four major high-profile meetings, which include the landmark trade meeting in the House of Commons; the address at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce trade mission; the cultural tourism engagement at the British Museum; and the investment briefing with a select group of investors.

    “In the end, a total of $100 million investment deals were made with a group of investors who attended the signing of the investment facilitation MOU in the presence of UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy, Hon Florence Eshalomi. The investment areas include agriculture, water, tourism and free trade zones.

    “An investment collaboration framework with the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry was agreed upon during the chamber’s trade mission. Alongside the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the relationship is to create a tripartite working framework among the binational chamber, the State government and the UK Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    “A partnership deal with the British Museum on cultural tourism focusing on Osun cultural assets and confirmed a huge link between the museum and Ile Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba nation.

    “A new framework relationship between the British Museum and the state government on digitization of cultural assets.

    “Multiple hosting and briefing of Osun indigenes on state of governance at home with two full days of feedback and brainstorming on governance ideas”, the statement added.

  • 10 most dangerous countries to travel to in 2025

    In the year 2025, despite the endeavours of the UN, WHO, and other world organisations to make the world a safer, peaceful, and healthy place to be, there are a few countries as of 2025 that are high-risk and pose a dangerous threat for anyone looking to travel there.

    The 10 most dangerous countries to travel to in 2025 are as follows:

    Sudan
    The war in Sudan has made the country one of the least hospitable travel destinations on the planet, due to the ongoing civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023. This conflict has severely disrupted the country’s infrastructure, economy, and society, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Sudan’s situation remains critical due to ongoing violence, a collapsed healthcare system, and acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The challenges are compounded by rising prices, making life almost unbearable for the population.

    Yemen
    In January 2015, Yemen fell into utter war and chaos after Houthi fighters seized the presidential compound in Sanaa. The war has raged on ever since, bringing famine to the country and instability in the region. As of March 2025, the United States launched its biggest air and naval strikes. This marked the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East. Humanitarian efforts are crumbling under the violence, making Yemen one of the most dangerous places in the world to travel to in 2025.

    Myanmar
    Myanmar isn’t a safe place to travel right now due to the ongoing civil war. The civil war in Myanmar has been recorded as the world’s longest ongoing civil war, which has spanned almost eight decades. Since staging a coup in 2021, Myanmar has experienced severe unrest that has led to the displacement of over 3 million people and crimes against humanity. The War in Myanmar has led to the collapse of essential services, including health and water systems, combined with natural disasters like cyclones and floods. Visiting Myanmar in 2025 might not be a good idea.

    Syria
    Syria is a nation still devastated by years of war, with active combat zones and various militant groups. 13.8 million Syrians have been displaced due to the war and unrest in the nation. Syria can be noted as one of the largest humanitarian crises globally.

    South Sudan
    Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has experienced ethnic conflicts, battling major political crises, and severe flooding. To add to the list of troubles, South Sudan is home to nearly 900,000 refugees from Sudan due to the war, straining its limited resources. South Sudan’s instability at the moment has made it unsafe.

    Ukraine
    The ongoing conflict with Russia has led to widespread destruction of property, displacement of thousands of Ukrainians, and a volatile security situation, making Ukraine a dangerous destination for travellers.

    Somalia
    The situation in Somalia is a complex humanitarian crisis. The extremist group Al-Shabaab, has carried out over 120 attacks in 2024 alone. Drought has also been a major issue in the country, with thousands of people needing assistance.

    Iraq
    While the territorial threat of ISIS has diminished, Iraq remains unstable due to recurring insurgent attacks, militia violence, and political turmoil. Security remains fragile, especially in rural areas, and deep-rooted ethnic and sectarian divisions continue to fuel unrest.

    Haiti
    The government in Haiti is at its weakest point now, unable to tackle the insecurity in the country, with armed groups in constant conflict with the police. Some areas in the country have fallen into the hands of these armed groups, spiking Crime, kidnappings, and food shortages. At the same time, natural rake through communities.

    Lebanon
    Lebanon has been in deep turmoil due to multiple overlapping crises, over 1.5 million refugees have stretched resources in the country dry, a political crisis, an outbreak of cholera, a blast that killed over 200 people and displaced thousands.

  • Relationship therapist Blessing CEO gets engaged to IVD

    Relationship therapist Blessing CEO gets engaged to IVD

    A Nigerian relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has announced her engagement to businessman, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as “IVD”.

    The social media personality took her social media platforms to share the good news with her fans and well wishes with their adorable photo.

    According to her, she does not want any drama or noise, rather she want peace and softness

    “I said Yes….. @ivd001 For the first time, I did not want drama. For the first time, I did not want the noise. I just wanted peace and softness.

    “To hear our heartbeat as 1 and hear you breathe into my face. Let’s do this together as we take this journey forever.

    Yes, Yes Yes, I will marry you. Ikechukwu Darry Ogbonna,” she wrote.

    The duo have been romantically associated since 2022 shortly after the passing away of IVD’s wife Bimbo Ogbonna.

    Blessing CEO had always maintained that her intentions towards her relationship were good, adding that, she spoke out as a relationship specialist who was worried about the facts notwithstanding the backlash.

    Blessing CEO is well-known for being a blogger and social media influencer. She also runs the dating website Break Or Makeup.

    She is a brand promoter, relationship expert, and advisor. She is also a supporter and promoter of surgery, especially liposuction (we have our sources, bruhs and BFs, trust me).

    The relationship therapist is well-known for being a relationship expert and for creating social media posts and videos that focus on relationships, including those involving women’s rights.Fans viewed her as a relationship expert, but they also viewed her as a controversial celebrity who dragged other celebrities.

  • Rivers women call for removal of CP Adepoju, reinstatement of Fubara

    Rivers women call for removal of CP Adepoju, reinstatement of Fubara

    The Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group has called for the immediate removal of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, citing alleged bias in his handling of peaceful protests against the recently imposed emergency rule in the state.

    The women also demanded an immediate end to the emergency rule, the reinstatement of the democratically elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    In a statement jointly signed on Wednesday by Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo and Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo, the group condemned what they described as the unconstitutional and unjust imposition of an emergency administration in the state.

    “For the umpteenth time, we, the women of Rivers State under the umbrella of the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group, strongly reiterate our unwavering demand for the immediate termination of the unconstitutional and unjust emergency rule currently imposed on our dear state,” the statement read.

    The group accused the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), of deepening political divisions and dismantling democratic institutions instead of fostering reconciliation among stakeholders.

    “Nearly one month after assuming control, rather than fostering reconciliation among political stakeholders, Vice Admiral Ibas has deepened the divide. His actions serve only the interests of those who appointed him,” the women stated.

    They also accused the police of using excessive force during a peaceful protest held on April 11, 2025, noting that tear gas was used to disperse demonstrators. The group further alleged that on April 14, 2025, a counter-protest was staged with hired individuals posing as Rivers women in support of the emergency rule, and that this protest was shielded by the same police force.

    “This deliberate provocation and double standard is nothing short of sabotage and a direct assault on democratic rights,” they said.

    The group lamented the growing economic toll of the emergency rule, warning that businesses are shutting down, investments are fleeing, and the state’s economy is on the brink of collapse — with women and children bearing the brunt of the hardship.They appealed to Nigerians of conscience, civil society organizations, and the National Assembly to speak out and take urgent steps to reverse what they described as “a deeply unpopular and undemocratic action.”

    “It is disturbing that in other regions where terrorism and violence claim lives daily, no state of emergency has been declared. Yet in Rivers, over 10,000 police personnel and countless military operatives have been deployed — not for security, but for political intimidation,” the statement said.

    According to the group, further protests in Mbiama were also met with police violence, while pro-emergency rule demonstrators were protected.

    The women’s demands include: Immediate removal of CP Olugbenga Adepoju, Termination of the emergency rule in Rivers State, Reinstatement of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature

    They also urged the international community to take a strong diplomatic stance and prevail on the Nigerian government to restore democracy and protect the rights and dignity of Rivers people.

  • INEC Chairman, Yakubu, urges youth to champion peaceful elections

    INEC Chairman, Yakubu, urges youth to champion peaceful elections

    ABUJA: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has asked African youths to lead the charge in promoting peaceful and credible elections across the continent.

    Yakubu spoke on Tuesday while delivering a lecture on “Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa” to students of International Affairs and Diplomacy and those of Peace and Conflict Studies at the Civil Service University in the Republic of The Gambia.

    The INEC Chairman who was a guest of the University, also urged the youths to actively engage in the electoral process with a positive mindset, shun electoral malpractices, and uphold democratic values.

    Highlighting the indispensable role of young people in the electoral processes, the INEC Chairman noted that elections in Africa cannot succeed without youth participation.

    He said; “Young people form the backbone of election duty staff,” he said, pointing out that Election Management Bodies EMBs lack the manpower to conduct elections without recruiting youths as temporary or ad hoc staff.

    “Beyond logistics and staffing, he emphasized that youths also make up the largest segment of the voting population. His words: “Before the elections, they are involved in voter registration, one of the most critical stages of the electoral cycle. It is a duty that must be undertaken with sincerity, patriotism, and a sense of responsibility.”

    Yakubu further urged the youths to be upright and law-abiding, saying; “If you want peaceful elections, play your part for God and country. Do the right thing. Obey the laws and regulations. That’s how we make every vote count.”

    He also drew attention to the role of youths as political party agents, cautioning against misrepresenting facts or feeding political stakeholders with false information which, he warned, could trigger violence and undermine public trust in the process.

    Turning to the influence of digital media, Prof. Yakubu warned against the spread of fake news, particularly during election periods. “Don’t be among the fake news merchants. If it’s not verified, don’t share it. As citizen reporters, you have a duty to report elections truthfully and responsibly,” he said.

    He encouraged young people not to lose faith in democracy or withdraw from civic engagement.

    “This is the system we have chosen. It is ours to nurture, defend, and improve. Every young African must play a role in deepening and strengthening democratic institutions”, he stated.

  • CBEX: My wife and I lost over N11m — Victim laments

    CBEX: My wife and I lost over N11m — Victim laments

    Tension flared in the Egbeda-Idimu area of Lagos State on Wednesday as investors stormed the office of Crypto Bridge Exchange Smart-Treasures, known as CBEX, following the sudden collapse of the cryptocurrency trading platform.

    CBEX, an artificial intelligence-powered crypto trading outfit, had promised investors 100 per cent returns on their dollar-denominated investments within 30 days.

    The platform reportedly operated under the guise of legitimacy, displaying certificates from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) within a lavishly furnished office that inspired confidence in unsuspecting investors.

    When Vanguard visited the CBEX office located at Seliat Bus Stop in Egbeda, Alimosho Local Government Area, scores of angry investors were seen breaking through the main gate in an attempt to access the deserted premises.

    Although they forced their way inside the compound, they were unable to enter the main office. No staff or security personnel were on site.

    Officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos State Police Command arrived at about 10 a.m. to restore order and prevent further chaos.

    As of press time, it remained unclear whether any arrests had been made, including of CBEX officials or the landlord of the property.

    The unrest followed widespread panic that began last Friday when CBEX subscribers discovered they could no longer access their accounts, signalling the platform’s collapse.

    The development has left thousands of investors stranded, many of whom say they lost life savings, loans, and cooperative funds.

    One of the victims, Mr Victor Ozime, told Vanguard he and his wife jointly lost over $7,000—more than N11 million at the current exchange rate. “We are on ground zero,” he said. “How do we finance our children’s school fees and pay house rent? I had so many plans for the money. Right now, I feel like ending it all.”

    Another investor, Mr Segun, who invested $1,700 from a cooperative loan, said he was drawn in by convincing testimonials and seminars hosted by CBEX.

    “They said the platform was AI-assisted, with 100 per cent ROI in 30 days,” he said. “Many early entrants made millions. Someone even built a house. My wife encouraged me to join. Now look where we are.”

    Segun added that CBEX had recently opened new branches in Ikeja and Ikorodu, and regularly held large seminars every Wednesday and Saturday. “These Ponzi operators have targets. Once they hit the figure they want, they vanish,” he said, adding that the scammers may have raked in over a trillion naira before disappearing.

    Tragically, the fallout from the crash has had deadly consequences. “A pensioner reportedly died after hearing he had lost everything. A medical doctor is in critical condition at a hospital in Abule Egba, and a woman allegedly committed suicide after borrowing money and handing it to her husband for investment,” another source told Vanguard.

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in response to the incident, reiterated that under the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act 2025, it is illegal for any entity to operate a digital asset exchange or online forex trading platform in Nigeria without proper registration.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commission warned Nigerians to be wary of unregistered investment schemes and reaffirmed its commitment to clamp down on illegal financial operators exploiting the digital space.

  • ‘Truth or Dare’ game: FCT residents raise concern

    ‘Truth or Dare’ game: FCT residents raise concern

    Concerned Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed displeasure over the moral and cultural decline associated with the trendy  ‘Truth or Dare’ game, particularly among young people.

    The residents spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to them, although ‘Truth or Dare’ has been an age-long staple game for social interaction, among peers and relatives, it has seen an unwholesome resurgence among young people in recent times.

    NAN reports that ‘Truth or Dare’ is a game played at social gatherings, where players choose to either answer a question truthfully or complete a daring challenge.

    The game thrived among people of close social circles, where peer pressure, compromise and friendly competition heighten the fun.

    Before now, most people preferred to play such a daring game with only relatives and those they had known for a long time, and were comfortable with.

    Perhaps, this was due to the fact that secrets could be revealed during those games, and there was also the possibility that the game could get heated up.

    Recently, the game has taken an unusual dimension in Nigeria, particularly among young people, under the guise of ‘catching cruise’ and unbridled desire for entertainment.

    The once harmless game has now evolved into an instrument that activates decadence among peers, with dares now leading to situations where individuals feel pressured or forced into actions they wouldn’t otherwise choose.

    In some reported cases, the game has been linked to situations where individuals have engaged in sexual and other immoral acts they later regretted, often influenced by alcohol or other substances.

    The FCT residents expressed concerns that if the lewdness associated with ‘Truth or Dare’ game was not checked, it has the potential of normalising risky or inappropriate behavours that society hitherto  frowns at.

    They cited instances where the game was used to coerce or manipulate people into immoral acts, including a recent incidence involving Nigerian celebrity couple.

    According them, a comedian and skit in an interview detailed how his wife allegedly participated in a “Truth or Dare” game with another actor, leading to a sexual encounter.

    A corps member, who simply  identify herself as Jane, narrated how she got entangled in the ‘truth or dare’ game that made her engaged in an amorous act.

    According to her, she was in the university when she first played the game at a course mate’s birthday party, as someone said the party was getting bored and should be made interesting.

    “Before then, I had never heard of the game but others were very interested and excited to play it,so I decided to play along, not to feel left out.

    “The rules were that anyone that would not tell the “truth” or carry out a “dare” would have to drink some quantity of alcohol.

    “When it got to my turn, I was told to kiss a guy, but I refused, and I was punished  to drink some alcohol, which I did and began to feel tipsy.

    “As the game continued, another guy was asked to kiss me and caress my breasts in the presence of everyone, and I initially refused but others pressured me to do it.

    “I eventually allowed him to do it, but after the party, I started feeling guilty”, she said.

    Jane noted that if it was in the social media age, pictures and videos from the act would have  flooded the internet , which would hunt her for life.

    She added that “something has to be done because our youths are doing crazy things under the influence of alcohol in the name of Truth or Dare.”

    An upcoming singer, Martins J, lamented that if nothing was done to check the spate of acceptance of the game, it would end up making unsuspecting youths get heavily addicted to alcohol.

    “I know of one babe that was asked to have a quickie in the toilet with a guy after she has taken  alcohol very well because of the ‘Truth or Dare’, and she did it.

    “ As the thing is going now, everybody is enjoying it as  fun and cruise so there is no shame again, so I think people have to speak against it openly”, he said.

    However, for Judith John, the game is for the ‘wild and daring’ and not for everyone.

    “I think that 99 percent of individuals that are participating in ‘Truth or Dare’ already have an idea in their head to use it as a means to carry out immoral acts.

    “This game is played at parties and clubs and all of that, so for me, I feel most of the time, people who play the game already know what they are going to carry out with it.

    “Nobody can actually force you against what you have no premeditation to do”, she said.

    Mrs Mabel  Adebayo, a school teacher and  mother of two, said  everything  about a game that influences or forces people to do things out of their will was inhuman.

    She therefore advised parents and guardians to protect their wards against it, adding that the game was evil and has the potential of hardening a child’s conscience.

    “You dare not mention that game in my house and at the school where I teach, because they have used it to turn innocent children into monsters”, she said.

    Some Clerics who spoke with NAN said it was both morally and spiritually wrong to get people do what they would not have done with their clear eyes and senses.

    Pastor Emmanuel Udeh said: “Truth or Dare game is a devilish game and no one with the fear of God should be involved, as it only brings moral compromise.

    “If you look at it carefully, it is those vices such as drinking and other debauchery tendencies that brings the so called fun in the game.

    “I think we all should speak against any activity, including a game,that can bring moral and spiritually decay to our society”, he said.

    Mallam Shaibu Ibrahim , a Muslim, said: Anything at all that will lead you into temptation is forbidden in Islam.

    “For instance, if I have friends that drink, and I have an intention of following them to the beer parlor without even wanting to drink is already a sin.

    “Honestly in my opinion, this is not game but a device from the devil to destroy the youths, this game must not be encouraged at all because it causes more harm than good.”(

  • JAMB dissociates self from false, misleading messages on UTME

    JAMB dissociates self from false, misleading messages on UTME

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dissociated itself from the ongoing circulation of false, misleading, and criminal messages targeting candidates who registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The JAMB spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said these messages were being disseminated by suspected fraudsters with the intent to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

    Benjamin noted that the perpetrators had exploited the numerical variant of UTME, 8863, and merged it with the Board’s sort code, ‘55019’, to create a deceptive sort code that mimics JAMB’s official messaging system.

    According to him, through this fraudulent scheme, they have been sending misleading messages to candidates, falsely claiming to detect manipulations in their JAMB details and urging them to contact certain individuals who will “assist” in resolving these fabricated issues.

    “We want to emphasise that these messages are not from JAMB. Security agencies have been notified and are actively tracking the perpetrators behind this scam.

    “Candidates are strongly advised to ignore such messages. This is a common tactic employed by fraudsters, who seek to exploit the examination period to deceive and defraud innocent candidates.

    He, therefore, urged the general public to remain vigilant and critically assess the messages they receive, adding that any communication that does not align with JAMB’s official channels or uses suspicious language or instructions should be treated as fraudulent.

  • Again, Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price by 3.5% to N835 per litre

    Again, Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price by 3.5% to N835 per litre

    In a significant development, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a further reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

    The new price is set at N835 per litre, down from N865 per litre, marking a 3.5 per cent decrease.
    This price adjustment follows the recent decline in global crude oil prices, which have dropped to $64 per barrel from over $70 per barrel in recent weeks.

    The refinery had previously reduced its gantry price from N880 to N865 per litre; however, oil marketers did not pass on the savings to consumers.

    The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, continues to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s energy landscape.