15 feared dead in Enugu fuel tanker explosion (Sun)
At least 15 people tragically lost their lives in a fuel tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The explosion occurred around 11:30 AM when a fuel-laden tanker exploded while navigating the busy expressway.
Witnesses described the blast as devastating as it destroyed nearby vehicles and caused widespread panic. Read more
Why I deviated from entertainment to embrace tech – Bukky Wright (NewTelegraph)
Veteran Nollywood actress, Oluwabukola Ajoke, better known as Bukky Wright has opened up on why she had to put a hold on her acting career while in the United States (US).
She explained how she deviated totally from entertainment and had to go into tech, a development most people thought she would fail to successfully carry out.
Speaking in a recent interview with Pulse, the thespian revealed her intention to juggle both careers and urged her fans to look forward to her return to the entertainment industry. Read more
‘Impeachment not end of the world’ – Obasa; denies corruption allegations (Vanguard)
Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has spoken out following his removal from office, describing the corruption allegations against him as “fictitious and unsubstantiated.”
Speaking during a welcome rally at his residence in Joel Ogunnaike GRA, Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa maintained that he was not afraid of being impeached, but emphasised that due process must be followed.
The former Speaker alleged that his removal was orchestrated while he was away and accused the State Commissioner of Police of aiding the process. Read more
Tinubu to attend energy summit in Tanzania (VON)
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit on January 27-28, 2025.
The Summit, hosted by the government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, aims to advance ‘‘Mission 300,’’ an initiative to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga ,in a statement disclosed that President Tinubu will deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to energy and its leadership role in Africa’s energy sector.
President Tinubu will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and its strategy to drive integrated energy delivery in the continent.
In Dar es Salaam, African leaders, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society groups will strategise to accelerate energy access across the continent. Read more
FAAN suspends access gate fees at Abuja airport (Punch)
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has suspended all access gate fees at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement on Saturday signed by its spokesperson, Dr Obiageli Orah, the agency said the move was to alleviate the traffic burden on airport road users.
The statement added that the suspension will take effect from Friday, January 24, 2025, to Friday, February 7, 2025. Read more
South-West contributed N3.11trn — received N849.7b from VAT pool in 2024 (Tribune)
The six Southwestern states in Nigeria collectively contributed N3.11 trillion to the country’s Value Added Tax (VAT) pool in 2024 and received N849.7 billion.
This contrasts with the Southeastern states, which collectively contributed N101.09 billion to the country’s Value Added Tax (VAT) pool in 2024 and received a substantial N341.45 billion in return.
According to data compiled by Agora Policy, a Nigerian think tank committed to finding practical solutions to national challenges, Lagos contributed the highest to the VAT among the Southwestern states and all the states at large. Read more
Tinubu, Atiku, Northern Governors, others mourn ex-FCT Minister, Lt.Gen Jeremiah Useni (ThisDay)
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Northern Governors’ Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), former Senate President David Mark and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have joined the government and people of Plateau State to mourn the passing on Thursday of former FCT Minister, Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Timbut Useni (rtd) at 81.
The President, in a statement issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, military colleagues, and political associates of the former Governor of old Bendel State, Minister of Transport, and Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army.
According to President Tinubu, Useni demonstrated courage and dedication throughout his military career and inspired many young officers to prioritise national interests above personal gain. Read more
FG nominates Najomo as substantive DG NCAA (Independent)
The Federal Government has nominated Capt. Chris Najomo as the substantive Director-General Civil Aviation (DGCA).
A source close to the National Assembly confided in our correspondent on Friday that Najomo’s name was sent to the Senate for screening and subsequent confirmation on Friday.
It was learnt that Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development pushed for the nomination of Najomo as the substantive Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), having worked with him directly for over a year. Read more
Walk It Out rapper DJ Unk dies aged 43 (Metro)
Walk It Out rapper DJ Unk has died aged 43.
The Atlanta-based musician, whose full name is Anthony Leonard Platt, is best known for his 2006 hits Walk It Out and 2 Step.
His wife Sherkita Long-Platt announced the news of his death on Friday, writing on Facebook: ‘Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father.
‘Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.’ Read more
Military governor of DRC’s North Kivu province killed in M23 rebel assault (AlJazeera)
The military governor of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has died from injuries sustained during fighting on the front line, local authorities say, as M23 rebel fighters close in on the provincial capital, Goma.
The circumstances around the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami were unclear, but Cirimwami, who led army operations in restive North Kivu in the eastern DRC, visited troops on the front line in Kasengezi, about 13km (8 miles) from Goma, on Thursday, the day of his death.
His death was confirmed by a government source, a military source and a United Nations source on Friday, all of whom spoke to the media on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak about the matter publicly. Read more
ASAP Rocky breaks his silence amid assault trial after “RHOBH” star’s son testifies (HNHH)
A$AP Rocky attends the Bottega Veneta fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 on February 24, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)
ASAP Rocky appeared in court yesterday.
ASAP Rocky’s assault trial finally got rolling this week, with opening statements beginning yesterday (January 24). Both the defense and the prosecution presented evidence that they plan to use throughout the trial to support their arguments. The first witness even testified, LAPD officer Thomas Zizzo. Zizzo is also the son of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne. Reportedly, he responded to the alleged shooting involving Rocky back in 2021.
He testified about the scene, and footage from the bodycam he was wearing was shown in the courtroom. Zizzo also recalled speaking with with residents who reported the alleged shooting in a nearby parking lot. Read more
S.W.A.T‘s Shemar Moore confesses the reason girlfriend will “knock me out” after baby number 2 comments (Hello!)
Shemar Moore is a doting dad to his daughter Frankie and loves to indulge her with her favorite things – but he makes sure to do them under the advice of his girlfriend, Jesiree Dizon.
The S.W.A.T star celebrated Frankie’s second birthday on January 24 and revealed that they will be enjoying some fun in the pool because his daughter is such a “water baby”.
However, he has one rule to follow when he and Frankie splash around unless he wants to face the wrath of his girlfriend. Read more
Conan O’Brien, displaced by Wildfires, says Oscars being planned sensitively (HuffPost)
Oscars host Conan O’Brien says he’s still unable to live in his home due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and that the show’s organizers “want to be sensitive to what’s happened” to residents.
“Everybody I know has been affected,” O’Brien told The Associated Press Friday. “I’m out of my house. Fortunately, my house, … the fire got very close but my house survived. But we won’t be back in there for a long time. And I’m the lucky one. I mean, I know so many people who lost their homes and I’m just, was ridiculously lucky. So we want to make sure that that show reflects what’s happening and that we put a light on the right people in the right way.”
Thousands of Angelenos had their homes destroyed in wildfires that tore through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods this month. Many of those whose homes survived cannot yet return due to smoke or other damage. Read more
‘‘Scary Movie’’ reboot release has been set for June 2026 (FarOut)
After the Wayans brothers announced their Scary Movie reboot, the film has been scheduled for a cinema release on June 12th 2026.
The brothers are reuniting for the first time in 18 years to create an original script for an additional instalment to their hit horror franchise, working with Rick Alvarez to write and produce the film.
Scary Movie was one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time, a slasher parody that mocks the conventions of the genre as it follows a group of teenagers who are stalked by a serial killer. The film opened with $42.5million at the box office, which was the most successful debut for an R-rated horror film and a Black director at the time. It then sparked a franchise that was created by the Wayans brothers – Marlon, Shawn and Keenen. Read more
Filipino movie icon Gloria Romero known for role in Tanging Yaman dies aged 91 (NationalWorld)
Filipino movie and television legend Gloria Romero has died at the age of 91, her family confirmed on Saturday.
Her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, told ABS-CBN News, that Romero passed away peacefully. “In this time of loss, our family deeply appreciates the support, prayers, sympathy, all the lovely messages, and heartfelt condolences that we’ve received,” Gutierrez said on social media. “She will surely be missed dearly.”
Widely regarded as the “First Lady of Philippine Cinema,” Romero’s illustrious career spanned decades, featuring over 250 movies and television productions. She received numerous recognitions, including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards from prestigious bodies such as FAMAS, the Film Academy of the Philippines, and the Gawad Urian Awards. Read more
NPFL restarts with Remo Stars, Rivers United in tough away ties (Nation)
Remo Stars sit on top of the table with 36 points from 19 games but they will face a stern test to hold on to that position when they face wounded Akwa United in Uyo tomorrow. The Promise Keepers lost the first leg in Ikenne 2-1 but the Sky Blue Stars didn’t have it easy before getting the maximum points.
Akwa United who recently welcomed the return of former head coach, Kennedy Boboye on a second stint until the end of the season at least are in the relegation zone and will need to start the second stanza with a bang despite facing the league leaders.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United are under compulsion to beat Katsina United today in the reverse fixture of the first stanza to start the second round on a positive note. They were pinned 1-0 by the Chanji Boys in Katsina last month. The Solid Miners who are last on the table were docked three points from their points tally because of alleged crowd violence in their home draw with Rivers United last month. Read more
Man Utd flop Antony makes blunt statement after taking flight to Spain to complete move (Express)
Antony has expressed his delight at finally securing a move away from Manchester United. The Brazilian winger has been given the green light by the Red Devils to travel to Spain after an agreement was reached with Real Betis.
The Spanish club are set to sign Antony on loan until the end of the season, agreeing to pay a significant portion of his wages. It’s also suggested that they could face penalties if they don’t give him enough playing time.
Speaking to reporters at a Spanish airport, Antony shared his excitement about the upcoming move, stating: “I’m so happy, I’m ready.” This move ends Antony’s disappointing stint at Old Trafford following his £85m transfer from Ajax. Despite making 96 appearances since then, he has only managed to score 12 goals. Read more
Belgium hire Rudi Garcia as new coach after Domenico Tedesco exit (ESPN)
Rudi Garcia has been appointed as Belgium’s new coach, the country’s football federation said on Friday.
Garcia has coached several large European clubs including Napoli, Marseille and Roma in his much-travelled career but has never managed a national side.
The 60-year-old was appointed as a replacement for Domenico Tedesco, who was fired last week after he failed to revive the team during a relatively short tenure. Read more
Women’s Ashes: England misery continues as Australia cruise to T20 series whitewash (Standard)
England were dealt a crushing T20 series whitewash defeat after Australia recorded an emphatic 72-run win at the Adelaide Oval.
England have already lost the Women’s Ashes and their latest drubbing in the third and concluding T20 takes Australia to a 12-0 lead in the multi-format series leaving them on target for a remarkable 16-0 clean sweep with one Test to follow at the MCG next week.
Beth Mooney starred for the hosts to hit 94 off 63 balls as England were set a total of 163 to win. But the visitors crumbled with only captain Heather Knight (40) offering any sort of fight as they were dismissed for 90 after 17.3 overs. Read more
Zverev, Sinner battle for Australian Open title (VON)
Defending champion Jannik Sinner will look to seal back-to-back Australian Open titles and deny second seed Alexander Zverev a maiden Grand Slam crown in the men’s final on Sunday.
A year after overhauling Daniil Medvedev in five sets in the 2024 final, Jannik Sinner will be favourite to win Sunday’s decider and become the first man to retain the title since Novak Djokovic’s “three-peat” from 2019-21.
Sinner thrashed Australian number one Alex De Minaur in the quarter-finals and also beat rising American talent Ben Shelton in straight sets in the semis. Read more
Schottenheimer appointed head coach of Cowboys (BBC)
Brian Schottenheimer, the son of legendary coach Marty, has been appointed head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Schottenheimer has been promoted from offensive co-ordinator to replace Mike McCarthy, who left the Cowboys after five years in charge earlier this month.The 51-year-old has no experience as a head coach but has worked in various roles within NFL teams for more than 25 years. Read more