Fayose seeks Oni’s blessings for 2026 Gov bid (Nation)
A governorship aspirant on the platform Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Emmanuel Fayose on Monday met former Governor Segun Oni over his 2026 gubernatorial ambition.
The meeting which held in Oni’s, country home, was part of his consultations for the 2026 governorship election.
Speaking at the meeting, Fayose who is the immediate brother of ex- Governor Ayo Fayose, sought the ex-Governor’s guidance and support, acknowledging his wealth of experience and influence in Ekiti politics. Read more
Tinubu approves tenure extension for Comptroller-General of Immigration Nandap (Leadership)
President Bola Tinubu has approved an extension of tenure of office for Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) through December 31, 2026.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, Mrs Nandap began her career in the Nigeria Immigration Service on October 9, 1989.
President Tinubu appointed her as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, to serve till August 31, 2025. Read more
Petrol price to rise more as naira-for-crude talks wobble (Punch)
There is anxiety in the downstream arm of the oil and gas sector as operators await the decision of the Federal Government on the naira-for-crude deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The six-month deal, which started in October 2024, officially ends today, Monday, March 31, 2024. The deal’s extension or complete halt is still being discussed by the parties involved.
However, it was gathered on Sunday that the committee responsible for the negotiations has yet to resolve on the matter. As this lingers, the effect is now felt in the pump prices of refined petroleum products. Read more
Family kicks as Nigerian singer dies in Police custody (Guardian)
An up-and-coming Nigerian singer, Paul Obukowho, has reportedly died in police custody in Delta State.
The Guardian gathered that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Delta State Police Command, Asaba, detained the 24-year-old singer who visited the RRS office to inquire about his friend, Prosper Ejiro, who was arrested last Wednesday along the Redeemed Road off Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Council of the state at about 8:00 am.
The police, it was learnt, handcuffed Obukowho on both hands and legs, and threw him into the cell amid torture. Read more
Rivers will emerge stronger from political crisis, says Fubara (Channels)
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.” Read more
Envoy recaps ex-president Jonathan’s concession as model for leadership in Africa (Sun)
The Executive Secretary of the International Supreme Council for Peace Africa (ISCP), Ambassador Simeon Uwah, has observed that the concession by the former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, in the 2015 general election will continue to remain a model for leadership in Africa’s nascent democracy.
Speaking with journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, to commemorate former president Jonathan’s victory over Muhammadu Buhari ten years ago, Uwah stated that Jonathan’s decision to exit power is a case study for African leaders who choose to stay tight amidst turmoil and crisis in their country.
His words: words: “Exactly ten years ago today, on March 31, 2015, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan made history by conceding defeat to Muhammadu Buhari after a fiercely contested presidential election. Read more
Concerns in Bayelsa as Gov Diri’s supporters fix rally for same venue with Wike’s allies (DailyTrust)
There is growing political tension in Bayelsa State, ahead of the April 12 mega rally in support of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The organisers are also planning to inaugurate a political group: ‘The new Associates’, Bayelsa chapter.
However, Governor Douye Diri warned against the rally which he said is capable of triggering violence, but George Turnah, the lead organiser, dare the governor, vowing that the rally would go on. Read more
Green Africa’s operations disrupted over airline-lessor disagreement (NewTelegraph)
Green Africa Airways has announced the suspension of its operations until after the Eid-Al-Fitr holidays due to a sudden and unexpected development with its aircraft lessors.
The airline, which prides itself as Nigeria’s true low-cost carrier, stated that its dispute with the aircraft lessors has temporarily prevented flight operations for the next few days.
In a statement addressed to customers, Chief Executive Officer Babawande Afolabi said: Read more
Florida man accused of fatally shooting his wife, a mum of 4, after she filed for divorce (People)
A Florida man has been arrested for the murder of his wife, after he allegedly shot her in their home soon after she filed for divorce.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, 41-year-old Lamar Bryant was arrested for first-degree murder in the recent death of his wife, Takeshia Eads. Her family has asked the media to use 42-year-old Takeshia’s maiden name, Eads, per local outlets WESH and WOWT.
Citing the sheriff’s office, WESH reported that deputies initially responded to a report of a possible shooting at the couple’s home in Orlo Vista, just west of Orlando, at around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Read more
Marvel reportedly axe plans for ‘Blade’ (Farout)
Marvel has reportedly axed plans for Blade, owing to a range of technical issues in the six years since it was announced that the movie was in development.
The film, which had been set to star Moonlight actor Mahershala Ali, was fraught with problems throughout its production, from pandemic delays to the 2023 writers’ strike. However, what has ultimately brought the project to an end is a plethora of script issues which numerous writers have unsuccessfully attempted to save, according to The Playlist‘s Rodrigo Perez.
Although Blade will now not likely appear as its own film, Ali will nevertheless bring the character to the screen as a supporting role in other Marvel efforts, possibly the upcoming Midnight Sun or Avengers: Secret Wars. Read more
French court bars far-right leader Le Pen from public office (AlJazeera)
A French court has imposed a jail sentence on far-right leader Marine Le Pen and barred her from seeking public office after it found her guilty of embezzling European Union funds.
The Paris court ruled on Monday that Le Pen used more than 3 million euros ($3.3m) of European Parliament funds to pay members of her National Rally (RN) party.
In the sentencing, the chief judge announced that the nationalist politician would not be allowed to run for office for five years, effective immediately. A four-year jail sentence was also imposed, with two years suspended and the remaining two to be served using an electronic tag rather than in custody. Read more
Rapper Young Scooter dead after jumping fence in Atlanta police chase (Guardian)
A rapper signed to fellow lyricists Future and Waka Flocka Flame died on his 39th birthday in his home town of Atlanta after injuring his leg while running from police and jumping fences, according to authorities as well as multiple media reports.
The death of 39-year-old Young Scooter, born Kenneth Edward Bailey, was confirmed by Atlanta’s Fulton county medical examiner’s office, as Variety first reported.
In a statement on Friday, Atlanta police – without identifying Bailey – said that they responded to initial reports of shots being fired at a home on William Nye Drive SE and that a woman was being dragged back inside. Read more
Secret filming reveals brazen tactics of UK immigration scammers (BBC)
Recruitment agents who scam foreign nationals applying to work in the UK care sector have been exposed by BBC secret filming.
One of the rogue agents is a Nigerian doctor who has worked for the NHS in the field of psychiatry.
The Home Office has acknowledged the system is open to abuse, but the BBC World Service’s investigation shows the apparent ease with which these agents can scam people, avoid detection, and continue to profit. Read more
Jason Momoa’s ‘Chief Of War’ Sets Premiere Date At Apple TV+; First-Look Photo (Deadline)
Apple TV+ has set Friday, August 1 for the premiere of Jason Momoa‘s new historical drama series Chief of War. The series will launch with its first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through September 19. The streamer also released a first-look photo, which you can see above.
With a predominantly Polynesian cast led by Momoa, Chief of War follows the unification and colonization of Hawai’i from an indigenous point of view. Momoa portrays warrior Ka’iana, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century.
The ensemble cast includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka. Read more
Liberal PM Carney takes lead 4 weeks before Canada vote (France24)
Four weeks before Canadians vote in a general election where threats by US President Donald Trump have taken center stage, Mark Carney has led a Liberal resurgence to take the lead in polls over his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre.
Since coming to office in January, the US leader has threatened the Canadian economy with high tariffs and repeatedly called for the country to surrender its sovereignty and become a part of the United States.
Experts agree that the main question facing Canadians when they cast their ballot on April 28 will be who — current Prime Minister Carney or Poilievre — can push back against Trump. Read more
Rangers’ Obaje ruled out of President Federation Cup Oriental Derby Vs Heartland (CompleteSports)
Fidelis Ilechukwu, aka ‘The Working One,’ Head Coach of Enugu Rangers, has confirmed that striker Godwin Obaje will not be available for selection when the Coal City Flying Antelopes take on Heartland in a President Federation Cup Round of 32 Oriental Derby clash at Awka City Stadium on Wednesday, 3 March 2025, Completesports.com reports.
Obaje is understood to have sustained an injury, though Ilechukwu did not disclose the nature of the former FC Ifeanyi Ubah forward’s setback.
Speaking with mixed emotions, Ilechukwu admitted that Obaje’s absence is a blow for Rangers ahead of their cup tie. Read more
Mensik denies idol Djokovic 100th title to claim first tour crown in Miami (RFI)
The 19-year-old outwitted the veteran Serb 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and three minutes.
“You’re the one I idolised when I was young,” Mensik said to Djokovic during the trophy ceremony at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
“I started playing tennis because of you. I’ve had a couple of opportunities to practise with you and there is no harder task than to beat you in a final. Thank you for everything you have done in tennis.” Read more
Jack Grealish joins six players whose careers nosedived under Pep Guardiola (Football365)
Playing for Pep Guardiola is not a simple task for any player.
Pep Guardiola has been hailed as a genius but his extreme tactics and intense training has caught out more than one player during the Spaniard’s career.
Perhaps more than any other coach, Guardiola demands tactical discipline and for some mercurial talents, they have quickly found life is not as easy as they may have hoped.
Here’s six players whose careers took a turn for the worse after being managed by Pep Guardiola. Read more
Aston Martin set to sell F1 stake as Lawrence Stroll opens door to £74m deal (PlanetF1)
Aston Martin intends to sell its £74m minority stake in the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team, but it will reportedly have no impact on the long-term sponsorship agreement.
Aston Martin returned to the Formula 1 grid in 2021 after F1 team owner Lawrence Stroll, who had initially brought the Force India racing team, acquired a 16 per cent stake in the Aston Martin car company.
Aston Martin will no longer own a stake in Aston Martin F1 team
This resulted in the rebranding of his Formula 1 team into the Aston Martin F1 Team for the F1 2021 season. Read more
Mavs face lowly Nets, aim to tighten hold on play-in berth (Deadspin)
Clinging to a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament picture, the Dallas Mavericks need a win over the visiting Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
Dallas (37-38) entered Sunday in ninth place in the West, one-half game ahead of 10th-place Sacramento and 1 1/2 above 11th-place Phoenix, which hosted Houston on Sunday night. Only the seventh-through-10th-place teams make the play-in tourney to vie for two playoff berths.
The Mavericks did get a big boost last week with the return of Anthony Davis, who missed nearly two months with a groin injury he sustained in his debut with the team. Read more
‘LIV dozen will provide extra challenge to McIlroy’s Augusta ambitions’ (BBC)
How big is the threat posed to Rory McIlroy’s quest for the career Grand Slam by the leading lights of the LIV Golf League?
If Scottie Scheffler does not win the upcoming Masters for the third time in four years, who else could deny the Northern Irishman the title he most craves?
There is an argument to say, if it is not another Scheffler success or Rory glory, then it could easily be LIV celebrating at Augusta. There will be 12 members of the breakaway tour competing at the first major of the year.Scheffler demonstrated his finest golf of the year in Houston last week, where the world number one fired a second-round 62 en route to finishing second to Min Woo Lee at 19 under par. Read more