SIM-NIN Linkage: NCC gives update on 11.2m blocked mobile lines (DailyTrust)
The Nigerian Communications Commission has confirmed that telecom operators have barred all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) which have yet to be linked to their owners’ National Identity Numbers (NINs).
NCC had last week given the operators the go-ahead to block about 11.2m lines whose owners had failed to link them with their NINs.
The commission’s directive followed the expiration of the months long ultimatum given last year to telecom customers to link their SIMs with their NINs before February 28.
But speaking on Monday, the Commission’s Spokesman, Reuben Mouka, said those subscribers disconnected were not serious about their NIN- SIM linkage. Read more
I hate being addressed as ‘underrated artist’ – Waje (Nation)
Singer Waje has expressed her dissatisfaction with being tagged as an “underrated artist.”
Despite arguments from her fans, who believe she deserves greater recognition for her talent and contributions to the music industry, Waje revealed in the latest episode of the Secrets Behind the Scenes podcast that she does not wish to be labelled as underrated.
She explained that “underrated” is not a good compliment as many assumed it to be.
She said: “I do not like being addressed as an underrated artist. Words have power. Some people might celebrate it [being called underrated] and make it like, ‘People see who I am and that’s why they said so.’ Read more
Nollywood filmmakers, fans pay tribute to deceased actor Mr Ibu (AfricaNews)
Fans, filmmakers, and industry watchers are mourning the loss of veteran actor John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu.
Okafor, who had been battling illness since 2023, passed away from cardiac arrest at the age of 62 on Saturday at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos State. President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians joined industry stakeholders in mourning the beloved actor.
Despite the sadness, fans and colleagues celebrated Okafor’s contributions to Nigerian cinema. Many shared cherished memories of the comic actor on social media, highlighting his irreplaceable role in the entertainment industry. Read more
Monarch asks Tinubu to re-open Madewell cement (Vanguard)
As cement price continues to soar, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM King Obukohwo Monday Whiskey JP, Udurhie I has called on President Bola Tinubu to re-open the closed Madewell Cement factory at Idjerhe and renew the licences of all withdrawn cement producers for an efficient economy.
The Monarch reiterated the call Monday in a chat with our correspondent.
According to him, “It is 15 years ago or let’s say 12 years ago, when the project was brought down by cabals in the cement industry. It had already created over 2000 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect jobs to the Nigerian economy. Read more
FG withdraws warning letter to CCECC over poor, slow pace of job (Sun)
The federal government has revoked the warning letter issued to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Limited (CCECC) a fortnight ago for poor handling of Enugu- Port Harcourt dual carriageway, Section 4 (Aba-PH).
Minister of Works, Engineer Nweze Dave Umahi gave the revocation order when he inspected the rehabilitation work of the road at the weekend.
“The warning letter given to CCECC for slow pace of work is hereby revoked. The new pace of work is excellent. The job quality is excellent, and the controller sends me progress reports every day” he said. Read more
NBA sacks SPIDEL executives over suits against Musawa, IG (Punch)
The Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Council has ordered the immediate removal of the Executive Committee of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law.
The NEC accused the SPIDEL chairman, John Aikpoko-Martins, of engaging in activities that undermined the authority of the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), and the council.
The PUNCH reports that SPIDEL under the leadership of Aikpoko-Martins had been challenging the decisions of government institutions and individuals in court. Read more
Minister inspects Enugu-Port Harcourt road as work resumes (Channels)
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Monday, inspected the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road as construction work resumed after an initial pause due to a debt owed to the contractor by the previous administration.
This followed a 14-day warning issued to the construction company, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) by the Federal Government last month.
The government had threatened to terminate the contract over the company’s refusal to return to site. Read more
‘‘They can’t support our economic growth’’, Obaskei rejects CBN’s new policies (DailyTrust)
Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has criticised the policies recently introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), saying they cannot support the economic growth of the country.
The governor said the interest rates that are raised would hinder small business owners from getting loans to expand their businesses which are detrimental to the growth of the country.
Obaseki made this known at an event organised by the Edo Zone of Bankers’ Committee in Benin City, the state capital. Read more
Rihanna dashes fans hopes for new music once again as she breaks another record (HipHopDx)
Rihanna has made it clear that new music is not on her agenda for 2024 and beyond — a bit of news which is sure to displease her devoted fans.
In an Instagram Live released shortly after her performance at an Indian wedding on Saturday (March 2), the “Umbrella” singer dismissed the notion of releasing any new music in the foreseeable future.
“Who said album?” she replied when told fans were begging for it in the comments section. “Lord Jesus.” Read more
Bhad Bhabie & her entourage involved in restaurant brawl after argument with boyfriend (Complex)
Bhad Bhabie and members of her entourage became embroiled in a brawl inside a restaurant after she argued with her boyfriend.
Bhabie, her boyfriend Le Vaughan and a group of friends were having dinner at Toco Madera in West Hollywood on Saturday (March 2) when things between themselves and another table became heated.
According to TMZ, the rapper, who is pregnant, began arguing with her boyfriend while they were eating and allegedly slapped him, according to witnesses. Read more
EU hits Apple with $2b antitrust fine following Spotify complaint (AlJazeera)
The EU has issued Apple with an antitrust fine of over 1.8 billion euros ($1.95bn) following a complaint by music streaming service Spotify.
The US tech giant immediately vowed on Monday to appeal the penalty. It was the first-ever antitrust fine slapped on the company by Brussels.
The European Commission announced that the charge was triggered after Spotify complained in 2019 that Apple had prevented music-streaming services from informing users of payment options outside its App Store. Read more
Family of man shot dead by police sues officer for ‘excessive and deadly force’ (NBC)
The friends and family of a Black man who was fatally shot by police in Georgia have filed a federal lawsuit against the officer responsible for the use of “excessive and deadly force.”
Devonte Brown, 28, a father of four, was killed by Cobb County Officer Ian McConnell in August 2021 after his car was boxed in by police vehicles after a brief chase following a traffic stop. The officer was not charged after the case was considered by a grand jury.
The case caused outrage when video footage of the incident captured by the officer’s body-worn camera was released last year, showing the officer shooting the unarmed Brown while he was still in his car, obscured by airbags, shortly after telling him to put his hands up. Read more
Justin Timberlake and Jelly Roll to perform, Cher to receive Icon Award at 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards (People)
The iHeartRadio Music Awards announced the first round of performers at the upcoming awards show, including a special musical tribute to this year’s Icon Award recipient, Cher.
Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Tate McRae are all set to perform during the April 1 event. The 2024 show will air live on Fox from 8-10 p.m. ET.
The show also announced that in addition to the tribute performance, the “Believe” singer, 77, will receive the 2024 iHeartRadio Icon Award, “honouring her unparalleled contributions to music and pop culture for over seven decades,” per a press release. Read more
Dad cries in dock as he’s jailed for killing baby son with ‘severe’ blow to the head (Metro)
A dad has been jailed for 15 years after he was found guilty of killing his son by shaking him and hitting him in the head.
David Hollick was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter over the death of his six-month-old son Kairo on February 12, 2020.
Hollick, 29, claimed he had tripped and fallen over while carrying Kairo – but medical experts said his injuries were ‘consistent with an assault’. Read more
Grandad ‘hurt’ by grandkids not visiting leaves them just £50 each of £500k fortune (Mirror)
After the death of Frederick Ward Snr, 91, a “strong-willed” former soldier from Ealing in London, two warring sides of the family became embroiled in a bitter inheritance row that culminated in a High Court battle
A “disappointed” grandad who was “hurt” that his grandkids didn’t visit him more often was entitled to leave them only £50 each of his £500,000 fortune, a judge has ruled.
“Strong-willed” Frederick Ward Snr died in 2020, splitting almost all of his fortune between his kids, Terry Ward and Susan Wiltshire, with his dead son Fred Jr’s five adult children being handed just £50 each in envelopes – leading to a family row. Read more
Lobi Stars return to NPFL summit with 2-0 win over Katsina Utd (Leadership)
Lobi Stars are back on the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League table after 2-0 win over Katsina United in Lafia yesterday.
John Victor gave the home team the lead in the 64th minute before Alao Danbani doubled the lead and secured their victory for Fr Hyacinth Alia boys seven minutes from time.
Lobi Stars are topping the standings with 42 points from 23 games, one point above second placed Platea United, who also thrashed Bendel Insurance FC of Benin 2-0 in Jos on Sunday. Read more
NFF set to lure Peseiro back to Super Eagles coaching role with improved contract offer (Soccernet)
Jose Peseiro led the Super Eagles in 23 matches during his 22-month stint as the coach, winning eleven games and drawing four.
The Nigeria Football Federation have reportedly offered Jose Peseiro an improved contract which would see him remain the head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Peseiro, 63, was announced as Nigeria’s head coach in May 2022, and the AFCON 2023 was the only tournament he featured in for the Super Eagles, leading the team to second place in Ivory Coast. Read more
Nigerian forward, Tolu Arokodare faces online racism after penalty miss (Punch)
After failing to convert a penalty in their loss to Club Brugge in the Belgium Pro League, Genk’s Nigerian forward, Tolu Arokodare, has been subjected to online racism.
The game took place at the Cegeka Arena, where fifth-placed Genk hosted third-placed Brugge, aiming to surpass them in the league standings with a victory.
In the 18th minute of the game, Arokodare, with eight goals in 10 starts for Genk this season, had the opportunity to put his team ahead from the penalty spot.
However, his shot missed, swinging the momentum in favour of Club Brugge, who eventually sealed a 3-0 victory with goals from Hugo Vetlesen in the 18th minute, and two more in the 73rd and 85th minutes. Read more
African Games: 358 athletes to represent Nigeria – NOC (DailyTrust)
The Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), said that Nigeria would be represented by 358 athletes in 25 sports at the 13th African Games.
Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of NOC, stated this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.
He said that the Games would be held from March 8 to 23 in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast. Read more
Katie Boulter beats Marta Kostyuk to win San Diego Open title (BBC)
Katie Boulter won her first WTA 500 title by fighting back from a set down to defeat Marta Kostyuk in the San Diego Open final.
The 27-year-old Briton won 5-7 6-2 6-2 in the biggest triumph of her career so far.
After a close first set, Boulter dominated Ukrainian Kostyuk to secure a victory that lifts her to a career-high ranking of 27th in the world. Read more
Napoli President bans Osimhen, teammates from speaking with popular Italian media outfit (CompleteSports)
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis announced on Sunday night that Victor and his teammates as well staff members will no longer release pre and post-match interviews with DAZN.
De Laurentiis briefly showed up at the Stadio Maradona press room on Sunday night following Napoli’s win over Juventus.
Several Italian sources, including Il Corriere dello Sport, reported that De Laurentiis looked irritable and said Napoli players would no longer release interviews with DAZN. Read more