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Jim Lawson Maduike, Nollywood Actor, Dies |The Source

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Jim Lawson Maduike

By Adesina Soyooye

Nollywood has, again, lost one of its stars.

Vetran Actor, Jim Lawson Maduike is dead.

The Imo State-born actor, reportedly died Saturday afternoon, January 9, 2020.

There are conflicting reports  over the cause of death. One version says he went to bed, and did not wake up. While another insisted he woke up complaining of severe body pains, and gave up at about 12.30pm, on Saturday.

He was a renowned broadcaster, and worked with Radio Nigeria, AIT, and Minaj before venturing into Nollywood where he hit it big.

FCMB: Moyo Says Husband Was A Loving Father

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Moyo Thomas, the mother of two involved in the paternity scandal with Adam Nuru, suspended managing director of the First City Monument Bank, FCMB has failed to clear the air over her alleged amorous relationship with the former bank’s boss.

Speaking for the first time since the scandal broke, Moyo who now lives in the United States of America after breaking up with her now late husband, Tunde Thomas, denied that her children were fathered by the former FCMB chief executive.

Recall that Tunde died on December 16 of heart attack after allegedly learning from his wife that their two children belong to Nuru.

According to a statement purportedly signed by Moyo, the lady at the centre of the paternity scandal said she was heart- broken that her husband died at this time. Tunde, she said was a caring father that loved his children dearly, noting that the paternity report has been very traumatic for her, particularly, the innocent children.

The statement released on Saturday reads “I write in reference to all the allegations and accusations that have recently been making the rounds on the internet and various social media platforms.

I have refrained from responding to this matter for various reasons, one of which is to preserve the memories of Tunde who departed to be with his maker on December 16, 2020. Memories, not only to me, but to his children, who are still young, and to everybody who had a relationship with him.

“Just like any marriage, Tunde and I had a lot of differences in our marriage, some of which even led to police intervention. But I remain committed to keeping only positive memories of him. No one can ever understand what transpired between us or what each of us experienced in the marriage; like they say, it is he who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches.

In all of it, I never for once wished him bad. His untimely and sudden death is still a shock to me as it is to many others.

“On no occasion did I ever tell him he was not the father of our two children. It is therefore deliberate falsehood and certainly malicious to allege and insinuate that I informed him that the children are not his. The children still bear his name. Only God knows why he died in an untimely period. It is not in my place, or anyone’s place to play God and talk with certainty as to the cause of his death, without proven medical facts.

“Despite our separation, we never allowed our differences affect the relationships we respectively have with the children. He still had conversations with the children like any father will, up until his sudden and unfortunate death. It is quite sad and disheartening to see the pictures of these innocent children splashed all over the internet with very disparaging and weird comments.

“I do wish his family and friends the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss and I ask that we all be allowed to grieve his loss in peace. He has now been laid to rest and we implore all and sundry to please respect our privacy and allow those grieving his loss, including the children and I, to do so in peace.”

 

COVID 19: FG Begs Nigerians To Take Vaccine

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President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Amidst the second wave of the COVID 19 blowing across the country, the Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians to ensure that they are vaccinated whenever the vaccines arrived the country.

Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA,  made the call during the Presidential Task Force, PTF  briefing on COVID-19 on Thursday in Abuja.

The Presidential Task Force, PTF had on Friday said another lockdown is imminent due to the rising wave of the virus.

The federal government also said it was already discussing, with some countries in Europe and China on how to make the vaccines available for Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  Nigeria intends  to get 42 million COVID-19 vaccines to cover one fifth of its population through the global COVAX scheme.

Both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has assured Nigerians their preparedness to be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, in accordance with the federal government’s readiness to encourage Nigerians to take the vaccine.

United State of America, USA President-elect Joe Biden, Vice President-elect, Kamal Haris, Isreali Prime Minister Benjamin Nentayahu and the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, are among world leaders that have already received the vaccine.

Shuaib said “These critical leaders and others would likely take the vaccine in full glare of the public to demonstrate that this vaccine is safe. So, we have to make provisions for them.

“Even in developed countries, what we have seen is that apart from the prioritisation  of  health workers, you have to also identify with critical leaders that you don’t want to be wiped off by the virus. For example, in warfare, if you want to destroy your enemies, you look for specific leaders, captains, the generals; once you decapitate them, then the soldiers will become weak.

“So, as much as possible,  you do not want to also leave your leaders vulnerable to COVID-19, it doesn’t mean you want to prioritise politicians, that is not correct,’’ he said.

Shuaib said health workers should be priotised when the vaccine arrived the country being that they are in the frontline of the pandemic.

NIN: Cheers As Min. Develops App To Link Multiple SIM Cards

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami has disclosed that a special application has been developed by the ministry to link multiple SIM cards to the National Identification Number, NIN.

The revelation came amidst worries by many Nigerians, how they will link their multiple telephone lines to their NIN. The federal government recently directed telephone users to link their SIM with their NIN to avoid disconnection. The deadline set for the process is February 9.

Patami said people with many phone lines have no cause to worry as the ministry has now developed an application, that make it possible to link multiple telephone lines with the NIN.

He said the ministry and National Identification Management Commission, NIMC are working to transform the NIN enrollment process and the onward linkage to SIM cards as required by the Nigerian Communication Commission.

The minister who spoke on a Channels television programme said the ministry has developed “an app, when you go online, you will see it. That app, as long as you have your NIMC number, you will only download it without visiting any office. You will be able to link up to seven SIM numbers to only one.

Meanwhile, close watchers of events in the country said the deadline set by the federal government for NIN registration may no longer be possible in the face of the ongoing strike by NIMC workers across the country. They embarked on strike, on Tuesday, to press home their demand for protective gears for their members in light of the COVID 19.

Trump Says He Will Not Attend Biden’s Inauguration |The Source

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Donald Trump and Joe Biden

By Adesina Soyooye

America’s President, Donald Trump, says he will not attend President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20, 2021.

Trump disclosed his position in a tweet Friday afternoon.

His latest stand runs contrary to what seemed like a conciliatory speech, two days after his supporters over-ran and desecrated the Capitol in a bid to stop the certification of Biden’s victory, a consequence of his inciting speech. Five people, including a Police Officer, lost their lives to the shocking invasion.

The invasion caused an outrage world-wide, and ridiculed America before both the civilised and uncivilized world. It has also ignited calls fo his impeachment. A couple of members of his cabinet members have resigned.

On Thursday, Trump called for reconciliation and healing, promising a peaceful transition of power to Biden.

But on Friday, to prove his bitterness over his loss, he tweeted he would not be attending the inauguration.

Trump will be the first American President since 1869 to be absent from the inauguration of his successor.

Uzodinma Shuns Owerri Zone, IMSU, Appoints Aka VC |The Source

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Senator Hope Uzodimma

By Charles Igbo

A new Vice Chancellor has been appointed for the Imo State University, IMSU. He is Professor Peter Aka.

Aka is a Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Pharmaceutical Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The Professor is a native of Umuebele, Okporo, Orlu LGA, Imo State.

In appointing Professor Aka the VC, Governor Uzodinma shunned Owerri Zone which has been agitating that a Vice Chancellor of Owerri extraction be appointed for the University. Since the inception of the University, decades ago, no Owerri academic has been appointed the Vice Chancellor. Most of them, including the immediate past VC, Professor Adaobi Obi-Obasi, came from Orlu Zone.

During the Zone’s stakeholders’ meeting a couple of months ago, the need for the appointment of an Owerri son/daughter as the VC of IMSU, was one of the highlights of the communique.

With the appointment of a Vice Chancellor from outside the University Community, the Governor also disappointed many in the University Community who were desirous of a Vice Chancellor from amongst one of them.

A Visitation Panel set up on the University by former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, and sustained by Governor Hope Uzodinma, dismissed the situation in the University as rotten and hopeless.

The new Vice Chancellor, along with the Council Members, will have the onerous job of cleaning-up IMSU.

Ousted Former FIFA President, Blatter, Hospitalized |The Source

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Joseph Sepp Blatter

By Akinwale Kasali

Joseph Sepp Blatter, former World Soccer Governing Body President, FIFA, who was disgracefully ousted from office due to corruption allegation has been hospitalised.

He was reported  to have been rushed  to hospital by a Swiss newspaper, but it was revealed by other media that the disgraced official’s life was not in danger.

“My father is in hospital. He’s getting better every day. But he needs time and rest,” his daughter Corinne Blatter Andenmatten was quoted as saying by Blick, which said the 84-year-old was in a serious,  but non-life-threatening condition.

“On behalf of my family, I ask for privacy,” his daughter said.

Blatter was removed from office in 2015 after 17 years at the head of world football’s governing body.

He was suspended from football for six years over a two million Swiss franc payment to then UEFA boss Michel Platini in 2011.

Blatter and Platini are now being investigated for alleged “fraud” and “breach of trust” in Switzerland, a source with access to the probe said in November 2020.

Sport Minister, Amokachi, Yobo Honoured, Makes Hall Of Fame |The Source

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Hall of Fame 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, alongside two ex Internationals, Daniel Amokachi, popularly referred to as ‘The Bull’, and former Everton Football Club and Olympique Marseille Football Club of France defender, Joseph Yobo, were listed in  the Hall of Fame Award for the year 2020 for their impact  in sports Development.

The trio were honoured for their impact, not only in football where they made their marks, but in Sports generally.

The Minister was applauded  for initiating  the Sports Industry Thematic Group of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG)  and the breakthrough  in creating the Nigerian Sport Industry Policy.

This initiative was targeted at completely revolutionizing sports in Nigeria both in participation and revenue when fully  operational.

The impact is aimed to be felt  hopefully in  growing the national economy.

On his part, Amokachi, was singled out following his appointment  as Special Assistant  to President  Muhamadu Buhari . His appointment  is  expected to  impact positively  on sports Development.

For Yobo, his appointment  as Assistant  National Team coach to Rohr is  expected to restore  confidence of home- based players and instil confidence  in indigenous  coaches.

The award is a result  of the independent  poll conducted by former Athlete and Olympic Gold Medalist at the  Sydney 2000 Games, Enefiok Udo Obong.

Others who made the list include President  of the  Badminton  Federation of  Nigeria Francis Orbirh, President  of the Nigerian  Basketball  Federation  Engineer Musa Kida for outstanding performance  as administrators.

For successfully  securing  sponsorship  for major athletics  events in Lagos,  Ijebu Ode, Kaduna and  Remo, Ninlayo  Sports Marketing  Company was adjudged  as the Marketing  Company  of the year.

This is in recognition  of its  role in not only organizing major events,  but securing  sponsorship  despite the economic  crunch  due to the outbreak of covid- 19.

For playing an ignoble role and  bringing sports to disrepute,  Former President  of the Atheletics Federation Shehu Gusau was listed in the Hall of Shame, just like   the Nigeria Football Federation for ‘rewarding’ the mediocrity of Gernot Rohr with a new contract which even includes a protection fee of Two million dollars.

Also,  The League Management Company (LMC) for being unable to organize a proper league and for  failing  to make the  league more competitive on the continent.

Gusau and his rejected AFN stand out like a sore thumb for putting self-interest ahead of the interest of the sport. While he fights to keep his position in a board that obviously rejects him, his opposition to settlement, undemocratic decisions and his divisional stance have stunted the growth of athletics in the country.

While athletes crave for support and competition, his attention has been in the national court suing to try and legitimatize his position.

It has been counterproductive for athletes as a whole as there still remains uncertainty in the running of the Sport in Nigeria.

2023 Presidency: Afenifere Advocates For Yoruba Presidency |The Source

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Yoruba Patriots Movement

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 26 months to the 2023 Presidential Election, the struggle for which Zone occupies the top seat is heating up.

Yoruba Socio-cultural and Political Groups, the Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM) and a pan-Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, say  the South-West should produce the next President come 2023, just like the Igbo are, advocating to occupy the seat.

The SW Group is urging the All Progressives Congress, APC, to honour the Pre-2015 general election agreement to ensure fairness and equity.

This call by the Afenifere Group is coming days after former Ogun State Governor and a leader of the APC, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, revealed that there was a gentleman  agreement  by the Parties that merged in 2014 to form the APC, that there would be zoning and that President Muhammadu Buhari would rule for two terms and relinquish power to the South.

At a news conference in Ibadan, Oyo State,  heralding a Yoruba summit tagged: “Yoruba Nation  Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow”, the YPM National Coordinator,  Oladosu Oladipo, said anything apart from Yoruba President  in 2023 would not be tolerated.

He said: “You cannot be a good Nigerian without being a good Yoruba man. Our fair share must be given to us in Nigeria. This summit is not partisan but political. It is our turn to produce President  in 2023. In fairness, power should return to the Southwest.”

The Secretary-General of Afenifere led by Sen. Biyi Durojaiye and Mr. Bayo Aina, said the Yoruba have realised that it is only the APC that can give Yoruba candidate a ticket.

The Afenifere stand will be a huge disappointment to the South-east zone  which was counting on the South-west for support to occupy the Presidential seat in 2023. The South-east remains the only zone which has not occupied the seat.

Jonathan Returns To Gambia |The Source

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Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, arrived in Banjul Thursday   evening to continue to support the process of building national consensus and backing for the ongoing constitutional review process in The Gambia.

Jonathan is returning to the country two weeks after he visited Banjul to facilitate the consultations for advancing the interparty dialogue meant to garner the required support for a draft constitution currently being reviewed by the Gambian parliament.

The former Nigerian President’s invitation to The Gambia as a well-respected international statesman came as a result of broad consultations among different stakeholders in the country. During his visit last December, he was said to have made reasonable progress in his bid to get the political parties to reconcile their differences and give the draft constitution a fresh chance of being passed by the parliament.

The ongoing Gambian transition involves the drafting of a new constitution which has to be passed by the National Assembly before being submitted to a national referendum. According to the Gambian authorities, the former President was invited as the eminent person to facilitate the process of the dialogue because of his neutrality and proven record in democratic and constitutional reforms.

Dr. Jonathan, according to a release by his Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze,  is being supported by the leaders of the intergovernmental International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) who have been designated by the Gambian authorities to provide secretarial and logistics assistance to the former President, in the course of the mission.