Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Liverpool Extend Unbeaten League Run Despite Draw With Aston Villa. Liverpool maintained their unbeaten run in the Premier League since September but were left frustrated after a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Arne Slot’s side, who last suffered defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, were undone by defensive lapses and missed opportunities, allowing Villa to take advantage in an enthralling encounter. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a misplaced pass from Andres Garcia gifted Diogo Jota possession, who then set up the Egyptian forward for a clinical finish. However, Liverpool’s lead lasted just nine minutes…

Zelensky Responds To Trump’s Criticism Amid US-Russia Talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed criticism from former US President Donald Trump, stating that his American counterpart is “living in a disinformation space” created by Russia. Trump had suggested that Ukraine was to blame for the ongoing war and claimed that Zelensky’s approval rating was as low as 4%. His remarks followed US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, from which Ukraine was notably excluded. After the meeting in Riyadh, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the discussions and indicated that Trump had assured him Ukraine would be included in any future…

Neymar Marks Return To Form For Santos With First Goal In Over A Year. Santos secured a 3–1 victory over Agua Santa in the São Paulo state championship on Sunday, with Brazilian forward Neymar sparking celebration by scoring his first goal in over a year. The 33‐year-old netted a penalty in the 14th minute – his first since October 2023 when he featured for Al Hilal. Since rejoining Santos in January, Neymar has quickly re-established himself as a key player for the club. His strike, which was his 137th goal in 229 appearances for Santos, has not only revived…

Ratcliffe Admits Manchester United Has Become “Mediocre”, Defends Tough Decisions. Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has admitted that the club has become “mediocre” and warned that further “difficult and unpopular decisions” will be necessary to restore its former glory. Ratcliffe, who took partial control of United last December, has faced backlash from fans following the scrapping of concession tickets and the introduction of a minimum ticket price of £66. Protests erupted at Old Trafford before last weekend’s victory over Everton in response to the changes. However, in an interview with United We Stand Ratcliffe defended the…

 NELFUND To Close 2023/2024 Student Loan Applications, Opens New Cycle on 22 February. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced that the application cycle for the 2023/2024 student loan programme will close on 21 February, with the 2024/2025 cycle set to begin on 22 February. Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, emphasising the organisation’s dedication to efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement in supporting students. “NELFUND remains committed to providing financial assistance to students, ensuring that no deserving individual is denied access to education due to financial…

NAF Airstrike Eliminates Bandits, Repels Attack In Katsina. The Air Component of Operation FASAN YANMA has successfully eliminated several bandits in an airstrike at Yauni Hill, Zakka Ward of Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State. The operation, conducted on Saturday, also thwarted an attack on personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, according to a statement released on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Olusola Akinboyewa. Akinboyewa explained that the airstrike was launched following intelligence reports of a planned terrorist attack on an…

Italian Prime Minister Visits Pope Francis In Hospital Amid Pneumonia Diagnosis. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has visited Pope Francis in hospital following his diagnosis with pneumonia in both lungs. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday after experiencing a respiratory infection. After her visit, Meloni expressed relief at finding the Pope in good spirits. “I was very happy to have found him alert and responsive. We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humour,” she said in a statement. She also conveyed her best wishes for his recovery on behalf of…

CBN Issues New Guidelines On Dormant Accounts And Unclaimed Balances. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive to all banks and financial institutions regarding the management of dormant accounts, unclaimed balances, and other financial assets. This directive, outlined in the Guidelines on Management of Dormant Accounts, Unclaimed Balances, and Other Financial Assets in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria 2024, mandates financial institutions to publish details of such accounts. According to the circular issued by the CBN’s Financial Policy and Regulation Department on 17 February 2025, banks and other financial institutions are required to disclose…

Afenifere National Youth Council President Kidnapped In Abuja. The Afenifere National Youth Council has confirmed the kidnapping of its National President, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, in Abuja. The incident, which occurred yesterday, has raised serious concerns about his safety and the growing insecurity in the country. According to a statement from the council, the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for his release. Prince Ojajuni also sustained a gunshot wound to his buttock during the attack, further heightening fears for his well-being. Prince Ojajuni is widely recognised as a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and development…

Ijaw Leader Chief Edwin Clark Passes Away At 96. Renowned Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has passed away at the age of 96. His family confirmed his demise in an official statement released on Monday, 17th February 2025. The statement, signed by Prof. C. C. Clark and Penawei Clark on behalf of the family, read: “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025.” “The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will…

Peter Obi Condemns Blanket Closure Of Onitsha Head Bridge Market. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023 and former governor of Anambra State, has strongly criticised the complete shutdown of Onitsha’s Head Bridge Market over allegations of illicit drug trading. The closure, which was prompted by suspected drug sales in a section of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu, has raised serious concerns about its impact on neighbouring markets and the livelihoods of traders. Speaking on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Mr Obi reiterated his firm stance against the sale of illegal drugs. “One unequivocally condemns such…

Tragic Death Of Commercial Motorcyclist In Zuba, FCT. A 23‐year‐old commercial motorcycle rider, Mubarak Abdullahi, has been brutally murdered by a gang of hoodlums in the Zuba area of the Federal Capital Territory. The fatal attack occurred around 5am on Nitel-Pole Road, which links Zuba to Madalla town. Abdullahi, a native of Madalla in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, was discovered by a neighbour who promptly alerted his younger brother, Bello Abdullahi. “I was informed by a neighbour that my brother was seen lying around Nitel-Pole Road, so I rushed to the scene at about 7am,”…