Author: statereporter

Popular Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has strongly refuted allegations that she had an affair with Matthew Ekeinde, the husband of renowned movie star Omotola Jalade. The rumors, which originated from a TikTok blogger, also claimed that Ekeinde purchased a car for Etiko. In response to these allegations, Etiko addressed her followers during a recent Instagram live session, where she categorically denied the claims, labeling them as “false.” She asserted that the rumors were part of a broader effort by some individuals to tarnish her reputation. “If you want to withhold the blessings of God in somebody else’s life and you…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Jalal Arabi from his position as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and has appointed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Executive Chairman of NAHCON. State reporters revealed that Jalal Arabi is currently defended himself against a case of corruption brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a statement to newsmen on Monday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the replacement of Arabi with Usman. Professor Usman is a distinguished academic who has earned his credentials from two esteemed Islamic institutions:…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced a record-breaking net profit of N3.297 trillion for the 2023 financial year, marking a 28% increase over its 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion. The 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS) was unveiled during a world press conference held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Monday. Chief Financial Officer of NNPC Ltd, Umar Ajiya, highlighted the significance of the financial results, describing them as evidence of the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational excellence. “Our fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and operational resilience. Despite the inherent challenges of our operational…

Chelsea have agreed a permanent deal with Atletico Madrid to sign Joao Felix, which means Conor Gallagher’s transfer to the Spanish club is back on. Felix, 24, is expected to sign a six-year contract with Chelsea that includes the option for a further year. The funds Atletico receive for Felix will allow them to complete a deal for Gallagher. Gallagher’s £36m move to Atletico looked to have fallen through after the collapse of Chelsea’s move for Atletico striker Samu Omorodion. But the Spanish club remained determined to sign the 24-year-old England midfielder, having been impressed by him during his recent…

Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal and Barcelona star, has resigned as the head coach of the France Under-21 national team, citing personal reasons. The French Football Federation announced Henry’s departure on Monday, confirming that he had terminated his contract with the team. Henry took charge of the France U21 side in 2023 and led them to the 2024 Olympics finals, where they secured a silver medal after losing to Spain. His brief tenure with the team has come to an end, with the exact reasons for his resignation remaining undisclosed. Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Henry’s decision was…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has informed the Federal Government of its plans to embark on a nationwide strike by placing the government on a 21-day notice. Sources within the National Executive Council of ASUU confirmed the development to our correspondent in Abuja on Monday. The notice was issued at the end of the NEC meeting, which was held at the University of Ibadan, and a copy is expected to be transmitted to the Federal Ministries of Labour and Education. “It is not an ultimatum but a strike notice. We are giving them 21 days’ notice, after which we…

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has refuted allegations that its members or the Eastern Security Network (ESN) are responsible for recent attacks on security operatives in the Southeast. In a statement released by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group emphasized that the ESN was established solely to counter terrorists posing as herdsmen in the region, not to engage with Nigerian security forces. IPOB maintained that since the ESN’s inception in December 2020, its operatives have adhered strictly to their mandate of safeguarding the forests, bushes, and people of the South East. The group attributed the recent spate of killings…

Nigerian government is taking steps to strengthen laws and regional protocols aimed at facilitating the return of stolen artifacts. This move was announced by the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, at the 6th annual general assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in Africa (NACIWA). The EFCC chairman emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among anti-corruption agencies in the region to combat corruption. The meeting, themed “Implementing the Ecowas Protocol on the Fight Against Corruption Towards Strengthening Institutions for Regional Unity,” brought together representatives from 14 member countries, including Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim…

The Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State, Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, has proposed that universities should require newly admitted students to undergo mandatory drug tests as part of their admission process. She explained that this would “Serve as a preventive measure while offering early intervention and counselling for those already using drugs to prevent them from becoming problematic users”. Hajia Abiola-Popoola disclosed this during a radio programme in Ilorin monitored by our correspondent. The NDLEA boss further expressed concern over the rising number of drug users in the country, particularly among females. She warned that this…

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeals filed by Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the 2023 governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. Ajaka and Sylva challenged the declarations made by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on the outcome of the elections in their respective states. The Supreme Court’s decision to delay judgment comes after the Appeal Court upheld the tribunal judgments in both cases. In Kogi State, Ajaka alleged irregularities and manipulations in the Appeal Court’s judgment, which upheld the election of Ahmed Usman…