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Miss Universe Nigeria: South Africans back Miss Kwara, snub Chidimma Adetshina

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Miss Universe Nigeria: South Africans back Miss Kwara, snub Chidimma Adetshina

Ufa Dania, a contestant in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant in faraway South Africa, is a fan favourite. Ms Dania, who represents Kwara State, has witnessed a vote surge as netizens in South Africa are voting en masse for her.

 

On X and Facebook, South Africans in their numbers could be seen rallying support for Ms Dania.

 

The 25-year-old is the first full-figured contestant in Miss Universe Nigeria’s history. Her appearance automatically makes her the object of attention, leading to debates and criticisms over her looks, particularly her eligibility to partake in a pageant where the participants are usually slim.

 

The 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant is keenly contested for the first time, and the reason isn’t far-fetched. Chidimma Adetshina, an embattled contestant in the recently held Miss South Africa pageant, is one of the contestants.

 

She is a fan favourite in Nigeria and has been tipped to win the contest. However, the top 10 finalists will be determined by the viewers’ votes.

 

Dangote Refinery

This ironic support by South Africans has boosted visibility and votes for the plus-sized beauty queen. PREMIUM TIMES checks on the Miss Nigeria Universe voting website as of press time reveal that the top three contenders are Adetshina, Edeifo Aikhuele, and Ufa Dania.

 

Miss Kwara placed third having received over 9,945 votes. Ms Adetshina leads with 15,482 votes, followed by Aikhuele (Miss Edo) with 11,568 votes. The voting results percentage shows Adetshina at 18.00 per cent Aikhuele at 13.5 per cent, and Dania at 11.63 per cent

 

Since July, tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, fueled by online disputes like the “Bolt Order Challenge,” have added complexity to their love-hate relationship. South Africans have also criticised the Miss Universe Nigeria “substandard” venue over theirs, adding to the controversy.

 

 

Support twist

Many South Africans stated that their support on social media, rallying behind the 25-year-old contestant, is a response to the adverse treatment she received.

 

 

However, what began as a spiteful effort to provoke Nigerians has unexpectedly turned into a full-blown campaign for Miss Kwara.

 

The support for Ms Dania stemmed from a tweet by Nelly Weideman. She wrote, “Since we are all about changing stereotypes! Miss Kwara for Miss Universe Nigeria! We made history with our first-ever deaf Miss SA (Mia Le Roux); let’s make history for Nigeria, too. Let’s vote for Miss Kwara.”

 

Some critics have deemed the support hypocritical, arguing that Ms Dania’s support might be motivated by a desire to counterbalance Ms Adetshina’s participation.

 

Audience Survey

Ms Dania who is an Abuja-based content creator and stylist said that despite the initial criticism, she had grown a thick skin, viewing the pageant as a platform for empowerment.

 

Despite the unprecedented support from South Africans that Ms Dania currently enjoys, Ms Adetshina still enjoys goodwill and a large fanbase in Nigeria.

 

The 25 Miss Universe Nigeria hopefuls are in camp in preparation for the Miss Universe Nigeria finale this Saturday at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites.

NLC threatens indefinite strike as Ajaero honours police invitation

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NLC threatens indefinite strike as Ajaero honours police invitation

President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and have Nigerian workers to contend with.This is the stand of NLC while threatening an indefinite nationwide strike as the Force Headquarters (FHQ) grills Ajaero today over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other offences.

 

To keep tabs on events following Ajaero’s visit to the police, NLC asked all its national officers and affiliate unions to accompany its president to the FHQ.

 

Meanwhile, Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Linus Okorie, has warned against “the deployment of internal security and police by the Federal Government against Ajaero,” insisting that it will pose a Task of Hercules to silence the NLC President.

 

A notification to all affiliates and state councils by the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, yesterday, entitled ‘Mobilisation for Peaceful Procession and Prayer Session in Solidarity’ urged their members in Abuja and across the states to mobilise and show solidarity.

 

The Congress said all Central Working Committee (CWC) members in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of NLC today by 8.00 am to accompany Ajaero to Louis Edet House for the scheduled interaction.

 

It urged others to gather at their respective state secretariats, from where they would embark on a peaceful procession to their state police headquarters for a prayer session until the end of Ajaero’s interaction with the police.

 

Ugboaja said the peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at “intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the president is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.”

 

The NLC leader was asked to appear before the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on August 20. But Ajaero declined the invitation, demanding details of the allegations against him.

 

In a letter through Samuel Ogala, Principal Partner at the Falana & Falana’s Chambers, Ajaero said he would be available for questioning on Thursday, August 29.

 

OKORIE, who represented Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo federal constituency of Ebonyi State in the lower chamber, expressed dismay over the action against Ajaero.

 

In a statement made available to newsmen, Okorie said: “There is typically little or no distinction between the law and the exercise of political power by the executive and the deployment of internal security, and police forces play a heightened role in governance.

 

“A police state is a characteristic of authoritarian, totalitarian or illiberal regimes (contrary to a liberal democratic regime). Such governments are typically one-party states, but a police state may emerge in a democracy.” He noted that Ajaero was, in November 2023, during a protest in Owerri, allegedly singled out by the police accompanied by thugs.

 

“In a joint press release then, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said ‘police accompanied by thugs inflicted heavy injuries and blows on Ajaero’s head and body, kicking him in the process, while dragging him on the ground’.

 

“NLC spokesman Benson Upah also alleged that police continued to assault Ajaero after taking him away, causing injuries that shut his right eye. He was later released and immediately went to receive medical treatment for facial injuries,” he added.

Tragedy In Lekki: Woman Dies After Injection At BBL Clinic, Nurse Arrested

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Tragedy In Lekki: Woman Dies After Injection At BBL Clinic, Nurse Arrested

The Lagos State Police have apprehended a nurse in Lekki following the death of a 36-year-old woman, known simply known as Abiola.

 

Speaking via a statement, Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed that the driver of the deceased reported the incident at the Maroko Police Division.

 

According to Hundeyin, the driver explained that he drove his employer, a resident of Diamond Estate in Sangotedo-Lekki, to a clinic in Lekki Phase 1 for a cosmetic procedure to enhance her figure, specifically, a Brazilian Butt Lift.

 

However, Abiola lost her life during the procedure.

 

The driver said the deceased died after a nurse administered an injection on her.

 

He said, ”Upon our arrival, the clinic owner directed a nurse to administer the injection on Abiola. Moments later, chaos ensued as the woman lost consciousness and started gasping for breath.

 

“Desperate for help, the driver rushed Abiola to another hospital in Lekki Phase 1 but she was confirmed dead by the staff on duty upon arrival.”

 

Hundeyin added that detectives had visited the scene, where they meticulously gathered evidence, inspected and photographed her remains and subsequently transported the corpse to a public morgue for autopsy.

 

He confirmed that the nurse involved has been taken into custody and the commissioner of police, Adegoke Fayoade, has asked for an investigation into the harrowing incident.

Four Nigerians jailed in UK for forging over 2,000 marriage documents

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Four Nigerians jailed in UK for forging over 2,000 marriage documents

Four Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to prison in the United Kingdom after being convicted of forging over 2,000 marriage certificates to facilitate illegal residency in the country.

 

The convicts, identified as Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41), Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38), Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), and Adekunle Kabir (54), were all sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Tuesday.

 

The Home Office revealed that the group was part of an organized criminal network that submitted fraudulent applications under the EU Settlement Scheme for Nigerian nationals between 2019 and 2023.

 

The operation, which included the provision of false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation, allowed numerous individuals to remain in the UK illegally.

 

An investigation conducted by the Home Office in collaboration with authorities in Lagos uncovered that the group facilitated over 2,000 false marriage documents. The convicted persons, all of Nigerian origin, were integral to the criminal enterprise.

 

Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer at the Home Office, stated, “This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice.

 

“As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain. I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation, and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who exploit people’s desperation to remain in the UK.

 

“We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”

 

Onifade, from Gravesend in Kent, and Shodipo, from Manchester, were both found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. They were sentenced to six years and five years in prison, respectively.

 

Gbadamosi, from Bolton, was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation. She received a six-year prison sentence.

 

Kabir, from London, was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but was cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception. He was sentenced to nine months in prison.

Nigerian, 2 others sentenced to life imprisonment over murder of 25-year-old man in UK

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Nigerian, 2 others sentenced to life imprisonment over murder of 25-year-old man in UK

In a harrowing case of revenge violence, three men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 25-year-old Hamza Iqbal in London.

 

Joshua Oladele, Micah Hines, and Ali Alamiri were convicted for their roles in the brutal attack that occurred on September 24, 2023, on Wembley Way.

 

The court heard that Iqbal was fatally stabbed 23 times by the trio who were carrying out a revenge attack on behalf of 28-year-old Dontae Smicle, who had been stabbed 11 days earlier. The attack was reportedly driven by a gang territory dispute.

 

On the evening of the murder, Iqbal and his friends were confronted by Oladele, Hines, and Alamiri, who were armed with machetes. The three men, all 21 years old, had been picked up by Smicle and driven to the scene.

 

Upon exiting their vehicle wearing hoodies and balaclavas, they attacked Iqbal and his group. Despite attempts to flee, Iqbal was chased down by Oladele and subjected to a savage assault.

 

Judge Rosa Dean described the attack as a “punishment killing” and noted the terror Iqbal must have experienced as he was repeatedly stabbed. Iqbal was pronounced dead at Northwick Park Hospital approximately an hour after the attack.

 

The court heard from Iqbal’s grieving family, who remembered him as a devoted family man and an Arsenal fan. They spoke of the profound impact of his loss and the ongoing void left in their lives.

 

Oladele, Hines, and Alamiri were apprehended shortly after the incident. Oladele and Hines were found hiding in Woolwich, while Alamiri was arrested at his home.

 

During the trial, the defendants claimed they were acting under Smicle’s orders and sought to scare Iqbal’s group rather than kill them. Smicle, who orchestrated the attack, has since fled the country.

 

In sentencing, Judge Dean expressed disappointment that the defendants showed no remorse or apology.

 

She sentenced Oladele to a minimum of 28 years, Hines to a minimum of 25 years, and Alamiri to a minimum of 24 years in prison.

 

The case underscores the severe consequences of gang-related violence and the deep impact on victims’ families.

Activist and Whistleblower Mahdi Shehu reveals inside details of why NIA DG resigned

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Activist and Whistleblower Mahdi Shehu reveals inside details of why NIA DG resigned

Activist and Whistleblower Mahdi Shehu reveals inside details of why NIA DG resigned

 

Activist and whistleblower Mahdi Shehu has provided an insider account regarding the resignation of Ahmed Rufai, the Director-General (DG) of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

According to Mahdi, Ahmed Rufai, who held the position since April 2017, was a key figure among former President Buhari’s appointees, known for his influence.

 

Mahdi claimed that Rufai’s resignation traces back to 2017, when a sting operation was orchestrated by certain northern power brokers, involving the then EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

 

According to him, the operation targeted the NIA’s Lagos office, resulting in the controversial removal of large sums of money—$43 million and £34 million.

 

Mahdi alleged that part of the operation’s intent was to create a vacancy at the NIA, ultimately leading to Ahmed Rufai’s appointment as DG, despite an ongoing court case by Ambassador Eke Ayodele, the former DG of NIA.

 

Mahdi noted that Ayodele was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing in 2023 and was ordered by the court to be reinstated.

 

He suggested that political considerations, particularly the upcoming 2023 presidential elections, influenced the decision to retain Ahmed Rufai in his position temporarily. He also hinted at promises made by President Tinubu to reinstate Ayodele after the elections.

 

He wrote on X: ”In April 2017, in a deliberately designed sting operation to create a vacuum by force and subterfuge at the NIA, initiated by Sabiu tunde and two other northern cabals, Magu, the then Efcc Chairman using an insider informant from NIA operations unit, was drafted to invade the lagos operational office of the NIA, which he forcefully broke into and removed $43m and £34m.

 

”$10m was allegedly reported to have been “stolen” out of the “recovery” when it was taken for custody at the CBN by an NIA accounts staff who was silently transferred out. Don’t ask me if the $10m was returned.

 

”Even before the report of the presidential investigation was submitted and in spite of the existing court case instituted by Ayodele Eke, Buhari was misled into appointing Ahmed Rufai as the New DG NIA.

 

”As a reward, Tunde Sabiu, who was never a member of the intelligence community, was rewarded with the post of Assistant Director at the NIA while still holding the post of PA to C in C and posted to the villa. To date, he is a staff of the NIA just to give him a soft landing.

 

”Eke Ayodele, who was suspended in April 2017 by Buhari, pending the outcome of the investigation, went to court to contest his indictment arising from Magu’s raid.

 

”In 2023, the court cleared Ambassador Eke Ayodele from any wrongdoing and ordered that he be reinstated back to his seat as DG NIA being a statutory tenure appointment with constitutional favour.

 

”The court order came before the elections, and removing Rufai and reinstating Ayodele may be a spoiler for the APC in the North, particularly aware of the role expected to “be played” by Ahmed Rufai in the 2023 presidential election.

 

”Even after “declared” winner, Tinubu ” retained” Ahmed Rufai in ” appreciation” to his role but behind the scenes assuring Eke Ayodele of his plans to implement the court order that restored him to his seat.”

Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, arrested in France

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Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, arrested in France

Russian-French billionaire founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, Pavel Durov, was reportedly arrested at Bourget airport outside Paris on Saturday evening, August 24.

TF1 TV reports that the 39-year-old was travelling aboard his private jet, when he was arrested at about 8pm local time (6pm GMT)l

 

According to the report posted on their website, Durov had been targeted by an arrest warrant in France as part of a preliminary police investigation. He is expected to appear in court on Sunday.

 

TF1 said the investigation was focused on a lack of moderators on Telegram, and that police considered that this situation allowed criminal activity to go on undeterred on the messaging app.

 

The encrypted Telegram, with close to one billion users, is particularly influential in Russia, Ukraine and the republics of the former Soviet Union. It is ranked as one of the major social media platforms after Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and Wechat.

 

The Russia-born entrepreneur lives in Dubai, where Telegram is based, and holds dual citizenship of France and the United Arab Emirates.

 

Durov, who is estimated by Forbes to have a fortune of $15.5bn (£12bn), left Russia in 2014 after he refused to comply with demands to shut down opposition communities on his VK social media platform, which he sold.

My agenda as CJN: Justice Kekere-Ekun   

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My agenda as CJN: Justice Kekere-Ekun   

The acting chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun highlighted her agenda in an interview with the media, after she was sworn-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday.

 

Among others, she pledged to elevate the judiciary to new heights, improve its reputation, and sustain public confidence in the judicial system.

 

”We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary, and I believe that it is not a one-man job. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that are in need of improvement.

 

”I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary.

 

”A better judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation. Whatever the shortcomings that we see today are, we are all members of the society so, if we want to see a better society, if we want to see improvement, let the improvement start with each and every one of us and our approach to justice.

 

”Let us all have faith in the system and then also be particular about the process of appointment, I know it is a source of a lot of concern; the issue of discipline on the bench and at the bar as well.

 

”All of these things are aspects that we will look into and I believe that by the grace of God, at the end of my tenure, we should be able to have a judiciary that we will all be proud of,” she said.

 

The event at the council chambers was witnessed her husband Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, her children and other family members.

 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the just retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed; justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and some members of the Federal Executive Council also witnessed the swearing-in.

Meet Courtney Dike; The Player Who Rejected $7,000 Bonus After Representing Nigeria

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Meet Courtney Dike; The Player Who Rejected $7,000 Bonus After Representing Nigeria

🚨🇳🇬 Meet Courtney Dike; The Player Who Rejected $7,000 Bonus After Representing Nigeria

 

Courtney Ozioma Dike made headlines in 2014 when she rejected a $7,000 bonus after representing Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – AUGUST 12: Courtney Dike of Nigeria speaks to the media prior to their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 Group C training at Commonwealth Stadium on August 12, 2014 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Oklahoma-born forward, who played college soccer at Oklahoma State University, cited NCAA regulations as the reason behind her decision, stating that accepting prize money would violate the rules governing collegiate athletes in the U.S.

 

In a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Courtney expressed her commitment to playing for Nigeria, regardless of financial incentives.

 

“I am delighted to play for Nigeria whenever called upon. I knew before leaving for the U-20 World Cup that I would not accept any bonuses,” Dike wrote.

 

She further explained that “knowing this beforehand, I still chose to represent the country because I believed the experience would be more valuable than the money, and I was right.”

 

Courtney’s performance on the pitch was as remarkable as her off-field principles.

 

Courtney made headlines at the tournament by scoring the fastest goal in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup history—just 14 seconds into Nigeria’s match against Korea Republic

Born in Edmond, Oklahoma, to Nigerian parents Vincent and Jacinta Dike, Courtney grew up excelling in both academics and football.

 

Born on February 3, 1995, Dike is part of a distinguished soccer family.

 

Her brother, Bright Dike, and cousin, Emmanuel Emenike, both played for Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, the Super Eagles.

 

At Edmond North High School, she scored over 90 goals and later became one of only seven players in Oklahoma State University (OSU) history to earn all-conference status at least three times.

 

Dike capped her collegiate career with numerous accolades and graduated in 2017 with a master’s degree in accounting.

 

In 2015, Dike continued to make waves on the international stage, earning two caps for Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

 

Her brief but impactful international career includes representing Nigeria at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she made history as the first native Oklahoman to ever play in a World Cup match.

 

Now 29 years old, Courtney Dike has transitioned from the soccer field to the accounting field.

 

A certified public accountant, she currently resides in Los Angeles, where she continues to contribute to her community in new ways.

 

Despite her many achievements, Courtney Dike remains grounded, valuing her experiences over financial gain and setting a powerful example for future generations.

 

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Dangote Refinery Begins Petrol Production Test-Run 

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Dangote Refinery Begins Petrol Production Test-Run 

The 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery is undergoing test runs for Premium Motor Spirit or petrol production, with full operation expected by mid-September.

This was revealed by Reuters quoting a note by industry monitor IIR Energy.

 

The $20bn refinery built by Aliko Dangote which has so far only produced diesel and other distillate fuels, had earlier said that petrol deliveries from the refinery would start in July. Before that, the refinery had aimed to start making the motor fuel by May.

 

“It is possible that there could be further extensions”, IIR said in a note to clients.

 

Once fully operational, the refinery is set to upend the Europe-to-Africa fuel trade and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products.

 

Earlier in the month, the Federal Government’s committee which was set up to ensure the implementation of crude oil sales to local refineries in naira, had reached an agreement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery for the rollout of petrol in September this year.

 

The report stated that the Federal Government also disclosed that the sale of crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries will commence on October 1, 2024.

 

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced this during a meeting with the Implementation Committee in Abuja.

 

Also at the meeting, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, and the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee reported that “The first PMS delivery from Dangote is expected next month under existing agreements.”

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