Erling Haaland Wins Gerd Muller Trophy

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland wins the Gerd Muller trophy after scoring 36 goals in his first season in the Premier League.

The Norwegian scored 56 goals in all competitions for club and country during the 2022/23 campaign.

In his appreciation speech, Haaland thanked his teammates, staff and head coach, Pep Guardiola.

He said, “I want to say a big thanks to them, my family, all the people around me for making me the person I am today. Thank you so much.”

Ranking from second to fifth are Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski, respectively.

Messi Wins 8th 2023 Ballon d’Or Award

Inter Miami player, Lionel Messi has won his eighth Ballon d’Or title in Paris after being awarded the trophy.

Messi won the award on Monday night against Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Victor Osimhen (Napoli), and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona); amongst many other male nominees.

With the current feat, the Argentine player has won a total of eight Ballon d’Or awards. He clinched the award in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021.

“I never imagined having the career that I’ve had. I’ve had the luck, thank God, to have achieved all my goals, to have achieved everything in football which is very difficult,” said Messi after receiving his Ballon d’Or from Inter Miami co-owner and former England great David Beckham.

“I had the luck as Aitana said before to have been on the best team in the world, the best team in history which makes everything more easy to win more titles, which leads to individual prizes,” Messi said of his trophy-laden time with Barça, before touching on his struggles with Argentina – where the star has experienced plenty of ups and downs, including a brief consideration of retirement from the international game following the Albiceleste’s gutting loss to penalties in the 2016 Copa América final.

“I’ve had a lot of difficult moments, above all with the Argentina national team… where things didn’t go well for me. And I’ll say it again, I never dropped my arms, I kept on fighting to be able to achieve the Copa América [in 2021], to win the World Cup and I’m very proud to have not been stuck in simply trying and having been able to achieve it.”

“Saying My Net Worth Is $5M Is Very Disrespectful” – Mr Eazi Knocks Fan

 Popular Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, better known as Mr Eazi, has vehemently disagreed with a fan who claimed his net worth is just $5 million.

A fan with the X handle @ZobaDeGreat had commended Mr Eazi in a post, claiming the singer married billionaire, Femi Otedola’s daughter, Temi Otedola, in a low-key ceremony despite being worth “around $5 million”.

Whilst commending the singer, the fan lashed out at those who want lavish weddings despite not being worth up to “2 million home and abroad”.

The fan wrote, “Mr. Eazi’s networth is estimated around $5millon dollars. He just quietly married Otedola’s daughter. We no even know. Na because of his new song wey he release and the wife use style announce am, na how we take know.

“But you wey no get up to 2 million home and abroad, you want to host one in town wedding with your wife that is still second year student who doesn’t have money for departmental dues.”

Quoting his tweet, Me Eazi declared that the fan’s bold claim was “erroneously disrespectful”, stressing that he is worth way more than $5 million.

The ‘Evil Genius’ crooner urged the fan to get his facts right to avoid legal action for defamation.

Mr Eazi wrote, “The Evil Genius Net worth is not $5m that’s erroneously disrespectful! please correct yourself before I sue you for defamation!!”

“Apply For Big Brother” – Kiddwaya Tells DJ Cuppy After She Pleaded Fans To Replace Her Stolen iPhone 15 Pro Max

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Terseer Waya, simply known as Kiddwaya, has urged DJ Cuppy to apply for the reality show.

DJ Cuppy had taken to her X handle to ask if she can ask her fans to buy her a new iPhone 15 Pro Max after her phone was stolen in London.

She said she was asking if her fans could help her, stressing that she has seen other fanbase buy cars for their faves in Nigeria.

She wrote, “Am I allowed to ask my Cupcakes to buy me an iPhone 15 Pro Max?

“Am just asking if I can ask.

“I swear I’ve seen my mates in Naij receive cars from their fans.”

Quoting her tweet, Kiddwaya urged her to apply for Big Brother Naija reality show if she wants to enjoy such gesture.

He wrote, “Apply for Big Brother.”

Recall that DJ Cuppy was robbed in Soho, London, on Saturday night. She said her iPhone 15 Pro Max was snatched from her during the incident.

NLC Set To Shut Down Economic Activities In Imo Over “Unfair Labour Treatment”

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared industrial action against Imo State Government, starting from Wednesday, November 1, 2023, over the alleged non-payment of salaries and other unfair labour treatment against workers in the state.

The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, hinted this to journalists on Sunday in Abuja. He said that the Congress has already commenced mass mobilisation of its members across affiliate unions for the showdown in Owerri.

He added that Labour is deeply concerned about the persistent and egregious violations of the rights and privileges of workers in the state by the Imo state government.

He lamented that despite repeated efforts to engage in constructive dialogue and reach amicable agreements, the Imo State Government has become a habitual and serial breaker of these agreements.

Ajaero further said that Imo State government having continued to trample on the rights of workers in the state, left them with no choice but to embark on mass protests and industrial actions beginning on the 1st day of November, 2023 to “demonstrate our outrage and stop the continuing violation of the rights and privileges of workers in the state.”

He accused the state government of relying on its powers to deploy the fierce and coercive forces of the state against trade unions and their leadership to continue on this line of action.

“It has allowed itself to be misled in its belief that the continued use of threats and intimidations would perpetually dissuade Nigerian workers from taking their destinies in their own hands. It is on this note that we want to warn the government of Imo state that we would hold the Governor accountable if anything happens to any worker or trade union leader in the course of these lawful protests.

“All the threats we have received of violence against our persons are noted but we will not be deterred. On the 1st day of November, we begin this march to save workers of Imo state from the grievous harm the government has subjected them to these past years,” Ajaero warned.

The NLC leadership outlined some of the alleged infractions committed by the Imo State government to include refusal to implement previous agreements.

He also accused the government of repeatedly reneging on agreements, most notably the accord reached on January 9th, 2021, between the government and organised pabour.

Citing a backlog of outstanding salary arrears, Ajaero said some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘ghost workers’.

Lamenting the situation, the NLC said under the guise of ghost workers, approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers, their salaries diverted even while they diligently carried out their duties.

He also accused the state government of vandalisation of NLC State Secretariat, describing it as a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative.

“The Government has failed to address the 8-year backlog of gratuity owed to retirees, showing a grave disregard for the rights of those who have dedicated their careers in service.

“The Government has persistently shirked its duty to properly implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage, a critical safeguard for the economic well-being of workers.

“The Government’s witch hunt against trade union leaders through various guises constitutes an alarming assault on the right to represent and advocate for the rights of workers.

“The continued deployment of thugs and violence against workers and their leaders is an unacceptable practice that undermines the democratic rights of workers. The impoundment and illegal diversion of union dues, funds rightfully belonging to the unions, is a gross violation of the rights of workers to manage their collective resources.

“Approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labeled as ghosts resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, tragically leading to the loss of lives.The entire workforce is constantly subjected to threats of violence and sack, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.

“Nigeria Labour Congress calls on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to stand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State in the face of these egregious violations.

“We implore the Imo State Government to honor its obligations and recommit to respecting the rights and privileges of workers. As long as it refuses, we will continue in this course of action until we see the desired change. We are ready for industrial peace in the state but the choice is entirely in the hands of the Government of Imo state,” Ajaero stated.

“APC, PDP Members Not Qualified To Be Appointed INEC RECs” – Falana

 Controversial Nigerian Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has kicked against the nomination of  four persons as Resident Electoral Commissioners.

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Information gathered showed that the RECs was nominated last week by President Bola Tinubu.

Falana noted that the constitution fumed against person, or persons who are card carrying members of either the ruling party or any political party.

In a statement on Sunday, the legal practitioner cited some sections of the constitution to back up his claims.

He said: “By the combined effect of section 154(1) of the Constitution and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, there shall be for each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a Resident Electoral Commissioner who shall –be appointed by the President and shall not less than forty years of age.

“In addition, the person shall be of unquestionable integrity and non-partisan. Thus, in order to guarantee the credibility of elections, persons who are loyal to any of the registered  political parties shall not be appointed as INEC Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners.

“However, we have confirmed that 4 out of 10 persons nominated as Resident Electoral Commissioners last week by President Bola Tinubu are Constitutionally disabled. Specifically 4 of them are members and close allies of the All Progressive Congress while another member has just relinquished the post of a Special Adviser to a former Governor elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

“The conduct of the 2027 General Elections must be transparent in every material particular. Therefore, the nation cannot afford to have the Independent National Electoral Commission constituted by card carrying members and loyalists of the ruling party and its collaborators. To that extent, the appointment of the 4 nominees will be challenged at the Federal High Court if the Senate decides to confirm them in defiance of extant constitutional provisions.”

Fire Breaks Out At Rivers State House Of Assembly Amid Impeachment Against Governor

 Barely few hours after the rumour spreading viral concerning the alleged impeachment of Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, a fire has broken out at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

Information gathered by journalist reports that the fire started at about 10 p.m. on Sunday.

It was gathered that some suspected arsonists threw an explosive into the complex around 9:25pm, causing a fire in the building.

It was reported that some properties inside the chamber were also destroyed beyond repair.

Confirming the incident, a senior police officer who pleaded anonymity to Punch, claimed that it was politically motivated.

He said: “Yes it is true. The fire occurred around 9:30 p.m. or so. But as we speak, it (the fire) has been put out by firefighters who arrived at the scene just in time. I think it has to do with politics.”

Punch revealed that arrangements have been concluded by some lawmakers in the state legislature to first impeach the House leader, Eddison Ehie, to pave the way for Fubara’s removal. The House leader is said to have been blocking moves aimed at removing Fubara.

It was gathered that the Assembly had been taken over by the police and other security operatives, as about 17 security trucks and one Armoured Personnel Carrier were stationed at the entrance and surroundings.

Two Minors Apprehended For Setting Their School On Fire In Ogun

 Two pupils identified as Wahis Musa, aged 6, and Malik Iliasu aged 9, have been apprehended by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly setting their school on fire.

The incident reportedly occurred in Community Primary School, Isheri Olofin, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said the kids have been arrested by the Ojodu-Abiodun Divisional Police Officer of the Ogun State Police Command.

They were apprehended for malicious damage and arson, Odutola said on Monday.

“Two pupils of Community Primary School, Isheri Olofin, one Wahis Musa, aged 6 years, and Malik Iliasu, aged 9 years, both residents of the Isheri Olofin community, have been apprehended for setting fire to their school and properties of the school on October 29, 2023,” Odutola stated.

According to her, a chief in the community had reported the incident at the police station, saying Musa and Iliasu gained access to one of the unlocked classrooms at the school; they gathered books left behind by the teachers and pupils and allegedly set them on fire.

The anti-crime team and police detectives had visited the scene “and brought the alleged children to the police station for interrogation.”

Odutola said investigations are ongoing and police are making inquiries on how to contact parents “as this is a very serious crime for these children to get themselves involved with.”

She assured that the police will unravel everything behind the incident and update the public if there are other people who may have instigated the youngsters.

BBNaija All Stars: Why I Maltreated Ilebaye – Doyin

Big Brother Naija Reality star, Doyin David, has spoken up regarding her sweet and bitter treatment towards her friend Ilebaye in the All-Stars season.

In a comment via the Snapchat platform, a fan confronted the reality star for doing too much on the show and how she threw Ilebaye under the bus every time they were not on good terms.

In her defence, Doyin stated that she lashed at her friend on the show many times because Ilebaye enjoyed associating with the people she was saving her from.

She added that at some point, she also needed a friend to keep her in check as she’s just an ordinary human being

She noted: “I agree with you that I said certain things when we weren’t speaking and I take accountability for my actions….it was wrong but you people fail to understand that I’m a human being, I was hurt and I was lashing out. D good friend also needed a friend.”

My Ex-Wife Not A Mistake In My Life — Actor Ninalowo

Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo has stated that his ex-wife, Bunmi, was not a mistake in his life, adding that her presence in it was divine in an interview on TVC’s Your View, on Friday.

According to Ninalowo, he is a unique being who walks with God’s grace and thus attracts divine beings.

‘I’m a very special person,” Ninalowo began.

He continued, “I’m anointed. I’m graceful and very spiritual.

“My ex-wife was not a mistake in my life; it was divine, and the next woman I will meet will also be divine. You can not have a destination without a journey.

“I’m not interested in a million women. When I see the woman, I will know.”

Ninalowo and Bunmi were married for 17 years before going their separate ways. They have two children.

Recall that the actor in the interview with a media personality, Chude Jideonwo, had earlier said  that there was a time he was cheating and breaking his wife’s heart because he was feeling young.

The actor disclosed that he was unavailable to his family and was busy pursuing his dreams.

He said: “The years when I was feeling too young and cheating all day, breaking her heart and everything to the years when I wasn’t there and pursuing my dreams.

“But I forgot this was a human being that was taking records and taking experiences of her life as well. So, I became somebody that she didn’t recognise anymore.

“At some point, I couldn’t call her to pick up my call. The woman I had control over, I had no more control because she outgrew me.”

BBNaija All Stars: “I’m Not Friends With Mercy Eke” – Venita Reveals

 

Former Big Brother Naija All Stars contestant, Venita Akpofure has cleared the air on her relationship with fellow housemate, Mercy Eke.

Venita, during her recent interview with media personality, Toke Makinwa, said she and Mercy are not friends.

Recall that the duo were very close during their stay in the Big Brother Naija house in the season 8 edition.

Speaking of their relationship, Venita said “I was not friends with Mercy before the show. I do see her like once or twice a year at shows or parties because we are not in each other’s circle.

“I was surprised at the narrative from fans that i betrayed my friend, Mercy Eke.

“I don’t wish her any ill, my hands are completely clear, my conscience is clear,” Venita