Egyptian side, Al Masry have arrived in Uyo for their CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter against Enyimba.

The Al Masry contingent which consists of players and officials landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo on Thursday evening.

The North African side will lock horns with Enyimba at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.

Al Masry defeated Enyimba 2-0 on matchday one.

They currently occupy second position in the group with five points.

Enyimba are bottom of the group with four points from four games.

CAF Confederation Cup: Al Masry arrive Uyo for Enyimba clash

American rapper Doja Cat has surpassed her colleague Cardi B to become the second highest-selling female rapper in history.

Nicki Minaj remains the highest-selling female rapper in the United States and worldwide, according to Billboard.

Cardi B has also dropped to number four in the U.S. but ranks third globally.

Billboard ranked Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and Cardi B as the highest-selling female rappers based on worldwide sales.

In the U.S., the ranking places Nicki Minaj first, Doja Cat second, Megan Thee Stallion third, and Cardi B fourth based on sales.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift has been named the biggest artist of the 21st century.

Canadian star Drake was crowned the biggest rapper of the century.

Maroon 5 was named the biggest group of the 21st century, while Destiny’s Child was ranked the biggest girl group.

The ranking is based on performance on both the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts.

Biggest Artists of the Century, according to Billboard:

Taylor Swift

Drake

Rihanna

Post Malone

Eminem

The Weeknd

Beyoncé

Justin Bieber

Bruno Mars

Usher

Doja Cat surpasses Cardi B to become 2nd highest selling female rapper in history

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has revealed that the Mubi livestock market generates an annual revenue of N29 billion, supplying 29 million animals to Lagos State.

The governor disclosed this during a meeting with the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha which held in Yola.

He described the Mubi livestock market as a critical contributor to the state’s economy and a significant player in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

“The Mubi livestock market remains a major economic hub, not just for Adamawa State but for the entire country.

Annually, it supplies 29 million animals to Lagos, generating N29 billion in revenue,” Governor Fintiri said.

He urged the federal government to address challenges faced by livestock traders, particularly roadblocks and extortion along major highways, which he said were hindering the trade.

“These obstacles, including extortion of cattle traders on highways, need to be removed to sustain and enhance the sector’s contribution to the economy,” he added.

Governor Fintiri also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development and appointing Maiha as minister.

He expressed optimism that the new ministry would revitalize the sector.

“Creating a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development is a step in the right direction. With Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha’s leadership, I believe the sector will reach new heights,” he noted.

In response, Minister Maiha commended Adamawa State’s efforts to boost the livestock sector, especially the construction of a northern international cattle market in Mubi.

“Adamawa State is blessed with rich animal resources and over 33 grazing reserves. The governor’s vision to establish a world-class cattle market in Mubi is commendable and will position the state as a leader in livestock trade,” the minister said.

Mubi market generates N29bn annually, supplies 29 million animals to Lagos – Fintiri

Former England winger Chris Waddle has urged manager Thomas Tuchel to build his team around Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

According to Waddle, it would be “daft” if Tuchel doesn’t make Palmer the focal point of his new-look England team, given the midfielder’s performances since leaving Manchester City.

Tuchel was appointed as Gareth Southgate’s full-time successor last October.

The German officially began his new role at the start of January.

“Cole Palmer always catches the eye,” the former Tottenham Hotspur star told Prime Casino.

“He’s a great creative player. People forget the creative part of the game is the hardest part of football.

“I think Cole Palmer has been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea. He’s got so much ability, and he scores goals.

“I think if Thomas Tuchel doesn’t build a team around him — people can argue and say we’ve got Bellingham — but if you don’t build a team around Cole Palmer, that would be daft.

“I think he is the best way forward for us if we want to go out and try to win a tournament.”

‘He’s creative’ – Tuchel told player to build England squad around

Investors in the Nigerian Exchange Market raked in N792 billion in gains as stocks maintained a bullish trend on Thursday.

This comes as market capitalisation added N792 billion, or 0.125 percent, rising from an opening of N63.559 trillion to close at N64.351 trillion.

Similarly, the All-Share Index gained 0.125 percent, or 1,300 points, to close at 105,530.74, in contrast to 104,230.73 recorded on Wednesday.

Analysis showed that the positive performance was primarily driven by price appreciations in MTN Nigeria, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Oando Plc, and other advanced equities.

To this end, the Year-To-Date, YTD, return advanced to 2.53 percent.

Meanwhile, the market breadth closed positive with 34 gainers and 25 losers.

On the gainers’ table, MTN Nigeria led with a gain of N22 to close at N242. Honeywell Flour followed with a gain of 82 kobo to close at N9.11, while Universal Insurance added 7 kobo to close at 78 kobo per share.

Transcorp Hotels gained N11.35 to close at N127.35, and Ikeja Hotel increased by N1.15 to close at N13.50 per share.

On the flip side, RT Briscoe led the losers’ chart with a loss of 26 kobo to close at N2.34. Sunu Assurances trailed with a loss of 90 kobo to close at N8.11 per share.

The Initiates Plc shed 27 kobo to close at N2.52, UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust lost 19 kobo to close at N1.81, and Guinea Insurance dropped 8 kobo to close at 91 kobo per share.

An analysis of market activities showed that trade turnover also settled lower relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions down by 48.09 percent.

A total of 481.69 million shares valued at N12.82 billion were exchanged in 12,824 deals, compared with 756.42 million shares valued at N24.69 billion traded in 13,551 deals in the previous session.

Universal Insurance led the activity chart in volume with 97.24 million shares, while Seplat led in the value of deals worth N4.56 billion.

Investors rank in N792bn as stocks maintain bullish trend

The forensic panel of inquiry set up by the Benue State Government to look into the activities of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, have indicted three former club vice chairmen.

They are to refund the sum of two billion, four hundred and forty-five million, twelve thousand, five hundred and ninety-six naira, ninety-two kobo (₦2,445,012,596.92) to the coffers of the club.

This follows the White Paper report on the Forensic Audit Investigation into Lobi Stars Football Club for the period of January 2020 to September 2024, released by the Benue State government.

This was disclosed in statement on Friday by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,Sir.Tersoo Kula.

According to the statement: “Recall that the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on the 7th of October, 2024, inaugurated a Forensic Audit Investigation Committee led by San-Chir-Igba Donatus, ACA, to examine the funds of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi. The terms of reference included studying the handover notes submitted by the outgoing board of the club, identifying the club’s income, making recommendations to the government on appropriate actions to be taken in the interest of the club, and advising the government on the way forward.

“According to the report, which was submitted on the 24th of November, 2024, the sum of three billion, seven hundred and fifty-nine million, eight hundred and twenty thousand, two hundred and sixty-nine naira, eighty-six kobo (₦3,759,820,269.86) accrued to the club during the period in question, but only one billion, three hundred and fourteen million, eight hundred and seven thousand, six hundred and seventy-two naira, ninety-four kobo (₦1,314,807,672.94) was accounted for, leaving a difference of ₦2,445,012,596.92.

“The breakdown indicates that Mr. Mike Idoko and others who worked with him are to refund the sum of two hundred and forty-three million, nine hundred and fifty-five thousand, and eighty-one naira, forty-four kobo (₦243,955,081.44) for the period of 2020-2021. Mr. Emmanuel Taman and others who worked under him are to refund four hundred and thirty-four million, three hundred and eighteen thousand, nine hundred and sixty-four naira, twelve kobo (₦434,318,964.12) for 2021-2022. Mr. Dominic Iorfa and others are to refund the sum of six hundred and ninety-two million, four hundred and fifty-three thousand, nine hundred and twenty-seven naira, sixty kobo (₦692,453,927.60) for 2022-2023, and seven hundred and two million, eight hundred and seventy-five thousand naira (₦702,875,000) for 2023-2024, as well as three hundred and seventy-one million, four hundred and nine thousand, six hundred and twenty-three naira, seventy-six kobo (₦371,409,623.76) for 2024-2025.

“The committee made it clear that all individuals and companies involved in financial transactions with the club within the time covered were formally invited and given fair hearing.

“The committee recommended, among other things, that Lobi Stars be registered as a full company with the responsibility to generate revenue, and that funds from the club’s sponsors be deposited directly into the club’s account.

“The report also advocated for the independence of the club, stating that the Ministry of Sports should no longer control or interfere in the day-to-day running of the club.”

Lobi Stars: Forensic panel of inquiry indicts three club vice chairmen, to refund N2.445bn

Nigerian rapper, Olamide, has surpassed 1 billion career streams on Spotify.

He is the first African rapper to achieve the feat, thanks to his incorporation of Afrobeats in his music and collaborations.

Last year, Olamide also made history as the first African rapper to be nominated for a Grammy.

His collaborative hit with Asake, ‘Amapiano’ was nominated in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category but lost to Tyla’s ‘Water.’

Olamide becomes first African rapper to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify

Two drivers have been reported severely injured in a truck collision that occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The incident, which involved a Mack truck with registration number EKY781YA and a Howo truck registered as FZE1290GOGFT2, happened at about 5:15 am on Thursday.

The police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, blamed the cause of the accident on the Howo truck driver, who entered the expressway from the Zingfeng Company yard without properly checking the road.

Odutola stated that the Mack truck, driven by Ademola and loaded with goods owned by Sprint Power and Energy, was travelling from Lagos to Ibadan when the accident occurred.

She noted that this caused the Mack truck driver to lose control, leading to a collision that resulted in the Howo truck being crushed and the Mack truck overturning across the highway.

Odutola said, “On January 9, 2025, around 5:15 am, a severe motor accident occurred on the Lagos/Ibadan expressway in Sagamu, Ogun State, near the Danco filling station.

“The incident involved a Mack truck with registration number EKY781YA, carrying goods owned by Sprint Power and Energy, and driven by Ademola, an employee of the company.

“The other vehicle involved was a Howo truck registered as FZE1290GOGFT2, also loaded with goods belonging to Guangdong Free Trade Zone, and driven by Hassan Yahaya from the same company.

“At the time of the accident, the Mack truck was travelling from Lagos to Ibadan when the Howo truck suddenly entered the expressway from the Zingfeng Company yard without adequate visibility. Both vehicles were severely damaged.”

The police spokesperson disclosed that both drivers suffered serious injuries and were promptly taken to Iderra Private Hospital in Sagamu and another unidentified hospital for medical treatment.

Odutola added that the Divisional Police Officer dispatched a team of traffic officers to the scene, where photographs were taken, the obstruction was cleared to restore traffic flow, and the damaged vehicles were transported to the MTD office in Sagamu for safekeeping and Vehicle Inspection Officer, VIO, evaluation.

Drivers severely injured as trucks collide in Ogun

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a fresh hearing in the legal battle over the disputed Kano Emirate involving Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero.

The Appellate Court, in a judgement delivered on Friday, held that Bayero was denied fair hearing due to the shoddy manner in which the Kano High Court conducted proceedings against him.

Justice Mohammed Mustapha, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that the Kano High Court was unfair to Bayero by conducting proceedings without serving him a hearing notice to enable him to present his case.

Justice Mustapha held that all courts of law are bound to ensure justice for all parties by giving them equal opportunities, adding that the conduct of the proceedings against Bayero amounted to a travesty of justice.

Specifically, the Appellate Court held that Bayero ought to have been served with a hearing notice to allow him to present his grievances before judgment was delivered against him in what it described as a shoddy arrangement.

The Court of Appeal, therefore, ordered that the case be remitted to the Chief Judge of the Kano State High Court to be reassigned to another judge for expeditious determination.

Justice Mustapha did not award costs against the respondents in the appeal filed by Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero.

Details later.

BREAKING: Appeal Court orders fresh hearing into Kano Emirate tussle as Sanusi wins

Barcelona centre-back Inigo Martinez has expressed his anger over what he sees as the “lenient” two-match ban handed to Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.

Martinez believes the Brazilian deserved a harsher punishment after he was sent off against Valencia.

Vinicius was shown a red card in the 79th minute for slapping goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski on the head during their 2-1 win over Los Ches on January 3.

Despite his incredible talent, Vinicius Jr has often been involved in controversies due to his antics on the pitch.

Referee Cesar Soto Grado reported after the match that Vinicius was sent off for “hitting an opponent on the head deliberately, without the ball in play, and using non-negligible force.”

Dimitrievski was also issued a yellow card for “arguing with an opponent without resorting to insults or threats.”

Vinicius’ original ban, which many expected to be between four and twelve games, was ultimately reduced to just two matches.

Mundo Deportivo quoted Barcelona star Martinez as being critical of the reduced punishment.

“I don’t think it’s fair either. There was a sanction a few years ago where I was given four games for much less, and the issue wasn’t even discussed, while others are given much lighter penalties,” he said.

“These are decisions made by others and are not in our hands.”

Martinez, who joined Barcelona in July 2023, is likely referring to an incident during his time at Athletic Club (2018-2024).

LaLiga: It’s not fair – Barcelona star angry over Vinicius’ two-game ban

A 24-year-old driver, identified as Victory Samuel, has left two persons severely injured while attempting to flee after making a fake transfer in Ogun State.

The driver, who was behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC with license plate DLA 9666, allegedly made a purchase and attempted a fraudulent money transfer.

When confronted, the suspect, in an attempt to escape, collided with a motorcycle ridden by 27-year-old Rilwan Adekunle, registered as AKD 455 JH, along Alagbole Road near Mrs. Filling Station, Ogun State.

Additionally, a Toyota Camry driven by 41-year-old Obinna Ezeale suffered front-end damage, including burnt parts.

Confirming the incident to DAILY POST on Friday, the police public relations officer, Omolola Odutola, said the motorcyclist sustained leg injuries and was quickly taken to an undisclosed hospital.

She said, **“On January 8, 2025, at about 9:00 PM, the divisional police received information from a member of the public about a serious motorcycle accident that occurred on Alagbole Road, near Mrs. Filling Station, Ogun State.

“The incident involved a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC with the license plate DLA 9666, driven by 24-year-old Victory Samuel, a resident of Emmanuel Street, Ajuwon.

“He drove recklessly in an attempt to flee, colliding with a motorcycle bearing registration number AKD 455 JH, ridden by 27-year-old Rilwan Ayinde Adekunle from Akute Odo, who sustained leg injuries and was quickly taken to an undisclosed hospital.

“Additionally, a Toyota Camry driven by 41-year-old Obinna Ezeale of Ogo Oluwa Street, Ajuwon, suffered front-end damage, including burnt parts,”** she said.

Odutola stated that upon receiving the information, personnel from the Motor Traffic Division visited the scene, took a rough sketch of the accident area, and recovered both vehicles along with the motorcycle for inspection by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO).

She assured the public that investigations are ongoing to gather more details surrounding the incident.

In a related development, the divisional police officer of Ajuwon Division received reports of another motorcycle accident on Wednesday at about 10:00 PM at Abule Ojo Junction in the Alagbole area of the state.

The incident involved a Lexus Jeep with registration number KTU 287 JS, driven by an unknown individual, which collided with a red Bajaj motorcycle carrying three riders.

The victims—24-year-old Moses Chibudi, 30-year-old Usman Adamu, and 29-year-old Hope David—all sustained injuries.

All three riders were promptly taken to the hospital, while the driver of the Lexus fled the scene.

Fleeing driver injures two in Ogun road accident

Popular comedienne Oluwatoyin Albert, aka Tomama, has stated that having a child out of wedlock is non-negotiable for her.

In a video shared on her Instagram page, the actress emphasized that having a baby is not something to be taken lightly or treated as insignificant.

While addressing the growing trend of women giving birth out of wedlock and men insisting that women must get pregnant before marriage, Tomama maintained that she would not give any man a child unless he marries her properly.

“Una think say pikin na hamper… if you no go marry me properly, you no go see pikin,” she said.

I can never be any man’s baby mama – Comedienne Tomama