Author: Abimbola Ogunnaike

Famous Nigerian singer, Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, has hinted at retiring from music. The 44-year-old, who disclosed that her upcoming album might be her last, said she now feels tired, stressing that she has done her best. On her Instastory, Savage wrote, “This might be my last studio album. I am tired, I don try.” The singer often referred to as the “Queen of Afrobeat,” has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over a decade. Known for hits like “All Over”, “Somebody’s Son”, and “Eminado”, she has consistently broken barriers, becoming one of the most celebrated female artists in Africa. Although Tiwa…

China’s central bank confirmed on Friday, 28 December, 2024 that it has renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement with its counterpart in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria,(CBN). The People’s Bank of China, which made the disclosure in a statement on its website on Friday, 28 December, 2024, added that the total value of the agreement was 15 billion yuan which is about 2.09 billion U.S. dollars, or 3.28 trillion Nigerian naira. President Bola Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga who shared the report on his official X handle, said the agreement is valid for three years and can be renewed…

Former Governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru for second term in office come 2027 Umahi stated this on Friday, 27 December, 2024 when he received members of Izzi National Youth Forum who paid him a Christmas homage at his Umunagu Uburu country home in Ohaozara local government area of the state. The minister, who commended the Izzi youths led by their National President, Barrister Andrew Chibueze Elom for paying him such a surprise visit during the yuletide, maintained that Governor Nwifuru would serve Ebonyi people for the second term in…

Mali’s authorities have confirmed that no fewer than 69 people, including 25 Malians, have died after a makeshift boat attempting to reach Spain from West Africa capsized off the coast of Morocco, According to a statement from Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad, the boat was carrying approximately 80 people, but only 11 survivors were rescued, just as the statement added that of the survivors, at least nine are from Mali. The tragedy occurred last week, but the ministry formally confirmed the incident on Thursday, 26 December, 2024. A crisis unit has been dispatched to monitor the situation and assist those…

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has stated that claims by the military leader of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilise his county are despicable propaganda. Bwala, who declared that the claims were aimed at inciting Northern Nigeria against President Bola Tinubu, said the military leader deliberately chose a local language in the North. Thegazellenews.com recalls that Abdourahamane Tchiani, military leader of Niger Republic, made the claims in an interview on Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 Tchiani, who spoke in Hausa, alleged that France is negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to…

Prominent industrialists and businessmen from across Anambra State have gave their backing to the setting up of the South-East Development Commission, saying it will create more opportunities for the South-Eastgeopolitical zone once it becomes operational. They praised the management of the commission, led by Mark Okoye as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman, for having the capacity to bring the commission’s vision to fruition. Okoye is also the MD/CEO of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, while Nworgu is a former Minister of Labour. Speaking to journalists in Awka on Friday, 27 December, 2024 about the SEDC’s…

Brazil football star, Vinicius Jr., on Friday, 27 December, 2027 responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s endorsement of him as the rightful Ballon d’Or winner, expressing gratitude for the praise. “Cristiano Ronaldo’s words about the Ballon d’Or? If Cristiano said I’m the best, then I am,” the Real Madrid forward said during an interview while receiving his award at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards. Ronaldo had previously criticised the decision to award the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, stating, “Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion it was clear. It was unfair.” Ronaldo’s remarks came at…

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has immortalised his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu as he announced that the new High Court complex to be constructed in the state would be named after the departed ex-governor. Aiyedatiwa became the Ondo governor after Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the new high court complex also called the Judiciary Village in Akure, the state capital, on Friday, 27 December, 2024, Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone for the state. He added that the project was conceived under the leadership and vision of the late…

Portugal football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, has criticised Vinícius Jr.’s omission from the Ballon d’Or win, describing it as “unfair” and praising the integrity of the Globe Soccer Awards. Speaking at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards, where Vinícius won the Best Men’s Player accolade, Ronaldo remarked, “Vinícius Jr. should have won the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, it was clear. It was unfair. This is why I love the Globe Soccer Awards; they are honest.” The ceremony celebrated football’s finest, with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. also claiming the Best Forward award after an extraordinary season. Jude Bellingham, another Real Madrid star,…

The 2024 Globe Soccer Awards celebrated football’s finest talents on a grand stage, with Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. winning the prestigious Best Men’s Player award. The Brazilian forward also claimed the Best Forward accolade, marking the culmination of an impressive year. Jude Bellingham, another standout performer, secured dual honours by winning both the Best Midfielder award and the Maradona Award, further establishing himself among football’s elite. The event also recognised Neymar Jr. with the Player Career Award, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the sport. Meanwhile, young sensation Lamine Yamal was named Best Emerging Talent, signalling a bright future for…

The total foreign exchange market turnover increased to $14.39 billion (N23.95 trillion) at the end of November 2024. This is contained in the FMDQ Markets Monthly Report According to the report, total FX turnover for the spot and derivatives markets stood at N58.22 trillion and N0.81 trillion, respectively. This means that the Spot FX Market turnover increased by 42.69 percent, which is $4.30 billion from $10.08 billion recorded in October 2024. “Total turnover for the Spot and Derivatives Market was N58.22tn and N0.81tn, respectively, in November 2024. Spot FX Market Turnover was $14.39bn (N23.95tn) in November 2024, representing a MoM…

Air Peace has denied rumours making the rounds of a purported plane crash involving one of its aircraft in the Western Sahara region, just as it described the report as false, malicious and misleading. The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, who stated this in a statement issued on Friday, 27 December, 2024 in Lagos, said the allegation that the crash resulted in fatalities including the death of a prominent individual is false. “We categorically state that this information is false and malicious. “This is a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and tarnish the impeccable safety record of Air…

Gunmen on 25 December, 2024 invaded some communities in Nyiev-ya, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State killing at least 11 people. It was gathered that the incident happened on December 25 when the people were celebrating Christmas with their families. A resident in the community confirmed the attack to newsmen on Thursday, 26 December, 2024. The resident, who preferred to be anonymous, said they received a distress message that Nyiev-ya was under attack.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has cried out over the high rate of flight delays and cancellations in recent times. Acting Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo revealed that out of 5,291 flights operated in September 2024, 2,434 were delayed while 79 were cancelled. He further stated that out of 5,513 flights operated in October 2024, 2791 were delayed while 111 flights were cancelled. Najomo disclosed these on Friday, 27 December, 2024 during a stakeholders’ meeting with the theme, ‘Finding lasting solutions to flight disruptions’. recall that Najomo on Friday, 27 December, 2024 convened a meeting…

A survivor of the airstrike in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State has recounted the harrowing experience of watching her family perish in the tragic incident. In an interview with BBC Hausa, the emotional woman, who requested anonymity, described how her father, mother, and four younger siblings were burnt to death during the airstrike. “I saw them burning – my mother, my father, and my three younger brothers,” she said in tears. Recall that the airstrike which hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area on Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 claimed the lives of 10 civilians, …

Troops of 1 Brigade in Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have eliminated several terrorists, including a notorious kingpin known as Alhaji Ma’oli. The operation took place in Mai Sheka village, near Kunchin Kalgo town, which is one of the local communities that had suffered under Ma’oli’s reign of terror. Ma’oli is renowned for always imposing illegal levies on residents of Unguwan Rogo, Mai Sheka, Magazawa, and other surrounding areas of Bilbis in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. The neutralisation of Ma’oli has brought relief and excitement to locals in Bilbis general area. In a statement…

The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has described as baseless the fresh allegations raised by the Nigerien military leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani. Tchiani had during an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger, the country’s state media, on Wednesday, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of conniving with France to destabilise Niger Republic. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa service, Ribadu said the fresh allegations raised by Tchiani against Nigeria were both frightening as they were false and baseless. According to him, just because Nigerien military forces are fighting France doesn’t mean that Nigeria must also be dragged into the fight,…

Famous Canadian rapper, Drake, has reacted to the controversial claim that rap music is “dead.” The ‘Rich Baby Daddy’ exponent said contrary to the innuendoes, rap music will never die. Drake made this disclosure during a recent chat with popular American streamer, Adin Ross. “Rap is dead,” Ross declared. “It’ll never die. It was a weird NBA season. New season starts in 5 days,” Drake rebuffed. Thegazellenews.com recall that months ago, famous Nigerian afrobeats singer, Wizkid, sparked controversy after claiming during an interview on an international platform that “rap us dead.” His claim earned backlash, with rappers such as Terry…

It seems things have fallen apart between famous Nigerian singers- Asake and Olamide, as the former has reportedly parted ways with record label, YBNL. The rumors about the split intensified on social media after Asake removed YBNL from his bio and unfollowed Olamide on Instagram. Having removed YBNL from his bio, he replaced it with ‘creative director’.  Olamide Asake, it was gathered, is among the six users followed by YBNL on Instagram. However, a check has showed that the record label is still having Asake on its following list. Recall that Asake joined YBNL in 2022 and came into the…

A former Director General of Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr Doyin Okupe, says the South, and not the North, should produce the President in 2027. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday in Lagos, Okupe said it was only fair to allow the South to produce the next President. Okupe said though Atiku Abubakar,the PDP presidential candidate in 2023, was eminently qualified to contest in 2027, he does not think it was right for the PDP chieftain to be president. The ex-presidential spokesman said the problem with the idea of Atiku presidency in…