Controversial media personality, Daddy Freeze took to social media to troll Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka and other men of God for missing out Okada and Tricycles ban in Lagos during their 2020 prophecies.

Daddy Freeze mocked these prophets via a video on his Instagram page with the caption;

” See one GO prophecy, yet he no see Okada ban, he dey see earthquake for far far away country.This is going to be a year of series of joy because it is going to be a year of series of victories.

By implication, it means it will be a year of series of battles but you will win, because #TheBattleIsNotYours.

-INTERNATIONAL:This year unless you pray very hard, it is going to behave like a child that is having convulsion; Earthquakes and volcanoes that have been dormant for years will erupt, the reason is due to SIN. SIN is becoming more rampant. There will also be change of governments all over the world, some of the changes will be peaceful, and some will not.”

This is part of what he said in the video: ” Nwanne’m this year go rugged oh.. How you see am? Father Mbaka you no see say dem go ban Okada, na election you dey see. All the pastors wet collect first fruits, all the pastors wey do predictions, dem see wetin go happen for abroad, dem no see this Okada ban, yet their church dey dis Lagos……”

Watch the video below;

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IgbereTV reports that the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s led administration has set up the Edu Marshals.

According to the reports, the Edu Marshals will be responsible for taking children of school age off the street during school hours.

Another report disclosed that that education from primary to secondary school is free in Kaduna State.

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Top Nigerian Multitalented Afro-dancehall & Reggae singer/song-writer, Patoranking partners with African Leadership University to launch ALU Patoranking Scholarship.

The singer who has shown his interest in helping the needy and the less privileges who are finding it difficult to further in their education due to financial issues has just taken it on a long run by partnering with one of the Top African Leadership University. The scholarship will entail and allows 10 young promising leaders who deserve a chance/an opportunity to further but do not have the means to attend university to get a degree and study at the Africa’s most innovative university (ALU).

The singer took to his Instagram page to announced his partnership with ALU (African Leadership University) to launch the Patoranking Scholarship to help inspire the next generation of African Leaders.

See his post below:

 

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Couldn’t help but share this feat, last time i felt this way was when i woke up and saw what Tyler Perry built. . . Patoranking partners with African Leadership University to launch ALU Patoranking Scholarship . . The scholarship will allow 10 students to study at Africa’s most innovative university . . Great leaders can come from anywhere, from any country, and any social class. Patoranking wants to help inspire the next generation of African Leaders. . . He just announced via a video on Instagram about his partnership with ALU (African Leaders University) to launch the Patoranking Scholarship. . . This Scholarship will allow 10 young promising leaders to get a degree from Africa’s Most Innovative University. If you are a young leader who deserves a chance, an opportunity, but does not have the means to attend university – please apply. If you know someone who deserves this opportunity – tell them to apply. . . Find out more at: http://bit.ly/PatorankingScholarship / Link in Bio. #PatorankingScholarship #StudyAtALU . . https://youtu.be/NVlln3Qdmes Weldone @patorankingfire!

A post shared by Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) on Feb 3, 2020 at 9:19pm PST

The post Patoranking Lengthens His Love Towards Education Scheme, Launches ‘ALU Patoranking Scholarship’ appeared first on tooXclusive.

Sanwo-Olu bans okada and tricycles on major roads in Lagos

A group of angry protesters have vowed to make sure that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will not get ticket for a second term in office following the recent ban of Okada (motorcycles) and Keke (tricycles) on Lagos state’s highways, bridges and expressways.

The Lagos State Government banned Okada and tricycle riders in six Local Governments and nine Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, of the state. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso,  defended the directive, saying that the riders of motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) were a menace and that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians were paramount.

In an interview with a correspondent from LEGIT.ng, an angry Okada rider warned the governor, stating that they might be a possible increase in crimes if an alternative is not given for those who lost their jobs.

He said; ”Have you heard? Tell your governor Sanwo-Olu, You will start something else in Lagos, You can’t just ban us, we don’t have an alternative You say there are thieves in Lagos, yet you ban those who want to earn their daily bread.. there are graduates amongst us, there will increased crime rate in Lagos, I assure you. A word is enough for the wise”.

A trader also spoke on the ban, threatening that she wouldn’t vote for the next election.

She said; ”We walked from the abattoir to Agege, from Agege to Ikeja! Why? You the government are making us suffer immensely. Please for God’s sake,  have mercy on us. We wouldn’t vote! Stupid vote!”.

Another trader pleaded with the government saying; “Hello, Thank you. Our Governor we are begging you, there are graduates amongst these Okada/Keke riders and that’s how they fend for themselves. I took a bus from Iyana Ipaja to Ikeja and had to pay N500 which use to be N150″.

A Keke rider who withheld his name clamoured for justice and a better alternative for the riders. He lamented the consequences of the ban.

He said; ”What have we done to deserve this? you said there are thieves amongst us, then catch the thieves and prosecute them. Why do we have to pay for their sins? I was an artisan but no sales before I became a rider. We stood by Sanwo Olu during his election only for him to stab us in the back. What job would you give us? No job or else there will be trouble” he threatened.

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Viral News2 hours ago

Bishop Oyedepo rains curses on Miyetti Allah, Boko Haram, others after failed attempt to bomb his church in Kaduna

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church aka Winners’ Chapel, has placed a curse on...

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The United States of America and the Nigerian government on Monday February 3, signed an Asset Recovery Agreement to repatriate over $308 million of forfeited assets to Nigeria.

The confiscated funds were laundered through the US banking system and then held in bank accounts in Jersey in the name of Doraville Properties Corporation, a BVI company and in the name of the son of former Head of State of Nigeria, General Sani Abacha.

Governments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, United States of America and the Bailiwick of Jersey commenced the negotiation of the procedures for the repatriation, transfer, disposition and management of the assets in 2018.

It is expected that the money which was forfeited as property involved in the illicit laundering of the proceeds of corruption arising in Nigeria from 1993 to 1998 when General Abacha was Head of State by a U.S. Federal Court in Washington DC in 2014, will benefit the people of Nigeria as it will be administered by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and independently audited.

Three critical projects to be executed with the $308m were previously authorised by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian legislature. The recovered funds will reportedly be used to finance the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja-Kano road.

The Federal Government will also establish a Monitoring Team to oversee the implementation of the projects the money is channeled into and also make periodic reports.

The statement also revealed that the US will continue to seek forfeiture of over $177 million in additional laundered funds held in trusts that name Abacha associate Bagudu, the current governor of Kebbi State and his relatives as beneficiaries.

The statement reads in part;

“Specifically, the laundered funds under this agreement will help finance the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja-Kano road – investments that will benefit the citizens of each of these important regions in Nigeria.

“The United States has asked the government of Nigeria to withdraw litigation it has instituted in the UK that hinders the US effort to recover these additional funds for the people of Nigeria. The United States entered into the trilateral agreement to repatriate the Jersey assets because of its longstanding commitment to recover asset for the benefit of those harmed by grand corruption and because of the important safeguards embodied in the agreement.

Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Brian A. Benczkowski was also quoted saying;

“General Abacha and his cronies robbed Nigerians of vast public resources and abused the U.S. and international financial systems to launder their criminal proceeds.

“Today’s landmark agreement returns to the people of Nigeria hundreds of millions of the embezzled monies through a lawful process that ensures transparency and accountability.”

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Bala Hamisu (aka Wadume)

Taraba kidnap kingpin, Bala Hamisu (aka Wadume), Captain Tijjani Balarabe and 18 others have been slammed with 16 counts bordering on terrorism, murder, kidnapping and illegal arms running by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

According to Punch, also on the list of defendants are Staff Sgt. David Isaiah; Sgt. Ibrahim Mohammed; Corporal Bartholomew Obanye; Private Mohammed Nura; Lance Corporal Okorozie Gideon; Corporal Markus Michael; L/Corporal Nvenaweimoeimi Akpagra; Staff Sgt. Abdullahi Adamu; Private Ebele Emmanuel; ASP Aondona Iorbee and Insp. Aliyu Dadje and Auwalu Bala, aka Omo Razor.

Others in the charge sheet are Uba Bala (aka Uba Belu); Ahmad Suleiman (aka Dan Ball); Bashir Waziri, (aka Baba runs); Zubairu Abdullahi (aka Basho); Hafizu Bala (aka Maiwelder); and Rayyanu Abdul.

The criminal charge dated February 3, 2020, obtained exclusively by our correspondent on Tuesday, was filed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Simon Lough; Anthony Egwu, and Peter Amadi, all of the Legal/Prosecution Section, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

This is coming six months after Wadume was allegedly assisted to escape on August 6, 2019, by soldiers attached to Battalion 93, Takum, led by Balarabe. Wadume escaped when the policemen, who arrested him, were attacked by the troops.

Three policemen and two civilians were killed during the incident, while five other police officers were injured.

Our correspondent had, in an exclusive report on Thursday, revealed that criminal charges against the suspects would be filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, this week.

Count one of the charge read, “That you, Alhaji Hamisu Bala, 33, aka Wadume; Capt. Ahmed Tijjani Balarabe; ASP Aondona Iorbee; Insp. Aliyu Dadje; Auwalu Bala; Uba Bala; Ahmad Suleiman; Bashir Waziri; Zubairu Abdullahi; Rayyanu Abdul and others now at large, between February and April 2019 at Takum and Ibi, Taraba State, within the jurisdiction of this court, while acting in concert, conspired together to commit felony, to wit: acts of terrorism, by attacking and kidnapping one Usman Garba, aka Mayo, at his filling station in Takum, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013.”

The defendants were also accused of possessing six AK-47 rifles and dealing in prohibited firearms contrary to Section 27 (1)(a)(I) and (1)(b)(iii) of the Firearms Act Cap F28, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The police stated that the prosecution would rely on the testimonies of 29 eyewitnesses, some of whom would testify on how one Usman Garba was kidnapped on February 16, 2019 at Takum by Wadume and his gang.

They allegedly demanded a N200m ransom and killed the victim despite receiving N106.3m.

“DCP Abba Kyari, CSP Baba Khali, ASP Abdulrahman Mohammed, ASP Bawa James, Insps Habila Samuel and Ilarju Joseph are the investigating police officers in this case; they will testify about their findings in the course of the investigation and will tender exhibits and documents,” the police stated.

Listed as exhibits in the case were the written statements of the defendants, photographs of the victims, autopsy reports, six AK-47 rifles recovered from the gang, three empty shells, one live ammunition and six Volkswagen Sharon buses, and one (police) Toyota Hiace bus, among others.

Among exhibits attached to the charge were the call logs showing the phone communication between Wadume, Balarabe and the police officers at Ibi Police Station.

In one instance, the logs showed that Wadume and the army captain exchanged 166 phone calls. Documents also showed that Wadume also made several calls to the Ibi Divisional Police Officer.

Balarabe, 46, in his statement admitted that Wadume once gave him fish worth N50,000, adding that he also gave him N200,000 to repair a patrol van which was having mechanical problems.

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A video making rounds online captured moment American superstar rapper, Lil Wayne disclosed he is 53% Nigerian.   According to the rapper, he got to know about his Nigerian side after a genealogy search was conducted by a website he shared some of his details on. Lil Wayne who jokingly said he is going to […]

The post Lil Wayne Reveals He Is 53% Nigerian (Video) appeared first on GLtrends.

Nigerian singer Davido has reassured his girlfriend Chioma Avril Rowland of his love.  The relationship keeps waxing stronger regardless of the breakup rumours coming from different quarters.

Davido and his beautiful fiancée, Chioma are still shutting the exotic city of Dubai days after his brother’s wedding. The couple took to the club last night alongside some of the DMW crew and Davido could be seen paying extra attention to his woman.

Right on there, he purchased her an early Valentine’s gift. A Patek Phillips wristwatch and knelt down to pronounce Chioma for life in the middle of the club.

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Ezemgbe Ifeanyichi
 

A man has called out women who opt to deliver their children through CS. He tagged them as "lazy" and said they are wasting their husbands' money on an ''avoidable operation.''

Ezemgbe Ifeanyichi made the controversial comment on Facebook while reacting to a post shared by another Facebook user.

Facebook user, Chidinma Ubani advised women to stop risking their lives because they want to deliver like the biblical Hebrew women, and pointed out that so many women have died as a result.

''You see this thing called delivering like Hebrew Women, it has sent many mothers and kids to early graves. Don't be deceived!'' Ubani wrote.

But Ezemgbe Ifeanyichi did not agree with the advice and he called out women who opt for Caesarean Section.

He wrote: "Majority of women today are too lazy to push in the labour room. How can a woman certified by a doctor to be medically fit to deliver her baby opt to go for CS? Is that not madness. I am yet to see the reason behind that madness.

"A man will use the money meant for family upkeep to settle operational bills even when the woman can deliver on her own. That is how wicked and heartless some women can be. Plunging their husbands into avoidable expenses. God may such woman never near me."

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APC secretaries in Abia state visit Orji Kalu in prison

Secretaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State on Monday paid a visit to Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in prison.

It was gathered that Reps Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, had ensured the successes of the visit to Sen. Kalu by solely sponsoring it.

Chairman of the APC in Umuahia South, Mr. Emenike Uluocha, who doubles as Chairman of the Forum of Secretaries, expressed their gratitude to Ben Kalu for sponsoring their visit.

“We came to see our leader and our mentor who is currently incarcerated. We are not the court to judge but we are confident that God will vindicate him as we appeal the decision of the lower court.

“We also came to say thank you to our brother and leader, Hon. Benjamin Kalu for solely sponsoring this trip.

“Hon. Kalu is a high flyer who is consistently representing the party and his constituents well at the local, national and international levels.

“We are very proud of him and came to express our gratitude,” added the secretary, who spoke on behalf of other secretaries drawn across the state.

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American award-winning rapper, Lil Wayne finally traced his roots back to Africa and it appears he’s partly Nigerian.

Recall that the rapper, a few weeks ago declared love for Nigeria and said he would love to visit. Well, it turns out the singer might be dropping by soon. Wayne, in a recent interview, was asked why he has so much love for Nigeria and also why he mentioned the country in his hit track “A Milli”.

He responded saying he did an ancestry DNA test to trace his roots and the results showed that he is 53% Nigerian. He also jokingly added that he would have a talk with his mother to talk about the result. “Shout out to Nigeria, I did my 23 and me ancestry dot com and my shit came back like 53% Nigerian. Yea! Me and my mum need to have a talk (Laughter),” he said.

See the video below:

 

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Rapper #LilWayne says he’s half Nigerian ? . Can you guess what state he’s from in Nigeria? . Video: @revolttv

A post shared by Afromixx Entertainment (@afromixx) on Feb 4, 2020 at 9:17am PST

The post American Rapper, Lil Wayne Reveals He’s Partly Nigerian After Taking DNA Test appeared first on tooXclusive.

Woman thinking (file photo)

A housewife identified as Mrs. Shade Rabiu has been taunted by a single mother, Damilola Yusuf during a public fight after she revealed that she had been sleeping with Shade’s husband, Lati for the past one year.

According to PM Express, the incident happened at Alhaji Obe Street, Ejigbo area of Lagos, where Shade lives opposite Damilola, who has two kids and not living with her husband.

The Police at Ejigbo Division arrested both Damilola and Shade for affray and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and detained them at the Station.

Trouble was said to have started after Lati told Shade that he was going to Orisumare area of Lagos to sleep with his second wife.

However, Lati slept with Damilola and sneaked out in the morning but Shade met him while he was coming from Damilola’s apartment and confronted him.

It was at that point that Damilola told Shade that her husband was sleeping with her and there was no going back as she, Damilola, had said she wanted to have him alone.

The man in question, Mr. Lati, is a carpenter but was said to have appetite for women and that was why he got married to two wives yet it was not enough for him.

What finally brought them to the station was after Shade caught her husband, Lati, again coming out from Damilola’s apartment; she confronted her husband, which prompted Damilola to come out to warn Shade and it led to a public fight.

When contacted, Shade confirmed that Damilola was sleeping with her husband and still taunted her after her husband sneaked out from her house.

She said that she noticed that her husband was sleeping with Damilola four months ago but Damilola corrected her and told her that it was over a year ago.

On the side of Damilola, she admitted that Lati was her lover and she knew that he was married to Shade and another woman but she was ready to share him with them.

Meanwhile, Damilola insisted that she will not leave Lati and she was even prepared to marry him as the third wife.

When P.M.EXPRESS correspondent visited Ejigbo Police station after Shade and Damilola were arrested and detained, none of them wanted to compromise on their position.

While Shade insisted that Damilola should leave her husband alone for peace to return to her marriage, Damilola stood her ground that she will not quit the relationship rather she will get married to Lati and he will have the three of them as wives.

Police sources at Ejigbo Division said that the suspects may be likely charged before Court for their conduct in public.

The residents also took positions on the matter; some said Damilola should leave Lati for Shade while some said it is Lati that will decide what to do to bring peace in the area.

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Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to revise the policy on SIM card registration and usage, stating that the National Identity Number (NIN) should be made a prerequisite for the registration of old and new SIM cards.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant on Information Technology to the minister.

The statement said the move is in line with the powers of the minister as stated in Section 25(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003- “the Minister shall, in writing, from time to time notify the Commission or and express his views on the general policy direction of the Federal Government in respect of the communications sector.”

It also said the revision of the policy is based on feedback received from security agencies following the successful revalidation of improperly registered SIM cards in September 2019 and the blocking of those that failed to revalidate their SIMs.

According to the statement, the updated policy is expected to include the following provisions, among others: “Ensure that the National Identity Number (NIN) becomes a prerequisite for Nigerians registering new SIM cards (while for foreigners, their passports and visas should be used), while already registered SIM cards are to be updated with NIN before 1st December, 2020.

“Ensure that only fully accredited agents support the SIM card registration process without pre-registering SIM cards themselves, while the eventual registration should be done by the operators.

“There should be a maximum number of SIM cards that can be tied to a single individual, possibly a maximum of 3.

“Ensure that no unregistered SIMs are ever allowed on mobile networks.

“Ensure that subscribers can easily check the number of SIM cards registered to their name, along with the associated phone numbers and networks.

“Ensure that mobile network operators fortify their networks against cyberattacks and ensure that they adhere to the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

“Ensure that SIM cards that have been used to perpetrate crimes are permanently deactivated.”

The statement also said the NCC is to provide the minister with progress reports on the implementation of the revised policy.

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Mohammed Alhaji-Musa and Hauwa Yahaya-Bagudu set to marry this Friday

All is set for two serving corps members identified as Mohammed Alhaji-Musa and Hauwa Yahaya-Bagudu to get married this Friday February 7, after meeting at NYSC orientation camp in Kano almost a year ago.

Mohammed Alhaji Musa is reportedly from Afo in Nassarawa State, while Hauwa Yahaya Bagudu is from Nupe ethnic group in Niger State.

Recounting how he met his bride, Musa said their first meeting was at the NYSC orientation camp kitchen in Kano State.

He said;

“We met in camp during our platoon activities, especially the day we met during our platoon duty in the kitchen.

“Since then love took hold of me like breeze from nowhere. I was overwhelmed by her kindness and the kind of hospitality I received the first day I went to their house”.

On her own part, Hauwa said she never wanted to serve in Kano. She added that her deployment to the state has now turned out to be a huge blessing to her.

The graduate of I.B.B University in Lapai, Niger State said;

“Today I thank God because my being here has turned out to be a blessing”.

Kano state NYSC coordinator, Mal. Baba Ladan who confirmed the couple’s marriage said he now looks at them as role models for others.

Ladan said;

“l look at them as role models to other corps members that will start a relationship that will also end into a marriage”.

The serving corps members’ wedding fatiha will hold on Friday February 7, at the Nigeria Air Force Base Central Mosque in Kano by 1:30pm.

Here are more photos of the couple below:

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Controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has taken to Instagram to dish out an advice to young people who are still “hustling”.

The delectable actress advised youths on social media not to slip into depression when they see people having a great time with exotic trips and vacation, because some of them planned for such trip a year before or even two years earlier.

She also averred that rich people also plan and save towards buying flashy cars, houses and phones they show off on social media.

Tonto who urged young people to save for important things and also to spoil themselves, concluded by stating that it’s never rosy for people as it seems on social media.

She wrote;

“Quick advice for young hustling people:A lot of you come on social media to see people who are having a great time with exotic trips and vacation, and you slip into depression, what you don’t know is that many people plan and save towards their trips. Some people plan a year before or even two years.

A beautiful photo that shows a vacation might be a result of saving for many years. Don’t be deceived into thinking it’s that easy. It is not. Even the flashy cars and houses and phones you see with rich people, they plan and save towards it.

They won’t tell you, all you know is that they just got a house. Go and ask them how long it took to save up, and the sacrifices they made to gather up the finances.See, it’s never really too rosy for people as it seems on social media. Just keep working hard. Save for important things. Save to spoil yourself.”

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US President Donald Trump is surely going to be the Republican party flag bearer in the upcoming 2020 presidential election after smashing the very important Iowa caucuses on Monday night.                     

While Democrats fought a high-profile battle to win the Democratic poll which resulted in a fiasco after the voting app crashed,  Republicans showed they were far more united in their choice for president as Trump got 97.09

Trump got 97.09% of the vote, and neither of his competitors reached the 2% mark, with his two opponents, Bill Weld and Joe Walsh getting just 1.5 and 1.4%.

Donald Trump Jr. was among the Trump supporters who went into campaign mode in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday night, with his brother Eric by his side, while celebrated surgeon Ben Carson was also sent to campaign for the president.

Back in 2016, Iowa had not been a victory ground for Trump, with Ted Cruz coming out on top by 27.6% to Trump’s 24.3% while Marco Rubio was a close third at 23.1%, and Ben Carson came in at 9.3%.

Nigeria international, Odion Ighalo has finally opened up on his unexpected deadline move to Manchester United.

He discussed what it means for him to sign for his boyhood idols in an exclusive interview with David Stowell of manutd.com as he looks forward to wearing the red shirt with pride.

Read the full interview below,

Odion, great to see you. You’ve admitted before that you’ve longdreamed of joining United, so how does it feel to be here as a player?

“I’m very happy. First, I want say thank God for making this happen and it’s just like a dream come true for me, because I know many people used to say when they join a team, they say that they dream of playing for that team. Mine was not the case. I supported the team when I was young. People that know me, even back in Nigeria, and even when I was playing at Watford, my team-mates knew that I loved Man United, I support them. When I played against Man U, that emotion is there, because it is my dream. It is a nice reality, so I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to start.”

And what was it that started your love affair with Manchester United? Was it a particular player or a match or the style of football?

“Yeah, when we were young back in Nigeria we used to watch the Premier League on TV a lot, when the likes of Andy Cole used to play. People support Man United a lot back there in Nigeria, so I developed that love, because all of my siblings, they are Man United fans. I never thought this was going to happen, but dreams do come true, so I’m very happy to be here and this is going to be a big and good challenge for me in my career.”

Of course, the deal to bring you here came to a really exciting conclusion on transfer deadline day. Can you just give us an insight into your emotions on what was a very dramatic day in the end?

“Yeah, it was very dramatic. My agent called me the day before and said Man United. I would love to go. A few other clubs had shown interest, I said please, just pick United, if it’s going to be possible. At 11pm in Shanghai, my agent called me [to say] that United want to do the deal, so I woke up that night and started looking for a translator to go to the directors’ room and hit his door and all that. My agent wants to speak to you, United are coming for me, you have to make this happen and all that you know. So they started talking and discussing. I didn’t sleep throughout that night, because it was going to end at 7am, Shanghai time, and the transfer [window] is going to close there.

“So, from 11pm, there was paperwork, negotiating and all that, for the loan deal and all that, so we are talking and other teams are calling them, wanting me, but I told my agent that this is what I want. I want to come here. He said you’re going to get a pay-cut to go to United. I said I don’t care. Make this deal happen. I want to go to United. I don’t care how much is the pay-cut, I know that, make it happen. So the director and everybody didn’t know what to say anymore, because I had already made up my mind, so my agent started putting it in order, and, at 5am, we finished. My agent said he’d forwarded all the papers to United, they will confirm for me if everything is okay. I think, around 5am-6am, he said everything is okay, it’s done. I was excited. I called my mum and she was happy, crying and all that. This is your dream and all that and I’m happy for you. It was dramatic, I didn’t sleep through, I was very happy that finally we got the deal done.”

You’re here until the end of the season. So what are your ambitions?

“My ambition is to work hard with the team and make sure we finish well in the season and above where we are today, because I saw the table yesterday and I know Man United is a big team, they are there at the top and now things are not going the way they should go. So my aim to contribute my own quarter to the team and make sure we finish good in the position.”

You’re going to wear the no.25 shirt for United, previously worn by Antonio Valencia, who was a great player for the club, a great servant. Why did you take that number in particular?

“No.19  was available because, when I was at Watford, I put on 24. No.24 is not available. In Shanghai no.9, it’s notavailable, so I said 24 + 1 is 25, so I said okay, let me go for 25 instead of 19.”

And of course that was the number worn by Quinton Fortune, the firstAfrican to represent United. So was that part of the inspiration a little bit as well?

“Yeah, because I watched Quinton Fortune play for Man United, he’s a great player, and I know he put on 2. So I said 25 is good even though I didn’t get the number I was looking for. Twenty-five is a perfect number. One above what I wore before when I was in the Premier League.”

You’ll be the first Nigerian to play for Manchester United. Is that something that will make you feel very proud?

“I’m really proud. I’m happy because people keep sending me messages, I know that this is very big, you’re going to be the first Nigerian to play for United, it’s a good record for you in your career, I know that. I know that, after you finish football, you are going to know what we are talking about, because I’m just so emotional right now, so I don’t think about those things too much. I just want to get started and get playing and start helping the team to do well.”

What’s the reaction been like back home from family and friends?

“It was crazy because, all over the news for the last few days, is about my deal to Man United. Even the street I grew up on, they are doing parties, celebrating Ighalo signing for United. They sent me the video, I was just laughing and happy, because many of them are supporting Man United and some of them are supporting some other teams in the Premier League. But they said, because of me, they are moving to United, because they have a very big fan-base in Nigeria. So I am happy about all this and they are rooting for United from now on.”

How much are you looking forward to linking up with United’s other strikers? Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood as well. What impresses you about them and how excited are you to play with them?

“These players are great players. Greenwood is a very good player; young, very good left foot, I’ve watched some of his game. Martial is very skilful, he can do so much magic with the ball and Rashford I think is, for me, one of the best, if not the best, player in Europe right now. He’s doing well, scoring goals; he’s fast, he has good technique. Unfortunately, he is injured now and hopefully I am looking forward to playing with him, because he is a good player. So, for me, it is just a plus to the team, to work hard with these guys and make sure we end the season very well.”

Many fans have seen you perform well at Watford, in Italy and in China as well, but for those that haven’t seen you play, how would you describe yourself as a player?

“Well, there’s not much to describe about me. I’m very fast, I’m skilful, I’m strong, I have good techniques, so I can find my way in the field of play, so, when I get started, I just have to keep going and gel with the team, so that everything will work out very fine.”

In terms of the different qualities that you can add to the striking line-up at United, what would you say you bring to the table that’s important and I suppose adding into your physicality, your passion for the club as well?

“Yeah, because sometimes I watch the games. They have a striker that stays mostly in the middle, but Martial likes to come from the side, even Rashford and all that, so you need someone in the middle that can keep the ball, hold the ball, because I’ve watched so many United games. So they need a physicality there up front to keep the ball, to give and to make some movement, which I believe, if everything goes well, I can add to the team.”

At Watford, you played particularly well in a great partnership with Troy Deeney. So do you prefer playing with a partner like that or as a lone striker as you did in China? Which do you like more?

“I’ve played in different positions as a striker. I played with Troy Deeney, we understood each other, because we played together when we were in the Championship, from there to the Premier League. In China I am playing like a lone striker. Even in the national team I play like a lone striker, so it depends what formation the coach is going to play then I am okay with anyone.”

You’ve talked about your love for Manchester United as a team, so how did you find it when you played for Watford against Manchester United? What was that like?

“Yeah, I could remember the game at Old Trafford, we lost 1-0. The game was so emotional for me. I remember Troy Deeney was telling me you have to calm down, because I was eager to score against Man United. Even some of the balls that I had close to the area I was supposed to pass it, but I wanted to shoot, I wanted to score myself, so Troy was not happy. You have to pass the ball. There was that passion, because I wanted to create history that I scored against my boyhood club, the club I was supporting when I was young. That is the passion I had when I played against United and now I will be playing for United, so I just hope I just gel well and don’t let emotions take the better part of what I am going to do.”

Is it strange when you play against your boyhood team because while you want that team to do well and get results, you also want to make your mark and want that team to buy you?

“Yes because then I was playing for Watford and I’m doing my job because I have a contract with them and I’m happy doing that. I want to score, I want to create history by scoring against United. But still, outside I support them, I watch their games and see how they do.”

In your career, you’ve scored a double against Liverpool in a famous 3-0 win over Watford and you’ve also scored to knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup and, in Spain, you netted against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Do you have a favourite goal that you have scored from those or from others perhaps?

“Yeah, I would say scoring against big teams is always good. But one of the goals I would say is my first goal in the Premier League because I’d had a dream of playing in the Premier League and in my first game in it, my debut against Everton at Goodison Park, I came on and I scored. I dragged the ball and then I shot. That was one of my favourite goals, I would say.”

And as a Manchester United fan, scoring two goals against Liverpool has got to be pretty special too…

“Yes, we played against them at Vicarage Road, I scored two goals and we won that game 3-0. It was fantastic because nobody could imagine that Watford was going to beat Liverpool because they are a big side. It was one of the best moments of my life and my career.”

Tell us about your experience of playing in China…

“Well it was a good experience for me because I’ve played in Norway, I’ve played in Spain, in Italy, in England and China. So it’s a different culture, different life, different football. The Chinese league is still growing, it’s still far back but they are trying, it’s getting better and better every year, I know that. But it’s not to be compared with the Premier League because the Premier League is the best league in the world. For me, it’s the number one in the world so I would not say that any other league in the world comes close to it.”

We know that Manchester United has a great following in that part of the world so did you continue to follow United while you were over there?

“Yes because even some of the translators, some of the guys that were working at Shanghai, they were United fans and they said to me: ‘Please go there and do well because then when you come back, we will be happy.’ I said: ‘Don’t worry, I’ll do that.’”

Does being away from the Premier League for a few years make you hungry to have another crack at the English top-flight?

“Yes because I watch it on TV, I watch United and some other teams, and I have that feeling of let me go there again and see how it’s going to be, because like I said, it’s the best league in the world. Every player would like to play in the Premier League. I’ve done it before and I was looking forward to doing it again. Thank God, Manchester United gave me the opportunity to be able to do it now so I’m looking forward to it.”

Of course there is still a lot on the line this season with a top-four place, the Emirates FA Cup and the Europa League all to play for. What would winning a trophy mean to you as a Red?

“Wow. I don’t know what I’m going to say about that because talking about it is different to when you win it and the emotions, the joy and the happiness that comes. So it’s going to be a lifetime experience, it’s going to be something I’m going to cherish all the years of my life because not only playing for Manchester United, but winning a trophy with them, is something different that’s going to be in my memories all my life.”

And finally, I just wonder if you have a message for fellow Manchester United fans around the world before your debut?

“Yes, I want to thank them so far for all the messages they have been sending since I signed for this team. I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be a Man United player, I’m looking forward to the game and I promise to give my best from the first day I put on the jersey to the last day of my time here. I promise to add my own path to make sure the season finishes well for United. Thank you guys and God bless you.”

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Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The Save Climate and Democracy Naija Coalition, on Wednesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to lift ban on the operations of motorcycles and tricycles.

It vowed to institute a lawsuit if Sanwo-Olu refused to reverse the order.

Ayo Ademiluyi, the spokesman, said the government would face “Take Back Lagos protest” if the ban was not lifted in one week.

“The group hereby issues the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government a seven-day ultimatum to cease and dissipate on Feb. 11, to reverse the ban on “Okada” and “Keke” operators.

“We shall on the said date hold citywide “#tackbacklagos protest”, NAN quoted him as saying.

The group lamented that the ban without an entire upgrade of the existing transportation system and industrialisation to absorb the large army of the unemployed will lead to crisis.

“We have been proven right as the chaos and anarchy is here for everyone to experience.

“Lagosians have been trekking long distances like the Biblical Children of Israel,” he said.

Ademiluyi further wondered why government failed to put the palliative measures in place before the order.

Meanwhile, Lagos State chapter or the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lambasted Jimi Agbaje, for condemning the ban.

The former Lagos governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had said “formal operators that have thus far regulated themselves should be allowed to continue”.

The ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in six local government areas and nine local council developments councils came into force on February 1.

In a statement, Seye Oladejo Lagos State APC Spokesman noted that Agbaje’s comment was a futile attempt to teach a government well grounded in intellectual and institutional experience how to plan.

He said Agbaje had relative and inconsequential experience in business and zero idea about governance at any level.

“The gradual implementation of the law is a reflection of the thoughtfulness of the government not to create a shock in the polity.

The spokesman noted encouraged encourage the riders to take advantage of opportunities offered by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, the Lagos State Vocational Training Institutes, the ministry of women affairs and poverty alleviation, civic engagement etc

He added: “The people remain the focal point of the Sanwo-Olu administration while not losing sight of its onerous responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.

“Whatever skill or ability to organize possessed by Mr Agbaje and his co-travelers will be better deployed to resuscitate the moribund opposition party on life support machine.

“The efforts to mobilize and sponsor violent protests against a well meaning government policy are also not lost on all and sundry.”

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Nigerian rapper, Erigga has criticized the Nigerian government for failing to fulfill its promise to make life better for Nigerians.

The artiste who recently declared himself a legend in the music industry, stated that the present Nigeria is not the Nigeria that was promised by the Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government during campaign.

He further demanded for a refund from the government since they have refused to deliver on the ‘change’ which they promised.

“This is not the Nigeria they promise me pls I need my refund oh who get government direct phone number put am under my comment,” he wrote.

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