"How My Friend Brought An 'Ashewo' To My House"

“It was 4:30 am last Saturday and I was still battling from the stress of the week, slept like someone who trekked from V.I to Aguda Surulere all through Monday to Friday.

I was still enjoying my dream of an imaginary girlfriend preparing a seemingly spicy ‘Ogbono’ soup for me when a loud knock on my door jolted me out of the beautiful dream.

Who? I asked still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes and struggling with visibility in the darkness.

Femi, Na me! I recognised the voice immediately; Frank’s.

Only 13m individuals, enterprises pay taxes regularly – FIRS

Data from the 36 States Internal Revenue Service (SIRS) as at November 2016 shows that 13,034,222 million individuals and enterprises pay taxes regularly.

The executive chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and chairman, Joint Tax Board (JTB), Tunde Fowler, made this disclosure in Abuja yesterday.

He said Lagos State tops the list with 4,088,128 million taxpayers, while Gombe State, the lowest, has 33,000. Breakdown of the data reveals that 8,550,643 million individuals pay taxes as well as 4,483,579 million enterprises.

In 2016, Nigeria has lost 130m barrels of crude oil to Niger Delta militants

Nigeria has lost over 130 million barrels of crude oil from January to November this year to the activities of 32 militant groups in the Niger Delta region since the resurgence of militancy in the oil-producing region in 2015, the Vice-Chairman of the Security Subcommittee of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Shina Bankole, has said.

This is coming as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s Petroleum Industry Roadmap, better known as the “7 Big Wins”, will stabilise the region for oil and gas business.

Recession: NYSC urges subsidized feeding for Corps members

The Enugu State Command of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has asked the state government to subsidize the feeding of the Corps members, because of the increase in their population.

This plea was made by Mrs. Nwano Ukagha, who is the Enugu State Coordinator of the NYSC, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2016 Batch B Corps members at the State Orientation Camp in Awgu, Enugu State on Monday.

I’ll resign if the parliament okay’s it – South Korea President, Park

South Korea’s embattled president has put her fate in the hands of the country’s parliament.

President Park Geun-hye said Tuesday she will allow the National Assembly to decide the duration of her remaining term in office, and will resign if that is what they decide.

NFF confirms Egypt friendly called off

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has confirmed a proposed friendly against AFCON-bound Egypt will no longer be played in January.

He said the friendly was off because there were some conditions Nigeria could not meet like parading the country’s top Europe-based professionals as it will not be a FIFA-friendly window.

Angelina Jolie seeks peace with Brad Pitt

American actress Angelina Jolie has begged his husband Brad Pitt for peace after she filed for a divorce in a court and also seeking for custody of their six children.

Reports say the couple 10-year-old daughter Shiloh, had begged the actors to be nice to each other.

According to OK magazine Angelina then softened her stance and bypassed their attorney middlemen, to call Pitt directly and asked for a ‘temporary truce’ after she realised how much their kids want them together for the holidays.

Angelina’s intention, however, is that the truce only last for two-day truce and that the split is as contentious as ever.

Eden Hazard wary of threat posed to Chelsea by De Bruyne

Eden Hazard admits that Belgium international colleague Kevin De Bruyne is a “top player” and a man capable of troubling Chelsea when they travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Blues have surged to the top of the Premier League table but will face another stern test of their title credentials in their next outing.

Seven successive wins have carried Antonio Conte’s side to the summit, with the goals flowing and key men performing at the peak of their powers.

Syria | Aleppo defeat ‘not the end for rebels’

The fall of rebel-held eastern Aleppo would not mean the end of the fight against President Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian opposition’s senior negotiator has told the BBC.

George Sabra added, however, that it would make any hope of a peace deal more difficult.

Syrian forces backed by heavy air strikes have seized more than a third of rebel-held territory in the city.

Rebel factions say they have pulled back to a more defensible front line.

Disagreement between Army, militant erupt over attack on NPDC pipeline in Delta

There are conflicting claims by the Army and the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) over an attack on a delivery line operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) at Otu-Jeremi, in Delta State.

The NDGJM, through its spokesman Gen. Aldo Agbalaja yesterday claimed the attack on the 42-inch NPDC delivery line, while the military joint force in the Niger Delta code-named Operation Delta Safe based in Bayelsa State debunked the militants’ statement.

The acting spokesman for the force, with headquarters at Yenagoa, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Otuji, said there was no truth in the NDGJM claim.

Aisha Buhari pledge support for governors` wives

The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, on Monday expressed her readiness to support the wives of governors to tackle challenges facing women and children in their states.

She gave the assurance when Southern Governors’ Wives Forum led by its Chairperson, Nkechi Okorocha, paid her a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja on Monday.

Aisha Buhari, who said she supported the creation of the southern governors’ wives forum, noted that it would ensure unity and development among womenfolk.

Thailand send invitation to Crown Prince to become new king

Thailand’s parliament invited Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to be the new king on Tuesday, completing a formal step for the apparent heir to take the throne following the death of his father last month.

Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, president of the National Legislative Assembly, said in a televised session that the prince would be invited to ascend the throne after the cabinet earlier in the day formally asked parliament to begin the process of installing a new monarch.

Members of the assembly stood up during a short parliamentary session and shouted: “Long live the king!”

Clash in Central Africa leave 85 dead – Officials

The latest clashes between rival armed groups in the Central African Republic have left 85 dead, a government official said Monday, in what the UN warns is a worsening situation.

“This figure is confirmed,” said presidential spokesman Albert Mopkem, referring to a toll provided by Adama Dieng, a UN special envoy for the prevention of genocide.

Peter Odili says Senate not amending EFCC Act because of him

Erstwhile governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has disputed the account of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on issues surrounding the status of his trial.

His reaction followed a report on November 28, 2016, where the South-South regional head of the commission, Mr. Ishaq Salihu, told a Senate delegation that perpetual injunction obtained by Dr. Odili, the former governor was affecting the morale of operatives as well as the prosecution of other suspects allegedly involved in the case.

Philippine | Nine troops including president’s guards hit by blast

Nine members of the military were wounded, including seven from the country’s elite Presidential Security Group, in a roadside explosion in the southern Philippines on Tuesday.

Military spokesman Restituto Padilla said the attack occurred in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province.

He said that the troops were part of an advance party ahead of the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to the area, which might not go ahead now for security reasons.

Kogi State | Gov. Bello threatens to sack deviant commissioners

The Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello, has threatened to sack any commissioner who is not in tune with his administration’s new direction agenda to move the state forward.

Governor Bello gave the warning while addressing reporters after an unscheduled visit to the Government Day Secondary School, Adankolo in the state’s capital, Lokoja.

The governor, who was at the school for an on-the-spot assessment, said it was deplorable for any commissioner not to be abreast of the challenges confronting their various ministries and agencies.

Nigerians to start paying VAT on passports – FIRS

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Monday said Nigerians will soon pay Value Added Tax (VAT) before obtaining their passports.

Mr Tunde Fowler said this at the 136th meeting of the Joint Tax Board which had the theme: “ Increased Inter-Agency Co-operation to Enhance Tax Compliance and Optimise Revenue Collection’’ in Abuja.

He also announced that Nigerians who either want a new passport or renew an old one must show evidence of being a tax payer.

Federal Government express worries by BIAFRA, IPOB threats

The Federal Government said on Monday said that it was worried by the threat posed by activities of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign Of Biafra and the Indigenous People of Biafra which has in recent times turned violent.

He, however, assured that it was determined to tackle all security challenges facing the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir Lawal who expressed government’s concern at the opening of the 4th Eminent Persons and Experts Group Meeting in Abuja, said the government is making efforts to engage stakeholders in the south east as a way of dousing tension in the region.

Church members defend pastor after spraying them with insecticide

Members of a church in South Africa who were sprayed with insecticide by their pastor have defended him amid outrage over his actions, according to the South African Broadcast Corporation.

Pastor Lethebo Rabalago of the Mount Zion Christian Assembly in Zebediela, Limpopo, had attracted criticism after reports and images of him spraying members with Doom insecticide went viral.

Action Film! Watch Nigeria Airforce ‘Operation Thunderbolt’ that caused panic in Lagos Airport

The Nigerian Airforce has released a video of the Operation Thunderbolt Carried out at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport Lagos. You really need to watch the video so you can give more kudos to our Arm Forces.

Watch the video below:

N4.7bn Fraud Saga: Obanikoro ready to testify against Fayose

A former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, was at the Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday where he agreed to testify against Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and his aide, Mr. Abiodun Agbele.

A reliable source said, “Senator Obanikoro came to the EFCC office on Monday morning as part of investigations into the N4.7bn. Since he has confessed that he was the one who collected the N4.7bn and distributed it, he is in the best position to testify in court.

Samuel Ortom: God is the real governor of Benue State not me

Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom on Monday said that God is the real Governor of his state.

Ortom made the remark in Gboko at a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Full Gospel Revival Crusade Incorporated Nigeria.

1993 Election: I warned Abiola not to declare himself president - Anenih

Twenty- three years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, supposedly won by late business mogul and candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, National Chairman of the party at the time, Chief Tony Anenih, has said Abiola refused to heed his warning not to declare himself president.

Anenih, who revealed this in his autobiography, titled My Life and Nigerian Politics, said:  “ I wish he had listened to my advice not to declare himself president of this country.

Fr. Mbaka praises Buhari over judges’ arrest

Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka has hailed the arrest of some Judges in the country as a welcome development.

According to reports, the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Emene, Enugu, stated this at the Thanksgiving Mass to mark the Enugu State Judiciary 2016/2017 legal year at the Adoration Ground.

Aircraft carrying Brazilian team crashes in Colombia

A flight carrying 72 passengers, has crashed in Colombia, south of Medellin’s International Airport.

According to Reuters, those on board included a Brazilian football team, Chapecoense. They were on their way from Bolivia, when the incident happened.

The country’s civil aviation association confirmed the tragedy on their website and said rescuers are moving survivors from the crash site.

Army introduces ‘Operation Python Dance’ against secessionist groups in South-East

The Nigerian Army on Monday launched ‘Operation Python Dance’ in the South-East part of the country.

It, therefore, warned secessionist groups against acts capable of threatening the nation’s sovereignty.

It said it would not hesitate to apply the Rule of Engagement to deploy troops and deal with secessionists as appropriate.

According to the military, the exercise became imperative in anticipation of rise in violent crimes during the Yuletide.

Tragic! Four dead in multiple accidents along Enugu/Port Harcourt Express Way

At least four people were confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia, Abia State following a multiple auto crash that occurred along Ubakala axis of the Enugu/ Port- Harcourt expressway.

It was gathered that four vehicles were involved in the crash, including a Toyota Hilux van with registration number CG 539RSH, a Peugeot J5 bus with registration No XA 874 AKW, and a Mercedes Benz tipper with registration no EGG 555 YG.

Hurray! NEPA announces end of blackout in Nigeria

Pls don't crucify me, I thought the same way until I saw the year. The headline was the title of what NEPA told Nigeria in the year 1986, well we are now in 2016 that's 30-years ago and we are still waiting for them to keep their promise...

Lol! See the Job advert seeking Lawyer with N40k as salary that's got everyone talking (Photos)

This job advert was spotted on a sign board and it boldly states that a lawyer with a minimum 3 year experience is needed. Salary will be N40,000 per month.

Wow! See Ateke Tom’s Daughter’s Massive Wedding Cake (Photos)

Ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Ateke Tom’s daughter, Ibierebo Michael Ateke Tom (IB), wedded her heartthrob, Austin Ugwonna Okoro last weekend in Okrika.

Their wedding cake, got our eyes popping with it’s magnificence and gigantic nature. Also in attendance at the wedding were Nollywood actors Nkem Owoh (Osuofia), Pete Edochie and more.

More photos after the cut: