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China records most monthly Covid-19 infections since March 2020 The National Health Commission said Sunday that 2,016 cases were reported from Jan. 1-30. That does not include another 435 infected people who arrived from abroad. The tally for Jan. 31 is due to be released Monday. Two people have died in January, the first reported COVID deaths in China in several months. Most of the new cases have been in three northern provinces. Hardest-hit Hebei province, which borders Beijing, has reported more than 900 cases. Beijing, the Chinese capital, has itself had 45 cases this month. The numbers, while low compared to many other countries, have prompted officials to tighten restrictions and strongly discourage people from traveling during the Lunar New Year, a major holiday when people typically return home for family reunions. Train trips were down nearly 75 percent in the first three days of the holiday travel season, the official Xinhua News Agency said Sunday, citing the sta...

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up that he was aware the late President Musa Yar’Adua was ill before selected him as his successor in 2007. Obasanjo: I knew Yar’Adua was ill before I chose him to succeed me He however said he got medical advice that Yar’Adua, who had a kidney transplant, was fit to act as President,  The Nation  reports Yar’Adua, who later won the 2007 presidential election, died in office in May 2010. Obasanjo, who spoke on Sunday in a virtual interview with academic and historian, Toyin Falola, denied allegation he deliberately put up weak candidates for selfish interests. He said: “Let me tell you the story of Umaru Yar’adua. I knew he was ill and before I put him forward, I asked for his medical report which he sent to me and I sent it to one of the best doctors of our time and a good friend of mine who died only last year –Professor Akinkugbe. “I said look at it because it is confidential and he said to me that from this report, ...

Luke Masamvu: Ex-Zimbabwean MP dies, leaves behind 79 children According to the state media, Masamvu, who was a prominent businessman in Manicaland and Marondera Town, leaves behind 12 wives and 79 children. He was born in Nyanga. His brother John Masamvu said mourners are gathered at the family’s Airedale Farm along the Rusape-Nyanga Highway. Only 30 people are required to gather for a funeral due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. “It is a very sad day for the entire Masamvu family. We have lost a big family man who also served his country in Parliament,” he said. Deputy Youth Minister Tino Machakaire described the death of Masamvu as a huge loss for Zanu PF. “I was really saddened to learn of the untimely passing on of the former Honourable MP and businessman Cde LP Masamvu. I am praying for the family at this trying time. Losing a loved father is not easy at all. The wound never heals. My prayer for the family is that they find the strength to keep going,” he said Masamvu lost his ...

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC has announced that 1114 fresh cases of COVID19 were recorded in Nigeria on Friday, January 29.   According to the statistics released by the health agency, Lagos recorded 408 while the FCT recorded 95 fresh cases.   Other states with new cases include Plateau-90, Ondo-66, Kaduna-63, Oyo-56, Borno-46, Imo-42, Edo-41, Ogun-37, Rivers-31, Ekiti-25, Yobe-20, Kano-18, Akwa Ibom-18, Delta-15, Osun-15, Kwara-11, Bayelsa-6, Nasarawa-6, Zamfara-4 and Bauchi-1.   Nigeria now has 128, 674 confirmed cases of the disease. 102, 780 patients have been treated and discharged while 1, 577 patients have died.   See a breakdown of the number of cases per states below    

A 21-year-old student of the University of Calabar has died in her sleep and friends are mourning her on Facebook.   Ruth Ogar, a 300 Level student of Accounting, was set to get married.   Her fiancé, Amber James Asuk took to Facebook to mourn her after her death.     He wrote: "Ruth Ogar I am short of words. I dont even know where to begin. you were not supposed to be the one to die. I am the older one and you were just barely 21. we already made plans for your 22nd birthday. everything just happened so fast. I dont even know what to blame. I am deeply sorry you had to go so soon. it hurts me deeply. I love you with all my heart. we were about getting married and I only came to see your parents. then suddenly the cold hands of death took you. I know there's nothing I can say or do that will compensate for your loss but I swear with my life to honour your memory till the day I die. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH."   Ruth was to turn 22 on Feb 3. Unfortunately she died in he...

A male and female preacher who reportedly went separately to share the word of God at the Ikeja bus stop in Lagos state, threw caution to the wind as they fought for a preaching spot in the area.   In a video that has since gone viral, the female preacher could be seen charging at the male preacher and hurling abuses on him while the man was firing hot ''prayers'' against her.   Watch the video below    

Ahmad, the embattled president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been dramatically restored back to his position following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).   He was banned by FIFA in November for five years after football's world governing body found him to have breached several of its ethics codes.   At that time, the FIFA ethics committee found “Ahmad had breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF President.”   Ahmad, a former government official in Madagascar, was also fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($220,000).   The 61-year-old appealed his decision at CAS, which issued a preliminary ruling on Friday January 29.   "Due to a risk of irreparable harm for Mr. Ahmad, if the disciplinary sanction is maintained during the period prior to the Caf elections, the Cas panel has upheld the request to temporarily stay the effects of the [Fifa ban]," Cas, sport's hi...

U.S rapper, T.I. and his wife, Tiny, have released a statement in reaction to the allegations of sexual and physical abuse made against them.   Earlier this week, Sabrina Peterson alleged that T.I. had put a gun to her head, and Tiny responded to the allegation.   This eventually led to Sabrina sharing stories from other alleged victims, who claimed to have been sexually abused by both T.I. and Tiny.   T.I. and Tiny have now responded.   A statement released to Complex from a spokesperson reads: "Mr. and Mrs. Harris want to be on record and more importantly want the public to know they emphatically deny in the strongest way possible the egregiously appalling allegations being made against them by Sabrina Peterson. The Harrises have had difficulty with this woman for well over a decade. They are taking this matter very seriously."

Popular Disc jockey, Babatunde Bello aka DJ Babus, has died of COVID19. He died on Friday morning January 29 after a protracted battle with the disease.   DJ Babus graduated from the University of Baltimore in the United States in 2010 where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems and Technology Management. He worked as Resident DJ at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos between 2014 and 2015 and later Resident DJ at RSVP Restaurant and Lounge. He founded his own company known as Crates and Vinyl Entertainment. The deceased was also the only son to Mrs Nadia Bello, the Proprietor, Belinna Schools, Akoka, Lagos.   The deceased was once Talent Manager at KnightHouse, The Creative Entertainment Company where popular acts like Mo Cheddah, Phenom rose to stardom.     Meanwhile, his friends and colleagues in the industry have taken to social media to express shock over his demise.  

West Ham has confirmed the signing of Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard on loan until the end of the season.   The Hammers have managed to secure a deal for the 28-year-old England international after completing the permanent transfer of Said Benrahma from Brentford, making up space for another loan signing at the club.   I'm excited,' Lingard, who will wear the No 11 shirt at the club told West Ham TV via the club's official website. 'It's another new chapter in my life.   'Nothing is guaranteed but I've come here to work hard and help the team and bring my experience. That's the main aim. I just want to enjoy my football and get back playing again and get my feet back on the pitch. 'There were lots of clubs involved but, for me personally, I felt this was the right move. I've obviously had a previous relationship with the manager as he was at Man U and I've played under him before, so he knows my qualities and what I can bring to t...

Laila Nwoko, the Moroccan wife of billionaire businessman and Regina Daniels's husband, Ned Nwoko, turned 30 on Friday, January 29. She had a celebration at their home in Abuja that was attended by their husband, Ned, Regina, and a host of friends and family members.    See more photos below   

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday, January 29, arrested 10 suspects over computer-related fraud known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’   A statement released by the antigraft agency states that the suspects were arrested at their Academy in Bwari axis of Abuja where they were said to be learning the trade of cyber trickery.   The suspects aged between 20 and 30 years, were identified as Sixtus Jude, Moses Samuel, Isalan Johnny, Dapet Nimshak, Samuel Ogboche, Victor Samuel, Victor Asuquo, Ibrahim Yunusa, Yahaya Usman and Chijoke Ikwuoha.   They were arrested with different incriminating items such as mobile phones and computers.The promoter of the Academy is however on the run,   Investigations showed that the sponsor recruits and train young individuals who show interest in internet fraud.   The sponsor gets his percentage of their earnings based on an agreement between him and the recruits. He also serves as a conduit for laundering the money gotten f...

Chelsea defender, Reece James is the latest footballer to reveal vile racist messages he received on social media.   The England international shared a screenshot on his Instagram account featuring several racist messages sent to him with the caption “something needs to change!" written over the messages. After he revealed the abuse on Friday night, Chelsea released a statement condemning the messages the 21-year-old received on social media.   "Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening. This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it," the club said.   "In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.   "We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, mo...

Apparently, the beef between Big Brother Naija reality stars Tochi and Ka3na is not over.   During their time in the house, Tochi had a few clashes with Ka3na. One time they quarrelled over kitchen duties and managed to stay away from each other as best they could after that.   Though months have passed since the reality show ended, it appears all is still not well between the former house mates.   Tochi made this known while answering questions from followers on Instagram.   A follower asked Tochi: "Are you cool with Ka3na and why aren't you following each other?"   Tochi responded: "Who is Ka3na?"     Tochi also addressed his alleged relationship with Princess, a Big Brother Naija star from a previous season.   Tochi explained that he and Princess are just shooting a music video.  

Two men, including a Nigerian national have been detained from Rasayani in Maharashtra's Raigad district for alleged possession of drugs.   Police said the suspects were nabbed on Thursday and Mephedrone and ganja collectively worth Rs 1.11 lakh (580,381.770) were seized from them.      Raigad Superintendent of Police Ashok Dudhe said the accused have been booked under sections of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.   Police said the accused could be linked to an international drug syndicate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law ratifying the extension of New START, an important arms control treaty with the United States, a week before it was due to expire, the Kremlin said in a statement on Friday, January 29. The treaty limits the number of strategic offensive weapons both countries can have. The nuclear arms control agreement has been extended for five years until February 5, 2026, the Kremlin said. It limits each country to no more than 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and heavy bombers; no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs and heavy bombers for nuclear armaments; and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers, and heavy bombers.  The deal between Russia and the US is the last major deal between both countries after the Trump administration pulled out of a separate nuclear arms control agreement with Russia, the Interm...

Nigerian singer, Timaya has reacted after being compared to Duncan Mighty by a Twitter user.    This came after Twitter user, @isimaodeh asked for tweeps' response on who will win between Timaya and Duncan Mighty on a 10 vs 10 hits battle.    She tweeted;    Between Timaya and Duncan Mighty, who would win in a 10 vs 10 hits battle?     Reacting to this, Timaya who wondered why he is being "rated less" asked social media users to stop comparing him to "rubbish".    He tweeted;    E be like say una Dey reason me les les. Nobody should ever put my name or compare me to any rubbish again. What disrespect      

American actress Amy Schumer went naked on Instagram to show off her c-section scar.   The comedian who welcomed her first child, a son named Gene, on May 5, 2019, shared the photo on Instagram with the caption: "Felling like my c section looks cute today."  

Waje lost patience with a follower who commented on her post when she showed off a male friend.   The singer, while celebrating the male friend named Kizito on his birthday, shared a photo she took with him and showered him with encomium.      A follower commented, writing, "Waje abeg you don dey confuse my enemies nor be me. Stay one place make we know who we won ship you with. Yesterday Hassan today na Kizito."   And Waje responded: "I understand you are joking and maybe if this was yesterday I'll laugh but seriously cut it out. You either wishing him happy birthday or not commenting."