Home Blog Page 505

Ngannou to make MMA return against Ferreira October 19

admin
-
0
Ngannou to make MMA return against Ferreira October 19

Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Francis “The Predator” Ngannou will return to MMA for the World Title Fight of the year against PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan ‘Problema’ Ferreira on October 19.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), it was announced that Ngannou, who last competed in MMA in 2022, has been focusing on boxing, with notable fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia. However, the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ is now turning his attention back to MMA, where he will face his toughest test yet in the form of the towering Brazilian Ferreira.

The greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time, Cris ‘Cyborg’ (27-2, 1 NC), will face two-time PFL Champion Larissa Pacheco in the co-main event of the PFL PPV Super Fight, which will be broadcast live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide.

“The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of superstar and undisputed Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou to MMA in The Battle of the Giants against the most-feared Heavyweight, 6’8″ 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira, in the biggest world title fight of the year,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray.

Speaking about the challenge of his opponent ahead of the fight, Ngannou said, “Renan is a great fighter; I have been watching him for years. I have been studying him for years; in fact, I’ve been telling people to watch this guy. He’s quite unique—athletic and fast. His size doesn’t impress me as much as his skill.”

In the co-main event, Cris’s legacy will be on the line when she squares off against PFL two-division champion Pacheco (23-4), who aims to prove she is the greatest women’s MMA fighter on the planet.

“We are incredibly excited to broadcast this blockbuster night of PFL action on October 19,” said Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN. “Francis Ngannou is one of the biggest names in combat sports, and with the formidable Renan Ferreira, this fight night is not to be missed.”

Nigerian university asks female students, staff to stay indoors over ‘Oro festival’

admin
-
0
Nigerian university asks female students, staff to stay indoors over ‘Oro festival’

The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has issued a safety advisory, urging all female staff and students on the institution to stay indoors from August 7th to 9th, 2024, due to the Oro festival in the community.
The traditional festival will take place from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am each day, restricting women’s movement during these hours.
TVN learnt the university is taking the precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of its female community members.
The directive was contained in a memo titled: “Notice to All Female Staff and Students on Ikole Campus,”signed by Senior Assistant Registrar Ibukunoluwa O. Alamu.
“This is to inform all female staff and students on the Ikole campus of the University that they are requested to stay indoors between Wednesday, 7th August, and Friday, 9th August 2024 due to the ‘Oro’ festival scheduled to hold within the Ikole-Ekiti community. This is for your kind noting,” the memo read.
Nigerian university asks female students, staff to stay indoors over ‘Oro festival’

Amnesty International condemns attack on NLC headquarters

admin
-
0
Amnesty International condemns attack on NLC headquarters

The Country Director of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, condemned the invasion of the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abuja on Wednesday.

He disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The raid, which occurred on Wednesday night, was described as a “sinister and calculated attack” designed to intimidate the labour union.

He stated, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the brazen invasion of the headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress by a contingent of armed security personnel. The chilling raid last night appears to be part of a sinister and calculated attack designed to intimidate the labour union.”

During the raid, security personnel ransacked the NLC bookshop, confiscating materials and claiming they were used to incite and organize recent protests.

Sanusi expressed concern about the safety of NLC officials, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the safety of NLC officials. Under international human rights law and standards, trade unions cannot be targeted for their participating activities.”

Amnesty International emphasised that Nigeria has an obligation to respect and protect the rights of trade unions under international human rights law.

Sanusi added, “Under international human rights law, Nigeria has an obligation not only to respect the rights of trade unions but also to protect these rights from abuse.”

The raid on the NLC headquarters has sparked fears of a broader crackdown on labour activism in Nigeria.

The NLC has been at the forefront of recent protests against government policies, and the raid is seen as an attempt to silence the union’s voice.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Protest: Don’t poke-nose in our internal issues – Nigerian Govt warns foreign powers

admin
-
0
Protest: Don’t poke-nose in our internal issues – Nigerian Govt warns foreign powers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to foreign countries against meddling in the nation’s internal affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, issued the warning on Wednesday while briefing members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, highlighting the significance of cordial international relationships.
TVN recalls that the protest, which gained momentum in major cities, such as Lagos, Benin, Osun, Oyo, Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, was marked by violence, and that at least six Spaniards were arrested in Kano in connection with the protest.
The minister called for continued collaboration from the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts in overcoming its current challenges and achieving a better future for all Nigerians.
Tuggar, who reiterated the government’s efforts to work hard through the various reform programs and measures to address challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, stressed that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens, adding that Nigeria is not an exception.
According to him, the government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your countries and organizations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships.
“Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerians at home and abroad,” the minister warned.
Protest: Don’t poke-nose in our internal issues – Nigerian Govt warns foreign powers

Immigration suspends officer caught on video asking for money at Lagos Airport

admin
-
0
Immigration suspends officer caught on video asking for money at Lagos Airport

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has taken swift action against one of its officers caught on camera soliciting money from a traveler at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, Okpravero C. Ufuoma, has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation, the service announced on Wednesday.
A viral video captured the officer soliciting for bribe red-handed while on duty, a development that sparked outrage on social media. The NIS, in a statement signed by Comptroller General Kemi Nana Nandap, condemned the officer’s behavior as “disgraceful” and a direct contradiction of its ongoing reforms aimed at improving service delivery and integrity.
Read Also: 8/8 Day: Osun Police warn against cultism celebration, vow to clamp down on unlawful gatherings
“We wish to inform the public that the conduct of the officer, identified as Okpravero C. Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI 2) at Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.
“The NIS condemns this misconduct in the strongest terms, as it undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing our service standards. This disgraceful act is not representative of our commitment to hospitality, reception and courtesy,” the statement read in part.
It added, “As a result, the officer has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, which are in the accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.”
To prevent similar occurrences and streamline passenger processing, the NIS revealed plans to install electronic gates (e-gates) at all five international airports across the country.
The post Immigration suspends officer caught on video asking for money at Lagos Airport appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

UK visa approval for Nigerians hits record high of 430,000

admin
-
0
UK visa approval for Nigerians hits record high of 430,000

Despite ongoing unrest in the United Kingdom, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has revealed that the UK government has approved an unprecedented 430,000 visas for Nigerians seeking to study or relocate to the country in 2024 alone.
During a meeting with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, Montgomery sought to alleviate concerns about safety, highlighting the UK’s diverse population and measures to address the unrest.
Read Also: Press centre, police launch probe into attacks on journalists during hunger protests in Lagos
“Approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications have been successfully processed in 2024,” he said.
He noted that 60 special courts have been established to tackle related criminal activities and that 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
However, the UK government’s ability to balance the need for security with the rights of Nigerians living in the country will be closely watched.
The post UK visa approval for Nigerians hits record high of 430,000 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Hardship: Tinubu not in touch with what’s happening in Nigeria – Obedient elders

admin
-
0
Hardship: Tinubu not in touch with what’s happening in Nigeria – Obedient elders

The Delta Obedient Elders’ Council has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent speech to Nigerians, suggesting that it demonstrates a disconnection from the country’s current realities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Chairman Chris Biose and Secretary Solomon Akeni responded to the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
The council expressed disappointment that the President’s address failed to address key issues affecting the masses.
The statement urged President Tinubu to move beyond grandstanding and tackle the pressing issues facing the country.
It also lamented the violence, looting, and destruction of public facilities that have marred some of the protests.
“The President acknowledged the severe suffering of the masses but failed to present any fresh policy measures to address the demands of the protesters,” the statement read.
The council expressed shock at President Tinubu’s omission of crucial issues, including the widespread killings of farmers by armed Fulani herdsmen, which has severely impacted food production in the country.
“It is unreasonable to believe that he does not know that this phenomenon is at the root of the inability of Nigerian farmers to produce sufficient food for local consumption in the past few years,” the statement continued.
The council also criticized the administration for perceived lack of accountability and excessive expenditure on frivolous items while the majority of Nigerians are suffering from intense hunger. Additionally, they noted the president’s silence on issues such as oil theft and the brutal killings of Nigerian citizens by police officers.
The Delta Obedient Elders’ Council called for a more responsive and accountable approach from the President to address the country’s pressing issues.
Hardship: Tinubu not in touch with what’s happening in Nigeria – Obedient elders

NLC questions Nigeria’s democracy, as security forces storm Labour House in might-time raid

admin
-
0
NLC questions Nigeria’s democracy, as security forces storm Labour House in might-time raid

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has provided details about the nighttime raid on its headquarters, the Labour House in Abuja, by armed security personnel on Wednesday.
In a statement, the NLC also called for an international investigation into the distressing incident.
Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, said, “We have directed all our staff to stay away from the Labour House for now until we are certain that there are no incriminating materials or harmful substances left in our offices by the invading operatives.”
The NLC urged the international community to recognize the worsening state of democratic principles in Nigeria, which it claims is veering towards a police state.
The statement describes the incident: “Last night at approximately 8:30 pm, after business hours, a group of heavily armed security operatives raided the Labour House, Central Business District, Abuja, which serves as the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).”
Read also: Press centre, police launch probe into attacks on journalists during hunger protests in Lagos
The NLC report continues: “The security team included members of the Nigeria Police Force, individuals in black t-shirts, presumably from the Department of State Services (DSS), and others in plain clothes. They targeted the 10th floor, where they arrested the on-duty security guard and forced him to take them to the second floor to retrieve office keys. When the guard said he did not have the keys, they broke into the office, ransacked the bookshop on the second floor, and seized hundreds of books and publications, claiming they were searching for seditious materials related to the #EndBadGovernance protests.”
The NLC condemned the raid as a new low in Nigerian security operations. “The armed operatives displayed no legal documents authorizing their invasion of the NLC premises at such an unseemly hour. Even during the harshest periods of military rule, NLC offices were never subjected to such invasions. This is a disheartening day for our democracy.”
Earlier in the day, the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) had condemned the violent suppression of protesters and the mass arrests of protest leaders. The NEC had also criticized the misuse of the term ‘treason’ in describing the protests. The NLC was unprepared for the subsequent raid by masked, heavily armed security personnel.
In light of these developments and their implications for democratic rights, freedom of speech, and peaceful protest, the NLC has called for international attention to Nigeria’s deteriorating democratic principles.
The NLC expressed its concerns about state-enforced brutality, recalling recent threats to its leadership. “We fear the situation may worsen.”
The NLC has directed its staff to avoid the Labour House until it is confirmed that no incriminating or harmful materials have been left behind. It has demanded an international inquiry into the invasion and the immediate withdrawal of security forces from the premises. Furthermore, it has called for the return of all seized materials by the end of work on August 8, 2024.
“If this harassment persists, the NLC will not hesitate to instruct its members to stay home until their safety is guaranteed,” the statement warns. “The suppression of public discourse and avenues for constructive engagement in the face of Nigeria’s current hardships will only exacerbate the situation. Prompt action could still prevent further deterioration.”
The post NLC questions Nigeria’s democracy, as security forces storm Labour House in might-time raid appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Air Force destroys suspected IED factory in Borno

admin
-
0
Air Force destroys suspected IED factory in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force announced on Thursday morning that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has successfully destroyed a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory at Grazah in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, stated:
“Concerned by recent attacks, especially on innocent civilians in Borno State using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and suicide bombers, and in a bid to achieve the mandate of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, air strikes were conducted on terrorists’ enclaves at Grazah, a location deep in the Mandara Hills, on August 2, 2024.”
According to Gabkwet, the air strikes were prompted by intelligence reports indicating the presence of a possible IED factory and storage area for other logistics. The IED factory had been suspected of relocating from Gwoza to the Timbuktu Triangle in Sambisa Forest, and finally to Grazah in the Mandara Hills.
“The frequent relocation of the IED factory has been attributed to the substantial firepower exerted on terrorists’ enclaves by the combined efforts of the entire security apparatus of Operation Hadin Kai.”
He further explained that the IED factory location at Grazah had been under surveillance for weeks, with various installations observed and activities of armed terrorists in the area found to be consistent with those protecting a strategic location.
“Two gun trucks were sighted tucked under a large tree near the suspected IED factory.”
Gabkwet added that these findings necessitated the need for an air strike to destroy the suspected IED factory and neutralize the terrorists.
“Consequently, the targets were acquired and effectively destroyed. The aftermath of the air strikes, followed by a thick cloud of smoke, indicated that the suspected IED factory, as well as the two gun trucks, were effectively destroyed, while several terrorists were neutralized.”
Air Force destroys suspected IED factory in Borno

Plateau gov relaxes curfew 

admin
-
0
Plateau gov relaxes curfew 

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered that the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed in the state capital be further relaxed, allowing movement from 12 noon to 6 pm daily until further notice.

The governor issued the order on Thursday in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, noting that the decision was taken after assessing the security situation in the state.

“In light of the improved security situation in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the Plateau State Government has further relaxed the curfew, effective today, Thursday, 8th August 2024. Residents are now permitted to move freely for their lawful activities from 12 noon to 6 pm daily until further notice,” the statement read.

“The state Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, in consultation with security agencies, has authorised this relaxation.”

He assured the public that the government would continue to make decisions in the best interest of the people.

“Governor Mutfwang commended the public for their peaceful conduct during the curfew and appealed for continued cooperation with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the state,” the statement added.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

1...504505506...2,811Page 505 of 2,811
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv