Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

China’s population shrank last year for the first time in more than six decades, official data showed Tuesday, as the world’s most populous country faces a looming demographic crisis. The nation of 1.4 billion has seen birth rates plunge to record lows as its workforce ages, in a rapid decline that analysts warn could stymie economic growth and pile pressure on strained public coffers. The mainland Chinese population stood at around 1,411,750,000 at the end of 2022, Beijing’s National Bureau of Statistics reported, a decrease of 850,000 from the end of the previous year. The number of births was 9.56…

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has insisted he will not resign from the position. Klopp’s men are struggling for form this season and have already lost six times in the Premier League. The Reds were only beaten four times in 63 matches in all competitions last season Liverpool are also 10 points off Champions League places and their poor run of form have seen calls for Klopp to either resign or be sacked. But the German, speaking ahead of a FA Cup replay against Wolves on Tuesday, said: “I will be here for as long as I am wanted. If no…

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will on Monday depart Abuja for Monrovia, the Liberian capital, to attend the ‘Emerging Young Leaders Forum’, where he is the special guest of honour. This is according to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, titled ‘Osinbajo features today in Monrovia at emerging young leaders’ forum.’ Osinbajo’s one-day visit is at the invitation of his Liberian counterpart, Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, who is marking her 60th birthday January 17. At the forum tagged ‘Conversation with the Vice President and Young People’, Osinbajo and other West African…

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) has quietly declared Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele wanted. Falana who was a guest on a Channels TV programme said Emefiele was declared wanted over terrorism financing allegations. He lamented that such action can only happen in a ‘banana republic’. I can say without any fear that Mr Godwin Emefiele is not in Nigeria, but he has been quietly declared wanted by state Security Services. This can only happen in a Banana republic where the CBN Governor would be accused of a…

Festus Keyamo, the spokesperson for the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said the inflation rate under the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), is not the highest in the history of the country. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who appeared on Arise TV morning show on Monday, was responding to questions about what Buhari’s legacy Tinubu would build on in terms of economy and security, among others, if elected president in the forthcoming elections. Keyamo claimed that inflation rate was highest under the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, with the presidential…

Tottenham Hotspur striker, Richarlison, has issued an apology to Arsenal star, Gabriel Martinelli after a spat with his Brazil teammate during the north London derby on Sunday. Tottenham fell to Arsenal by 2-0 following an own-goal from Hugo Lloris and a goal from Martin Odegaard. During the match, Richarlison was also involved in a verbal altercation with Martinelli in the second half as he accused the Arsenal forward of diving. Speaking about the run-in with Martinelli after the match, Richarlison told ESPN Brasil: “It was a foul there that the referee ended up giving, we were close to the move,…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), on Monday opened the portal for 2023 recruitment. The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), announced the start of the process. The board invited applications from suitably qualified candidates for full-time appointments to fill vacancies. The positions are Superintendent Of Immigration (SI) CONPASS 11 (Medical Doctors), Deputy Superintendent Of Immigration (DSI), CONPASS 10 (Pharmacists), Assistant Superintendent Of Immigration II (ASI II), CONPASS 08. Others are Inspector Of Immigration (II) CONPASS 07 (Nursing), Assistant Inspector Of Immigration (All), General Duty, CONPASS 06. The rest include Immigration Assistant III (IA III) CONPASS 03 General…

Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor, on Sunday assured citizens that there’d be no more coups in Nigeria. Irabor also said the armed forces would work with the police to provide security during the general elections. The Defense chief gave the assurances to reporters at the National Arcade, Abuja, at the end of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. “Democracy has come to stay; a government of the people, by the people and for the people has come to stay”, he added. Irabor disclosed he’s been discussing with the Inspector-General of Police to work out modalities on election security.…

Rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has challenged the Department of State Services (DSS) to file charges against Godwin Emefiele. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor faces allegations of terrorism financing, diversion of revenue, agricultural loans and fraudulent practices in Forex transactions. In a statement on Monday, Adegboruwa said a public officer cannot be above probe or the law if there is indeed a case for him to answer. The lawyer recalled how the DSS sought a court order to arrest and investigate Emefiele but was “greatly embarrassed”. “It is better to make everything plain and open to the Nigerian people”,…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has stated that the nation owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women of Nigeria’s military for their past and present service to the nation. Governor Adeleke stated this at the grand-finale of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and wreath laying ceremony at the military cenotaph in Osogbo. While commending the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes in defending the nation’s sovereign integrity, peace and unity, Adeleke advocated a renewed focus on funding of the security sector, alongside security sector reform. While noting that the country is faced with heightened security challenges…

Arsenal moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Tottenham in the north London derby as Chelsea eased the pressure on manager Graham Potter by beating Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday. Newcastle struck late to beat Fulham 1-0 to reclaim third place and keep alive their title aspirations. But Arsenal will take some stopping if they are to be denied a first league title since Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” in 2003/04 after a first league win away to Tottenham in nine years. A dominant first-half display from the visitors did the damage as…

The prize money Barcelona and Real Madrid will receive for participating in the Spanish Super Cup final has been revealed. Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday in Saudi Arabia. Goals from Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Pedri ensured Barcelona defeated Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Karim Benzema did score a late goal for Real Madrid. According to AS, the Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) will pay Barcelona €2 million for winning this year’s Spanish Super Cup. The runner-up Real Madrid will receive €1 million after losing to Xavi’s side.