A Nigerian man, Salisu Ahmed, has opened up on how he lived with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus for 31 years.
In a recent interview with reality star, Doyin David, Ahmed disclosed that he contracted the virus after his first extramarital affair.
The 66-year-old shared the challenges he faced, including the stigma of being denied access to shared facilities, losing his teaching job, and being abandoned by his wife and children.
“I am Salisu Ahmed, I have been living with this virus for 31 years. The first experiment of going outside my matrimonial home is how it happened. It has been proven that about 85 to 90 per cent of people living with HIV contracted this thing through sexual intercourse.
“I was denied the use of the bathroom of the compound, I was not allowed to access the toilet, I was formerly a teacher so I was asked honourably to stop coming to the school.
“She packed everything including the children at home, they left me,” he stated.
He was cured of HIV following a stem cell transplant.
According to a statement from the City of Hope Medical Center in the US, where the procedure was performed, the man entered remission after discontinuing antiretroviral therapy.
The centre noted that the patient became the fourth person in the world, and the oldest, to achieve long-term remission from HIV after receiving stem cells from a donor with a rare genetic mutation.
The Lagos State Government has issued contravention notices to over 280 illegal property owners and occupiers in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme in a bid to protect the state’s coastal areas and prevent the proliferation of slums.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, disclosed this in a statement posted on the Lagos X platform on Tuesday.
Alebiosu was quoted in the statement as saying, that the contravention notices, served on Saturday, require the occupants to provide necessary documentation and approvals justifying their occupation of the properties within seven days.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Lagos State Master Plan.
The statement read, “Failure to comply with this directive will result in the issuance of demolition notices.
“The over 280 properties, which include completed structures, ongoing construction projects, and undeveloped lands, were found to violate government regulations after a thorough technical assessment conducted by the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development.
“The survey team, tasked with preserving Lagos State’s waterfront schemes, determined that these properties lacked the necessary government authorization for construction.
“We cannot allow illegal encroachments to jeopardize the safety and sustainability of our coastal areas. The issuance of these contravention notices is a clear signal that we will not tolerate such activities.”
Alebiosu urged the property owners to voluntarily remove their structures before the expiration of the contravention notices or regularise their documents to avoid penalties.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate illegal activities along the waterfront schemes and corridors, emphasizing that encroachment on government properties, land, and setbacks would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner also revealed that through the Ministry, the State Government is currently addressing similar encroachment issues in the Okun Ajah waterfront scheme.
He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Lagos State’s waterfront schemes and infrastructure while ensuring the safety of lives and properties along the coastal area.
“The issuance of contravention notices to the illegal occupants in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to restore order and prevent further deterioration of the state’s coastal environment. It is anticipated that this action will serve as a deterrent to future illegal activities and contribute to the overall development and sustainability of Lagos State”, Alebiosu added.
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has hinted on a possible return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Musa urged his supporters to decide on his next club among the 20 teams in the NPFL.
The former NPFL hotshot made the announcement on the social media.
“Let’s go again, which of this team’s do you wish for me to sign,” Musa wrote on X with the logos of the 20 NPFL clubs..
Musa previously had two stints with Kano Pillars in the NPFL.
The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving Turkish Super Lig club, Sivasspor.
[DailyPost]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday explained why his administration linked its Eight-Point Agenda to Digital Identity Initiatives.
He said the measure would streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and allow Nigerians to benefit directly from government programmes and services.
The President said a robust and efficient digital identity system has proven vital for the success of government programmes, such as providing incentives for farmers, the student loan scheme, the National Youth Talent Export Programme, Renewed Hope City and Estate Housing initiative, and the Skill-Up Artisans Programme.
President Tinubu said this at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centren in Kado, Abuja, while declaring open this year’s National Identity Day organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, said this year’s event with the theme: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services, underscored the critical role that digital identity plays in the nation’s development.
“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not just a matter of convenience; it is a cornerstone of our socio-economic progress.
“Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone that enables access to essential services, from healthcare and education to financial inclusion and social welfare.
“It is through a robust DPI that we can ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location, has the opportunity to participate fully in our nation’s growth.
“Our administration’s eight-point agenda, which includes food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving security, enhancing the business environment, upholding the rule of law, and fighting corruption, is intrinsically linked to the success of our digital identity initiatives.
“By leveraging DPI, we can streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that government programs reach those who need them most,” the President said.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the day was worth celebrating as it was meant to open up new opportunities for Nigerians to actively participate in government programmes and enjoy the benefits thereof.
He said Digital identity system enables government to plan for its socio-economic programmes and other challenges, noting that it remains critical to social and financial development of the country.
NIMC’s Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote said: “I must say we are on the right path, and key strides have been made through collaboration and partnerships with government agencies and private sector players – linking of NINs and phone numbers with the telecommunication companies, NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN) harmonisation with financial institutions to facilitate digital payments, digital money, digital identity and digital processes, amongst others.
“Furthermore, the Student Loan Initiative showcases how DPI can eliminate financial barriers to education.
“By collaborating with 257 institutions, 332,715 students have been registered for loans, and over 18,000 students have already received payments through the initiative,” she said.
[TheNation]
Former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, has revealed that during his tenure from 2007 to 2015, he required his aides and commissioners to join social clubs across the state.
This mandate, Fashola explained, was aimed at ensuring that government policies and activities were more accessible and better understood by the public.
“During our administration, I mandated my aides and commissioners to join social clubs in Lagos so they could gain insights and educate people about government policies wherever discussions were taking place,” Fashola said.
Fashola, who also served as a former minister and is a patron of the Eko Club, shared these insights during the club’s 50th-anniversary lecture last Wednesday.
The lecture was titled “The Role of Social Clubs in Social Engineering.”
The ex-governor emphasised the importance of common interest as a key pillar of social clubs and urged Eko Club to reinvigorate its focus on sporting activities. Fashola noted that sports is a significant yet underutilised source of employment, especially in an environment grappling with high youth unemployment.
“Eko Club must return to its sporting objectives and lead the revival of youth inter-club competitions. We cannot rely solely on government efforts for the success of our athletes at international sports events,” he said.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also called for the club to be more engaged in matters of public interest.
He added that Eko Club should expand its role beyond hosting events and be more involved in societal issues.
“It is my humble view that we have been somewhat detached from issues that affect our common interests. Eko Club is too significant and prestigious to be known merely as a venue for parties, anniversaries, and weddings, important as these may be to social engineering,” Fashola remarked.
He encouraged the club to focus on its future rather than dwelling excessively on its past, advising them to prioritize the next 50 years of development.
[Punch]
Netzence Sustainability Limited (Netzence) has reiterated commitment to ensuring sustainable practices across the world, saying its CloseCarbon technology will serve as a solution to the global climate crisis.
The firm, in a statement, lamented that the global efforts to mitigate climate change were facing significant challenges in accurately monitoring, reporting and verifying carbon emissions.
The statement, however, said Netzence’s CloseCarbon technology would address it by providing a comprehensive technological platform for organisations.
The statement reads: “Netzence’s CloseCarbon technology addresses this issue head-on by providing a comprehensive and robust platform for organisations to manage their carbon footprint. At the heart of CloseCarbon lies a sophisticated data-driven approach that enables organizations to seamlessly monitor, analyse, and report their emissions. This innovative solution leverages advanced algorithms and machine learning to gather and process vast amounts of data, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy and transparency in carbon accounting.
“The compliance carbon market is a constantly evolving landscape, and CloseCarbon is designed to adapt to these changes seamlessly. The solution stays up-to-date with the latest regulatory requirements, ensuring that organizations remain compliant as the rules and regulations in the carbon market evolve. Additionally, the technology is built on a flexible and scalable architecture, allowing it to incorporate new technologies and data sources as they emerge, ensuring continuous improvement and optimization.
“CloseCarbon’s data-driven analytics also provide organizations with valuable insights into market trends and emerging risks, enabling them to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve. As sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors become increasingly important, CloseCarbon’s comprehensive carbon management capabilities align with these growing priorities, helping organizations enhance their sustainability credentials. By offering a holistic approach to carbon management, CloseCarbon addresses the market’s need for integrated compliance solutions that streamline reporting, reduce complexity, and drive meaningful sustainability initiatives.
“One of the key benefits of CloseCarbon is its ability to streamline the complex process of compliance and reporting within the carbon market. By automating data collection, monitoring, reporting, and verification, CloseCarbon empowers organizations to navigate the intricate regulatory landscape with ease.
Organizations using CloseCarbon can effortlessly generate detailed reports that meet the stringent requirements of various carbon trading schemes and regulatory bodies, saving valuable time and resources while enhancing the reliability and credibility of their carbon data.
“Beyond the compliance aspect, CloseCarbon offers organizations a powerful tool to optimize their carbon reduction strategies. By providing actionable insights and data-driven recommendations, CloseCarbon helps businesses identify the most impactful areas for emissions reduction, enabling them to prioritize and implement effective sustainability initiatives. This holistic approach to carbon management allows organizations to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship – a crucial factor in the increasingly eco-conscious business landscape.
“Transparency and trust are essential pillars of the compliance carbon market, and CloseCarbon’s robust data management capabilities and rigorous reporting standards help build confidence among regulators, investors, and stakeholders. By offering verifiable and auditable carbon data, CloseCarbon empowers organizations to showcase their environmental credentials, strengthening their position in the compliance carbon market and enhancing their overall sustainability reputation.
“The success of the compliance carbon market lies in its ability to inspire collective action towards a sustainable future. Netzence Sustainability Limited’s CloseCarbon aligns seamlessly with this objective, providing a scalable solution that can be adopted by organizations of all sizes and across various industries. As more businesses embrace CloseCarbon, the cumulative impact on carbon reduction efforts will be profound, marking a crucial step in the global transition towards a net-zero emissions economy.
“Netzence’s CloseCarbon stands as a game-changer in the carbon compliance market, offering a comprehensive and innovative solution to the longstanding challenges of carbon accounting and reporting. By empowering organizations to streamline their compliance, optimize their carbon reduction strategies, and foster transparency and trust, CloseCarbon paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
“As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the adoption of solutions like CloseCarbon will be instrumental in driving collective action and progress towards a net-zero emissions future. Netzence’s vision and commitment to sustainability have positioned CloseCarbon as a crucial tool in the fight against the climate crisis.”
[Vanguard]
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season begins with 36 teams in a new-look single-table group stage.
In recent years, every edition of the UCL has featured Nigerian footballers. Prominent stars like Finidi George, Kanu Nwankwo, and John Obi Mikel have won the competition, and a host of others have made some mark on Europe’s biggest stage.
Regardless of its twisted format, when the new UCL season kicks off on Tuesday, more Nigerians will be representing their various club across Europe.
TheCable presents all the Nigerian stars set to carry on the torch and possibly set records this season.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (ATALANTA)
Lookman has been a key figure for Atalanta, and his hattrick won the Europa League final for the Bergamo side’s first-ever European title. Lookman has continued from where he left off last season and would be needed to maintain top form if Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will shock the elites.
VICTOR BONIFACE (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)
Like Lookman, Boniface was integral to Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic run last season and has already scored thrice this term. The 23-year-old, who won the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season winner, would look to make big statements this season at UCL.
NATHAN TELLA (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)
Tella, a former Arsenal academy player, continues to claim his place in the Leverkusen team despite fierce competition, and the England-born winger’s versatility continues to be his greatest asset. He has featured in all four of Leverkusen’s five matches this season and will be expected to feature heavily on their UCL sojourn.
RAPHAEL ONYEDIKA (CLUB BRUGGE)
The 23-year-old FC Ebedei product won the Belgian Super League with Brugge last season and is still regarded as an important player for the Bruges-based club despite unsuccessfully pushing for a transfer to Galatasaray. It will be interesting to watch if Onyedika can get his head back in the team and turn the club’s European fortunes around.
PETER OLAYINKA (RED STAR BELGRADE)
The 28-year-old, who was born in Ibadan, is a veteran of the Europa League but stepped up to UCL with Red Star last season. He was sparingly used as the Serbian champions finished bottom of Group G and would look to feature more prominently this term.
VICTOR ELETU (AC MILAN)
The 19-year-old has been with AC Milan since 2018 and plays for its youth team in the third-tier Italian football. The midfielder is one to look out for in the future, and his inclusion in the club’s UCL squad is an indication of potential.
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE (AC MILAN)
Big things are expected of the dribbling maestro, who mostly flatters to deceive. The 25-year-old, however, has European pedigree as a Europa League winner with Villarreal, and it is hoped he can make an impact this season.
GEORGE ILENIKHENA (AS MONACO)
Wonderkid and beast are two superlatives used to describe the 18-year-old forward who idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo. He recently joined from Antwerp, where he earned a maiden UCL appearance and delivered a historic feat for the Belgian club. Ilenikhena’s late goal sealed a 3-2 win over Barcelona for the club’s first-ever UCL win, and he could do more this season.
ELVIS ISAAC (SLOVAN BRATISLAVA)
The 22-year-old winger plays mostly for the club’s Team B in the second division, where he has three goals in four matches. He was on the bench in all eight of Slovan’s UCL qualifying round games and could be an impact player.
VICTOR OLATUNJI (SPARTA PRAGUE)
The Sokoto-born striker has been an important player for the Czech club since joining last year. In his first season, he won the League and Cup double. He was also integral to his club qualifying for the UCL group stage for the first time in 19 years.
[TheCable]
A former aide to ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari, Okoi Obono-Obla, on Monday, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the 2023 national and state assembly primary elections to benefit defectors from other political parties.
Obono-Obla, in a statement where he called for midterm elections to reform the leadership of the APC in Cross River State, claimed that only the governorship primary election was conducted fairly, with the winner emerging through a consensus.
He alleged, “All tickets for elective positions such as national and state assemblies (except the governorship ticket) were manipulated and handed over to defectors.”
He urged the party to conduct midterm congresses at the state, local government and ward levels to address the alleged imbalances, claiming deep divisions within the party’s ranks due to perceived injustices that followed the 2021 defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obono-Obla also criticized the current APC leadership in Cross River State for running an exclusive and undemocratic administration.
He argued that the party’s executive committees at all levels are dominated by defectors from the PDP, and called for a more inclusive leadership.
The APC State Chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, in response to the allegations, dismissed Obono-Obla’s allegations, accusing him of attempting to divide the party.
Eba said Obono-Obla’s frustration stemmed from the failure of his efforts to secure federal and state appointments for himself and his nominees.
The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has offered a six-month grace period to hospitality businesses to resolve parking shortfalls.
Adebisi Adelabu, general manager (GM) of LASPA, spoke on Monday during a meeting with representatives of the restaurant, cafe, bar and club (RCBC) association in Lagos.
The meeting aimed to address concerns regarding the Lagos state parking policy and its impact on businesses in the hospitality industry.
Adelabu expressed concern over the inadequate parking facilities in some establishments.
She said many hospitality businesses had failed to comply with building regulations that require sufficient parking for their customers.
The LASPA boss reassured attendees that the state government remains committed to the parking policy, which aims to curb indiscriminate parking and reduce traffic congestion.
The general manager also addressed concerns about overlapping jurisdictions and interference from local governments.
Adelabu said the state has formed strategic partnerships with local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) to prevent additional disturbances over parking levies.
“Business owners are advised to consult with LASPA before allowing customer parking on roads, which can obstruct traffic,” she said.
“We acknowledging the challenges faced by businesses. There is need for the hospitality sector to communicate their specific needs so that LASPA can provide appropriate guidance and recommend nearby parking options.”
She stressed the need to balance business interests with the rights of the general public and urged businesses to comply with the policy, adding that LASPA has made provisions for flexible payment plans for compliant businesses.
Adelabu called on Lagos residents to support the state’s parking regulation efforts and participate in the regulated on-street parking scheme.
“Compliance with the policy is vital for reducing traffic congestion and improving parking efficiency,” Adelabu said.
“By paying the required parking levies and engaging with the system, you help create a more organised and accessible urban environment.”
In her remarks, Morenike George-Taylor, RCBC’s president, thanked the LASPA general manager for her proactive engagement and confirmed that many members were already in compliance with the parking regulations.
George-Taylor also affirmed the hospitality sector’s readiness to support and adapt to the new parking scheme.
Chelsea are reportedly considering a move to sign Victor Osimhen before the January transfer window, with the English Premier League club keen to secure the services of the Nigeria striker, The PUNCH reports.
The Stamford Bridge giants, who missed out on the Nigeria striker during the summer transfer window, are said to be closely monitoring his situation at Galatasaray, where he is currently playing on loan from Napoli.
A source close to Football Insider revealed that Chelsea are eyeing a potential deal, thanks to a break clause in Osimhen’s loan agreement with the Turkish giants.
Their interest in the player has been reignited following his impressive debut for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig. The former Lille striker made an immediate impact, providing an assist in a 5-0 thrashing of Rizespor and setting a new league record with seven shots on goal in a single match this season.
Osimhen’s performance showcased his versatility and threat in attack. He completed eight of nine attempted passes, won six out of eight duels, and successfully executed all his dribbling attempts. This display has not gone unnoticed by Chelsea, who are still in the market for a prolific striker.
The London club’s pursuit of Osimhen dates back to the summer, when negotiations collapsed in the final hours of the transfer window despite representatives flying to Naples.
Al Ahli also saw a mega-money offer rejected by the player at the time.
Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli, extended in December 2023, includes a release clause between €120m and €130m. However, with just 18 months remaining on his deal come January, Napoli may be forced to consider offers below this valuation to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Chelsea’s renewed interest comes at a time when Osimhen’s price tag is expected to drop. The club are reportedly eager to steal a march on other potential suitors by making an approach before the January window.
However, they are likely to face stiff competition from several elite clubs across Europe and the Middle East.
As the reigning CAF Player of the Year continues to impress in Turkey, Chelsea’s management will be weighing their options carefully. With Osimhen’s loan at Galatasaray set to run until the end of the season, any potential move would require careful negotiation with all parties involved.
For now, Osimhen remains focused on his performances for Galatasaray, where he aims to help the club defend their Super Lig title.
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Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior on Monday received his award as the Best Player for the 2023/24 Champions League.
Vinicius was decisive as the LaLiga champions won the title.
The Brazilian winger scored six goals and laid on five assists in the competition last season.
His ability to step up in crucial matches was instrumental in ultimately securing the trophy.
Meanwhile, Mbappe was also awarded as the top scorer of the Champions League, netting eight goals throughout the tournament.
Both players will be hoping to form a lethal duo that will dismantle opposing defences this campaign.
A Nigerian Catholic priest was indicted in Texas, United States of America on felony sexual assault charges after several victims accused him of s3xual and financial abuse, according to court documents and investigators, The New York Times reported on September 15, 2024
Odiong was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury in McLennan County, Texas, on two counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of first-degree sexual assault.
He was arrested in July in Ave Maria, Fla., when investigators found him in possession of child pornography while looking into sexual assault claims reported to the police, according to a Facebook post from the Waco Police Department.
He was not indicted on possession of child pornography, but could be in the future, Detective Bradley DeLange said.
The police had been investigating Father Odiong for months because they had received “credible information” alleging he committed a sexual assault in 2012, according to the police.
During the investigation, Detective DeLange said, the police found several women with similar stories of abuse as the original victim who had come forward.
Detective DeLange discovered at least eight women who claim that the priest groped, s3xually assaulted or financially abused them, including one woman who sought Father Odiong’s counsel over her marriage troubles.
Under Texas Law, it is considered s3xual assault if members of the clergy engages in sexual activity with individuals who depend on them emotionally as “spiritual advisers.”
Father Odiong served as a priest at St. Peter Catholic Student Center in Waco, Texas, and at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in West, Texas, from 2007 to 2012, according to the police, and he also served in Luling, La., from around 2015 to 2023.
He was brought to McLennan County Jail on Aug. 6 and is being held on a $2.5 million bond, according to jail documents.
He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the second-degree sexual assault charges and could get life in prison for his first-degree felony charge, according to Christopher King, a lawyer representing several people in a separate civil case against the priest.
The Guardian reported in February on the allegations, which Father Odiong denied in April in a Facebook post that called them a “false, salacious and one-sided smear campaign.”
Archbishop Gregory Aymond, the Diocese of Austin, Texas, during the beginning of Father Odiong’s time as a priest at that diocese, and he now leads the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where Father Odiong served in recent years.
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, the current leader of the Diocese of Austin, said in a statement in July that the diocese would fully cooperate with law enforcement.
Sarah McDonald, a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, said on Sunday that Father Odiong had served there at the request of the Diocese of Uyo in Nigeria.
“When the archdiocese became aware of allegations of criminal activity we reported him to law enforcement and removed him from ministry,” Ms. McDonald said in a text.
A Ghanaian woman, tired of being a single mother, is desperately searching for the father of her child after confessing to dating two men before becoming pregnant and being unsure of the biological father.
The woman made the revelation during an appearance on Oyerepa Afutuo on Oyerepa TV. In a video that has since gone viral on TikTok, she shared that both men abandoned her after learning of the pregnancy, leaving her to raise the child on her own.
Now, years later, the woman revealed that she no longer knows the whereabouts of either man. Her situation has become more complicated as her child is pressuring her to meet their father.
Real Madrid teenager Endrick has announced that he is newly married to his girlfriend and model Gabriely Mirandy.
Both took to their Instagram pages to share pictures and announced the milestone.
They wrote on their shared post quoting the bible verse, ‘Matthew 19:6: So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has put together no one can separate. At last we are married’.
Endrick only turned 18 some months ago.
They are reported to be together not close to a year and their relationship is to be under a contract as Endrick previously revealed.
The contract is said to have certain bans and the need to say “I love you” when it is needed.
The Brazilian prospect recently joined from Palmieras in the summer, appearing in only four games that aren’t up to 15 minutes altogether.
Endrick will now shift his focus to making his Champions League debut on the opening matchday as Real Madrid face Stuttgart.