Author: Chief Editor

January 14 would go into American history books as being both a surreal and highly defining day. Surreal, in the sense it was just eight days ago that pro-Trump supporters and far-right groups breached the US Capitol Building to protest Donald Trump’s election loss, as Congress debated the 2020 Electoral College vote certification. They came, saw and created grief! A gallows – replete with a hangman’s noose – was set up on the grounds of the Capitol as insurrectionists and anarchists were chanting “Hang (Vice President Mike) Pence” and “Kill (House Speaker Nancy) Pelosi”! Several were spotted waving the Confederate…

Virologists and other medical experts have warned that 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine the country is expecting may become useless, if proper arrangements are not made for their transportation and storage. The experts, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr Patrick Dakum; a medical virologist, Dr Oladipo Kolawole,  and a professor of Virology at the University of Ibadan, David Olaleye,   in separate interviews with The PUNCH, advised government to ensure proper storage and transportation of the vaccine to achieve its desired result. The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof Babatunde Salako, had…

The federal government has disclosed that the National Identity Number (NIN) is mandatory for foreign diplomats who will reside in Nigeria for a continuous period of two years or more. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, said this in a statement issued yesterday by his Technical Assistant, Dr. Femi Adeluyi. He said that an enrolment centre has been established for the foreign diplomats at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement read, “The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has approved the setting up of a National Identity Number (NIN)…

The Lagos State Government has clarified that second term of 2020/2021 academic session is meant to last for 61 days for public and private schools. According to the revised calendar for 2020/2021 academic session released by the Office of the Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), the second term is slated to run from January 18 to April 30. The mid-term break has been scheduled for March 4 and 5. There will also be two public holidays – Good Friday on April 2 and Easter Monday on April 5. Resumption for the third term has been scheduled for May 4, while the…

The Senate has queried the Ministry of Petroleum Resources over the payment of N98.4 million for the printing of leaflets for awareness programme for the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) without due process. Its committee on Public Accounts has, therefore, accepted the 2015 Auditor-General of the Federation’s Report, which exposed mismanagement of public funds in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The report stated that contrary to the procurement process, an entry in the cash book for N98.4 million was made in favour of a company for printing of leaflets for awareness campaign programme for the PIB. “There was no formal award…

Manchester United midfielder Fred has urged Paul Pogba to remain at the club despite recent transfer rumors circulating around the French star. Since joining Manchester United, Paul Pogba has been subject to a series of transfer speculations and this window has been no different. The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Real Madrid and Juventus rumored to be interested. Speaking to Globo Esporte, Fred has urged Pogba to remain at the club saying: “He (Pogba) is one of the guys who works hard, works hard, is very serious in training. “Inside the locker room is a guy who helps us, is always in a good mood. We hope…

Barcelona seem to be in the clear to sign one of their top transfer targets. Barcelona will be going up against Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Supercopa de Espana tonight and it’s Ronald Koeman’s first real shot at a title after becoming the manager of the Catalans. Barcelona remain vigilant in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their side for the second half of the season. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top stories involving Barcelona from 17 January 2021. Barcelona goalkeeper Neto’s agent submits transfer request FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF – La Liga Santander Speaking…

Chelsea are close to completing a deas for Fikayo Tomori and the sale of Lucas Piazon. They continue to be in search of fresh talent, young players and teams that could sign their outcasts. The likes of Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Alonso are linked with moves away from Chelsea. Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s side returned to winning ways in the Premier League courtesy a goal from Mason Mount. However, most of Chelsea’s summer signings endured another below-par day on the pitch, On that note, let us have a look at the latest Chelsea transfer news as on January 17, 2021. David Moyes says ‘no bids…

Real Madrid will look to put their weekend defeat to Athletic Club behind them with a midweek fixture against Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey. The Blancos’ league season faced another setback as well after dropping two precious points away at Osasuna as Zinedine Zidane’s side failed to break down the side despite having 71% of the ball. Ahead of their upcoming game on Wednesday, here, we take a look at some of the latest Real Madrid transfer news. Lucas Vazquez eyed by AC Milan Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio Real Madrid wide man Lucas Vazquez could potentially depart from the club…

Lorenzo Insigne scored twice and set up another as Napoli thumped Fiorentina 6-0 on Sunday to move into third in Serie A. Napoli got back to winning ways in their newly-named Diego Armando Maradona Stadium after falling to promoted Spezia in their last home match. Gennaro Gattuso’s side came out firing despite the absence of midfielder Fabian Ruiz who tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday. Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen was also missing. Insigne got the first goal after just five minutes following good work from Hirving Lozano and Andrea Petagna. Fiorentina missed three chances to equalise, twice through Cristiano Biraghi,…