November 2024 | Page 3 of 15

Telegram founder offers free sperm for IVF

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago05 mins

Pavel Durov has teamed up with AltraVita fertility clinic in Moscow, Russia, to offer free IVF to women under 38; but only if they use his sperm. Durov, billionaire founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, claimed this year that he had already fathered over 100 children through sperm donation in 12 countries. He now wants to ‘open-source’ his DNA to make it easier for his biological children to find each other. Durov is offering to fund IVF for women in his home country, Russia, through AltraVita clinic in Moscow. AltraVita specifically reference on their website that treatment would be with Durov’s ‘donated’ sperm, and it appears that Dubrov does not intend to undertake legal or financial responsibility for any children conceived. The AltraVita website describes this as a ‘one of a kind’ opportunity to undergo free IVF using sperm from ‘one of the most famous and successful entrepreneurs of our time.’ The clinic website read: ‘It is a very generous contribution to society from someone who wants to help those dreaming of becoming parents.’ The clinic does not provide any specific details about the screening or donation process for Durov’s sperm. According to AltraVita’s website, all sperm donors undergo medical and psychological examination in accordance with Ministry of Healthcare regulations, and all donor sperm is tested for infectious diseases including HIV. In a post published on on his platform, Telegram, in July 2024, Durov said that when he first donated 15 years ago, ‘The boss of the clinic told me that “high quality donor material” was in short supply and that it was my civic duty to donate more sperm to anonymously help more couples.’ This is not the first example of a high-profile donor expressing an interest in having many biological children. In 2023, Dutch courts banned Jonathan Meijr from donating sperm, following claims that he fathered over 500 children. The story was covered in the Netflix documentary, ‘The Man with 1000 Kids’, which highlighted difficulties in tracking donors internationally. Durov expressed his intention to encourage sperm donation more widely. He said in a Telegram post, ‘The shortage of healthy sperm has become an increasingly serious issue worldwide, and I’m proud that I did my part to alleviate it… I also want to destigmatise the whole notion of sperm donation and incentivise more healthy men to do it, so that families struggling to have kids can enjoy more options.’ Durov left Russia and became a French citizen in 2021, after refusing to comply with an investigation into the first social media site he founded, according to Forbes. He was arrested in France in August as part of an investigation into charges of enabling criminal activity on Telegram and is currently forbidden to leave the country. ,

Shettima: Ifeanyi Ubah’s free spirit pulled down political, ethnic barriers

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM today joined his former colleagues at the Senate in paying glowing tributes to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, saying the free spirit of the late lawmaker who passed on earlier in the year, broke down political and ethnic barriers. Shettima’s tributes followed the valedictory session held at the Senate Chambers in honour of the late senator whilst his remains were laid at the foyer of the White House Wing of the chambers. Reading his tribute during a valedictory session on Tuesday, the Vice President described the late Senator Ubah as “the youngest member of the 9th Senate and one of its brightest stars, whose age belied his political dexterity and grassroot affiliation. “His bridge-building capacity elevated his political journey beyond older and more established giants in the arena and he was easily on his way to bigger conquests when the lord called him home,” Senator Shettima noted. Recalling one of his encounters with the late Anambra-born Senator, while serving as Governor of Borno State, the VP recalled that Senator Ubah’s generosity “knew no bounds and his free spirit broke down political and ethnic barriers”. While condoling the family, friends and associates of the late lawmaker, the Vice President reminded the gathering that “death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck,” adding that “we are travelers on our journeys home, from God to God.” Earlier in his remarks, the Senate President @SPNigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio announced that the day had been set aside to honour the life and time of Senator Ubah, drawing the attention of Senators to their departed colleague’s seat adorned with the Nigerian flag and four symbolic candles as a mark of respect. Senator Akpabio described the late businessman from Otolo, Nnewi North, Anambra State as a visionary leader with extraordinary empathy for all and a champion for economic empowerment and community development. The Senate President said the death of Senator Ubah has created a huge deficit in the political terrain of the country, regretting that the vacuum created will be difficult to fill. Senators took turns during the valedictory session to pay tributes to their departed colleague, praying God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Lagos to intensify sensitisation against quacks parading as materials test laboratory

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) is set to commence aggressive advocacy to eradicate quackery and curb sharp practices, as part of stringent measures to check subpar performance within the built sector. The General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, who disclosed this on Saturday during a workshop to upskill consultant partners in regulating building and construction materials across the State, stated that all efforts will be mobilised in creating awareness for Lagos residents to conduct their tests at only accredited Laboratories registered as the Agency’s affiliates. While urging officials of the Agency to intensify advocacy across all Media outlets to avert the open hawking of concrete, steel and soil tests on the streets, the General Manager suggested that such deliberations be extended to E-commerce platforms, being part of recommendations by members of Council For the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Still speaking, Engr. Abdul averred “This training is to charge Engineering professionals to work more on preserving the ethics and legacies of their profession. Thus, I implore you via this medium to exude professionalism and avoid results falsification, results misrepresentation or create fast-track results to please clients at the detriment of the durability of the building’s structural integrity as well as the credibility of the Engineering profession”. “Stay in your lane as Technical Consultants. Yours is to state the results of the tests and advise the client to give such laboratory feedback to a Structural Engineer who will analyse it for them. You are expected to diagnose, let the experts analyse the symptoms and disease as it affects the structure”, she added. Engr Abdul underscores the critical role LSMTL plays as a citadel of Engineering Education with tertiary institutions like the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), to embark on research-based operations that will empower professionals, solve real-life problems as soil topography and town development to curb mediocrity in all its forms. The General Manager emphasised that there was a need for professionals to conduct all statutory tests using appropriate gadgets for accurate readings that will guide the construction of structures that will stand the test of time. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of certificates of participation to participants at the interactive session.

WCL: Edo Queens’ Essien, Odoma top CAF Best XI

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Edo Queens duo of Emem Essien and Cordeila Odoma have been shortlisted as one of the eleven top performers following the conclusion of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 group stages. According to CAF’s Technical Study Group (TSG) Odoma alongside AS FAR’s Nouhaila Benzina, Shadia Nankya of FC Masar and Karabo Dhlamini of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies complete the back four as full-backs. The attacking trio is led by Edo Queens’ lethal Emem Essien, who is assisted by AS FAR teenage-star, Doha El Madani as well as Lacho Marta of TP Mazembe. UWC’s highly experienced Amogelang Motau anchors the midfield, just behind the attacking pair of AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Sandrine Niyonkuru of FC Masar. AS FAR shot-stopper Khadija ER-Rmichi, with just one concession in the group stages, rightfully earns the goalkeeper position. The CAF TSG comprises various African football experts, including coaches, analysts, and technical advisors. The Best 11 is headlined by four AS FAR players, two each from tournament debutants, Edo Queens as well as FC Masar, while Mamelodi Sundowns, University of the Western Cape (UWC) as well as TP Mazembe make up the final 11. The CAF Technical Study Group also confirmed the best performing players and coach for the group stages as follows: Top Goalscorer Doha El Madani (5 goals) AS FAR #7 Best Player Sanaa Mssoudy AS FAR #18 Best Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi AS FAR #1 Best Coach Ahmad Ramadhan FC Masar The tournament enters the exciting knockout stages today (Tuesday), 19 November, when Edo Queens takes on TP Mazembe at 4pm Nigeria time before former champions AS FAR take on FC Masar at 7pm.

AFCONQ: Rwanda stun Super Eagles comeback victory

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Nigeria’s Super Eagles concluded their Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers with a shocking 2-1 loss to Rwanda. The match, held on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, showcased the underdog’s resilience as the Rwandan side came from behind to secure victory. However, Nigeria had already qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, finishing top of the group with 11 points. Samuel Chukwueze gave Nigeria the lead in the 59th minute, delighting the home crowd. Rwanda, however, quickly responded, with Aimable Mutinzi equalising in the 72nd minute. Just three minutes later, Imanishimwe Nshuti completed the comeback, sealing a memorable win for Rwanda. The first half ended goalless, with both teams missing opportunities to take control. In the second half, Nigeria’s early dominance faltered as Rwanda capitalised on defensive lapses. Nshuti, who was later booked for time-wasting, emerged as the hero for the visitors. Despite the defeat, Nigeria topped Group D with three wins, two draws, and one loss, earning 11 points. Benin and Rwanda both finished with 8 points, but Benin secured second place on goal difference to join Nigeria in the tournament proper. Libya finished at the bottom of the group with 5 points.

Ademola Lookman tops CAF Awards final shortlist

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

The Confederation African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the Top Five Nominees in each of the Men’s Categories of the upcoming CAF Awards 2024. The 2024 edition of the CAF Awards is set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco on 16 December 2024. Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire / Brighton & Hove Albion), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta) Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns) have all been lined up for CAF Awards 2024 Player of the Year Top Prize. Other categories announced today include Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Club of the Year, National Team of the Year. The glittering ceremony designed to celebrate African football excellence recognizes exceptional performances in both club and national competitions, culminating in the prestigious tites of CAF African Player of the Year in both the men’s and women’s categories. A total of seven (7) categories have been confirmed by CAF in the Men’s Category of the awards, shortlisting the five top performing players, coaches and teams in each of the categories. The CAF Awards 2024 cover the period between January 2024 and October 2024. PLAYER OF THE YEARSimon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire / Brighton & Hove Albion)Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund)Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta)Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns) GOALKEEPER OF THE YEARAndre Onana (Cameroon / Manchester United)Yahia Fofana (Cote d’Ivoire / Angers SCO)Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt / Al Ahly)Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria / Chippa United)Ronwen Wlliams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns) INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEARIssoufou Dayo (Burkina Faso / RS Berkane)Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ (Egypt / Zamalek)Hussein El Shahat (Egypt / Al Ahly)Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt / Al Ahly)Ronwen Wlliams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns) COACH OF THE YEARPedro Goncalves (Angola)Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire)Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo)Marcel Koller (Al Ahly)Hugo Broos (South Africa) YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEARKarim Konate (Cote d’Ivoire / Salzburg)Oumar Diakite (Cote d’Ivoire / Reims)Yankuba Minteh (Gambia / Brighton & Hove Albion)Eliesse Ben Seghir (Morocco / AS Monaco)Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco) CLUB OF THE YEARAl Ahly (Egypt)Zamalek (Egypt)RS Berkane (Morocco)Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEARCote d’ivoireDR CongoNigeriaSouth AfricaSudan

Nollywood actor Dayo Amusa welcomes baby boy in US

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago01 mins

Nollywood actor Dayo Amusa has officially announced the arrival of her new baby boy, who was born in the United States. An elated Actor took to her Instagram page to break the news and also share the pictures of the baby. Dayo expressed her gratitude to God, writing, “Alhamdulillahi. My treasure has arrived. It’s a boy.” The post received an outpouring of congratulations and well-wishes from colleagues, friends, and fans. Notable personalities such as Toyin Abraham, Mo Bimpe, Iyabo Ojo, Juliet Ibrahim, Alesh Sanni, Bukunmi Oluwasina, Desola Afod, Bukola Arugba, and Biola Bayo were among those who celebrated Dayo’s new journey into motherhood.

AFCONQ: Eguavoen names Boniface, Iheanacho, benches Osimhen for Rwanda clash

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago01 mins

Interim head coach Austin Eguavoen has named Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the Super Eagles attack against the Amavubis of Rwanda in today’s AFCON 2025 deadrubber qualifying clash. In the absence of Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye will be in goal while Bright Osayi-Samuel, Gabriel Osho, William Troost Ekong are in the heart of defence. Bruno Onyemachi, Frank Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Moses Simon are saddled with midfield role. The substitutes are; Amas Obasogie, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Victor Osimhen, Sadiq Umar, Jamilu Collins and Samuel Chukwueze. The tie is slated to kick off at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium at 5pm Nigeria time.