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Federal University Lokoja Names Professor Gbenga Ibileye As New Vice-Chancellor

The Federal University, Lokoja, has named Professor Gbenga Ibileye as its fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor. The appointment was confirmed on Tuesday by Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Professor Zubairu Abdullahi, who said, “Professor Ibileye emerged tops, first out of the best three candidates.” Professor Ibileye will succeed Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, whose five-year term concludes in February 2026. Born on June 7, 1966, in Kogi State, Professor Ibileye is a distinguished academic with extensive leadership experience. He earned his PhD in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University in 2002 and has served as Professor and Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies at the university since 2012. He has also held several key administrative roles, including Acting Vice-Chancellor, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Pioneer Director of General Studies. His research interests cover Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Legal and Forensic Linguistics, and Applied Linguistics, with a focus on Political Discourse, Media Analysis, Constitutional Language, and Communication in Leadership. He has authored multiple publications, including Current Trends in Discourse Analysis and the English Teacher’s Guide Series 1–6. Professor Ibileye’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Pragmatician Award (2025), Noble Prize for Education (2024), and Hall of Fame Induction (2023).

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Fola Apologises After Mainland Block Party Show Cut Short Due to Overcrowding

Afrobeats sensation Folarin Odunlami, popularly known as Fola, has apologised to fans after his first headline performance at the Mainland Block Party was abruptly halted due to safety issues. The concert, held on Monday, December 15, at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, was stopped after organisers reported that the venue had exceeded its approved capacity. Overcrowding and safety risks forced the decision to protect attendees. Several fans expressed frustration at the event, with some ticket holders claiming they were denied entry despite having purchased tickets. Complaints also centred on poor crowd management and event coordination. Fola addressed the situation on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, apologising for the disruption. “My people, I’m really sorry about how last night went,” he wrote. “People were hurt and that should never happen. I had to stop the show because safety comes before anything else. I hear you on all fronts, and we’re working to make things right.” The show, which fans eagerly anticipated given Fola’s breakout success in 2025 with hits like Lost and Bye Bye, triggered a backlash online, with many criticising both the singer and organisers over the handling of the event. Dangbana Republik, Fola’s record label, also issued a statement acknowledging the lapses and reiterating their commitment to fan safety. The label said the performance was halted as soon as it became clear that attendees were at risk and that discussions are ongoing with organisers to address the concerns. “At no point should fans have been put in unsafe conditions. Your safety remains non-negotiable,” the statement read. As of now, the organisers of the Mainland Block Party have not released an official statement regarding the incident.

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Davido Reacts After Man Walked Past Him in Elevator, Sparking Online Buzz

Davido has stirred conversation online after reacting to a viral video in which a man appeared to walk past him in an elevator without acknowledging him. The singer took to his X account and wrote: “You wey dem pursue … 😵‍💫”, leaving the meaning of the post open to interpretation. Aura for Aura in Abuja City, Moment a guy walked past Davido in an elevator😂. Yenking 001 😂 pic.twitter.com/7rhR4TV5ZE — 🐝zzyyNotFound (@_Sokowonci_) December 16, 2025 Although he did not confirm if it was a direct reference to the clip, the timing of his reaction has led many netizens to connect the two. Fans and social media users have since speculated about the post, with some interpreting it as a lighthearted jab at the moment captured in the video, while others believe it comments on the nature of chasing fame and attention.

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French Labour Court Orders PSG to Pay Kylian Mbappe €61 Million in Back Wages

Paris Saint-Germain has been ordered by a French labour court to pay former forward Kylian Mbappe up to 61 million euros ($71.8 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses. Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid in June 2024 after seven seasons with PSG, had initially claimed over 260 million euros from his former club. PSG, meanwhile, demanded 440 million euros from the France captain. The court dismissed Mbappe’s argument that the club applied the wrong legal classification to his contract. The awarded sum includes 55 million euros in unpaid salary and roughly six million euros in holiday pay. PSG has yet to comment on whether it will appeal the decision. Mbappe’s lawyers said they were “satisfied with the decision given by the labour court,” adding that it “re-establishes a simple truth — even in the professional football industry, labour laws apply to everyone.” The dispute partly relates to a failed 300-million-euro transfer to Saudi club Al Hilal in June 2023, which Mbappe refused. He later left PSG on a free transfer when his contract expired the following summer. Mbappe filed a complaint in June over how he was treated by PSG during the 2023-24 season, claiming he was sidelined and made to train with players the club sought to offload after he declined a new contract. He missed the club’s 2023 pre-season tour of Asia and the first match of that season but was later reinstated following talks with the club. During his time at PSG, Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 appearances. He now plays for Real Madrid, reportedly earning 30 million euros annually. PSG won their first Champions League title last season after his departure.

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Dembele Wins FIFA Best Award

Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has been named the FIFA Best men’s player of 2025. Demeble, 28, has capped off his incredible year during which he won Ligue 1, the Champions League and the Coupe de France. The Frenchman also helped PSG reach the final of the Club World Cup. His efforts were enough to secure him his first ever Ballon d’Or, arguably the most coveted individual award in football. At Tuesday’s FIFA ceremony in Doha, Qatar, Dembele claimed another. The nominees were announced as Dembele, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the winner, as Dembele was invited on stage. PSG are playing in Qatar this week, facing Flamengo in the inaugural Intercontinental Cup Final.

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Governor Bago Sacks 30 Special Advisers To Restructure Niger State Administration

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has relieved 30 special advisers of their appointments as part of efforts to restructure and streamline governance in the state. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who explained that the decision is intended to enhance efficiency and effectiveness under the governor’s New Niger agenda. Although details on new appointments or reassignments were not disclosed, the move is part of a broader plan to reorganize key portfolios for better service delivery. Governor Bago reportedly made the announcement during his first Council meeting with newly sworn-in commissioners at the council chamber in Government House, Minna. Bologi noted, “The termination of their appointments was to allow the governor to rejig and reposition their portfolios with a view to making them more effective and efficient in line with his New Niger agenda.” He added that the governor thanked the advisers for their contributions to the administration’s progress and wished them success in their future endeavors.

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Lizzy Gold Announces She’s Not Rushing Into Marriage, Focused On Kids And Freedom

Filmmaker Lizzy Gold has told her fans she’s in no hurry to get married, choosing instead to focus on raising her two children. In a candid social media video, the 38-year-old mother emphasized that she’s prioritizing her personal freedom and family life over tying the knot. Describing herself as “married to my kids,” Lizzy said she’s waiting for the right partner and refuses to settle. “It is not going to be my turn anytime soon. I am not getting married anytime soon; I am not even thinking about it,” she said. She added, “I am waiting on God. If peradventure there is no man, it is not a sin to remain single.” Her message has struck a chord with many, with Lizzy making it clear that she won’t be pressured or compromise on her choice.

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Benin Jails 30 Soldiers Over Foiled Coup Attempt, Several Mutineers Still At Large

Beninese authorities on Tuesday placed around 30 people, mostly soldiers, in pre-trial detention over their alleged involvement in this month’s failed coup attempt, according to legal sources, while several suspected mutineers remain at large. The attempted coup unfolded on December 7, when a group of soldiers briefly appeared on national television claiming that President Patrice Talon had been overthrown. Loyalist forces, supported by the Nigerian air force and French special forces, quickly regained control. Several people were killed in the violence, and the alleged coup leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, along with other mutinous soldiers, are still on the run. The accused were brought before a special prosecutor at the court for economic crimes and terrorism in Cotonou on Monday, and were ordered into pre-trial detention the following day. They face charges of “treason,” “murder,” and “endangering state security,” according to sources. AFP reporters noted a heavy security presence around the court during the proceedings. In a related development, Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese president and opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, was released after questioning on Monday. He remains under investigation in connection with the coup attempt, although authorities have not disclosed the reasons for his continued prosecution. Chabi Yayi is affiliated with his father’s opposition party.

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