Australia Kicks Off Global New Year Celebrations With Fireworks

Fireworks erupt over Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House during the New Years Eve fireworks show in Sydney on January 1, 2017.

Australia rang in the new year Sunday with a spectacular fireworks display in Sydney, sending rainbow-coloured showers into the night sky and defying the global terror attacks that cast a pall over 2016.

Around 1.5 million people packed Australia’s biggest city to watch as the midnight fireworks erupted from Sydney Harbour Bridge, with the extravaganza beamed to television sets and phones across the world.

36 Killed,69 Injured In Istanbul Nightclub Attack

At least 39 people, including 16 foreigners, have lost their lives in an attack on a nightclub in Turkey, Istanbul’s governor has said.

Among the dead at the Istanbul club is one police officer, Vasip Sahin stated, adding that it was a terror attack.

Tiwa Savage, Tee Billz, Toke Makinwa Spotted At Stephanie Coker’s Traditional Wedding

Media Personality, Stephanie Coker and her beau, Olumide Adenirokun got married traditionally on December, 30, 2016.

The on-air personality’s traditional marriage took place in Lagos. She features in Tinsel, popular Nigerian TV Series as ‘Feke’.

Tiwa Savage, Tee Billz, Toke Makinwa, Beverly Naya, Anna Banner, Osas Ajibade, Ehiz and other celebrities were in attendance.

See photos:

Happy New Year 2017

Happy New Year to you all.

Serena Williams Finally Gets Engaged And It’s Not Who You Think

Tennis star, Serena Williams has announced her engagement to her boyfriend, Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian.

Serena revealed the proposal in a poem on a Reddit thread wrote:

We Will Not Watch While A Generation Is Wiped Out | Chocolate City boss, Audu Maikori Speaks On The Killings In Kaduna

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan has put the number of deaths to 808. In three local governments in Southern Kaduna, Fulani herdsmen who have become what the Federal Government of Nigeria continues to deny branding them – terrorists, have ruined lives, property, hopes and everything the people in these parts could lay claim to.

Chinese Super League Want Mark Clattenburg

The Chinese Super League is turning into a heaven for footballers at the moment especially with the high profile signings of Carlos Tevez and former Chelsea midfielder Oscar, now they want English referee Mark Clattenburg.

Naira Ranked Among Four Worst Currencies In 2016

The Bloomberg LP has ranked Nigeria’s Naira as one of the world’s four worst performing currencies in 2016.

According to the ranking, the Naira lost 36.68 per cent of its spot returns for the year.

Other currencies in the bottom four are the Egyptian pound, Suriname dollar and Venezuela bolivar.

Davido Lights Up The Year At Industry Nite Grand Finale Special

African megastar and Afro-pop singer, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido signed off the year with an industry Nite as he electrified the music lovers at the concert held at Grand Ballroom of The Oriental Hotel, Lekki Lagos.

Only 22 Days To Go! Here Are The Top 10 Photos of President Obama’s Years As US President

The day is upon us. 20 January, 2017 and we will say goodbye to the first black President of the United States of America.

He served for eight years and has been more, much more than the man who rewrote black history. For many Americans, Barack Obama’s leadership choices could have been way better, could have been everything he promised during his first election campaign in 2008 but a section of America, the African Americans will forever have the man to thank for helping them and generations to come to see themselves differently.

Butchered Bride-To-Be To Be Buried In Lagos

A bride-to-be, Dayo Enioluwa Adeleke, who was butchered by her Cameroonian house-help December 20, will be committed to mother earth in Lagos State today (Thursday).

Her funeral arrangements posted online indicate that Service of Songs and funeral service will be held today at Guiding Light Assembly, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi.

Arik Air: Stranded Passengers Sleep On Floor Overnight At Lagos Airport

Despite resuming operations last week Wednesday after workers shut down operations over non-payment of salaries, stranded Arik Airline passengers were yesterday forced to sleep on the floor while waiting at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos State.

Some were said to have slept on the floor overnight as their flights were either not mentioned or cancelled for no cogent reason from the management.

2baba Spotted Having Time Out With His kids

Tuface Idibia, legendary Nigerian singer was spotted in a photo with four of his lovely children- Annie Idibia’s daughters, Isabella and Olivia and Sumbo Adeoye’s sons, Nino and Zion.

Hollywood Actress, Carrie Fisher Is Dead

Well celebrated Hollywood actress, Carrie Fisher is dead.  The Starwars actress died at age 60 after suffering a heart attack on December, 23, 2016.

According to People.com:

APC Moves To Reconcile Kwankwaso, Ganduje

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has constituted a committee to reconcile aggrieved factions of the party.

This disclosure was made yesterday by Acting APC chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.

Abbas noted that the party found it necessary to set up the reconciliation committee in order to ensure unity within the members of the party across the state.

APCs Scurrilous Attack On Pastor Adeboye

                                                                                 Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (TRCCG) embarks on the “Let’s Go A-Fishing” programme twice in a year. Usually a four-day affair, the programme coincides with the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ during Christmas (December) and His crucifixion and resurrection during Easter (March\April).

Record Chasing Chelsea Out To Stoke Title Dreams

Chelsea can take another step towards English football history when they host Stoke City on Saturday, as the Premier League’s jam-packed festive schedule rumbles into 2017.

Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Boxing Day was their 12th in succession, leaving them two wins short of Arsenal’s overall top-flight record of 14, set over two seasons in 2002.

Pastor Ashimolowo Looses $5m To Ponzi Scheme

                                                  Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo

Kingsway International Christian Centre, a 12,000-member megachurch in Britain headed by Nigeria’s Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, lost $4.8 million to a Ponzi scheme after trustees carelessly invested money in it.

The scam was the brainchild of former Premier League soccer player, Richard Rufus, who used to be a defender for Charlton Athletic. He promised investors along with the church a return as high as 55 per cent.

25 Nigerian Celebrity Deaths That Hit 2016

Death as we know is inevitable, though some believe once dead you are gone forever while some believe there is a special place for the dead, whichever category you belong to one must agree that once you lose a loved one there is always a great vacuum that can never be filled.

Sadly so many  Nigerian celebrities have embarked on this journey of no return in the year 2016.

Stargist.com brings you Nigerian celebrity deaths that hit 2016

Read below:

Police Arrests Suspected Militant Planning To Bomb Third Mainland Bridge

A suspected member of a militant group allegedly planning to blow up the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State, has been arrested by the police in Majidun, Ikorodu area of the state.

The suspect, Abiodun Amos, aka Senti, was said to be a bomb expert, who had participated in several robbery attacks and kidnappings in Lagos and Ogun states.

Nurse Pulls Off Baby's Hand During Delivery

An auxiliary nurse, identified only as Oyekanmi, has been arrested by the police for her role in the death of a baby she took delivery of in the Odogunyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victim’s mother, Adeola, had been taken to Oyekanmi’s residence last Saturday when she went into labour.

How Blind Students Cheat During Exams- WAEC

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), says blind candidates collide among themselves to cheat during examinations.

The Head of Test Administration of WAEC in Nigeria, Mrs Frances Iweha-Onukwu, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

Iweha-Onukwu said the reason could be that the candidates were usually not well equipped individually for the examinations.

Dogs Disappears From Ekiti Streets As Residents Turn To Dog Meat

Dogs have disappeared from the streets in Ekiti State following rise in the consumption of dog meat by residents, a check by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, has shown.

NAN reports that more people have increasingly turned to dog meat for their nutrition in spite of the taboo hitherto associated with the consumption of dog meat in the state.

What OAP Freeze Said Regarding Funke Akindele’s Prophesy Will Shock You

Cool FM’S OAP, Freeze took to Instagram to prophesy on Funke Akindele’s life and marriage and declared every negative prophesy in her life null and void.

Recall that, Prophet Faleyimu had once prophesied sometime ago that Funke Akindele would be childless all the days of her life.

How Nigerian Military Captured Sambisa Forest

The capture of the dreaded Sambisa Forest by the Nigerian military has been greeted with joy across the country.

The Forest, before its capture was the Headquarters of terrorist group, Boko Haram.

In a video gotten by YNaija, the forest was taken via a combined effort of the Air Force and the Army.

Using two Alpha fighter jets, the Air Force attacked the terrorists, smoking them from their hideouts, as the ground troops wiped them out.

Many terrorists could be seen fleeing from the scene aas they were bombarded by the military on all sides.

Stunning Photos From Comedian Omobaba’s Wedding

Comedian Olufemi Fagade popularly known as Omobaba got married to his girlfriend, Toyosi, in Ibadan on December, 27, 2016.

The wedding was graced by his family members and friends including ; Gbenga Adeyinka, Sound Sultan and others.

See more photos below:

How Nigerian Military Arrested Frenchman Who Repairs APCs For Boko Haram

The mysterious white man captured by Nigerian soldiers during last week’s storming of Boko Haram’s headquarters in the Sambisa Forest is a Frenchman and he specializes in repairing and unlocking armoured personnel vehicles and other fighting equipment, Daily Trust learnt from authoritative military sources yesterday. The white man’s identity is being concealed by the Federal Government and military authorities for diplomatic reasons, the sources also said.

Oluwo Of Iwo Urges Yoruba Mornachs To Throw Away Idols From Their Palaces

                                                                       Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has urged monarchs in Yorubaland to offer their subjects various forms of assistance and words of encouragement to give them hope especially in the present economic situation in the country.

Woman Beheaded For Entering Afghan City Without Her Husband

A woman has reportedly been beheaded by a group of armed men in Afghanistan after she entered a city without her husband.

The horrific act took place in the remote village of Latti in Sar-e-Pul province, which is under Taliban control.

Provincial Governor spokesman Zabiullah Amani told the Nation that the 30-year-old woman was targeted because she went out alone without her husband, who is in Iran.

Drake And Jlo Now Rocking

Musicians Jennifer Lopez, 47, and Drake, 30, have seemingly confirmed that they are an item.

A loved-up picture appeared on both of their Official Instagram pages in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and even though it came with no explanation, it seemed to be enough to reaffirm the tryst.

The cuddling holiday post won't be something that his ex-girlfriend Rihanna, 28, is waking up to, since it comes just one day after the news that she unfollowed her love rival, this weekend.

American Billionaire Offers Scholarships To Chibok Schoolgirls

African-American Billionaire,Robert Smith

A black American billionaire, Mr. Robert Smith, has volunteered to sponsor the education of 24 girls from Chibok community, including the 21 recently rescued ones.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, made this known to State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday.

DSS Arrests The World's Third Most Wanted Terrorist,Foils Attack On US

The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday confirmed the arrest of the third most wanted terrorism suspect, The Nation is reporting.

Although his name was not given, the report said the suspect, who is in the custody of the agency and undergoing profiling, has been indicted in the killing of expatriates in the country between 2012 and 2013.

Alleged Yahoo Yahoo: I Am Not A Criminal, I Won’t Honour You – Oluwo of Iwo Tells Court

Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulraheed Akanbi, has insisted that he will not appear before a Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo, Osun State.

The court had on Tuesday last week, issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his alleged involvement in Internet fraud, known as Yahoo Yahoo.

President Jammeh Must Go When Term Ends-UN

                                                          President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia 

President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia will not be allowed to remain head of state if he refuses to go after his elected term ends next month, the top United Nations official in West Africa said on Wednesday.

Reuters also quoted the UN official as saying that Jammeh would face “strong sanctions if he clings to power.”

“Just Shut Up!” – Comedian McAbbey Slams Those Against Comedy In Church

Comedian McAbbey took to Instagram to slam those who are against comedy in churches, right after Pastor Mike Bamiloye’s post about comedy in church being a sin.
Read below:

Tuface Idibia’s Reaction To Super Falcons Unpaid Allowances Is Incredible

Legendary singer, Tuface Idibia has reacted to Super Falcons unpaid allowances by the Nigerian Government. He took to his Instagram page to share a photo of them and also, rant.

Boko Haram: Troops Kill 17, Rescue 605 in Borno

The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor has disclosed that the Operation Rescue Finale launch by the command was making headway in its activities in the Sambisa Forest.

The commander while briefing newsmen at the headquarters, Wednesday, in Maiduguri, told journalists that troops has so far cleared almost the entire Sambisa Forest and have continued to make progress with good records in various operations in the last one week.

Enyeama: I Was Kicked Out Of The Eagles, Supports Falcons

Former Super Eagles shot-stopper Vincent Enyeama has revealed in an emotional tweet that he was kicked out of the Nigeria national team and in the same breathe pledged his support for the Super Falcons who are currently protesting for unpaid wages.

2017 budget presentation: Full text of President Buhari’s speech

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday presented the 2017 Appropriation Bill before a joint session of the National Assembly.

Buhari, during the presentation said his administration will pay more attention to infrastructures with roads and rail projects taking centre in the incoming year.

See full text below:

Sidney New Year Fireworks To Be Streamed Live On Facebook

Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks, which traditionally kick off the world’s major celebrations, are set to be streamed live on Facebook for the first time, officials said Monday.

The visual extravaganza in Australia’s biggest city is already watched by more than a million people at Sydney Harbour and a further one billion via a television audience.

D'banj, Ikpeba Thrill Gov Ambode, Fans at Copa Lagos

The 2016 Copa Lagos was another spectacle for Beach Soccer loving fans who came out in their numbers on Sunday to not only have fun but witness beach soccer at its best.
Despite the 8-3 defeat of Super Sand Eagles by Switzerland,the fans were treated to some good footballing moments when former Super Eagles stars led by Victor Ikpeba took on the Entertainers All stars led by popular Nigerian musician D'banj.

Uyo Church Collapse:Only 27 Dead and 36 Injured-Police

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, said only 27 people died when the uncompleted Reigners Bible Church collapsed on Saturday in Uyo.

It was the first official figure to be released about the tragedy.

The initial figure, from the hospital, put the death at over 200.

Mani also said 37 people were injured.

See As Soldiers Confer On Osita Iheme ‘New Civilian General’

Popular actor, Osita Iheme popularly known as Paw Paw was spotted surrounded by soldiers. According to him,they conferred on him ‘The New Civilian General’.

He wrote;

See Official Invitation Letter To Zahra Buhari & Ahmed Indimi’s Wedding

Zahra Buhari and Ahmed Indimi’s marriage notification and letter has been released and it was signed by Muhammadu Indimi.

See below:

'My Nigerian Fans Asks Me For money instead of Autographs'-Alex Iwobi

Arsenal youngster, Super Eagles player and Jay Jay Okocha’s nephew, Alex Iwobi has expressed his shock in an interview with Guardian on how his Nigerian fans ask him for money rather than autographs.

Iwobi said;

The Latest EPL Table/Log

Chelsea still on top with 4 points clear of Arsenal . The biggest loss on match day 15 was the defeat of Manchester City by Leicester.

Trump Picks Treasury Secretary,Says He'ill Leave His Business

Former Goldman Sachs investment banker Steven Mnuchin speaking to reporters at the Trump Tower in New York. Mnuchin is one of the top people being considered as US Treasury Secretary by US President-elect Donald Trump.AFP/Jewel Samad

 

President-elect Donald Trump named Wall Street veteran Steven Mnuchin for Treasury secretary Wednesday, filling key slots on his economic team even as he announced plans to leave his businesses to avoid any conflict of interest.

15 Year-Old Murdered Inside School Hostel In Yobe

A 15-year-old student of Fika Government Secondary School, Potiskum in Yobe State, Garba Sani, has been murdered in the school’s hostel.
The student, in Class 1C, was found in the hostel in a pool of his own blood shortly after he took permission to ease himself.

How Catholic Priests Sexually Assaulted 30 Disabled Children

Two Catholic priests have been arrested by Argentine authorities for forcing children at a school for the hearing impaired to have oral sex with each other, officials said Wednesday.