Author: Chronicle Editor

Annual inflation in Nigeria accelerated in October to 18.3 per cent, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Monday, its highest in more than 11 years and the ninth straight monthly rise, in another sign of the crisis in Africa’s biggest economy. The rise from 17.9 per cent in September reflected higher prices for electricity, clothing and food, a separate index for which rose to 17.1 per cent from September’s 16.6 per cent, the statistics office said. “During the month, the highest increases were seen in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels,” the statistics bureau said in a statement.…

Livinus Acholonu Over the last two weeks, I have seen what is undeniably a desperate myth perpetuation of pay-television pricing in the country. The myths have swirled around MultiChoice, rightly or otherwise considered the synonym for pay-television in Nigeria. One of such in circulation has is that Nigerian subscribers to MultiChoice pay-television services are being extorted by the company. Alongside this runs another suggesting that MultiChoice subscribers should be able to pay as they watch. This, I have observed, is sold to the public as “pay-as-you-view” model which, when mentioned, gets people jumping from one to 10 in the conviction…

The leader of the jihadist group Boko Haram has reacted to the election of Donald Trump to the White House with a warning that “the war has just begun” against the West. “Do not be overwhelmed by people like Donald Trump and the global coalition fighting our brethren in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and everywhere,” Abubakar Shekau said in an audio message posted on YouTube late Sunday. “We remain steadfast on our faith and we will not stop,” he said in the hour-long message. “To us, the war has just begun.” Boko Haram is waging a seven-year-old uprising against the Nigerian…

Nigeria’s Senate are on the verge of deploying local fabric, Aso Oke’ as school caps and cardigans in a bid to encourage locally made goods and improve employment ratings. Nigeria’s senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, hinted this during the launch of his “Skill Acquisition, Training and Empowerment Programme (STEP)” on Sunday in Ilorin, Kwara State. He said there is a need to stop the increasing unemployment and youth restiveness across the country for meaningful development to take place. He said the Senate was considering the use of local fabric “Aso-Oke” as material for school pupils’ caps and cardigans to provide…

Everton manager Ronald Koeman says he wants to sign Manchester United’s 22-year-old forward Memphis Depay. (Fox Sports Netherlands via Sky Sports) Meanwhile, Juventus might try to buy Depay if they fail in their bid to sign 25-year-old Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez. (Don Balon – in Spanish) West Ham defender Reece Oxford, 17, is set to sign new long-term deal with the club. (Daily Mirror) Newcastle United might have to pay £8m in January for 19-year-old Gent defender Wilfried Ndidi. (Shields Gazette) Striker Harry Kane, 23, and Tottenham have agreed to put all talks over a new contract on…

Newcastle United will have to stump up if they are to make a January move for reported target Wilfried Ndidi. The Magpies have been linked with a winter window bid for the Genk defender, and are rumoured to have scouted the Nigerian international on several occasions this season. But the price of the highly-rated 19-year-old, as well as Premier League interest could scupper any potential switch. Benitez is understood to have cash at his disposal in January, should he feel the need to spend it. A lot may depend on the situation United find themselves in. Should their charge at…

A prediction by influential Nigerian TV evangelist TB Joshua that Hillary Clinton would win the US presidential election has been removed from his Facebook account. Mr Joshua told his congregation on Sunday that he “saw” a woman winning. After Donald Trump convincingly won Tuesday’s vote, visitors to the preacher’s Facebook page noticed the prophecy had been removed. The wealthy pastor is known as “the prophet” to his many followers. He is one of Nigeria’s best-known and influential evangelists – and is popular across Africa, with many top politicians among his flock. The US election prediction was broadcast on Mr Joshua’s…

Chelsea are keen to sign Paris St-Germain’s 24-year-old midfielder Marco Verratti and the Blues are listening to offers for their Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 29. (Daily Mirror) Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, 74, has opened up on his infamous ‘hairdryer treatment’ and claims he only ever lost his cool with players half a dozen times in 27 years. (Sun) Everton are considering a January loan move for out-of-favour Manchester United winger Memphis Depay, 22. (Liverpool Echo) Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, 28, has dismissed links with Real Madrid and said he will only ever leave City to move…

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has vowed to keep his word to tear his Green Card if Donald Trump was elected US president. Soyinka in an interview assured doubting thomases that he will fulfill his promise on 20 January 2017, the day Trump will be officially sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. In the build up to the US election, Soyinka had threatened to trash his US green card, if the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, won. In an exclusive email interview with The Interview on Wednesday, Soyinka vowed to keep his word. He also spoke on…

The face off between the Edo state government and the monarch of Uromi town has reached a climax, with his deposition. The Adams Oshiomhole government in a terse statement today by secretary Professor Julius Ihonvbere announced government’s decision. Government in a letter today conveyed its decision to the deposed king, Ojuromi of Uromi. The letter addressed him ordinarily as Mr Aselm O Edenojie. The government statement which was entitled: “Deposition from Office as Ojuromi of Uromi: Addendum”, read: “Please be informed that the initial Exco decision of 26th October 2016 has been further affirmed. “Consequently, you have been deposed as…