Author: Chronicle Editor

South Africa has become the first African nation to record one million coronavirus cases, according to new data published by the country’s health ministry on Sunday. Currently suffering a second wave of infections, of which the majority are a new variant of the coronavirus, South Africa is the hardest hit country on the African continent, with 1,004,413 infections and 26,735 deaths, the data showed. As of 1900 GMT, a total 2,658,646 cases were recorded in Africa and 62,649 fatalities, according to an AFP tally. Last week, South Africa recorded a daily average of 11,700 new infections, up 39 percent over…

Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Sunday made a strong case for national unity saying Nigeria needs all parts of the country to make things work. Lawan stated this at the 10th year memorial anniversary of the father of the Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu which held at Igbere in Abia state. The occasion was climaxed with the conferment on the Senate President a High Chief title of Nwannedinamba 1(our number one Brother in Diaspora) and as member Ezumezu Circle of Igbere Ebiri by the Igbere Clan Council of Ndi Eze, Igbere. In his remarks, Lawan said: “This is one…

Semi Ajayi scored a dramatic late equaliser against leaders Liverpool to earn struggling West Brom their first point since Sam Allardyce took charge. Jurgen Klopp’s side looked to be going five points clear at the top of the table when Sadio Mane chested down Joel Matip’s long ball forward and fire past Sam Johnstone. Liverpool dominated for long periods without adding to their lead but the Baggies improved after the break and equalised in the 83rd minute. Ajayi leapt high above the home defence to send a header in off the post to spark jubilant celebrations from the away team…

Bill Gates, a co-founder of Microsoft and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), has said he does not understand why COVID-19 numbers have not been as high as predicted in Africa. Recall that Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, had in more than one occasion, warned that there will be dead bodies all over the streets of Africa if the world does not act fast enough. Melinda said her heart was in Africa, adding that she is worried that the continent might not be able to handle the devastating effect of the virus. Why is Bill Gates surprised? In his…

Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard was very sad with his side’s performance in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day. The Blues were favored to win given Arsenal’s poor form. The 2-2 draw between Leicester and Manchester United earlier in the day meant Chelsea had a chance to climb up to second in the table. But the Blues lacked any emphasis going forward as Arsenal exploded out of the blocks. Chelsea got on the back foot when Alexandre Lacazette scored the first goal from the penalty spot. Granit Xhaka doubled Arsenal’s lead before the break with a brilliant free-kick as…

A rejuvenated Arsenal recorded an important 3-1 victory over Chelsea to end their seven-game run without a win in the Premier League and ease the pressure on boss Mikel Arteta. Two first-half goals set the platform for the Gunners’ first top-flight win since 1 November. Alexandre Lacazette sent goalkeeper Edouard Mendy the wrong way from the penalty spot and Granit Xhaka curled in a superb free-kick 10 minutes later to put Arteta’s side in control. Bukayo Saka’s cross then dropped into the top corner early in the second half to put the game beyond the visitors. Tammy Abraham tapped in…

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday saluted the sacrifices of 20 doctors reportedly killed by COVID-19, saying their welfare is a priority for his government. The President in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, sent his condolence to the Nigerian Medical Association over the death of the doctors due to the pandemic. Reacting to the sacrifices made by the frontline medical workers, President Buhari said that “the death of our front line health workers in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly sad because these professionals risk their own lives in order to save others.” According to the President,…

Leicester City twice came from behind to deny Manchester United a record-equalling 11th consecutive away win in the Premier League on Saturday. Axel Tuanzebe diverted a close-range effort from Jamie Vardy – who had had an otherwise quiet afternoon – into his own net in the 85th minute to keep the Foxes second in the table. Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead with just over 10 minutes left when he latched on to substitute Edinson Cavani’s through ball and finished past Kasper Schmeichel. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring when he got on the end of Fernandes’ pass to slide…

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the death of veteran film producer Chico Ejiro as a huge blow to the nation’s creative industry in general and to Nollywood in particular. In a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday, the Minister expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, and indeed to the entire creative industry. He described the late Ejiro as a prolific movie director and a shining star of Nollywood, which has – through its movies – stamped Nigeria’s creative presence all over the world. Mohammed urged Ejiro’s family and friends…

There was confusion in Sabo Area in Osogbo on Friday morning as some hoodlums armed with guns invaded the area, killed one and injured others. The incident degenerated and the hoodlums are now looting shops in those areas. The Nation learnt. It was gathered that the hoodlums had on Thursday night went to the area claiming they are holding a ‘Candle Night Procession’ for one of their member that died. However, the hoodlums attacked residents and business owners in the area. They shot one trader in the process while they attacked others who sustain injuries, which led to pandemonium in…