Author: Mayor

James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute goal ensured Everton salvaged a thrilling 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool in what was Goodison Park’s final Merseyside derby. Liverpool’s last visit to their historic rival’s ground started with an electric atmosphere, and the home crowd erupted after just 11 minutes. A quickly taken free-kick by Jarrad Branthwaite sent Beto through on goal, and the striker coolly curled his effort past Alisson to give Everton the lead. However, Liverpool responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, Mohamed Salah delivered a pinpoint cross, which Alexis Mac Allister met with a superb header, finishing impressively despite facing away…

President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills have advanced to the second reading stage in the House of Representatives following an extensive debate. The four bills—the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, and Nigeria Tax Bill 2024—are designed to revamp Nigeria’s tax system. Despite initial opposition, Tinubu submitted the bills to the National Assembly in 2024. However, the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, assured lawmakers that concerns raised, particularly by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), had been addressed. Leading the debate on Wednesday, Ihonvbere stated:…

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he had a “lengthy and highly productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to “immediately” commence negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that both leaders had invited each other for visits to their respective countries. He also stated that he would be reaching out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “right now” to inform him of the discussion. The Kremlin, in a separate statement, confirmed the call lasted an hour and a half, emphasizing that both leaders had concluded…

Barcelona will take on Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, while Real Madrid will face Real Sociedad in the other last-four clash, following Wednesday’s draw. The first legs are scheduled for February 26, with Atletico and Real Madrid set to host the decisive second legs in the Spanish capital on April 2. This marks the first time Barcelona and Atletico Madrid meet in the Copa del Rey semi-finals since 2017, when the Catalans edged out Diego Simeone’s side 3-2 on aggregate. The draw also keeps alive the possibility of a Clasico final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, a…

Manchester City fans may have intended to unsettle Vinicius Junior with their pre-match taunts, but instead, they fueled one of his best performances as Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in the first leg of their Champions League clash. Before the game, a section of City supporters unveiled a banner featuring midfielder Rodri with the Ballon d’Or trophy, alongside the message “Stop crying your heart out.” The dig appeared aimed at Vinicius, who had previously suggested that his activism against racism contributed to him missing out on the award last year. Rather than letting the mockery get to him,…

A fire outbreak on Tuesday night devastated the community market at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, destroying several shops and leaving traders and students facing significant losses. Eyewitnesses reported that the inferno originated from four shops before rapidly spreading through the market, a key commercial hub for students and staff. The affected area, commonly known as Maami Market, housed various businesses, including computer centers, restaurants, and clothing stores. Despite efforts by the university’s fire service, which responded after an alarm was raised, the blaze had already caused extensive damage before it was eventually brought under control. As of the time…

Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner as Real Madrid twice came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout round play-off. The result marked Real Madrid’s first-ever win at the Etihad Stadium inside 90 minutes. Before kickoff, City fans taunted Vinícius Júnior and his club with a “stop crying your heart out” message. The Brazilian forward was at the heart of early action, seeing a penalty claim denied by an offside call before setting up Kylian Mbappé, whose effort was saved. Nathan Aké then prevented Ferland…

The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to regulate the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers across the country during daytime hours. On Tuesday, lawmakers introduced “A Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, to restrict the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles and for related matters” during plenary. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North Senatorial District), proposes that heavy-duty vehicles should only operate between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am, except in cases of emergency. Regarding penalties, the bill states, “While an individual violator is liable to pay a fine of…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the elimination of the three free monthly withdrawals previously allowed for customers using other banks’ Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). This decision, outlined in a circular dated February 10, 2025, will take effect from March 1, 2025. In the circular signed by John Onojah, Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department at the CBN, the apex bank directed all banks and financial institutions to implement new ATM withdrawal charges. This move is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs across the country while ensuring that financial institutions apply appropriate charges for…

Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales testified on Tuesday, maintaining that the kiss he shared with Spain’s Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal ceremony was consensual. Rubiales, 47, faces charges of sexual assault and coercion, with prosecutors seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The controversy erupted after the incident, which took place following Spain’s World Cup victory in Australia, leading to Rubiales’ eventual resignation. Speaking at Spain’s National Court, the former Spanish FA boss stated he was “totally sure” that Hermoso had agreed to the kiss. Luis Rubiales, ex-Spain football chief’s trial over Hermoso kiss begins Monday…