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The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced a scheduled power outage in certain areas of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In a statement released on Friday via X, the company noted that there would be power disruption on Saturday, January 33rd, 2023, from 2:20 am to 3:00 pm. This outage is attributed to planned maintenance by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on its 60 megavolt-amperes transformer at the 63/33 kilovolt Kubwa Transmission Substation. The affected areas include Dawaki, Duste, Bwari, Kubwa, Deidei, and nearby regions. “This is to inform customers in Dawaki, Duste, Bwari, Kubwa, Deidei, and… The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will carry out a maintenance operation on the 6OMVA-TR1(3KUB-TR1) 132/33kV Kubwa Transmission Station. This maintenance is scheduled to start on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10 am to 3 pm,” the statement says. Additionally, AEDC previously announced a two-week power outage affecting parts of Abuja that began on Monday, January 6, 2025. In the meantime, electricity customers in the capital have voiced their frustration regarding the power interruptions.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acted swiftly in the January transfer window to strengthen his team. The Premier League champions are close to finalizing a deal for young defender Abdukodir Khusanov. Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano disclosed this on Friday via X. Romano stated that City’s arrangement with RC Lens is nearing completion, with personal terms already settled. “Pep Guardiola has also approved the move. As first reported 10 days ago, he is the primary target, and the deal with RC Lens is in the final stages now.” Khusanov has accepted personal terms as he is eager for the transfer, according to Romano’s tweet. The Uzbekistan international is regarded as a promising talent, with Guardiola looking to strengthen City’s defense with young players. Omar Marmoush has already reached a preliminary agreement for a transfer to Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt, pending a deal between the clubs. The Bundesliga side is asking for approximately £67m (€80m) for the 25-year-old Egyptian, and discussions are anticipated to begin this week. An initial bid could be made as soon as this weekend. Marmoush is keen on the transfer because he knows he is Guardiola’s preferred choice.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has given the go-ahead for Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade to be the new Alaafin of Oyo. This news was announced on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who spoke on the governor’s behalf. He mentioned that after extensive consultations and divinations, Owoade was recommended by the Oyomesi and that the governor has officially approved the name. Further details will follow.

Manchester United is in discussions with Napoli regarding a swap deal that would involve Marcus Rashford and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Rashford has expressed a desire for a new challenge, having recently fallen out of favor with manager Ruben Amorim, who has excluded him from match day squads for five straight games. The 27-year-old has been linked to Napoli as well as other Serie A teams like Juventus and AC Milan during this January transfer window. Napoli is reportedly interested in an initial loan agreement with an option to purchase Rashford, as Manchester United seeks to bring in a replacement for him. According to L’Equipe, the Red Devils are negotiating with Napoli for an exchange deal that includes Kvaratskhelia, but they are facing tough competition from Paris Saint-Germain. Kvaratskhelia is in discussions about a new contract with Napoli, but no agreement has been reached yet. The Georgian player joined Napoli for €10 million from Dinamo Batumi in 2022.

According to Goal, Arsenal is unable to officially pursue Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak due to budget constraints. Manager Mikel Arteta aims to enhance his squad’s attacking options in their quest for the Premier League title. Isak is thought to be Arteta’s top target because of his proven performance in the league. The Swedish player has scored 15 goals this season, with his most recent goal being against Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Isak’s agents are aware of the interest from the north London club. It is being reported that Arsenal lacks the financial resources to support what would be a record-breaking transfer for a British player. This transfer would exceed the £115 million Chelsea spent on Moises Caicedo in 2023. While Arsenal is not facing any risks from Financial Fair Play (FFP) or Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), they must still comply with these regulations. Any attempts to sign Isak, whether in January or the summer of 2025, can only happen if a significant player is sold first, generating substantial funds and freeing up a large salary.

The Edo State Police Command has apprehended three individuals for allegedly gang-raping a 12-year-old girl known as Miss Esther in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area. The Police Commissioner, Umoru Ozigi, revealed this information during a visit from the Administrator of the Office of Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Anani, in Benin City. Ozigi assured that justice would be served for the victim and stated that the suspects are presently in police custody. Anani had previously commended the police for their actions. She praised the police for their quick response and called for justice for the little girl, who was reportedly gang-raped by five men on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, in Igiafodo Awuyemi, Okpella, Etsako East LGA. The administrator from the Office of the Edo State First Lady, who visited the victim at the Daisy Ehanire Danjuma Centre, promised that those responsible would face severe legal consequences. She emphasized that the Edo State Government is committed to ensuring that the offenders are prosecuted. “Edo State has zero tolerance for any form of violence, and we fully support the victim,” she declared. She condemned the assailants for allegedly recording the incident and sharing it on social media, noting that this evidence strengthens the case against them. “The video footage makes it impossible for anyone to hide this crime.” “The law will follow its due process, and these individuals will face firm consequences,” she stated. Anani also praised the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Highness Lukeman Akemokue, and his wife, Blessing, for their prompt response in exposing the situation and making sure that the victim and her mother were moved to Benin City for safety and medical assistance due to threats on their lives. “I truly want to commend your Highness.” He did an excellent job with his wife. In his community, Okpella Kingdom, an incident occurred that was not concealed. Upon seeing the videos, he took action. “When such events occur, it’s important to speak out for others because it could happen to your child tomorrow,” she advised. Meanwhile, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Akemokue, praised the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and the First Lady’s office for their proactive response. Akemokue emphasized that the Okpella community will continue to support the administration.

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is expected to reject offers from eight clubs as he prepares to exit the Premier League team. The 27-year-old is currently in discussions with AC Milan, although the agreement is likely to start as a loan. Rashford’s agent visited Italy earlier this week, and talks have been progressing positively. If he joins Milan, Rashford will reunite with his former United teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who now holds a position in management at the San Siro. The Rossoneri also includes three players from the England national team that Rashford is familiar with: Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Fikayo Tomori. However, he plans to turn down offers from other clubs. This consists of three from Saudi Arabia. Tottenham and West Ham, two clubs from the Premier League, expressed interest, along with Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund. Additionally, in Italy, Juventus and newly-promoted Como were mentioned as potential suitors. Rashford was momentarily considered for a transfer to Barcelona, but the club’s financial difficulties made a deal impractical. Manchester United would be pleased if the deal with Milan is finalized soon. The Red Devils, on the other hand, were aiming for a permanent transfer and have priced Rashford, who makes £325,000 a week, at £40 million.

The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) has promised to address Nigeria’s revenue shortfalls by implementing strong revenue initiatives. A statement from OAGF spokesperson Bawa Mokwa on Thursday indicated that Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein made this commitment while meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Public Account in Abuja. She noted that the new revenue initiatives have led to better funding for personnel costs, operational expenses, and capital for 2024. However, she recognized the issue of low revenue contributions from some government-owned enterprises. Madein also mentioned that since taking office in May 2023, the FGN Consolidated Financial Statement has been prepared and audited through December 31, 2019, in collaboration with the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. “We have completed and reviewed the audits for 2020 and 2021, and we are currently working on 2022,” she stated. The AGF mentioned that the OAGF has suggested several improvements to GIFMIS and IPPIS that will be stronger with the collaboration of the National Assembly. In reply, Bamidele Salam, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, urged the AGF to submit the 2022 Consolidated Financial Statement of the Federation as mandated by the 1999 Constitution. Regarding the issue of low revenue remittances from state-owned enterprises, he recommended implementing thorough measures to prevent revenue losses through automation and regular audits.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 105 people, including four Chinese nationals, at a business apartment in the Gudu area of the Federal Capital Territory. This information was shared in a statement by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Friday in Abuja. The EFCC stated, “In its ongoing efforts to eradicate internet fraud and other forms of corruption, our operatives have arrested four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians in a business apartment in the Gudu area of Abuja.” The spokesperson for the EFCC reported that the arrests took place on Thursday, January 9, involving 67 males, including the Chinese suspects, and 38 females. The group is allegedly connected to a complex hotel review scam aimed at victims and businesses in Europe and other regions globally. The EFCC also indicated that the suspects will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

Newcastle icon Alan Shearer has stated that Chelsea is the only club capable of affording a transfer for Alexander Isak this summer. Isak has been strongly linked to Arsenal, but it is believed that the Gunners would struggle to meet what could be a British-record transfer fee for the highly-regarded Swedish striker. He recently scored his 15th goal of the season in a standout performance against Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Arsenal’s need to adhere to Profit and Sustainability Rules makes a transfer unlikely. Shearer noted that the 25-year-old player is too expensive for any team to acquire from St James Park, with the exception of Chelsea. He told BetFair, “I genuinely don’t think any other club could afford to buy Alexander Isak, considering the structure of the PSR. Even without those rules, I’m not sure anyone could meet Newcastle’s asking price for him.”