THE INTENSIFIED REPORT

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commenced test running of containers movement between the Onne Port in Rivers State, the Onitsha River port in Anambra and beyond. NIWA’s Managing Director, Dr George Moghalu, explained the aim was to exploring the potentials of inland water transportation among others. The Ag. General Manager (Corporate Affairs), Jibril Darda’u, in a statement on Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State, quoted Moghalu as saying that it is to ensure that the Onitsha port is fully functional after 42 years of its construction. According to him: “The aim of the test run is to break the jinx and encourage partnership with the Barge Operators Association, that it is possible to move containers from Onne to Onitsha by water successfully and Onitsha to Onne as well.” “This is the first phase of the test run and the second phase will be from the Lagos ports to Onitsha River port and from Onitsha to Lagos. “NIWA is giving exemplary leadership to investors t

 Nollywood actress, Chacha Eke, has been disgnosed with bipolar disorder, days after revealing her marriage has ended. The actress, debunked widely spread rumors that her marriage with Nollywood producer, Austin Faani, crashed as a result of domestic abuse. The thespian and mother of three said:  "Five days ago, I made a video saying that my marriage to Austin Faani is over. That video came with a lot of backlash, with people saying I suffered domestic violence. "That's not true, Austin has never raised his hands on me. I am her at First Delta American hospital in Asaba, I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder."

D.M.W. Boss David Adeleke a.k.a Davido gifted his manager Asa Akira, and two other loyal crew members, Latin and Tycoone, custom made diamond rings, with their names inscribed on it. Davido took to his Instagram story to share the newly acquired piece.

The Federal Government on Wednesday approved a $3.02bn contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Guage railway with new branch lines and transhipment facilities. Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi, announced this while briefing Journalists after the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. He said approval has also been granted for the construction of a deep seaport in Bonni as well as a railway industrial park in Port Harcourt. Source: NTA

The Kaduna State Government has announced the appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli as the 19th Emir of Zazzau. “He succeeds HRH Alh. (Dr.) Shehu Idris who died on Sunday, 20th September 2020, after reigning for 45 years,” Kaduna State local government affairs commissioner Ja’afaru Sani said in a statement. Alhaji Bamalli is the first emir from the Mallawa ruling house in 100 years, following the demise in 1920 of his grandfather, Emir Dan Sidi. Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai congratulated Bamalli on his appointment and wished him a successful and peaceful reign.

The U.K. government, will next week pull out of Brexit trade negotiations with the European Union, if there is no clear deal in sight, Bloomberg reported. Boris Johnson has said he wants the outlines of a deal to be clear by Oct. 15. EU officials, however, have said they won’t be pressured into making concessions and are prepared to call the prime minister’s bluff if he doesn’t compromise, effectively daring Johnson to walk away. According to Bloomberg, A person familiar with the British position said Johnson’s team would indeed pull the plug on talks if no clear landing zone for a deal has been identified by that date. The analysis adds to pressure on the talks which are resuming in London. Source: Bloomberg

Nigeria on Tuesday (Oct 6), reported 118 new cases of coronavirus, the NCDC confirmed. Nigeria has now recorded a total of 59,583 cases of the virus, 51,308 recoveries and 1,113 fatalities. State by State breakdown of the new cases are as follows; 118 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria; Lagos-41 Rivers-19 Osun-17 Nasarawa-13 Kaduna-5 Anambra-5 Edo-3 Ogun-3 Kwara-3 Ondo-3 Katsina-2 Niger-2 Plateau-1 Akwa Ibom-1

 Music Superstar and businessman Kanye West, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of late fashion designer Kenzo Takada, who died after catching the coronavirus. "My condolences to the family of fashion designer Kenzo Takada, who has recently passed away from COVID-19," Kanye West tweeted. The Japanese founder of popular fashion brand Kenzo, died from complications linked to coronavirus. he was 81.

 Nigerian music star Ayo Balogun a.k.a. Wizkid, has slammed media aide of president Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, after she described the star as a "dumbkid not whizkid." Lauretta Onochie, reacting to a tweet by the ojuelegba crooner, where he addressed President Buhari as old, for failing to react to the incessant killings perpetrated by SARS, she said, "Its not disrespectful to call anyone old. Its the way and manner Ayo Balogun addressed the president that leaves a sour taste in the mouth. "He exhibited crass ignorance, insensitivity and childishness. But hey, he's a #DumbkidnotWhizkid. "When he grows up, he might learn respect." Wizkid reacting tweeted, "Lol, a 77 year old man is not young ma.....  "You are a woman and a mother and kids are getting killed by police/sars and this is all you have to say?  "Shame on you!!! Shame on you!!! I am a father and age has nothing to do with demanding for a better g

 Rock star and guitar great Eddie Van Halen has died after a "long and arduous battle with throat cancer, his son has said. The guitarist who is the co-founder of Van Halen, died at St. Johns Hospital in Santa Monica on Tuesday with his wife, son and brother by his side. In a statement, his son said: "I can't believe i'm having to write this, but my father Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning. "He was the best father i could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on and off the stage was a gift. "My heart is broken and i don't think I'll will ever fully recover form this loss. "I love you so much, Pop." He died aged 65. Rip Van Halen.

 DMW, a record label owned by Nigerian music star David Adeleke a.k.a. Davido, has proceeded with the termination of the recording contract that exist between the label and one of it's signee Mr. Sanni Goriola Wasiu a.k.a. Lil Frosh, following domestic abuse allegations. The label made this known in a official press release on Tuesday October 6, 2020. Lil Frosh was accused of domestic abuse, after pictures of his girlfriend surfaced on the internet with bodily injuries supposedly inflicted on her by Lil Frosh.

The trail of Ramon Abbas, AKA Hushpuppi, has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ramon Abbas, a Nigerian Instagram celebrity who is currently facing wire fraud charges in the U.S., will have his trial continued next year. According to the chambers orders of Judge Otis Wright released September 23, the jury trial will continue by 9:00 a.m. on May 4, 2021. So far, Hushpuppi has pleaded not guilty to the four-count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. If convicted, Hushpuppi will spend the next 20 year in the U.S. federal prison.

 The Governor of Ogun State Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, appointed Big Brother Naija  Lockdown Season's winner Laycon as the new Youth Ambassador of the State. The Governor relayed the development when he played host to Olamilekan Moshood Agblesebioba AKA Laycon in his office in Abeokuta. In addition to the appointment, Laycon will also receive a 3-bedroom bungalow and a cash gift of 5 million naira. — Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun - MFR (@dabiodunMFR) October 6, 2020

SADIO MANE has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss Liverpool's trip to Aston Villa on Sunday. The Senegal winger, 28, has joined new-signing Thiago Alcantara in returning a positive result for Covid-19 this week. The pair will now both sit out the Premier League clash with Villa, with Thiago already missing the Carabao Cup penalty shootout defeat. Liverpool confirmed Mane had exhibited some "minor symptoms" of coronavirus but overall fells "in good health". Despite that, Mane will now miss the game against Villa, spared from being left out of more only due to the upcoming international break.

Nigeria reported 153 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours ,the NCDC announced. Nigeria has now recorded a total of 59,001 cases of the virus, 50,452 recoveries, and 1,112 fatalities. State by State breakdown of the new cases are as follows; Lagos-81 Rivers-21 FCT-11 Ogun-8 Kaduna-7 Oyo-6 Akwa Ibom-5 Osun-3 Katsina-3 Edo-2 Ebonyi-2 Nasarawa-2 Plateau-1 Kano-1

 Organizers of the Athens Marathon have cancelled this year's event scheduled to take place between Nov. 7-8, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Greet athletic federation, SEGAS, disclosed that they decided to cancel this year's event as they could not guarantee the safety of the runners. The Athens Marathon, which was first held in 1972, rose in popularity and has attracted more than 15,000 participants. SEGAS said they would organize a "Special Edition Virtual Race" instead, with details set to be announced in the coming days. Berlin, New York, Boston, and Chicago Marathons have all been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, a major disruption to global running calendar. Reuters

Dr. Dre has reportedly won a battle in court against his estranged wife Nicole, TMZ reported. According to TMZ, the jugde in their divorce case rejected Nicole's request for $1.5 million to pay for various expenses, including security. The judge also rejected her request to accelerate her claim that Dre should pay $5 million for her lawyer's fees and other cost. Nicole has also said that she has been receiving death threats, which prompted her lawyers to tell the judge how bad Nicole need the $1.5 million , citing death threats she claimed to have been receiving. The judge rejected her claim, in part because she got rid of her security team that Dre was paying for. She claimed Dre was too controlling and wanted to security on her own. She claimed Dre threatened to fire the security if they did not follow his orders. The judge rejected her request, and Dre's lawyer, Laura Wasser, told the judge Dre is still willing to pay all of Nicole's expenses pending the

United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, have both tested positive for Coronavirus. President Trump made the announcement via a tweet on his Twitter page. "Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!," Trump tweeted. Get well POTUS AND FLOTUS.

Rapper Nicki Minaj has given birth to her first child with husband Kenneth Petty, US weekly confirmed. The rapper gave birth on Wednesday September 30. The American Music Award winner, 37, debuted her baby bump in July via Instagram, writing, “#Preggers. Love. Marriage. Baby carriage. Overflowing with excitement & gratitude. Thank you all for the well wishes.” Congratulations Nicki and Petty.

Kuwait has named Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the new Emir  and he is currently being sworn in. Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah who is the crown prince will continue as the Kuwait's Emir following the death of Sheikh Sabah.

Manchester City have secured the signing of Benfica center-back Ruben Dias, SkySports reported. Dias penned a six-year contract with City, a deal worth £62 million with a further £3 million on add-ons. Dias, who joined the club on Tuesday, becomes City’s third summer signing following the arrivals of Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres. To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down,” the 23-year-old told the club’s website. “Their success speaks for itself. They have been the dominant team in England over the last few years, playing an attacking brand of football which I feel suits my own game. “It is really exciting to be part of such a talented squad and to play for a world class manager like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record of developing young players like myself. “I believe I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions match my own and I will give everything to be successful and win titles

Republican U.S. President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden, clashed in a contentious, chaotic presidential election debate Tuesday night, trying for 90 minutes to convince American voters that the other one was unfit to lead the United States for the next four years.  They argued over the world-leading coronavirus death toll of 205,000 in the U.S., the integrity and honesty of the November 3 vote, Trump’s nomination of conservative jurist Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, fractured racial relations in the U.S., environmental policies and more.  Trump disputed a New York Times report this week that he only paid $750 in federal income taxes in both 2016, when he first ran for the presidency, and in 2017, his first year in office. Trump said he paid "millions of dollars," but Biden claimed Trump "pays less tax than the average schoolteacher."  Name-calling, personal attacks  Mostly they insulted each other wi

The Lagos Internal Revenue Service and its counterpart in Ogun State have indicated interests in the collection of tax from the winner of the 2020 edition of the Big Brother Nigeria reality TV show, Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe. The agencies made this known while congratulating Laycon over his victory. “Congratulations @itsLaycon winner @BBNaija Lockdown edition. More wins!! We look forward to seeing you in Y2021 as you #payyourtax,” LIRS tweeted. A few hours after the LIRS asked the rapper to pay his tax to Lagos State, the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service also tweeted a similar post encouraging the celebrity to pay his tax to Ogun State. “The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service is delighted to congratulate one of our own in the State, Olamilekan Agbelesebioba, AKA @itsLaycon for emerging winner of @BBNaija Lockdown. We look forward to having a robust relationship with you in year 2021 as you pay your tax,” it tweeted. Earlier, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun,

The Czech Republic reported 1,965 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, the fourth straight day below 2,000 after a recent surge, Health Ministry data showed on Wednesday. The country has seen one of Europe's largest spikes in the novel coronavirus in September, prompting the government to re-impose some measures such as wearing masks to slow the spread. Reuters.

Nigeria recorded 187 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the NCDC announced. Nigeria has now recorded a total of 58,647 cases of the virus, 49,937 recoveries and 1,111 fatalities. State by State breakdown of the new cases are as follows; Lagos-74 Plateau-25 Rivers-25 Gombe-19 FCT-19 Osun-10 Kaduna-5 Borno-3 Ogun-2 Katsina-2 Nasarawa-1 Bayelsa-1 Edo-1

A Twitter user took his time to offer Big Brother Naija Lockdown Season Winner Laycon, some advice on how to make use of his money. The user advised him not to invest all of his money in music. He cited Efe ( former BBNaija winner) as an example, who is rumored to have gone broke. Read below and give us your thoughts in the comments section. OPEN LETTER TO OLAMILEKAN AGBELESHE LAYCON!! PLEASE DON'T INVEST YOUR MONEY IN MUSIC ESPECIALLY RAP!!! Laycon is blown already and will not blow more than this. He has gotten money and fame. Look for a lucrative offline business and invest some part of the money in. Normally, artist move from upcoming to the peak of their career after which anything can happen, but your case is different cos you're starting your career from the top, your hit was a song from early 2019, permit me to say you're starting over Efe spent all the 30 Million naira he won on wack songs that couldn’t trend more than 48hrs. Upon featuring Olamide and

 Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has tested positive for coronavirus according to a statment released on the club's official website. The 29-year-old, exhibited minor symptoms of the virus, which prompted him to miss Monday's win against Arsenal, the Club said. Thiago is currently self-isolating as it is required, and will remain in self-isolation for the required period of time. LFC first-team doctor, Dr Jim Moxon, said: “It is the choice of each individual whether they reveal publicly the outcome of a COVID-19 test. “We have followed all the protocols to the letter and Thiago is OK. He will be self-isolating now as per the guidelines and hopefully he’ll be back with us soon.”

 The wins continued for BBNaija 2019 winner Mercy Eke aka Lambo, who is celebrating her 27th birthday today. Mercenaries as her fans are called, surprised the celebrant and their queen with two plots of land in Lekki, Lagos State. In a video making rounds, the fans were seen handing the documents of ownership to her as they yelled "this is not audio." Mercy had earlier gifted herself a brand new Range Rover Velar, which she disclosed has always been her dream car. She also received $10,000 cash gift from her lover, Ike. — Chinenyenwa is 27 today🤧. (@Omo_Naira) September 29, 2020

 Watford have completed the signing of Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, from Udinese.  The Nigerian International penned a five-year contract at Vicarage Road. The 27-year-old, who was born in the Netherlands, began his senior career in the dutch Eredivisie with Groningen and Dordrecht before spells in Belgium and Norway. He then joined Bursaspor in Turkey before moving to the Serie A with Udinese in 2018. He has played 42 times for Nigeria and will take the number five shirt at Watford. Watford also signed 17-year-old Djibril Toure from Ceffomig FC on a five-and-a-half year deal.

 Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah has died at the age of 91, state media report. He was expected to be succeeded by his 83-year-old half-brother and crown prince, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed. In July, Sheikh Sabah was flown to the United States for medical treatment following surgery for an unspecified condition in Kuwait. He had ruled the oil-rich Gulf Arab state since 2006 and had overseen its foreign policy for more than 50 years. He was dubbed the "dean of Arab diplomacy" for his efforts to restore relations with states that backed Iraq during the 1990-1991 Gulf War, when Kuwait was invaded by Iraqi forces. The emir also often acted as a mediator in regional disputes, including the ongoing diplomatic stand-off between Saudi Arabia, its allies and Qatar.

 Big Brother Naija Lockdown Season Finalist, Nengi, has sent social media agog with new post-house photos released on her Instagram page. The ever blazing Rivers State beauty, did not disappoint her fans and follower, as her latest post left her fans open-mouthed. Nengi came third in the just concluded Big Brother Naija Lockdown Season.