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Legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history as the first African artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Fela will be honoured in the early influence category this year, along with Queen Latifah, rapper MC Lyte, country rocker Gram Parsons, and Cuban singer Celia Cruz.

The honorees were revealed on Monday night in the US, during an airing of American Idol.

Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu will be honoured in the performance category.

However, Shakira, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, New Edition, and Pink, missed out on the final cut despite being nominated.

Over 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals voted to decide the honorees.

The induction ceremony will be held on 14 November at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

DAILY POST recalls that earlier this year, Fela also made history as the first African musician to win the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award.

Fela makes history as first African to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said repairs to the war-damaged Druzhba pipeline will be completed this spring, paving the way for the possible resumption of Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia by the end of April 2026.

The Soviet-era pipeline, which carries Russian crude through Ukrainian territory to Central Europe, has been out of operation since late January following a Russian drone strike that damaged critical infrastructure in western Ukraine, disrupting supplies to countries heavily reliant on the route for discounted oil.

Speaking last week, Zelensky said Kyiv remained committed to existing agreements with the European Union, stressing that the restoration work would be completed within the agreed timeline. He, however, noted that responsibility for the supply and purchase of the oil lies with European partners.

The development follows weeks of diplomatic tension between Ukraine and Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had accused Kyiv of delaying repairs and threatened to block European Union financial aid and sanctions measures against Russia unless oil flows resumed.

In response, the European Union stepped in with technical and financial support to accelerate the restoration process, an offer Ukraine accepted in a bid to ease tensions and stabilise energy supply in the region.

Industry sources had earlier projected April as a likely timeline for the resumption of flows, a forecast that aligns with Zelensky’s latest remarks, although some storage facilities affected by the attack may take longer to fully restore.

The planned reopening is seen as a pragmatic move to address energy security concerns in Central Europe while easing internal divisions within the EU over continued support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.

However, the timeline for resuming full operations will depend on the completion of final repair works and the absence of further attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in the coming weeks.

Ukraine Moves To Resume Russian Oil Supply Through Druzhba Pipeline is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo, Kaduna

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Tuesday secured bail from a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, bringing to an end a detention that lasted nearly two months.

Read Also: El-Rufai’s mother Hajiya Umma is dead

Meanwhile, a Kaduna State High Court adjourned ruling on a separate bail application to April 21.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the former governor bail after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution.

However, but ordered that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), had urged the court to admit his client to bail, arguing that it is a constitutional right and that the former governor has strong ties within Nigeria, making him unlikely to abscond.

However, the prosecution, led by the ICPC, opposed the application, citing concerns that the defendant could interfere with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.

Bail conditions

The court subsequently granted bail with stringent conditions, including a N200 million bond with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties are to include a recognised traditional ruler and a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15. Other conditions include the submission of landed property documents, deposit of international passports with the court, and a restriction on public comments relating to the case, among others.

A family member of the former governor, Bello El-Rufai, told journalists that efforts were underway to meet the conditions.

“The conditions are many, close to 10 or more, but we hope to fulfil them,” he said.

The ICPC had, on March 18, filed a 10-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, and abuse of office.

El-Rufai’s legal ordeal began on February 16, when he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Although he was initially granted bail, he was subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC and remained in custody for several weeks before his arraignment.

On March 27, the ICPC granted him temporary release on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma.El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

He was, however, returned to custody after her burial.

Proceedings were further complicated when the defence filed a motion asking Justice Aikawa to recuse himself over alleged bias, a request that was later withdrawn.

State high court bail

Meanwhile, at the Kaduna State High Court, proceedings in a separate case took a different turn as the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, adjourned ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application to April 21, 2026.

Counsel to the defendant informed the court that the defence team was served with an amended charge in court and required time to study its contents. The prosecution, also led by the ICPC, had filed an amended nine-count charge, altering the scope of the case and dropping a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, from the trial.

Defence counsel, Ubong Akpan, explained that the adjournment was also due to the inability of the court to deliver the ruling as scheduled, citing the bereavement of the presiding judge.

“His lordship was bereaved and he was unable to put the ruling together. So, we understand these things happen,” Akpan said, adding that the defence remains optimistic ahead of the next hearing date.

El-Rufai is facing separate charges before the Kaduna State High Court bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

There was heavy security presence at the court premises, with armed operatives stationed at strategic points to maintain order and restrict movement.

Vanguard News

The post El-Rufai gets bail; court adjourns to April 21 appeared first on Vanguard News.

Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), Professor Babatunde Omojola, has

President Bola Tinubu has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a “hard-nosed businessman” and “deep thinker,” crediting him for facilitating the partnership between HyperCity and Carrefour.

Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, made the remarks on Tuesday at the formal collaboration and franchise signing event between HyperCity and Carrefour held at Transcorp Hilton.

Commending Wike’s role in securing the deal, the President noted that the minister is not known to enter partnerships lightly, adding that those who have attempted to obtain permits through various channels can attest to his thorough approach.

“I know him to be a hard-nosed businessman, a deep thinker, someone who doesn’t just jump into any partnership for the sake of jumping into a partnership. You can ask those who have tried in different ways to get permits.

“Let’s leave politics out of it for now. I commend you (Wike) for changing the landscape of Abuja and this is just yet another feather to your cap,” Tinubu said.

THE WHISTLER reports that the agreement between HyperCity and Carrefour is aimed at combining the global retailer’s brand strength with the Nigerian company’s local footprint to transform the country’s retail landscape.

HyperCity is a premier retail chain offering groceries, household products, electronics and personal care items, with notable locations including a store at Slaughter Roundabout in Port Harcourt.

Carrefour, on the other hand, is a French multinational retail and wholesaling corporation headquartered in Massy, France. It is a pioneer of the hypermarket concept operating over 14,000 stores across more than 40 countries.

As the second-largest retailer globally by revenue, it offers a wide range of food and non-food products. It also operates globally through franchise partners such as Majid Al Futtaim across Africa and the Middle East.

Speaking further at the event, Tinubu congratulated both companies, describing the deal as a strong signal of confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and business environment.

“Your decision… to ride your strengths, your brands and your vision on Nigerian soil is a testament to the fact that Nigeria remains without question the premier destination for investments and enterprise on the African continent,” he said.

He also described the partners as “very smart people,” noting that their entry into Nigeria followed careful consideration of the country’s population, market size and growth potential.

“Smart because business or going into a country, a continent, takes a lot of wisdom, takes a lot of research, takes a lot of deep thinking and what they have done is to research into Nigeria.

“They didn’t just jump in, they looked at the population, they looked at the size, they looked at the potential and thought Nigeria was the place to go. I commend them,” Tinubu said.

According to the President, the partnership is expected to deliver world-class retail experiences, create thousands of jobs and deepen Nigeria’s integration into global supply chains.

“That is not a small thing, that is transformational. To the broader business community, both domestic and international, I say this on the highest authority, Nigeria is open for business,” he added.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for such investments, highlighting ongoing reforms targeted at strengthening the regulatory framework, improving the investment climate and building infrastructure to support modern commerce.

He further encouraged both local and foreign investors to emulate the HyperCity–Carrefour model, expressing confidence that the initiative would expand beyond its current scope.

“We do not just welcome this collaboration, we celebrate it as a model, a model of what is possible when bold entrepreneurs look to Nigeria and see not just a market but a home for long-term partnership,” he said.

According to him, while Abuja may be “sowing the seed,” the partnership is expected to grow into a nationwide retail network.

“That seed is going to grow into a tree with many branches across different cities in Nigeria, starting with Lagos State,” he said.

Wike A Hard-Nosed Businessman, Deep Thinker — Tinubu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

There is a need for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its diaspora professionals as a way of addressing the challenges in the nation’s health sector. The call was made recently by the Chairman of the UK branch of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association, Dr Oluwole Adeniyan, who also warned that systemic challenges in […]

UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, ruled that Barcelona’s complaint regarding the controversial refereeing in their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, is “inadmissible”.

The Catalans had filed a formal notice last week, alleging that the performance of referee Istvan Kovacs in the first leg of the quarter-final tie at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The incident involved Atletico’s Marc Pubill, who handled the ball inside the box following a pass from goalkeeper Juan Musso.

Barça argued it should have been a penalty and a second yellow for Pubill, while both the referee and Atletico Madrid maintained that the ball was not yet in play.

As such, Barcelona proceeded to lodge an official complaint, seeking an explanation for the decisions as well as access to the recordings of the conversations between the referee and the VAR.

However, a UEFA statement, read: “Following the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, played on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona lodged a protest concerning a refereeing decision.

“On April 13, 2026, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body declared the protest inadmissible.”

UCL: UEFA rules on Barcelona’s complaint over referee in Atletico Madrid defeat

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, on Tuesday described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the greatest gift bestowed on Nigeria by God, praising the President’s leadership and economic reform policies.

Adedeji made the remarks during his opening address at the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Nigeria Revenue Service in Abuja.

He said Tinubu had demonstrated courage and vision by implementing difficult but necessary reforms that have helped stabilise the economy and improve the country’s fiscal outlook.

“Without any fear of contradiction, you are the greatest gift bestowed on this republic by Almighty God,” Adedeji said while addressing the President and dignitaries at the ceremony.

The NRS chairman said the newly commissioned headquarters was one of the practical outcomes of the administration’s reform efforts. According to him, the structure stands as proof that reforms are producing visible and lasting results.

“This headquarters stands today as one of the tangible expressions of that reform journey, a visible and enduring symbol that reform is not abstract, but real; not temporary, but structural; not theoretical, but implemented,” he stated.

Adedeji noted that the completion of the project came after years of delays and institutional challenges, adding that major reforms often require patience, resilience, and collaboration across several agencies.

He said tax reforms in particular are usually technical and contested, but insisted that sustained commitment and policy clarity had made success possible.

“Tax reform is not always elegant at reception. It is technical, contested and requires sustained alignment across institutions. It demands discipline, patience and resilience,” he said.

He added, “Yet through pace, persistence and clarity of direction, what once appeared difficult has produced something coherent, structured and of lasting national value.”

Adedeji described the project as a defining milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal transformation and a symbol of what coordinated governance can achieve.

“Today, we celebrate this as a success story, a defining milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal transformation,” he said.

He also used the occasion to commend members of the federal government’s economic management team for supporting reforms in the revenue sector.

He specifically acknowledged the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for his guidance and commitment.

Adedeji further praised workers of the Nigeria Revenue Service for their dedication and professionalism, saying the new headquarters would provide a better platform for efficiency and improved service delivery.

President Tinubu attended the event alongside senior government officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

Tinubu Greatest Gift Bestowed On Nigeria By God — Adedeji is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

France’s interior minister is seeking to block US rapper Kanye West from performing in the southern city of Marseille in June due to his antisemitic remarks, a source close to the minister told AFP on Tuesday.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez is “highly determined” to ban the June 11 concert at Marseille’s Velodrome stadium and is exploring “all possibilities”, the source said.

West, 48, has been heavily criticised for making antisemitic remarks and voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler.

Britain has blocked the US rapper, also known as Ye, from entering the country due to his outbursts, prompting organisers of a festival he was to headline to cancel the July event. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had called booking West “deeply concerning.”

But Dutch Asylum and Migration Minister Bart van den Brink said last week there were no plans as yet to bar the rapper from the Netherlands.

The French source said Nunez had discussed the possible concert ban with the regional prefect and the mayor of Marseille during his visit to the city last week.

Last month, Benoit Payan, the left-wing mayor, said he opposed the controversial performer’s visit, saying he refused “to allow Marseille to be a showcase for those who promote hatred”.

In May 2025, the rapper released a song called “Heil Hitler”, months after advertising a swastika t-shirt for sale on his website.

The song was banned by major streaming platforms. West subsequently expressed regret for his conduct, blaming it on his bipolar disorder.

AFP

The post French minister seeks ban of Kanye West concert in Marseille appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Suleja General Hospital in Niger State, previously criticised on social media for using torchlights to attend to patients at night, is grappling with an electricity bill debt.

THE WHISTLER gathered that the hospital’s debt stems from years of mismanagement of its electricity meter, which left it owing a huge amount.

During a visit to the hospital, the Managing Director, Dr Mohammed Wasagi, told THE WHISTLER that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has been penalising the facility over accumulated bills linked to past misuse of its meter.

He said AEDC initially billed the hospital N120 million but reduced it to N82 million after several pleas and negotiations.

“Power supply is one of our major issues here, there was this issue of misuse of meter in the past, the AEDC are not happy with that, and are actually punishing us now. Presently, the hospital is on pre-paid meter, whatever token we buy, the AEDC deducts 50 percent from it,” Wasagi explained.

“Following the issue, the hospital was billed N120 million, but after our plea and renegotiations, they reduced it N82 million, of which 50 per cent is directly deducted from every token we purchase,” he added.

As a result, the hospital, which is now on a prepaid meter, has 50 per cent deducted from every electricity token purchased.

Wasagi explained that power supply remains one of their major challenges, noting that the deduction means the hospital cannot afford 24-hour electricity.

According to him, to manage the hospital, the management schedules power supply from around 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. during the day, and from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at night, except during emergencies when power is prioritised.

“Now what we are managing to do is that, we planned it in such a way that at least we should be able to get light 10 o’clock to 12 o’clock, or to 2 o’clock during the days. Then in the night, we also scheduled to have light from 8 o’clock to 11 o’clock, or as the case may be, if we happen to have an emergency, we don’t have an option,” the MD explained.

He added that the facility has also resorted to using diesel generators, but the rising cost of diesel and petrol has worsened the situation.

“We have other diesel generators that we have to put to use. We put them, and also service them for use, but with the coming cost of the diesel and the petrol again has added another thing to us. So, we are actually struggling on that feat,” he lamented.

The Managing Director said the hospital has not been silent on the issue and has written to the Ministry of Health, the State Commissioner for Health, the Federal Medical Service, and several NGOs for intervention.

He disclosed that the commissioner visited the hospital about four weeks ago and promised to escalate the matter to the governor.

In a recent development, Wasagi said the management installed solar systems in sensitive units including the maternity and emergency wings, and some consultant offices, at a cost of over N8 million.

He described solar as the most reliable option and appealed to philanthropists, NGOs, and groups to assist the hospital with power supply, saying it would be “marvellous” if they could help ease the burden on health personnel saving lives.

“We have done first installment, and this solar system is the best option now, it is more reliable. So, if we have any other person that will come to this hospital and want to assist us, the first thing we look into is the issue of light power. If you can do that to us, that would be marvelous,” Wasagi pleaded.

Wasagi also raised concerns over inadequate health personnel but expressed hope that the state government would address it, reiterating that electricity remains their most pressing challenge.

He further commended the state government’s efforts so far and urged them not to relent until the goal is achieved.

Govt Hospital Using Lantern In Viral Video Owes N100m Electricity Bill is first published on The Whistler Newspaper