South Africa’s Pick n Pay exits Nigeria after four years

South African grocery giant Pick n Pay (PIKJ.J) has announced plans to exit Nigeria by selling its 51% stake in a joint venture, marking a strategic retreat from the Nigerian market as part of broader restructuring efforts outside its home market.

CEO Sean Summers disclosed on Monday, October 28, that the exit aligns with the company’s recent efforts to streamline its international operations. The decision comes as Pick n Pay faces mounting financial pressures, reporting a substantial half-year loss due to operational and borrowing costs.

Entering Nigeria less than five years ago through a partnership with A.G. Leventis, Pick n Pay currently runs two stores, including one in the prominent Lagos district of Victoria Island. The withdrawal contributes to a growing trend of multinational exits from Nigeria, where profitability remains challenging for many foreign enterprises.

Pick n Pay’s financial report on Monday, October 28, showed a loss before tax and capital items of 1.1 billion rand ($62 million) for the 26-week period ending August 25, a rise from 837.2 million rand in losses from the same period last year. The company attributed a 9.1% increase in trading losses to shrinking profit margins within its core supermarket operations.

Despite the setbacks, Pick n Pay reported "solid momentum" in its online and clothing sectors, as well as improved performance in its company-owned supermarkets. CEO Summers, who is spearheading the turnaround efforts, expressed "quiet confidence" in achieving a 50% reduction in trading losses for the Pick n Pay business by year-end.

President Tinubu is doing a good job - Ganduje

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje, says President Tinubu is doing a great job and working to make sure the current economic hardship facing the people comes to an end.

He said this when he spoke in Akure at the inauguration of the 305-member National Campaign Council for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo state.  According to him, President Tinubu has introduced life-changing reforms that make the nation’s economy stronger.

“President Bola Tinubu is doing a good job for this country. He has introduced reforms in order to make our institution strong for the social and economic development of this country. We respect and honour him,” the APC national chairman said.

Diddy accused of s3xually ass@ulting 10-year-old aspiring rapper in 2005

Music mogul, Diddy has been hit with another lawsuit while in federal jail in Brooklyn awaiting trial on racketeering and sex trafficking charges.

 

The new plaintiff says he was a 10-year-old aspiring rapper when Combs allegedly drugged and r@ped him in a New York City hotel in 2005 during a purported audition.

The new complaint was filed by prominent Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee and his California counterpart, Andrew Van Arsdale, as the latest in a barrage of lawsuits from anonymous plaintiffs claiming they were sexually assaulted by Combs. Many of the plaintiffs have alleged they were drugged, forced into s3x acts without consent, and threatened into silence.

In the new lawsuit filed in New York state court in Manhattan, the John Doe says his parents accompanied him to Manhattan to meet with music industry executives, including Combs, to advance his career. He says a consultant hired by his parents delivered him to a hotel room and then left him with Combs. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was given a soda that he believes was laced with drugs.

 

“After the plaintiff consumed his soda and began feeling its effects, Combs told plaintiff to move closer to him, which plaintiff did. Combs then abruptly pushed plaintiff down and said words to the effect of, ‘You have to do some stuff you don’t want to do sometimes,’” the lawsuit reads.

“Once plaintiff had pushed plaintiff down, Combs pulled his penis out of his pants and told the ten-year-old plaintiff to ‘kiss it.’ When plaintiff resisted, Combs nevertheless forced his penis into plaintiff’s mouth and proceeded to repeatedly push it in and out.”

 

The plaintiff alleges he “froze in terror,” lost consciousness and later woke up with his pants undone and pain in his anus and buttocks.

 

The new plaintiff alleges that his parents later noticed something was wrong. He says he told them what allegedly happened and that they “were terrified of the potential consequences of reporting the abuse.”

He alleged he suffers from severe depression and anxiety and had to be homeschooled after the alleged incident.

 

“The lawyer behind this lawsuit is interested in media attention rather than the truth, as is obvious from his constant press appearances and 1-800 number,” Combs’ media team wrote in an email to Rolling Stone on Monday.

 

“As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every new publicity stunt, even in response to claims that are facially ridiculous or demonstrably false. Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail:  that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor.”

 

Buzbee previously filed 13 lawsuits against Combs in two waves on Oct. 14 and Oct. 20, but Combs’ current legal woes date back to last November, when his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed her bombshell rape and sex-trafficking lawsuit against him. Combs settled with Ventura within 24 hours.

 

In her disturbing complaint, Ventura accused Combs of repeated physical violence and forcing her to participate in highly choreographed, drug-fueled sexual encounters called “freak offs.”

Police officer who k!lled Enugu musician dismissed, arraigned and remanded in prison

The Enugu State Police Command says the orderly room trial of Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, implicated in the m¥rder of Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has been concluded.

A statement released by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, says the Inspector was found culpable and received the maximum penalty of dismissal, followed by court prosecution in line with the Police Act and Regulations 2020.

“Accordingly, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 (covering Anambra and Enugu States’ Commands), approved the orderly trial recommendations to dismiss and prosecute the Inspector in court. Hence, he has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and was today, October 28, 2024, arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for the offense of murder.

The Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of the former officer in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and the transmission of the case file to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further judicial action. The trial was adjourned to November 12, 2024.” the statement read.

Ndukwe said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, extends his condolences to the deceased's family, friends, and associates and expresses gratitude to the government, people of Enugu State, and the public for their support throughout the case.

CP Kanayo reemphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined government agency, assuring that under his leadership, the Command will continue to hold all erring officers accountable for their actions.

Gunmen attack Catholic seminary in Edo, kidnap priest

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked a Catholic seminary in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State and abducted a priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode. 

The gunmen invaded the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, during prayers on Sunday evening, October 27, 2024 and abducted Oyode, who is the rector. 

The Catholic diocese of Auchi confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, saying it has lodged an official report, seeking the assistance of law enforcement agencies in securing the release of the priest.

The statement issued by the Director of Communications of the diocese, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa disclosed that priests and seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, were observing their evening prayers and benediction on Sunday evening when they were attacked by gunmen around 7 PM. 

The attackers reportedly abducted Oyode and led him into the bush.

According to the diocese, the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and have been relocated for safety purposes.

The diocese said it has, however, not had any communication with the abductors of Father Oyode.

The diocese also disclosed that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary established by the catholic bishop of Auchi, most reverend Gabriel Dunia in 2006 for the training of future priests, has turned out more than 500 graduates over the years.

 

Many passengers injured as commercial bus plunges into Benue stream

Many passengers sustained severe injuries when a Toyota Hiace bus reportedly veered off the road and plunged into a stream in Benue State 

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 4pm on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Mbagwa, the Kwande Local Government Area of the state.

Eyewitnesses at the scene of the incident said all occupants of the vehicle were rescued by passersby.

A source disclosed that the driver of the commercial vehicle heading to Ikyogen, suddenly lost control and skidded off the road into the nearby stream.

One of the community heads, Chief Akile Tyovihi, who confirmed the incident described the incident said that the bus was coming from Makurdi. 

He added that his son who had just completed a recruitment examination was part of the victims and he was badly injured.

 

Teenage Boy Steals His Boss’ ₦6.5 million, Loses It All On SportyBet (Video)

The man can be heard admitting the amount he stole, confirming it was indeed 6.5 million naira.

 

A teenager has been caught after reportedly stealing N6.5 million naira from his boss and using it to bet on SportyBet.

 

This was made public in a viral video posted on X.

 

In the video, the boy confessed to the crime.

 

See some reactions below:

 

Chris: “if the madam can give the boy 20 million Naira more the boy is going to win big believe me.”

 

olavibes6: “Egbon sef Dey play aviator lowkey oo😂😂.”

 

Pain💔: “Sporty bet omo werey 😂😂😂.”

 

KING EBADOX: “sporty don do us something.”

 

Playboy: “Wetin do that one weh dey roll for floor😂😂??.”

 

Gifted child👑: “where dis one dey happened.”

 

aB🪬☪️: “Sporty don chop 800 naira from me make una check on me o😂.”

 

𝒜𝒹𝓊𝓇𝒶❤️‍🩹: “Dem don condemn The second guy wey dey floor 😂😂.”

 

Young Pablo: “Una get mind ooo even I no fit loose 50k for sporty Allah my highest stake nah 10k.”

 

Only one 𝔹𝔼𝔼𝕁𝔸𝕐 🦋: “If you cannot use your 1naira play with gamble gather here.”

 

ZILLION 💸💵💴: “Did he used the money for gambling 😭😭😭😢 this beating no even reach anything dey should hurt 🤕🤕.”

 

Adeneeyee: “na me dey think say i wicked, see the real wicked guy here.”

 

WATCH VIDEO: 

Does penis stretching work?

There is little evidence that penis stretching or “jelqing” works to lengthen the penis. This also applies to penis lengthening devices, such as vacuum pumps.

The average size of an erect penis is 5.1inchesTrusted Source. Many penises are around this length.

Despite this, many males assume the average penis size is over 6 inches when erect. This is, in part, due to research that relied on self-reported measurements, which may be inaccurate.

People who still wish to try penis stretching may be able to do so in a safe way, as it is not invasive. However, significant distress about penis size can affect mental health. People who feel worried can consider speaking with a doctor about their concerns.

This article discusses nonsurgical methods of penis stretching, why do them, and what available research says about their effectiveness.

What is penis stretching?

Penis stretching is a practice that aims to increase the size or length of the penis. This could include:

• stretching exercises, or “jelqing”
• vacuum pumps
• penoscrotal rings
• penile extenders

While some claim these approaches work to increase penis size for aesthetic or sexual reasons, there is no high-quality evidence to suggest they are effective. A 2020 review found that the evidence on vacuum pumps and extenders approaches was limited and low quality.

Methods that do work for increasing penis size, such as surgery, come with risks. Some procedures can lead to erectile dysfunction, which is why doctors only use them for specific medical conditions.

One exception to this is stretching for a specific condition known as peyronie's disease, which causes curved and painful erections. A 2019 review found penile stretching was an effective therapy for this condition.

Penis stretching exercises

Those wanting to try penis stretching can try the following exercises. It is important to do these exercises gently, taking care to avoid bruising.

Penis stretching

1. Hold the penis head and pull the penis upward. Hold it stretched for 10 seconds.
2. Pull it to the right and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Pull it to the left and hold for 10 seconds.
4. Repeat up to twice daily.

Jelqing massage

According to the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), a person can perform a Jelqing massage as follows:

1. Lubricate the penis
2. Form a circle shape around the base of the penis with the index finger and the thumb.
3. Slowly tighten the circle until it exerts gentle pressure on the shaft of the penis.
4. Then, move the circle gradually toward the head of the penis using light, down-pulling pressure.
5. Repeat daily for up to 20 minutes. A person should stop if they experience any pain or if a person gets an erection.

Gentle pressure on the base

1. Hold the penis head and pull the penis upward. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the area around the base of the penis. Hold for 10 seconds.
2. Pull the penis to the left and apply pressure to the area to the right of the base. Hold for 10 seconds.
3. Pull the penis to the right and apply pressure to the area to the left of the base. Hold for 10 seconds.
4. Repeat once daily for up to 2 minutes.

Penis stretching devices

Several penis stretching devices are available to purchase. According to the Urology Care Foundation, almost none of them work.

However, stretching has proven to be somewhat effective in treating Peyronie’s disease.

The devices include:

Vacuum pumps

A vacuum pump comprises a tube that fits over the penis. The user pumps air out of the tube, which causes blood to flow to the penis. Increased blood flow leads to swelling and an erection. People typically use vacuum pumps to treat erectile dysfunction.

Some people state that regular use of a vacuum pump will increase penis size, but research does not support this claim.

An older 2006 studyTrusted Source reports that participants did not experience significant physical effects after 6 months of use. However, some users did gain psychological satisfaction from using the pump.

Penoscrotal rings

Penoscrotal rings fit around the base of the penis. They work by restricting blood flow to the penis to cause a stronger erection or to prolong an erection. People use them during sexual activity, but some people use them for longer than is recommended.

There is no evidence this works to lengthen the penis long-term. Additionally, these rings can have risks in rare cases. If the ring gets stuck, a person can develop penile strangulation or entrapment of the scrotrum, which is a medical emergency.

Penile extenders

Penile traction devices, or penis extenders, stretch the tissues in the penis. Some research does indicate that these particular devices may increase penile length by a small amount.

According to a 2020 systematic review of studies examining various penis lengthening methods, extenders were able to increase flaccid penis length by less than 2 centimeters (0.7 inches).

Individuals interested in trying a penile extender should note that the research on extenders is limited and has involved low numbers of participants.

Other criticisms includeTrusted Source selection bias, which means that the randomization of the study participants may not be sufficient, and researchers may select them to achieve a particular result.

More research is necessary to accurately determine these devices’ safety and effectiveness.

How to stretch safely

According to some researchers, most penis exercises and stretching devices are relatively low risk. However, complications can occur.

The side effects of penis stretching exercises or devices can include:

• broken blood vessels
• itching, irritation, or inflammation
• bruising
• numbness

Improper techniques or overuse may also result in damage to the tissues in the penis. This tissue damage could result in weaker erections.

There are steps that a person can take to stay comfortable while trying penis stretching:

• Avoid stretching the penis when erect. The penis should always be flaccid.
• Apply lubrication to the penis before trying any exercises.
• Do not perform these exercises more than once or twice daily.
• Stop immediately if an exercise causes pain or discomfort.
• Discuss the use of these exercises with a doctor, especially if performing them regularly or for an extended period.

When to see a doctor

Anyone who wants to try penis stretching exercises or devices should speak with a doctor first. Feeling consistently worried about the shape or size of the penis can be something doctors can help with.

If there is a physical problem, they may be able to offer advice. For example, if they have Peyronie’s disease, a doctor can provide a diagnosis and help put together a treatment plan.

If a person has signs of emotional distress, a doctor may be able to provide reassurance, and in some cases, may suggest mental health support.

In some cases, treatments such as psychotherapy might be more effective in helping people feel more comfortable about their bodies.

Any person who tries any penis stretching method and experiences severe or persistent side effects should also speak with a doctor.

Summary

There are many techniques and devices available that people claim to increase penis size. In most cases, there is little evidence that these exercises or products are effective.

However, with correct use, most methods of penis stretching are low risk. Some exercises may help people feel more comfortable psychologically with the appearance of their penis.

A person concerned about their penis size or shape should speak with a doctor. They will be able to provide accurate information on what is typical.

Tinubu Appoints Shehu Dikko As NSC Chairman After Scraping Sports Ministry

This appointment comes after the president the scraped the Ministry of Sports Development and had its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission in order to develop a vibrant sports economy.

 

Shehu Dikko has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

 

His appointment was announced by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

This appointment comes after the president the scraped the Ministry of Sports Development and had its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission in order to develop a vibrant sports economy.

 

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, was redeployed as the Minister of State for Trade and Investment.

 

Dikko, the Kaduna State-born football administrator, was the Chairman of the League Management Company responsible for the management of the Nigerian Professional Football League.

 

He previously served as a consultant for the Nigerian House of Representatives on Sports committee.

 

Dikko contested for the President of the Nigeria Football Federation in 2022, but later stepped down for Ibrahim Gusau who emerged victorious.

 

Also scrapped was the Ministry of Niger Delta which was replaced with Ministry of Regional Development to oversee the activities of all the Regional Development Commissions.

 

Tinubu also merged the Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Federal

Ministry of Arts and Culture to become Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.

Withdraw Threat To Arrest Beggars In FCT Or Face Legal Action – SERAP To Wike

The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project, SERAP, issued the warning in a post on its official X handle, #SerapNigeria, on Wednesday.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has been advised to withdraw his threat to arrest beggars in the nation’s capital or face legal action.

The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project, SERAP, issued the warning in a post on its official X handle, #SerapNigeria, on Wednesday.

The civil society organization noted that the minister should instead provide opportunities to help the beggars rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society, stressing that no one should be criminalised for their socio-economic status.

Wike had during the flag-off ceremony for construction of a road in the Katampe District of Abuja on Tuesday, threatened a crackdown on beggars, announcing that enforcement agents would start apprehending them from Monday next week.

Wike said, “Let me state clearly that we have declared war; Abuja is turning into a beggar city.

“If you know you have a sister or brother who is a beggar, please, from next week, we will take them away. It is embarrassing that people will come in and the first thing they will see are just beggars on the road.”

The minister lamented that some of the individuals may be criminals pretending to be beggars.

He said he is giving them a ‘public holiday’ till Sunday, and from Monday, he will remove them.

SERAP in its post, appealed to the minister to immediately address the socio-economic rights of marginalised individuals in the FCT.

“The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, must immediately withdraw his apparently unlawful threat to arrest beggars in Abuja or face legal action,” SERAP said, stressing that no one should be criminalised for engaging in life-sustaining economic activities or because of their economic or social status.

Rather than arresting and cracking down on beggars, SERAP observed that the minister should provide them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and fully integrate into society while respecting their dignity and human rights.

The group noted that Wike should immediately begin to address the root causes of poverty and the violations of the economic and social rights of particularly marginalised individuals in Abuja, suggesting that the minister must address the plight of those experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty, and not demonise and criminalise them.