By Patrick Idowu

Recreational centres across Abuja recorded heavy turnout on Friday as residents trooped out to celebrate Valentine’s Day despite the prevailing economic hardship.

Cinemas, parks and malls including Genesis Cinemas, Silverbird Cinemas, Jabi Lake Mall and Central Park were filled with revellers seeking leisure and entertainment.

Movies showing included Behind the Scenes, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Friends Indeed and Love and New Notes.

Some residents said they chose to go out because Valentine’s Day comes once a year.

“We have to celebrate it no matter what,” said an Abuja resident, Mr KC. Another resident, Dave Johnson, who visited a cinema with his fiancée, said the day was meant for spending quality time with loved ones.

Others, however, described Valentine’s Day as overrated, insisting love should be shown daily and not limited to romantic partners.

Victoria Chukwu said the celebration should also extend to neighbours and vulnerable persons, while a nurse, Iweka Sharon, said she viewed it as “just every other day.”

The increased movement also boosted business for vendors and photographers around major recreational centres, with an ice cream seller noting unusually high patronage compared to previous years.

By Patrick Idowu

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja has refuted allegations that the institution diverted funds provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), for its students.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the council, chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, said no NELFUND money was diverted, misappropriated or unlawfully withheld by the university or any of its officials.

The denial comes a day after NELFUND also dismissed the allegation and cleared the university of wrongdoing.

The statement, signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Malam Sambo Mohammed, said the university operates within established financial regulations and maintains strict accountability in managing intervention funds.

The council urged the public to disregard what it described as a misleading media report, while reaffirming confidence in the university’s management led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi.

By Samuel Adeola

Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all booked their places in the next round of the FA Cup on Saturday, while Burnley suffered a shock exit at home.

City eased past Salford City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, with an early own goal setting the tone before Marc Guéhi sealed the win.

Chelsea were dominant in a 4-0 rout of Hull City, inspired by Pedro Neto’s hat-trick, while Liverpool defeated Brighton 3-0 at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah leading the charge.

West Ham United needed extra time to beat Burton Albion 1-0, thanks to a late strike from Crysencio Summerville.

However, the biggest upset came at Turf Moor, where Mansfield Town fought back from behind to stun Burnley 2-1 and knock the Premier League side out of the competition.