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The inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV is ongoing at St Peter's Square in the Vatican. Earlier, Pope Leo greeted crowds from the Popemobile - marking the first time he has travelled in the vehicle.
At the mass are world leaders including US Vice-President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria was also invited to the event, amidst wide public criticsim of his globe troting during Nigeria’s current troubles.
The new Pope held his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on 9 May, shortly after his election by the Conclave. He used the service to call for the Catholic Church to "desperately" counter a lack of faith and called for Church unity from his cardinals. He also expressed his strong desire to see the end of wars in Ukraine, Gaza and other troubled regions worldwide.
Leo is the 267th Pope and the first to hail from the US.
Share your thought on the new Pope.
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Published: 18/05/2025
The southeast group of senators in the Nigerian National Assembly have described the recent poor results by students from the southeast as published by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) as curious and highly suspicious. They said, students of southeastern extraction living in Lagos were also affected.
Leader of the group Senator Enyi Abaribe said it will be terrible if the rumors that JAMB was deliberately targeting Ibos from the southeast in a bid to harm their academic dreams holds true. Senator Abaribe commended JAMB for efforts to reschedule the exam, providing candidates an opportunity to retake the university entrance exam. He however warned that any future recurrence of this so-called ‘glitch’ would be severely dealt with.
JAMB recently blamed a technical glitch in its systems as the cause for dismal performance of candidates in 2025, mostly candidates from Nigeria’s southeast region.
Do you think JAMB targeted the Ibos?
What do you think of the senators’ decision on JAMB?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Published: 18/05/2025
The north central caucus of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has said that it will not allow new entrants to take over its structure. These comments were made during a stakeholders’ meeting in Nasarawa State. The party stressed that while new entrants are welcome, no critical office will be given to them.
Speaking on the issue, the national vice chairman north central zone Abubakar Dogara said strategic meetings are ongoing to increase the party’s membership. He emphasized that the SDP has now become “the pride of the people.”
Speaking further, Dogara said. “We will not hand over our party to new people or ‘de-campees’…those joining the party are welcome, but major positions in the party will not be tampered with.”
The leadership of the SDP has said that the party is poised to take over leadership of government from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and will defeat other opposition parties in Nigeria’s the next presidential elections in 2027.
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Published: 18/05/2025
49 South African refugees have departed Johannesburg for the United States under President Trump’s new refugee program. According to Trump, South Africa is racially discriminating against Afrikaners, that there is a new apartheid against white people.
The refugees comprising mostly families, left on a chartered flight hired by a US contractor. They are scheduled to land at the Dulles Airport in Virginia where the group will be received by US officials.
However, the South African government has strongly denied the allegations of discrimination. They have described the claims as baseless. Critics have questioned why this group of refugees are being prioritized over others fleeing conflicts in Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan, etc.
Some have described President Trump’s attitude towards the Afrikaner refugees as racist, that he prefers to have rich white people in the US, not other races.
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#afrikaner #southafrican #refugees #PresidentTrump
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Published: 12/05/2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK has unveiled a new plan to control immigration into the UK. The new plan will require immigrants to wait for longer periods before they can enjoy benefits from the UK government.
The wait period for those applying for UK citizenship has been increased from 5 to 10 years. In the new plan, work visas will only be issued to graduate level applicants. Also, all adult dependents will need to satisfy higher level English requirements.
The reforms come as Starmer’s government is under heavy pressure form Nigel Farage’s Reform Party which has severely criticised him for allowing indiscriminate migration into the UK.
Note that net migration increased to over 900K persons in 2023 compared to 184K in 2019.
Some employers have expressed opposition to the new rules saying that it would negatively impact the labor force across the UK. According to Starmer, settlement is a privilege that is only achieved through integration.
He blamed previous conservative governments for failing to control migration into the UK. He said while they were complaining about migrants, the migrant population grew to almost a million under their watch, comparable to the size of the UK’s second largest city, Birmingham. He said, “That’s not control. It’s chaos”.
What do you think of the UK’s new migration rules?
Would you still be interested in migrating to the UK?
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#UK #ukvisa #immigration #KeirStarmer
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Published: 12/05/2025
Russia released a wave of missiles on Ukraine overnight totalling 108. Ukrainian defence systems intercepted 55 of them. The Russian missiles struck multiple regions. In Eastern Donetsk, a missile hit a freight train, injuring the driver and passengers.
Ukraine is describing these attacks as a brazen violation of their recent peace agreement. Note that the Ukrainian President and other EU leaders had demanded a 30 day ceasefire.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia has dismissed all calls for ceasefire. He described the calls as ultimatums from the EU which he would not obey.
President Trump has expressed support for Putin’s stance, arguing that the EU should enter direct talks with Russia and refrain from issuing ultimatums.
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#russia #ukrainian #ukraine #Eu
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Published: 12/05/2025
The United States and China have agreed to a 90 day truce which will see the suspension of recent trade tariffs. The tariff pause is announced as a framework for renewed negotiation between the two economic superpowers. Both countries agree that the trade war will negatively impact global trade flows.
US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the US will be reducing tariffs imposed on China from 135 percent to 30 percent. Beijing will inturn lower its tariffs to 10 percent.
News of the truce have witnessed gains in the market across the Americas and Asia.
Addressing reporters today Greer said,
“We had very robust discussions. Both sides showed great respect. Throughout the trade process, we had a plan. We had a process in place, and now with the chinese over the weekend, we have a mechanism for continuing the talks… the United States will continue a strategic rebalancing in many areas that were exposed as supply chain weaknesses during COVID… we will continue moving towards United States’ independence.”
What do you think of the US-China Trade truce?
How will the truce affect trade in your country?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
#usa #China #TradeTariffs #Truce See less
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Published: 12/05/2025
Human rights activists and publisher of Sahara Reporters Omoyele Sowore has expressed severe criticism of Peter Obi the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
In a tweet on May 8, he wrote,
I have repeatedly stated that @PeterObi's stance is questionably and patently dishonest if not outrightly DUMB.
He seems to imply that protests against @GEJonathan’s economic policies were unnecessary, given his role as an Economic Adviser in that administration, they were all supporting themselves by looting Nigeria dry including the role of his Fidelity Bank assisting Diezani to move hard cold cash.
However, this raises concerns about his perspective on the current wicked Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT regime. If he believes protests are unwarranted under @GEJonathan why should Tinubu’s handlers not hold the same view, after all, they claim that their economic policies are for the good of Nigerians even though our people are dying in droves and they too have looted Nigeria dry in less than two years.
Moreover, if protesters against @GEJonathan’s policies have lost steam, or the former protesters sold out, what prevents his Obidient movement from initiating new protests?
Notably, his Obidient movement did not protest the presidential election results which they've repeatedly claimed he won, nor did they participate in the #EndBadGovernance protests in 2024 claiming it was set up by “controlled opposition”
Furthermore, they did not oppose the Naira redesign policy because the corrupt Formee Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Godwin Emeriele was their ally, even with the fuel price hikes he is speaking about here, there was not a time he ever led or encouraged Nigerians to oppose it.
Since the establishment of his GBAJUE movt, not once has anything been done other than inaction or gaslighting other Nigerians, especially those who rightly didn't support his political agenda, which was to replace a corrupt set of politicians with his anointed set of corrupt opportunists, they are all now back in @OfficialAPCNg including his closest lieutenants, these events have exposed their false claim about their commitment to driving change.
Like #EndSARS, he is hoping to benefit from the sweat and blood of others without a finger raised to challenge injustice even against his own “obidient” members.
What do you think of Sowore's biting comments on Obi?
Is he being honest or trying to score political points?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Published: 09/05/2025
Barely a day in office, the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV has been slammed with an allegation. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) are accusing the new pontiff of looking away while children were being abused by priests in his parishes in Chicago and in different South American churches.
Robert Prevost, who became the first North American pontiff on Thursday, is being accused by a survivors' group of ignoring strong allegations of abuse in the U.S. and in Peru - concerns they relayed to the cardinals who selected him.
Making a bold allegation, Lopez de Casas, a victim of clergy abuse and the national vice president of the network said, 'You can't cover up sexual abuse and be a good priest.”
What do you think of this allegation?
Do you think it’s too early?
How would the new Pope respond?
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Published: 09/05/2025
Robert Francis Prevost was elected by the conclave as the first ever North American and US Pope on Thursday May 8. It is said that he was viewed as the 'least American of the Americans' who were in the running at the Conclave. He also holds Peruvian citizenship having spent several years in South America.
Prevost aged 69 was born in Chicago, Illinois and began studying to become a priest with the Catholic Church at the age of 18. He studied mathematics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
A popular figure in the church who served as the head of Pope Francis' vetting process for new bishop nominations, he has been notably quiet about his views on topics such as women in the clergy and same sex unions.
He waded into gender ideology while serving as a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru in 2012, saying that 'the promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don't exist.'
Following his graduation in Pennsylvania, Prevost first went to Peru in 1985 as a missionary before becoming the Roman Catholic Diocese for the Chulucanas region that same year.
Prevost - also known as Father Bob - returned to work as a pastor in Chicago in 1987 for one year before becoming the head of the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo, Peru - a role he kept for a decade.
In 1998, he was elected as the head of the Augustinian Province of Chicago, making him one of the leading religious figures in the United States.
In 2000, he came under scrutiny for allowing Father James Ray, an Augustinian priest who had been suspended from the ministry nine years before due to allegations of sexual abuse of minors, to reside at his St John Stone Friary in Chicago.
He would go on to take a public stance against the way that the Catholic Church handled the pedophilia scandal, telling La Republica in 2019 that it must move away from its culture of cover-ups.
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#pope #PopeLeo #Trump #Catholic
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Published: 09/05/2025
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has pledged to donate 99 per cent of his remaining wealth — estimated at over $100 billion — to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The billionaire also announced that he would be shutting down the famous foundation by December 2045.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Gates said, “It’s kind of thrilling to have that much to be able to put into these causes."
He explained that the foundation has already spent more than $100 billion and is now poised to spend an additional $200 billion over the next 20 years. The goal is to frontload funding into critical issues such as global health, disease eradication, child and maternal mortality, and poverty alleviation.
In his blog, Gates outlined three major priorities for the foundation’s final phase: eliminating preventable deaths among mothers and children, eradicating infectious diseases like malaria and measles, and ending poverty for hundreds of millions.
“The Gates Foundation’s mission remains rooted in the idea that where you are born should not determine your opportunities,” he wrote. “…With the input from our board, I now believe we can achieve the foundation’s goals on a shorter timeline, especially if we double down on key investments and provide more certainty to our partners,” he wrote.
In a recent blog post, Gates wrote, “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people. That is why I have decided to give my money back to society much faster than I had originally planned.” Despite these challenges, Gates remains optimistic about the foundation's ability to catalyse long-term change. “Somebody should try and save more lives than I did, and give more money than I did,” he said.
He concluded saying, “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them.”
Gates' pledge marks one of the largest philanthropic commitments in modern history, likely second only to Warren Buffett’s plan to donate his $160 billion fortune, depending on market conditions.
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Published: 09/05/2025
The Nigerian Senate has set up a twenty-member ad hoc committee to oversee the activities of the sole administrator in Rivers State Ibokette Ibas following president’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The committee is led by Senator Opeymi Michael Bamidele representing Ekiti Central and is tasked with monitoring the implementation of federal government directives and ensuring legal compliance by the caretaker administration.
The committee also has the responsibly of safeguarding public interest while working towards the restoration of democratic governance in the state. It would focus on reconciliation efforts with the aim of focusing of root caused of unrests and promoting national unity.
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Published: 06/05/2025
The Nigerian National Assembly has announced that it has resolved to host a national summit to tackle once and for all, the insecurity situation in the country. Resuming from a month of recess today, the senate held a minute of silence for the 16 northern ‘hunters’ who were gruesomely killed in Edo State in March and for 6 Christian worshippers in Gombe state who were crushed by a truck driver. Some argue that the incident in Gombe was a deliberate act, while others blamed it on brake failure.
Speaking on the Gombe situation, the Senator representing Gombe Central, Danjuma Goje said, “Apart from reckless driving and failures of brakes, we believe the security agents should have done better. They should have learned from the Christmas incident to ensure that this thing does not happen again.”
Goje’s stance was immediately debunked by Senate President Godswill Akapbio who said that the mover of the motion had presented evidence that the driver intentionally ploughed into the group of Christian worshippers in Gombe.
The motion to host a national security summit was introduced by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South. He said, “we have been discussing insecurity everyday…it is very important now that we converge.” Responding to Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South argued that security summits were not new to the national assembly, that several security summits had taken place over the past years with no tangible results.
Despite conflicting opinions, the Senate President approved that a national security summit would hold in Abuja for two days.
Do you think the planned security summit will yield any tangible results?
Or Is it another avenue to waste the country’s resources?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Published: 06/05/2025
Six people have been murdered in fresh attacks by killer herdsmen in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State. Responding to the situation, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola described the recent killings as worrisome and pointed to the need to fashion out modalities for peaceful coexistence among communities. He highlighted the importance of community-based conflict resolution mechanisms led by traditional and religious leaders to ensure that citizens co-exist peacefully with the herdsmen.
Speaking on the situation, he said,
“All stakeholders should jointly develop and enforce a community driven code of conduct for peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers in Barkin Ladi LGA. Furthermore, stakeholder must improve early warning mechanisms to alert security agents in a timely manner to enable swift response to security threats”.
He added that a mobile police station would soon be established in the area. He warned citizens not to take laws into their hands. He advised citizens to report all security situations to the security agents.
Communities in Plateau State have suffered series of attacks leading to the deaths and displacements of thousands of people. Many citizens of Plateau have had to flee to neighboring states of Kaduna, Nasarawa and Niger.
Do you think that communities should be allowed to arm against killer herders?
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Published: 06/05/2025
President Donald Trump has announced a bold move to encourage the production of movies in the USA. Speaking to reporters on May 4, he said he was going to place a 100% tariff on movies produced outside of the United States. He argued that the U.S. movie industry was dying a "very fast death" due to the incentives that other countries were offering to draw American filmmakers. He described the current situation as a National Security threat, in addition to messaging and propaganda conveyed in these foreign produced movies.
Trump said he was authorizing the relevant U.S. government agencies such as the Department of Commerce to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States.
According to Trump, "WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!"
However, Trump did not clarify how the tariffs would be implemented. Will the move target production companies, foreign or American, producing films overseas?
According to FilmLA, film and television production in Los Angeles has fallen by nearly 40% over the last decade. Meanwhile, governments around the world have offered more generous tax credits and cash rebates to lure productions and capture a greater share of the $248 billion that Ampere Analysis predicts will be spent globally in 2025 to produce content.
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Published: 05/05/2025
Human rights lawyer and council for VeryDarkman Deji Adeyanju has taken to social media to call out Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana on his silence over the recent arrest of his client. In his post, he compared his reaction over a previous case to how Falana was reacting towards VeryDarkman, hinting that Falana bears a grudge, is petty and unprofessional.
He wrote,
“Our revered leader and mentor, Femi Falana SAN yet to condemn the arrest of VDM. Interesting times indeed! When the boy that led people to attack me under Buhari became a victim under the same Buhari and was arrested, I was the first person to condemn it”.
Recall that in 2024, VDM had insulted the revered SAN and his family members via several social media posts. VDM accused the SAN and his family of trying to take bribes to silence the case of crossdresser Bobrisky who had be convicted for money laundering.
Do you think Femi Falana should speak up in defense of VDM?
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Published: 05/05/2025
An anonymous source from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed reasons why social media activist VeryDarkMan was arrested on May 2. They source disclosed that he was picked up for several crimes related to cyber harassment that contravene Cybercrimes Act of 2015, that there are several petitions.
VDM’s outspoken commentary on issues has led to several run-ins with the law. In May 2024, he was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking. The charges stemmed from alleged online harassment of the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until his bail hearing.
In November 2024, he faced fresh charges of impersonation before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court. Prosecutors accused him of unlawfully dressing as a police officer and presenting himself as one. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million.
In September 2024, VDM was sued for ₦1 billion by popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, for defamation. The suit followed the circulation of a voice recording by VDM alleging that Bobrisky bribed EFCC officials to silence money laundering charges. Bobrisky denied the claim, alleging the recording was generated using AI technology.
By April 2025, legal troubles deepened with a court order for his arrest over alleged defamatory remarks made against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The court directed him to delete the content and publicly apologize.
VDM followed his recent public complaint at a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Abuja regarding unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account.
The EFCC is yet to make an official statement on this issue.
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Published: 05/05/2025
Former Nigeria Minister of Solid Minerals Dr Oby Ezekwesili has responded to accusations of receiving bribes to defend Senator Natasha Akpoti. In a live video, Sandra Duru, a UK-based activist popularly known as Professor Mgbeke accused Dr Ezekwesili as being among the “useful idiots” who were bribed to join in bringing down Senate President Godswill Akapabio. Ezekwesili’s response was issued via a strongly worded memo on her verified X handle.
Her memo reads:
Memo to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and All Truly Honorable Citizens of Nigeria* Once again, Senator @NatashaAkpoti
You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone. I see how my unwavering support for your cry for justice has sent your adversaries into a frenzy—resorting to desperate, laughable falsehoods. Rest assured, @abiolaak , the distinguished women of FIDA and I will continue to stand with you wholeheartedly. Our commitment to justice is unshaken, and we will not relent until justice is served. We simply despise injustice and the abuse of power. Period. No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers. They know—without a doubt — that no amount of money, not even all the wealth in every Central Bank in the world, can buy my convictions, voice, and stance on any matter I choose to support. So, worry not, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. You will continue to have my unwavering, sacrificial support in your resolute fight against a brigade of irresponsible politicians, led by @NGRSenate
President @Senator_Akpabio The world sees how they have captured our public institutions for their selfish benefit—corruptly abusing their positions to silence, intimidate, and endanger you. But they will fail. Do not be discouraged by this latest onslaught. We will continue to stand with you—demanding a fair hearing and an independent investigation into your petition against Senator Akpabio for sexual harassment. The Senate President cannot dodge the inevitable forever. To my Fellow Honorable Citizens, we all know that sacrifice is foreign to most of Nigeria’s so-called political “leaders” (or should I say ruiners?) They cannot fathom the concept of service because money and their belly are their gods. In contrast to their corruption and greed, I—like many of you—will continue, eternally, to live a purpose-driven life of sacrifice in the unrelenting fight for a decent and just Nigeria, where leaders are held accountable for good governance. Every decent, reasonable Nigerian knows that my unshakable values, convictions, voice, and stance on public interest issues cannot be tarnished—no matter how hard they try. Ignore their lies. Dismiss, with contempt, their desperate theatrics— a feeble attempt to divert attention from the sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio by the distinguished Senator @NatashaAkpoti
Demand for justice for her because “injustice to one is injustice to all”. Madam Senator, as you so powerfully declared: “This injustice shall not be sustained.” We—along with every truly honorable and reasonable Nigerian— stand with you. Unwavering. Freely. All the way. So, fight on, until justice is served!
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Published: 05/05/2025
Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu said that he established Radio Biafra to “promote truth, peace, and the fight for fundamental human rights”.
Kanu made the remarks in a video recording of his interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS), which was played in open court on Tuesday during his trial for alleged terrorism and treasonable felony.
He argued that it was “illegal” to broadcast in Nigeria since he had not registered with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). He added that radio was funded by supporters from different parts of the world and that he makes his account public to the UK government.
In another statement made by the separatist leader and read in court, Kanu said he was interrogated by the DSS “without legal representation” as required by law.
Kanu was re-arraigned on March 21 before James Omotosho, judge of a federal high court in Abuja. At the resumed session on Tuesday, Adegboyega Awomolo, the prosecution counsel, told the court that he filed an ex parte application dated April 10 seeking to protect the identities of the witnesses.
“The essence is for the safety and security of state officers who would be part of the witnesses,” he said. Omotsho granted the application after Kanu Agabi, counsel to the defendant, said he had no objection.
The first prosecution witness, who was codenamed “AAA” to protect his identity, was then called.
AAA, a DSS staff, said he was part of the team which arrested Kanu on October 15, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos. The witness said Kanu was arrested and several items, including broadcasting devices which were set up in the room, were confiscated.
Do you agree that Radio Biafra was established to promote truth, peace, and human rights?
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Published: 29/04/2025
King Sunny Ade has debunked widespread rumors that he had been kidnaped, speculations ignited by his daughter Damilola Adeniyi-Adegeye.
The legendary juju music icon made this known in a live video shared by one of his wives, Mrs. Bose Olubo-Adegeye.
King Sunny Ade reassured fans that he was hale, hearty, and actively performing live music at events. He specifically mentioned performing at a show in Lekki, Lagos, over the weekend and noted that he was on his way to another performance.
He said, “Nobody kidnapped me. I pray, as I don’t want anybody to kidnap me. I believe that the whole world is in love with me. This is me, King Sunny Ade. I must thank God and you, my fans, for the concern. I have been doing my shows. I was at a show last Saturday at Lekki, Lagos. I am on my way to have a show, and I am coming back again to play in Lagos, as well. So, I have nothing to say other than to thank God and to thank you.”
Damilola had on Monday, raised the alarm over her father’s whereabouts, accusing her stepbrother, Dayo, whom she described as KSA’s manager, of allegedly holding the veteran singer hostage and mismanaging his affairs. She called for Dayo’s arrest, claiming he had been “stealing” from the musician and preventing access to him.
Netizens have received the music icon’s statement as a welcome relief considering rising cases of kidnap among other insecurity issues in Nigeria.
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Published: 29/04/2025
Spain is not taking lightly the recent power blackout that left the country in a blackout for an entire day. The government is launching an investigation to determine if the blackout was a terrorist cyber-attack on critical power infrastructure. Preliminary assessments by the national power grid company ruled out the possibility of a cyber-attack, however it said the blackout could be linked to malicious activity targeting Spain’s critical infrastructure.
Speaking to the reporters, the Spanish prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, said,
“The responsibility of the Spanish government is to carry out an independent analysis of what happened, and therefore to use all the mechanisms… once these records have all been examined, we won’t rule out any hypothesis until we have the results of these analysis that will be made public.”
Spanish operators are on high alert over the increasing dangers posed by cyber-attacks on critical sectors of the economy including energy and communications.
What do you think caused the massive power cut in Spain and across Europe?
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Published: 29/04/2025
Through his press secretary, the Governor of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, issued an official statement to debunk rumors that he along with four other governors were planning to defect from the All-Progressives Congress.
Over the past weeks, rumors had circulated that Governor Idris was considering joining a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor described these rumors as “ridiculously malicious” and the handiwork of “uninteresting political comedians.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, declaring that he is “made in APC, by APC, and for APC.”
The statement reads in part,
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not a political prostitute. I will be the last person to leave my formidable and reliable party for any coalition, no matter who the architects are.”
“If they tell you again that Kaura is likely to leave his APC, tell them I will be the last man standing.”
Idris emphasized his commitment to the people of Kebbi State and the vision of President Bola Tinubu, noting that his focus remains on delivering good governance and consolidating on the successes of the APC. He stressed that Kebbi State remains a stronghold of the APC and dismissed any notion of disloyalty as a “dance of mad fellows in the marketplace.”
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Published: 28/04/2025
The All-Progressives Congress (APC) has ordered social influencer Martins Vincent Otse, otherwise known as VeryDarkMan, to apologize for what it described as disparaging comments against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The statement was issued by Blessing Agbomhere, the Zonal Organizing Secretary of the South-South APC in Abuja. The social media influencer was given one week to tender an apology to the Senate President.
The statement reads in part, “VeryDarkMan is becoming notorious for blackmail, slander, and character assassination while pretending to be an advocate for the masses and a social crusader.”
“Upon his return from France and the UK, Tinubu met with the security chiefs, and during the meeting, he gave them marching orders to ensure that a different approach is deployed in the fight against insecurity. Does this sound like a man who is not serious about protecting the lives and property of Nigerians?”
According to the South-South APC, the “complex security problems in the country cannot be wished away with a wave of the hand”.
“The unwarranted verbal attack on the number three citizen of Nigeria, who did not send himself to Rome but was duly nominated by the President to lead a delegation to represent Nigeria — what exactly is wrong with that?”
The APC’s anger is fueled by a recent video in which VeryDarkMan criticized the Senate President for neglecting the security situation in the country to have travel to Rome just for photo ops. He noted that Akpabio should have been paying condolence visits to Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Ogun, Enugu, and other states currently plagued by killings.
According to him, the Senate President lacked the moral standing to attend the Pope’s funeral when he ought to be consoling communities affected by violence across the country.
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Published: 28/04/2025
Suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has issued an ‘apology’ to senate President Godswill Akapbio via a post on Facebook.
The post reads,
“Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio, It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence.
“I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.
“How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.
“I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.
“Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections. I remain Yours in eternal resistance, Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken.”
Senator Natasha’s apology could be understood as sarcasm, a means of expressing her resilience in the face of huge challenges.
The apology comes just two days after Akpabio led a Federal Government delegation to the Vatican for the burial of Pope Francis while ignoring killings and violent attacks in Nigeria.
Some Netizens have described Senator Natasha’s post as unnecessary, mere content creation to attract attention.
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Published: 28/04/2025
The political tide has changed in Delta State, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all executive members of the People’s Democratic Party defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress today.
The defection was announced after a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba. The discussions were led by Senator James Manager a PDP chieftain and past senator.
Manager said,
“You cannot be in a boat that is already capsizing because I am a riverine man. Members of the BOT of the PDP they were there in their numbers. National executives of the PDP, they were there, …all major stakeholders were there, so this is a collective stand by the PDP family in Delta…everybody agreed to leave the PDP and join the APC”.
Speaking on the defection, Okowa explained that the move reflects a deeper commitment to unity and long-term progress. That the decision was in the best interest of the people. He assured the people that they are were headed in the wrong direction.
Defected members will be formally accepted in Abuja on Monday by Vice President Shettima.
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Is this healthy for democracy?
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Published: 23/04/2025
President Bola Tinubu has issued new directives to security chiefs on rising insecurity in Nigeria’s north-central region. The President insists that enough is enough. This strong stance was declared during a presidential briefing today by heads of security and intelligence agencies at the presidential villa in Abuja.
Briefing the press after the meeting, national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu said the president expresses deep concern on the current situation and has demanded the immediate scaling up of operations in Kwara and Benue States. He said “Mr. President is working so hard to see that we have peace and stability in our country . We gave him what is going on and assured him that work is ongoing and continuous. We went round Plateau state, Benue state even Bornu”.
Ribadu stressed the importance of working with local communities saying, “You need to work with the communities, you need to work with the local governments, you need to work with the governors, especially the governors”.
He concluded saying that “the president insists that enough is enough and we working to ensure that we restore peace and security. The armed forces are there…they are working 24 hours…they are people wo do not sleep, who don’t go on any break to ensure that we have peace.”
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Published: 23/04/2025
Nigeria’s Chief of Army staff Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede today issued marching orders to the army to flush out armed bandits attacking people Baruten and Kaiama Local government areas of Kwara State within one month. These attacks have led to the loss of several lives.
General Oluyede issued the command while inspecting a guard of honor at the 22 Armored Brigade in Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin Kwara State. He said Nigeria cannot afford to have another terrorist situation in the north-west similar to the situation in the country’s north-east.
He told his men,
“You must push them out, so we do not have another set of Boko Haram. disturbing us here. Do you promise me that?”
Speaking to reporters, Oluyede said,
“I am here to charge these soldiers here because they are out for a very important assignment. To charge them to perform to the best of their ability and to ensure that they bring peace and sanity to where we are sending them to. We are addressing these challenges. What is happening in Kwara cannot be threatening the sanity in Nigeria generally. It is just an isolated case, and we will deal with it directly.”
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Published: 23/04/2025
President Trump today in a post on Truth Social warned President Zelensky of Ukraine to accept the peace deal with Russia or risk fighting and losing the war within the next three years. He advised Zelensky to stop making inflammatory remarks. He reminded him that Crimea was lost to Russia during the Obama led administration.
President Trump wrote,
“Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, "Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There's nothing to talk about here." This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion.
Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? The area also houses, for many years before "the Obama handover," major Russian submarine bases. It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire - He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.
I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever.
The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the "killing field," and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with "no cards to play" should now, finally, GET IT DONE. I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS, that would have never started if I were President!
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Published: 23/04/2025
The body of late Pope Francis has been put on public viewing. The body has been placed in a coffin made of wood and zinc. Currently, the Pope’s body is at the Chapel of Santa Marta in the Vatican. His funeral service will take place on Saturday April 27 at 9am GMT.
According to his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major basilicas of Christendom in Rome, situated on the Esquiline Hill. The last pope buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII in 1903.
The Pope's body will be on display at St Peter's Basilica for public viewing from Wednesday April 23.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Argentinian, who made history as the Vatican's first Latin American pontiff, had been hospitalized for 38-days after suffering a double bout pneumonia that damaged his lungs.
Despite being discharged on March 23, Pope Francis continued to participate in public activities, blessing crowds and even receiving the US Vice President JD Vance.
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Published: 22/04/2025
Following the end of the Easter holiday, protests advocating for the reinstatement of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have resumed.
Hundreds of protestors have flocked the streets, dressed in black and carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “Together we stand for Governor Sim Fubara”, “We want back our Governor, we all voted for”, Governor Fubara is the pride of Rivers People.”
The protesters kicked off the march from Aggrey road, Old Port Harcourt Township.
Philco News is following this development.
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Published: 22/04/2025
President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on April 21 after a 19-day private visit to France and the UK amidst rising killings in Nigeria. The president’s absence from the country at a very critical time attracted widespread criticism. Many accused him of being selfish and insensitive to the plights of ordinary citizens.
However, the Presidency still argues that President Tinubu was closely monitoring the situation on ground and maintained active communication channels.
Over the past days, there have been several incidents of violent killings by herdsmen in Plateau and Benue States resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and destruction of property.
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Are you impressed?
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Published: 22/04/2025
The US government has threatened to withdraw from the Russia-Ukraine peace deal within days unless there are clear signs a truce can be reached. This surprising stance was expressed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rubio said,
"We're not going to continue with this endeavor for weeks and months on end," Rubio said, adding that the US had "other priorities to focus on".
"We need to determine very quickly now - and I'm talking about a matter of days - whether or not this is doable."
"If it's not going to happen, then we're just going to move on," he said about truce talks.
He said it was clear that a peace deal would be difficult to strike but there needed to be signs it could be done soon.
The US’s frustration is in reaction to continued attacks from both Ukraine and Russia. Both countries are yet to cease attacks and create a climate for peaceful negotiations. Washington is blaming both sides.
Rubio’s comments come as Russian strikes on Ukraine continue. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X that Russia had launched a volley of missile attacks that killed two people.
During a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Friday, US Vice President JD Vance said he was "optimistic" about ending the Ukraine war, a more positive stance than Rubio’s.
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Published: 18/04/2025
Popular stand-up comedian, Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile, aka Seyi Law, has expressed his deep resentment for former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement, Obi’s political support community.
He explained that his resentment stems from Peter Obi’s refusal to reprimand his supporters from trolling and making disparaging comments at their opponents. He recounted how he and his family were severely trolled online by obidients over their refusal to support Obi.
Speaking in an interview on Tejubabyface show, Seyi Law said,
“I don’t feel down at all because when you talk too much, I swear for you. One of the good things that God has done for me is that my anger doesn’t last long. Personal anger for me doesn’t last long. The only place it lasts long is when you leave me to attack my children, mother, and wife.
“The moment you cross that boundary from me to my children, mother, and wife — there is no forgiveness.
“That is why there is nothing on earth that Peter Obi can do that will make me support him. They (Obidients) attacked my children and my wife. “As long as Peter Obi will not call them to order and he keeps denying that they are doing that, he will never get my support.
“Let Peter Obi wear the garment of Jesus Christ today — he will never get my support. Hate or love me, my personal way of life is between me and God.
He added,
“Any organization that does not support free thinking is a cult.”
What do you think of Seyi Law’s stance against Obi and the obidients?
Is his hatred of them justified?
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Published: 18/04/2025
During a media parley today, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike expressed his displeasure on the recent presidential decision of suspending Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State. He said he wanted the governor to be outrightly kicked out of office.
He said,
“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. I wanted the outright removal of the Governor. But for the interest of the state, the President did the right thing to prevent anarchy in the state.
He added,
“The matter is in court, but people must say the truth. The governor was gone. It is not on my place to make it good for the governor. As a politician, my business is not to make him comfortable and that is why there is power play.”
Note that in March, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing persistent political instability and recent security threats, including pipeline explosions. The President suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months. He described the move as “inevitably compelling” based on security reports.
In their place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs pending resolution of the crisis — a decision that has sparked widespread debate across the country.
Wike and Fubara have been at loggerheads over control of the state’s political and structural resources.
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Published: 18/04/2025
The Cross River State government has threatened to revoke the title of deed and take over Ningsong M-House Palm Oil Ltd owned by former senate president Bukola Saraki. Formerly Ayi Eku Oil Palm, the estate sits on 12,400 hectares of land in Akamkpa LGA .
Cross River State government is reacting to complaints of neglect of the vast estate by residents of the area. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, said the state has received numerous petitions from the host communities against owners of the estate, all calling for new investors to take over.
Petitions included that the firm are that the firm failed to implement terms of reference, including lack of corporate social responsibility and veering into illegal timber logging in the Cross River National Park. Ebokpo added that the state had to step in to resolve the issue between five communities, Iku, Abung, Akor, New Ndebiji, Okarara and the firm.
The government has given the investors one month to submit detailed plans for regenerating and developing the plantation for full-fledged business, or the state House of Assembly will begin processes of revoking the license.
In response, the Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Moyi Ladoja denied veering into lumbering, disclosing that they recently resumed actions in the estate. He appealed for two months to enable them to implement their development plans.
Ayi Eku Oil Palm Estate was privatised in 2007 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Saraki’s firm allegedly got the title to the estate.
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Published: 18/04/2025
A high-power investigative committee recently established by the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf has departed for Uromi in Edo State on a fact-finding mission to investigate recent killings of individuals from Nigeria’s north and to restore peaceful relations.
The committee is led by the Kano State Deputy Governor, includes the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Mohammed Isa Umar, state commissioners for religious, chieftaincy, and special duties, and women affairs, among other key state officials.
The committee will hold consultations with the Edo State Governor, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers ,and civil society organization. The committee will work for a week in Edo state.
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Published: 11/04/2025
The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has ordered an apology from Folasade Adebayo (a senior engineer and former director of works) over sexual harassment allegations she levied against the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi S. Fasina. Despite the hard evidence of an audio recording, the council dismissed Adebayo’s case, blaming her recording the VC without due consent. They demanded that she apologize for tarnishing the image of the university.
This decision was disclosed in a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Mufutau A. Ibrahim, after the Council’s 8th Extraordinary Meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
According to the statement, the Council described the audio recordings, allegedly made by Engr. Adebayo, as “tools for blackmail” used in a bid to pressure the university into confirming her as substantive Director of Works, a power the Vice-Chancellor does not possess.
The statement read, "On the alleged case of sexual harassment levelled against the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi S. Fasina; Council asked the Vice Chancellor to recuse himself from the meeting to ensure free and open deliberation on the report. The audio recordings were listened to by all council members with the assistance of a translator.
"Thereafter, Council discussed the Report exhaustively though the audio recordings were not subjected to any forensic evaluation and arrived at the following: There was no case of sexual harassment thus confirming the earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during which investigation Engr. Adebayo had made a statement that she was not sexually harassed.
The council condemned the recording of the Vice Chancellor without his knowledge and consent. All members of Council agreed that the recordings were tools for blackmail to confirm Engr. Adebayo as substantive Director of Works which the Vice Chancellor has no authority to do.
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Published: 11/04/2025
US President Donald Trump has compared current tariffs imposed on trade partner countries to the unpleasant, but beneficial effects of medicine. He said, "sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something".
President Trump was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on Sunday. He argued that the tariffs would cause jobs and investment to return to the US to make it "wealthy like never before". He added that, contrary to widespread fears, European and Asian countries were "dying to make a deal". Trump and his offcials stressed that the tariffs - announced last week - would be implemented as planned, playing down recession fears.
Trump's latest comments have seen stock markets plunged in Asia early on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 dropping by 7.8%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng losing more than 12%. On Friday, all three major stock indexes in the US fell more than 5%, while the S&P 500 dropped almost 6%. Saudi Arabia’s exchange - which trades on Sundays - ended nearly 7% lower, its biggest daily loss since the pandemic, state-owned media said. US banking giant JP Morgan has predicted a 60% chance of a US and global recession following Trump's tariffs announcement.
In a TV interviews earlier on Sunday, Trump's Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent played down the effects of the tariffs saying there was “no reason" to expect a recession as a result. "This is an adjustment process," he added. Bessent argued that Trump had "created maximum leverage for himself, and more than 50 countries have approached the administration about lowering their non-tariff trade barriers, lowering their tariffs, and stopping currency manipulation".
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Published: 07/04/2025
The leadership of the Nigeria House of Representatives has cautioned the recently appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retired) against any plan to make laws or take up the responsibility of the Assembly in the state.
The warning was expressed via Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson for the House of Representatives. Agbese was reacting to information reaching him, that Ibas plans to make new laws and develop a new budget for the state.
He said, “The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances. The Speaker of the House is consulting with the leadership to establish a committee to oversee the administrator’s activities and ensure that the interests of Rivers State are represented.”
He added,
“We assume that the President has been informed of our resolution regarding the administrator’s appointment and mandate. Should the administrator exceed his authority, the House will take necessary actions, including the possibility of a vote of no confidence, to ensure accountability and adherence to the rule of law.”
He noted that the House of Representatives will ensure that necessary steps are taken should Ibas exceed his authority as the Sole Administrator of the state.
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Is he doing too much?
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Published: 07/04/2025
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disclosed the possible defection of Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party flagbearer, Peter Obi to the SDP. This disclosure was made by Prince Adewale Adebayo a chieftain of the SDP. Adebayo noted that there was a new wave of prominent political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai gravitating towards the SDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said:
“All these people you have mentioned — El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and even former Governor Peter Obi — are coming. A lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them…You can see how active I am in welcoming them. The only little issue we have with some of them is changing the culture, especially if they have not been in an environment where rules are taken seriously.”
He added that he is aware that some of the politicians will be joining the SDP from unruly political backgrounds. He said they will need to change their political attitudes and mindsets in the SDP, to a culture that focuses on discipline and order.
He advised:
“If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do things in the SDP, and produce a good alternative for Nigerians, we are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses in Nigeria.”
Although no formal defections have occurred yet, Adebayo said that he has received confirmation from multiple sources within the party, including the Financial Secretary, that serious conversations are ongoing.
Do you think Atiku and Obi will defect to the SDP?
Do you think the SDP stands a chance against the APC in Nigeria’s 2027 elections?
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Published: 07/04/2025
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has described the planned protest for today April 7, by the Take it Back movement (TIB) as ill-timed and mischievous. This stance was expressed in an official statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to Adejobi, April 7 had been earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, “to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force”.
The statements reads:
"While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that and other organizers to shelve the planned nationwide protest scheduled for April 7.”
The statement added that the Police Day celebrations would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats, hence they need to cancel the protest.
However, TIB and other civil society organizations and other groups have concluded plans to stage a nationwide protest on April 7. According to the National Coordinator of TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, the protest is aimed at addressing issues surrounding the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.
Do you think TIB, and other groups will yield to the NPF’s demands?
Should a glamorous police day be celebrated amidst hunger and hardship faced ordinary Nigerian citizens?
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Published: 07/04/2025
Senior Hamas spokesperson Sami Zuhri has called on supporters worldwide to pick up weapons and fight US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate more than two million Gazans out to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. He said, “In the face of this sinister plan — one that combines massacres with starvation — anyone who can bear arms, anywhere in the world, must take action.” He added, “Do not withhold an explosive, a bullet, a knife, or a stone. Let everyone break their silence.”
Abu Zuhri’s call comes a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to let Hamas leaders leave Gaza but demanded that the Palestinian militant group disarm in the final stages of the war in Gaza. Hamas has expressed a willingness to relinquish Gaza’s administration but has warned its weapons are a “red line”.
For Palestinians, any attempts to force them out of Gaza would evoke dark memories of what the Arab world calls the “Nakba”, or catastrophe — the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation in 1948.
President Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is working towards a plan proposed by Trump to displace Gazans to other countries. He said that after the war, Israel would ensure overall security in Gaza and “enable the implementation of the Trump plan” — which had initially called for the mass displacement of all 2.4 million people living in the Palestinian territory — calling it a “voluntary migration plan”.
President Trump announced his relocation plan just days after taking office in January. Trump floated a proposal to move Gaza’s population out of the war-battered territory, suggesting that Egypt or Jordan could take them in.
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Published: 01/04/2025
Speaking at a rally in Kogi State today, Senator Natasha Akpoti brought up new accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She alleged that her removal was due to the five LNG projects she allegedly facilitated in Kogi State, rather than the earlier allegations of sexual harassment. She added that Akpabio is also conspiring to have her eliminated in Kogi.
She said “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here”.
Note that the Ministry of Petroleum had earlier denied Senator Natasha’s involvement in the facilitation of LNG projects. According to the ministry, the LNG plants were sited due to existing plants and pipeline projects in Ajaokuta.
Senator Akpoti’s statements today have attracted widespread skepticism. Netizens have accused her of being inconsistent in her narratives. Others have accused her of trying to generate public sympathy to blackmail Akpabio.
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What is she trying to achieve?
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Published: 01/04/2025
Citizens of Benue State have taken to the streets in angry protests on the rising cases of killings and kidnappings by herdsmen. The protesters chanted “We no go gree!” and blocked major roads. The protesters are demanding that the government and security forces take immediate action to address the worsening insecurity situation. Some of the protesters described the attacks as a “constant recurrence,” that electricity is always cut off in the community before each attack.
Attacks on communities in Benue State have escalated in the past months. Citizens of Olena community in Asa, Otukpo Local Government Area have fled their homes following days of sustained attacks by suspected herdsmen. The community has been under siege for the past four days, with several persons killed and many others abducted.
A recent report by Think Tank SBM Intelligence titled ‘A National Emergency: The Escalating Crisis of Pastoral Violence in Nigeria’ warns that criminal herders were shifting their focus to the southern part of the country, creating a national dimension for the pastoral crisis in Nigeria.
According to the report:
"The geographical pattern of pastoral violence in Nigeria paints a troubling picture of relentless expansion. Between 2019 and 2025, the North-Central zone remained the most severely affected region, with Benue State enduring over 200 documented attacks, cementing its grim reputation as the epicenter of the crisis."
"Neighboring Plateau State followed closely with 150 incidents. Their shared border has transformed into a deadly conflict zone, exemplified by the May 2023 massacre in Mangu, which left 80 people dead, followed seven months later by the Christmas Eve atrocity in Bokkos, which claimed 140 lives."
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What could be done to stem rising attacks by herdsmen in Nigeria.
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Published: 01/04/2025
The United States has facilitated separate deals with Ukraine and Russia to end naval attacks on the Black Sea. The US also promised to lift some sanctions against Russia on agriculture and fertiliser exports. However, it is not clear when or how the Black Sea maritime security deals would begin.
Shortly after the U.S. announcements, Russia issued a statement that the Black Sea agreements would not come into effect unless links between some Russian banks and the international financial system were restored.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said the truce agreements did not require sanctions relief to come into force and would should take effect immediately. He described the Kremlin's statement an attempt to "manipulate" the deals.
Zelensky said, "They are already trying to distort agreements and, in fact, deceive both our intermediaries and the entire world.” He requested that if Russia violated the agreement, the US should impose further sanctions on them and give more weapons to Ukraine. "We have no faith in the Russians, but we will be constructive," he said.
These agreements are the first formal commitments by the two warring sides since President Donald Trump's inauguration. Trump is pushing for an end to the war in Ukraine and a rapid rapprochement with Moscow that has shocked Kyiv and European countries.
Do you think Ukraine and Russia will stick to this agreement?
How can the US keep both countries in line?
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Published: 26/03/2025
Organized Labor in Rivers State have threatened to embark on disruptive industrial actions if the President Tinubu does not call off the emergency rule in the state. Rivers State.
In a joint statement signed by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, the labour unions strongly condemned the declaration of emergency rule.
They described the move as unjustified, unconstitutional, and a threat to democracy. The unions argued that the suspension of elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was not only premature but also politically motivated. According to them, these officials were freely elected by the people, and their removal outside constitutional provisions undermines the democratic process.
The unions warned that they would mobilize workers for nationwide industrial action if their demands were not met. They also called on all workers in Rivers State to remain calm but vigilant, assuring them that they would take decisive steps to protect their rights.
Should the Federal Government fail to act within a reasonable timeframe, the labour leaders say they will be left with no choice but to embark on a series of actions that will have far-reaching consequences on national economic activities.
President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast last week, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following months of escalating political unrest and violence. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) as the sole administrator.
How do you think the sole administrator will respond to the labor leaders?
Do you think President Tinubu will respond?
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Published: 26/03/2025
Speaking to journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, presenter of ‘Untold Stories’, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has disclosed why he did not choose former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike as his running mate during the 2023 Presidential nominations for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
According to Atiku, party leaders had accused him of not consulting widely before picking former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi as his running mate in 2019.
“They said I did not consult with the party enough. So, in 2023, I threw the whole thing to the party. I said, ‘Okay, set up a committee and recommend three people for me to pick as a running mate”, he said.
The former VP noted that the committee submitted three names with Ifeanyi Okowa as the first choice, Wike as the second, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel as the third.
“So I picked number one,” he said, adding that his decision not to pick Wike was simply because he was the second choice on the list. Many party stakeholders believe that the decision birthed the present face-off between Atiku and Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
On whether he would run for the 2027 Presidential elections, Atiku said he is still undecided.
Note that Atiku has ran unsuccessfully for Nigeria’s presidency for six times.
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Published: 26/03/2025
Speaking on the program ‘Prime Time’ on Arise News former Minister of Solid Minerals Dr Oby Ezekwesili confessed that she told Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi to shut his mouth. She said, “I told him can you please shut up.”
She argued that her statement was in response to the senator’s obnoxious behavior of trying to speak in defense of the senate President Godswill Akpabio, when she and her colleagues were denied the opportunity to speak by members of the senate investigative committee.
She argued that she did not provoke the senator. She said, “He was already provoked by the fact that he felt we were not serious… already he was charged… I said to him, we’re talking, so just hold your peace.”
She added that the whole incident showed the level of indecorous personalities we have in our public space. That it also shows what happens to women in Nigeria behind the cameras, many men do not allow them to speak. They are often silenced.
Do you think Dr Ezekwesili’s stance is justified?
Did she deserve the torrents of insults that followed?
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Published: 26/03/2025
The 2026 World Cup qualifier match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Zimbabwe ended in a 1 – 1 draw today. The match was played in Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State.
Nigeria’s goal was scored by Victor Osimhen in the 74th minute, while Zimbabwe’s equalizer goal was scored by Tawanda Chirewa in the 90th minute. Netizens have complained of the Super Eagles poor performance, especially their weak defense, that they had good players, but no team. Others comment that Nigeria grossly underestimated Zimbabwe. This draw dampens Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the next World Cup.
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Published: 25/03/2025
Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called for peace and calm following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state yesterday. Fubara expressed his feelings in a public statement on Tuesday. He stressed his commitment to constitutional governance and the well-being of the people of Rivers State.
He said:
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.”
He accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of frustrating his efforts to achieve lasting peace, emphasizing that despite political tensions, his government continued to prioritize security, infrastructure development, and prompt salary payments for civil servants.
He added, “The state remains safe, secure, and peaceful under my watch. Rivers people have always been resilient, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
His statement reads:
“My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State. Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State. Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong, and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process”.
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Published: 19/03/2025
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, Nigeria. The President announced this decision on March 18 in a public TV broadcast. He said:
“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.”
“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail.”
According to Tinubu, the decision was based on Section 305 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution that allows for calling a state of emergency in the face of war and rampant violence in any region in the country.
Both the Governor and his deputy have been suspended for six months.
The President’s decision was reaction to ongoing the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike over the control of power in Rivers State. The conflict led to the destruction of the state’s house of assembly in 2023, among numerous other violent clashes.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) been appointed as Administrator to ensure the restoration of peace and order.
President Tinubu’s decision has attracted both praise and criticism from different quarters.
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Published: 19/03/2025
Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, has made an official statement on behalf of the Nigerian Assembly in response to the recent appearance of Senator Natasha Akpoti before the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and influencing her subsequent suspension for six months.
According to Ogbara, Senator Natasha Akpoti was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, disregard of the senate’s standing orders and indiscipline, and not because of allegations of s*xual har@ssment or assault. She said, “Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
“If she had strictly followed her guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit, but she never obeyed the established practices where she was serving.”
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Published: 13/03/2025
West African countries of Burkina Faso 🇧🇫, Mali 🇲🇱, and Niger 🇳🇪 are taking bold steps towards introducing a new currency called the SIRA. This move is to assert their economic independence from France and other Western powers.
They plan to ditch the CFA franc and break free from colonial economic control and boost regional cooperation. They want to introduce a new money system that works in Africa’s favor and not France’s. They will keep and manage their own wealth. They are saying enough is enough.
Captain Ibrahim Traore, the Military Leader of Burkina Faso is chairing this move.
This move is expected to bring a significant change in West Africa’s economy.
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Published: 13/03/2025
Daniel Bwala the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has bragged about his party’s (All Progressives Congress - APC) expanding membership in view of Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential Elections. He was speaking during a breakfast show on TVC News.
Bwala was responding to questions on the defection former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
He stated, “Do you know we are emptying the Labour Party? Not because we are asking them to come, they are coming. Valentine Ozigbo has joined us, Balami has joined us, even Peter Obi will join us.”
He labelled ongoing political realignments, including a planned coalition against the APC ahead of the 2027 elections and El-Rufai’s move to the SDP as selfish political moves which are driven by personal ambitions rather than for good governance.
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Published: 12/03/2025
The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alerted the public alert regarding the activities of 58 companies allegedly operating illegal Ponzi schemes across Nigeria. The EFCC issued its alert via a statement on today on its verified Facebook account. It warned that these companies pose as investment entities but are defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard-earned money.
The EFCC noted that the firms are neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) nor the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to the EFCC, both regulatory bodies confirmed in separate correspondences that the companies lack the required registration to operate as legitimate investment firms.
According to the statement, “The Commission has charged many of these companies to court. Five have already been convicted, another five have pleaded guilty but are awaiting a review of facts, while the rest are pending arraignment.”
The EFCC named the following companies engaging in illegal financial activities:
Wales Kingdom Capital
Bethseida Group of Companies
AQM Capital Limited
Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited
Brickwall Global Investment Limited
Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech
Green Eagles Agribusiness Solution Limited
Richfield Multiconcepts Limited
Forte Asset Management Limited
Letsfarm Integrated Services
Bara Finance & Investment Limited
Vicampro Farms Limited
Brooks Network Limited
Gas Station Supply Services Limited
Brass & Books Limited
Crowdyvest Limited
Jadek Agro Connect Limited
Adeeva Capital Limited
Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated
MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited
TRJ Company Limited
Farm4Me Agriculture Limited
Quintessential Investment Company
Rockstar Establishment Limited
SU Global Investment
Citi Trust Funding PLC
Farm Buddy
Eatrich 369 Farms & Food
Farm Sponsors Limited
Cititrust Credit Limited
Farmfunded Agroservices Limited
Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited
Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited
Requid Technologies Limited
Crowd One Investment
Farmkart Foods Limited
Holibiz Finance Limited
Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services
Barrick Gold Mining Company
360 Agric Partners Limited
The EFCC urged Nigerians to exercise caution before investing in any financial schemes and to verify the legitimacy of investment firms through appropriate regulatory bodies.
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Published: 12/03/2025
The 2024 State of the Nation Health Report from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, indicates that life expectancy in Nigeria remains below the global average. According to the report, life expectancy for women in Nigeria is 54.9 years, while for men is 54.3 years. Globally, life expectancy stands at 73.3 years for both genders, with women projected to live up to 76 years and men 70.7 years.
According to the report, these low figures stem from ongoing health challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. “Communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis contribute significantly to the disease burden, negatively impacting overall health outcomes and life expectancy,” the report noted.
Citing the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2023/2024), it highlighted that the fertility rate, at 4.8 children per woman, though gradually declining, remained among the highest in the world. It said the rate was higher in rural areas (5.6) compared to urban areas (3.9), reflecting disparities in access to education and healthcare.
The report said urbanization continued at a rapid pace, with 54 per cent of Nigerians now living in urban areas, driven by the search for better economic opportunities and access to essential services. However, it said the shift had brought challenges, including infrastructure strain, pollution, and the growth of informal settlements, particularly in rapidly expanding cities like Abuja.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines life expectancy as “the average number of years that a newborn could expect to live if they were to pass through life exposed to the sex and age-specific death rates prevailing at the time of their birth, for a specific year, in a given country, territory, or geographical area.”
What could be done to improve the standard of living of ordinary Nigerians?
What roles could the government, organizations, and individuals play?
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Published: 12/03/2025
The US Department of Education has announced that it will be downsizing its workforce in line with the demands of President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. This decision was announced today by Education Secretary Linda McMahon. According to McMahon, "As part of the Department of Education's final mission, the department today initiated a reduction in force impacting nearly 50% of the department's workforce.” She added that, the cuts would impact all divisions in the department and were made to "better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers".
The mass layoffs will impact nearly 2,100 staff will be impacted by the mass layoff. They will be placed on leave from 21 March. The notice to employees said that all of those who are laid off would continue to receive their normal pay and benefits until 9 June, as well as a severance package or retirement pay based on how long they had worked at the department.
President Trump has long sought to eliminate the department, a long-cherished goal of some conservatives, but such an action would require approval by Congress. Trump has severally accused the agency of "indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material".
The Department of Education was established in 1979. It has annual budget of around $238bn and employs more than 4,000 people. The department oversees funding for public schools, administers student loans and runs programs that help low-income students. The agency also plays a prominent role in administering and overseeing the federal student loans used by millions of Americans to pay for higher education.
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Published: 12/03/2025
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 6 to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve. The reserve will be capitalized with bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings. This development was disclosed in a post on X by David O. Sacks the Whitehouse’s AI and Crypto Czar.
A meeting with executives from the cryptocurrency industry is scheduled to hold today. In today’s meeting, it is expected that President Trump will formally announce his plans to build a strategic reserve containing bitcoin and four other US based cryptocurrencies.
Earlier this week, Trump announced the names of digital assets he expects to include in this reserve, spiking the market value of each. These include, bitcoin, ether, XRP, Solana and Cardano.
According to Sacks:
"The U.S. will not sell any bitcoin deposited into the Reserve. It will be kept as a store of value. The Reserve is like a digital Fort Knox for the cryptocurrency often called 'digital gold'."
Trump's executive order directed the secretaries of Treasury and Commerce to develop "budget-neutral strategies" for acquiring additional bitcoin that have no "incremental costs" on taxpayers.
Sacks added that, there will also be a "U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile", consisting of tokens other than bitcoin, but the government will not add to the stockpile "beyond those obtained through forfeiture proceedings."
Sacks comments are indicative of President Trump being bullish on Bitcoin and a bit bearish on alts.
As of the time of this report, Bitcoin stands at $88,954.
Will the BTC price rise or fall after the today’s meeting?
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Published: 07/03/2025
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reacted to her recent suspension by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public petitions, saying that her colleagues’ actions do not diminish her legitimacy as a senator.
She expressed her feelings via a Facebook post.
The post reads:
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.”
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027… and beyond.”
Despite a court order restraining the committee from proceeding with the seating arrangement disciplinary hearing, the senate went ahead with suspending the senator over a spat with the Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha later accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Her petition before the senate committee was pronounced dead on arrival due to procedural violations.
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Published: 07/03/2025
In response to the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti by Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, has disclosed that he narrowly escaped a six-month suspension from the Senate in 2018 for disclosing the salaries and allowances of federal lawmakers. He made these revelations in a post on X on March 6.
According to Sani, “When I publicly disclosed the salaries and allowances of the senators, it nearly earned me a six months suspension if not for divine intervention, Saraki and Ekwerenmadu’s immediate rescue.”
In March 2018, Sani disclosed that senators received N13.5 million monthly as running costs, in addition to N200 million allocated for constituency projects. His revelation was met with backlash from his colleagues, as lawmakers’ salaries are typically kept confidential.
Sani’s disclosures are indicative of the senate’s unfriendly attitude towards members who stand for the right or hold contrary opinions to the general house.
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Published: 07/03/2025
News has broken of the passing of former presidential spokesperson and prominent political strategist, Dr. Doyin Okupe. He passed on this morning. He was aged 72.
Doyin Okupe served in the Obasanjo led administration as Special Assistant on Media and in the Jonathan led administration as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs.
He was also the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign. However, his political journey was marked by controversies, due to his unstable poilitical stance. In December 2022, he was convicted for money laundering. He later resigned from the Labour Party and switched sides to President Bola Tinubu and became a critique of Obi.
The Okupe family is yet to make an official statement to confim this issue.
Our thoughts and prayers for the family.
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Published: 07/03/2025
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has restated its decision to launch a unified regional currency by 2027. This assertion was made at the 11th Convergence Council meeting in Abuja. The meeting comprises Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from across West Africa. The primary objective of the meeting is to map out strategies for accelerating the implementation of the Eco currency.
The proposed Eco currency aims to drive economic growth and financial integration by:
Facilitating seamless cross-border trade and transactions,
Enhancing price stability and reducing inflationary pressures,
Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) by presenting a more stable economic environment, and
Strengthening financial cooperation among ECOWAS nations.
Key challenges which might hinder the successful rollout of the Eco currency include:
Diverging fiscal policies among member states,
Persistently high inflation and currency fluctuations, structural weaknesses in certain economies, and
the need for strong regulatory institutions to manage monetary policy effectively.
At the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who presides over the session, stressed the importance of fiscal and monetary discipline in achieving the Eco currency.
He identified inflation, security concerns, and global economic instability as major obstacles to full monetary convergence among ECOWAS member states. Edun outlined Nigeria’s recent economic measures aimed at stabilizing its economy and setting an example for the region. According to Edun, these reforms contribute to a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024, reinforcing Nigeria’s economic resilience and paving the way for a stronger regional economy.
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Published: 05/03/2025
CIA Director John Ratcliffe announced today that the US has paused intelligence support and weapons shipments to Ukraine. This decision came from President Trump, in reaction to the adamant attitude of President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on signing a peace deal and ending the conflict with Russia. According to Ratcliffe, President Trump had doubts on Zelensky’s true intentions in the conflict. President Trump said, “Let’s pause”.
Ratcliffe expressed positivity that the pause will be short-lived.
He said,
“I want to give a chance to think about that and you saw the response that President Zelensky put out. So, I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause that allowed that to happen, I think will go away.”
“I think we’ll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there, put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward.”
Already, the US has curtailed some intelligence sharing, including carrying out fewer intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights that could impact both offensive and defensive operations including air defense, since Ukraine depends on US intelligence for overwatch. US intelligence sharing with Ukraine is considered a hallmark of their achievements on the battlefield.
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Published: 05/03/2025
Dr Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State and Nigeria’s ex minister for solid minerals, has issued a public clarification debunking claims made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District.
During the senate sitting today, Fasuyi told the house that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had in the past, accused Dr Fayemi of selling the Ajaokuta Steel whilst he (Fayemi) was Minister, but it all turned out to be false.
The clarification reads:
“We have become aware of a statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s Senate plenary, in which he alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, of sexual harassment.”
“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false. At no time has Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—or anyone else, for that matter—ever accused Dr. Fayemi of such misconduct. It appears that the Distinguished Senator from Ekiti inadvertently misrepresented the facts, as no such allegation has ever been made against Dr. Fayemi.”
The letter concludes by urging Senator Fasuyi to “exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.”
Netizens have mocked Senator Fasuyi on his overzealousness in trying to discredit Senator Natasha in relations to accusations of sexual harassment she has brought against Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President.
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Published: 05/03/2025
Speaking at a meeting with Mr. Sunil Mittal, Chairman of Airtel and members of the executive of the company with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, said that the recent 50 per cent tariff increase by telecom companies will guarantee meaningful access to telecoms services for Nigerians.
The minister explained that the telecoms sector in Nigeria employs close to half a million people, that it was important to ensure that the companies could stay in business, given the current economic climate.
On the tariff hike, the Minister said, “It was quite a difficult decision, balancing the need to allow these businesses to be sustainable, to stay afloat, but at the same time ensuring that each and every citizen can have access to telecommunication services.”
He stated that the Federal Government engaged KPMG to conduct a study to determine the optimal tariff allowance which led to the 50 per cent increase.
“If we chose not to allow the increase in tariff, we also were at risk of losing jobs, and some of the companies packing up…When you weigh that, it’s also not the best thing for the economy…we don’t want our people to just have access to telecommunication services. ” We want it to be meaningful; the quality that you get is extremely important.”
On his part, the Airtel boss said that Nigeria was the soul of Airtel’s operations in Africa, with the potential to match India’s advancements in digital innovation, connectivity and financial inclusion. He added that Airtel’s success in Nigeria was crucial to its overall success in Africa. “In fact, the entire Africa rests on the back of Nigeria for Airtel,” he said.
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Published: 28/02/2025
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has announced a new National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s power industry and ensure the return of over 60 percent of manufacturing firms, which had exited the national grid.
Minster Adelabu explained, “This is the only way it can drive the kind of economic growth and national development that we had in mind at the beginning of this process. Today, more than 60 per cent of our manufacturing industry is completely off-grid.
“They engage in self-generation, not because they are in rural areas or they are in semi-urban areas, they are in locations where there is access to electricity. But how reliable is this access? We all know that there are a lot of sensitive manufacturing processes that cannot tolerate a one-minute dip in the electricity supply.”
The minister explained that the execution of the Band ‘A’ policy, revenue generated from the power sector grew by 70 per cent, from N1.05 trillion to about N1.7 trillion in 2024. He added that Nigeria’s power supply grew by 35 per cent in the last one year. An investment of $32.8 billion was needed in the sector between now and 2030 to enable the country achieve universal electricity access.
Nigeria’s power sector has long been plagued by numerous challenges, creating a significant challeges to economic growth and industrialisation. Despite its vast energy resources, including abundant fossil fuels and renewable energy potential, the country struggles with unreliable electricity supply, leading to frequent blackouts. Many companies and homes rely on solar, generators, and other alternative power sources.
How could Nigeria improve on power generation and supply?
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Published: 28/02/2025
Senator Natasha Akpoti has today on national TV, made allegations of sexual harassment against Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akapbio. The senator was explaining on Arise News, issues leading to the current conflict between her and the Senate President which led to her suspension. Earlier this week, Senator Natasha had filed a lawsuit against Akpabio for defamation.
When asked why she accused the Senate President of maligning and silencing her, and why she said she wasn’t afraid of him, Senator Natasha replied, “A lot has been going on, many people do not know what I am about to say… I am going to speak my own truth, and the Senate President is allowed to counter.”
She went on to narrate two incidents.
She said on December 8, 2023, while on a house tour during the Senate President’s birthday celebrations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he took her hands and led her to one of the rooms and said, “Now that you are a senator, I am going to create time for us to spend quality moments here, you will enjoy it.”
She said the second incident happened in February 2025, while she was trying to raise a motion for the investigation of corrupt practices by staff of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. She said her motion was repeatedly ignored on the floor, that she was advised to go talk to the Senate President privately. She narrated that during the meeting, the Senate President told her,
“I am the chief presiding officer of this senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me… the ball is your court.”
Senator Natasha likened her situation to those of female students suffering victimization from lecturers who fail them repeatedly for refusing their sexual advances. She referenced other incidents of financial corruption in the senate and threats to life by the Senate President.
Senator Natasha said that she stands firmly on her allegations and dares the Senate President to refute them.
The drama has only begun.
What do you think will be the next direction in this conflict between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio?
How will Akpabio respond?
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Published: 28/02/2025
The Vatican has disclosed that Pope Francis is in a critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen. The Pope has been hospitalized for a week with a complex lung infection. He received blood transfusions after tests showed a condition associated with anemia. Earlier, doctors said the Pope was battling pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection that will keep him hospitalized for at least another week.
In a brief earlier update today, the Vatican said, Pope Francis slept well overnight. However, doctors have warned the main threat he faces would be the onset of sepsis - a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia.
So far, there has been no evidence of sepsis, and the Pope has responded positively to his medicines.
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Published: 23/02/2025
Ukraine’s President Zelensky has said that he is ready to resign, if it would bring peace to Ukraine. He said, “If [it guarantees] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO.”
Zelensky’s comments follow an escalating spat between him and President Donald Trump. Trump has called Zelensky a “dictator” and blamed him for starting the conflict. Trump’s comments were in response to accusations by Zelensky that he was being misled in Russia’s “disinformation space.”
US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia last week for “exploratory” talks about how to end the war but left Kyiv to watch from afar, sparking panic from European allies.
The Ukrainian president previously said his country’s army will need to double in size if NATO denies it membership to the alliance. Earlier this month, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that Kyiv joining NATO was unrealistic.
Speaking on the current situation of the conflict, Zelensky said:
“Every day, our people are resisting aerial terror…We need to do our best to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine. This is possible in the unity of all partners – we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who wants a lasting peace.”
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Published: 23/02/2025
Apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has demanded an apology and N10 trillion in compensation from the Nigerian government for the Igbo people. These demands follow recent revelations by former military President General Ibrahim Babangida during the launch of his book “A Journey in Service”. Babangida stated that the 1966 coup was not an Igbo coup as alleged.
According to Ohanaeze, the coup unleashed disastrous repercussions on the Igbo people, among other factors, which ultimately led to the cataclysmic horrors of the Biafra War.
In an official statement, Ohanaeze explained that the apology and compensation had become necessary due to the staggering loss of life, with approximately three million Igbo—predominantly innocent women and children—slaughtered during the conflict, an event that continues to reverberate through the collective consciousness of the Igbo people.
The revelations would compel Nigerians to confront the stark injustices perpetrated against the Igbo people, insisting that President Tinubu must recognize this moment as an opportunity to extend a public and unequivocal apology on behalf of previous military regimes, particularly General Yakubu Gowon’s administration.
They noted that the demand for ten trillion naira in reparations remained steadfast, stressing that the figure was not arbitrary but a symbolic recognition of the indelible losses the Igbo people had endured.
The statement reads in part:
“The mislabeling of the January 1966 coup has unleashed disastrous repercussions upon the Igbo people, most tragically culminating in the July 1966 countercoup, which decimated a military Head of State of Igbo descent. “The staggering loss of life, with approximately three million Igbos—predominantly innocent women and children—slaughtered during this conflict, continues to reverberate through our collective consciousness.”
“The present Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must recognize this moment as an opportunity to extend a public and unequivocal apology on behalf of previous military regimes. Our demand for ten trillion naira in reparations remains steadfast.
“This figure is not arbitrary but a symbolic recognition of the indelible losses the Igbo people have endured. The time has come for true acknowledgement of these historical wrongs, which can only be rectified through both reparations and sincere apologies.”
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Published: 23/02/2025
Nearly 50,000 foreign students failed to enroll in their designated institutions after arriving in Canada in 2024. This figure is based on recent data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Data shows that 19,582 Indian students, 4,279 Chinese students, 3,902 Nigerian students, and 2,712 Ghanaian students did not enroll into their various programs.
The missing students, who arrived between March and April last year, represent 6.9% of the 717,539 international students monitored at the time. While 89.8% were confirmed to be compliant, the status of 23,514 students remained unrecorded.
Canadian authorities have expressed their displeasure over this development. They consider it as visa fraud. While foreign some students were allegedly misled by fraudulent institutions, others may have deliberately exploited Canada’s lenient reporting system to enter the country for work.
Unlike the U.S. and Australia, Canada does not require international students to pay tuition before arrival, making it easier for individuals to obtain study permits but never attend school. In response, the Canadian government has tightened immigration policies, including capping study permits and limiting post-graduation work opportunities.
This issue comes as Canada is reassesses its immigration policies amid growing concerns of pressure in housing, healthcare, and public services.
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Published: 23/02/2025
In response to an announcement by the town crier in Abagana, Njikoka LGA, stating that ladies who move about without underwear (bra and pants) would be arrested, the Anambra State Government has issued an official statement.
In a statement signed by Mazi Ejimofor Opara, Senior Special assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the government stated that the announcement was neither from the State government nor the Agunechemba Security Outfit.
The statement reads:
“Such trivial matters do not have any legal support and cannot be the focus of the State government or its law enforcement agencies at this time it is focused on ridding the State of every form of criminality. While this is not to encourage indecent dressing in our communities, it is important to make this clarification so as not to derail the focus of our law enforcement under any pretext.”
“Kindly disregard any such distracting announcement and remember to continue supporting the Security Agencies with credible information on criminals around our communities — if you see something, say something!”
How may indecent dressing be best managed?
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Published: 17/02/2025
The Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed concerns over current deportations of illegal immigrants from the US, following President trump’s recent orders. The Nigerian government is calling for a more humane approach to the process according to international guidelines.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a statement signed by her media aide, Magnus Eze, on Sunday, disclosed that “with about 201 Nigerians currently detained in US immigration centers and about 85 cleared for deportation,” the government is advocating for adherence to internationally prescribed guidelines.”
The Minister also expressed her concern “particularly for individuals with no history of violent crime, should not be traumatic or abrupt and that these individuals should be given ample time to handle their assets rather than just be bundled into planes and repatriated”.
She also shared her communications with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, about the potential suspension of the US’s Drop Box Visa System which allows Nigerians to renew visas without in-person interviews. She asked the ambassador to clarify the US stance and ease the growing anxiety over visa procedures among Nigerians.
The United States has confirmed that deported Nigerians will be flown directly to Lagos as the sole destination, there will be no drop off flights in Abuja or Port Harcourt. They added that the first group will comprise convicted prisoners—those who committed crimes and are in US prisons. Some of them are those who have clearly violated US immigration laws.
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Published: 17/02/2025
Volodymyr Zelenksy, President of Ukraine, has said that his country will not recognize any peace deal made by the US and Russia on their behalf. The Ukrainian President was reacting to news of planned negotiation meetings in Saudi Arabia between US and Russian officials to discuss a peace deal for Ukraine.
According to Zelensky, “Ukraine regards any negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine as ones that have no result, and we cannot recognize ... any agreements about us without us.” He added that, “Ukraine did not know anything” about the upcoming US-Russia talks, that he learnt about them from press reports.
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier today and is expected to meet Russia’s delegation alongside Mike Waltz, the US national security adviser, and Steve Witkoff, the White House Middle East envoy.
Russia has sent Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and to prepare the ground for a personal summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Today, Lavrov said Russia has no intention of giving up any territory it has seized in Ukraine.
In opposition, European leaders are expected to gather in Paris this week to discuss their own peace plan for Ukraine.
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Published: 17/02/2025
Following rumors and trending stories that he impregnated actress Chika Ike and is planning to take her as a 7th wife, Senator Ned Nwoko has issued a public statement. The statement was issued today via his Director of Communications.
The statement reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to the recent false rumors alleging that Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko is planning to marry Nollywood actress Chika Ike as his seventh wife and that she is pregnant for him. We categorically state that these claims are entirely baseless and a product of malicious speculation.”
“Similarly, reports claiming he made statements about Tuface and polygamy are completely untrue. As a public figure and with his wife also being an actress, it is not unusual for bloggers seeking attention to fabricate such stories. However, Senator Nwoko is currently on a national assignment, focused on delivering on his political mandate, and has no time for distractions. This office remains available to journalists for verification of information, and we remind media practitioners of the consequences of spreading fake news.”
The statement concludes by advising the public to “disregard these rumors and rely only on official statements from his office.
His 6th wife, Regina Daniels, had since deactivated her Instagram account following these rumors.
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Published: 17/02/2025
The Federal Government has labelled accusations of bribery made by Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and Binance executive. Gambaryan accused three Nigerian lawmakers of soliciting and receiving a bribe of $150,000 USD in crypto, to make his case disappear.
The government’s stance was issued in statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. The government expressed concern over what it described as a deliberate misinformation campaign by Gambaryan.
The statement titled, “Disregard Falsehoods Being Peddled by Tigran Gambaryan against Nigerian Government Officials – FG” reads:
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes with concern the outrageous allegations, misinformation, and defamatory statements being disseminated by Tigran Gambaryan, an American personnel of Binance who was recently tried in Nigeria for financial crimes.”
“We categorically deny the retaliatory claims made by Gambaryan against Nigerian officials involved in his case, and we urge the public to disregard these false accusations in their entirety.”
“It is essential to note that Mr. Gambaryan’s allegations are not only unsubstantiated but also lack credibility, given his apparent motive to discredit and intimidate those who ensured he faced justice.”
The statement warns the public to “ exercise caution and not be swayed by Mr. Gambaryan’s unfounded and malicious claims.”
Gambaryan has spent eight months in a Nigerian detention facility over alleged corruption. He was detained with his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a 37-year-old British Kenyan who serves as the regional manager for Africa at Binance.
Some netizens have commented that the lawmakers did take the bribe and are now only engaging in damage control through government channels.
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Published: 15/02/2025
Elder statesman, nationalist, and political chieftain, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo has passed on at the age of 96 at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State. His death was communicated in a statement jointly signed by his children, namely, Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
The statement reads:
“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria home at the age of 96.”
According to the statement, details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. It added that a condolence register has been opened at his residence in Lagos and at his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Through his life, Pa Adebanjo led an exemplary life. He was a man of integrity known for his fiery criticism of corrupt practices by government and politicians. He was always blunt in his public commentary both in private and in the media. Many enjoyed fiery and funny television interviews.
During his last years, he repeatedly called for a return to true federalism and the abolishing of the Nigeria’s militant 1999 constitution, however the government has failed to listen.
Condolences messages from national and international figures are pouring in honor of the political giant.
May his soul find eternal rest.
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Published: 15/02/2025
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu has condemned the Canadian government’s decision to deny entry visas to the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa and other high ranking military officials. He was speaking in Abuja at the maiden annual lecture of the Nigerian Institute for Security Studies on Mobilizing Stakeholders to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria.
Ribadu described Canada’s actions as most disrespectful.
He said:
“If this country is gonna work, we must do a lot of work. Thank you for the courage to say that Canada they denied you.. they can go hell. Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, but we are people. We have to fix our country. We have to do it well. This disrespect is too much, yet it is another reason why we need to work hard to make Nigeria work.”
In reaction, General Musa described the visa denial as a blessing in disguise as it enabled him and his colleagues to be at the Abuja event. He said:
“This is just a clear reminder that we are on our own. We need to stand strong as a nation, so nobody takes us for granted.”
What do you think of the visa denial?
Is Ribadu justified in his comments?
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Published: 13/02/2025
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River Sate has launched a new security operation to secure the state. The new operation dubbed ‘Operation Okwok’ replaces the previous Operation Akpakwu by the Ben Ayade led past administration. The new operation is well equipped with firearms and 100 armored vehicles to enable them to facilitate their operations.
The name Okwok (bee) is Efik and is particularly significant. Bees are known for their sweet honey as well as their dangerous sting. Bees are also territorial and are defensive of their hive.
It is hoped that the new operation will ‘sting down crime in the state and keep communities safe.
Governor Otu declared that his administration will not relent in its security efforts until Cross River becomes the safest state in Nigeria.
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Published: 13/02/2025
50,000 Nigerians have sued oil giant Shell in London, for ignoring a 1 billion USD environmental cleanup order to repair environmental damage caused by its activities in the Niger Delta. They insist that Shell must take responsibility for all the environmental damage that occurred between 1989 and 2020.
In 2011, a report by the United Nations Environmental Programme Finance Initiative (UNEPF) revealed that communities were Shell operated were drinking carcinogenic water ( water capable of inducing cancers). The carcinogenic content was 900 times worse than those in other global regions.
The communities are complaining that the Shell has left them without clean water and damaged their fishing and farming lands.
In response, Shell has denied these accusations, arguing that that it has been ethical in its operations; that the spills and damage to the environment were caused by the locals who often sabotage the oil pipelines and others engaged in illegal oil refining.
How do you think this case will end?
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Published: 13/02/2025
The National House of Representatives has given Arise News anchor Reuben Abati 24 hours to apologize for derogatory comments made about its activities on state creation.
The matter was brought before the house by Donald Ojogo, representative of Illase/Ese-Odo federal constituency in Ondo State. Ojogo said his privilege and that of other members of the House have been breached and brought to ridicule by Abati’s comments regarding the proposal for state creation.
Presenting the issue before the house, Ojogo said:
“I rise today under the aforementioned to draw the attention of this Honorable House to a derogatory and offensive comment made by Reuben Abati of ARISE News Television.
“In a viral video, Reuben Abati described the House of Representatives as “stupid” and “idiotic”. This is an unfortunate, uncultured, and baseless assertion that has undermined the integrity of this Honourable House and infringed on my privilege as a Parliamentarian.”
“However, one particular reaction has crossed the bounds of decorum, decency, and professionalism, breaching the ethics of journalism and, by extension, the privileges of this Honorable House.
“Abati premised his unguarded remarks on a cover story of ThisDay Newspaper (a sister media outlet with same ownership as Arise News) of Friday, February 7, 2025, using it as a springboard for his unjustifiable tirade. “His remarks, laden with arrogance and ignorance of facts, represent a gross display of unprofessionalism and a betrayal of journalistic ethics.”
The House threatened to take any action it deemed fit if they fail to apologize for their alleged derogatory words.
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Do you think Abati or ThisDay will apologize?
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Published: 13/02/2025
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the US (SACCUSA) has disclosed that its servers have crashed due to a deluge of applications by White South Africans (Afrikaners) seeking to relocate to the US following President Trump’s offer of assistance. This development is in contradiction to earlier rumors that Trump’s offer had been shunned.
According to Neil Diamond, the Head of the SACCUSA, “Our email server crashed over the weekend just due to the sheer volume of inquiries we have received.” “Given the scale of interest, SACCUSA estimates that this figure could represent over 50,000 individuals looking to leave South Africa and seek resettlement in the United States,” he said. Diamond warned this move could lead to a skills shortage in South Africa that would impact agriculture and other sectors of the economy.
“If we look at the EB-5, which is an investor visa, you need roughly about 15 to 20 million South African Rand ($800,000 to $1 million) to be able to immigrate… What is alarming to us is the large volume of people that is interested in taking up this opportunity,” he said.
Over the past weeks, Trump and the South African government have been feuding over white-owned farms. South African born and close ally of Trump, Elon Musk, accused the government of signing a new law that would “enable the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation”.
In response, South Africa’s foreign ministry has said Trump’s order “lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid.
“It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the US for a group in South Africa that remains amongst the most economically privileged, while vulnerable people in the US from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship,” it added.
The Afrikaners are descendants of European colonists, mainly of Dutch extraction, and are mainly engaged in farming in South Africa
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Published: 11/02/2025
Joe Ajaero, President of The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has critiqued state governors on abandoning their responsibilities of providing good governance to their people and rather choosing to live in luxury in Abuja. Ajaero made this assertion during a townhall meeting with NLC members in Lokoja, Kogi State, on February 10.
According to Ajaero, whenever the NLC leadership visited a state, the governors were absent, having travelled to Abuja. He said: “However, there is a problem we are having in trends because most governors are now living permanently in Abuja. We have moved to about five zones, Kogi is about the fifth zone. We have met governors in only one state. Each time you go there, they are in Abuja, and this is affecting governance.”
He stressed that while workers are grappling with the harsh effects of the economy, especially the high cost of living, the federal government is contemplating on increasing tariff on telecom services. He described this as pushing Nigerian workers too far.
He promised that the NLC leadership would take workers’ demands across Nigeria’s five regions to their respective governors.
He added:
“I think we should be able to manage the center and the units, so people will have the feeling of democracy, the dividend of democracy, so that people can talk to their leaders.
“So if we capture all these things, the information you are going to give us will be conditional if the governor is around. If he’s around, we will convey your information to him. If he’s not around, whosoever he’s going to send, we pass it to him.”
The NLC leadership was in Kogi State to deliver and commission 10 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, buses provided to the state chapter of the congress to ease transportation problems.
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How could this situation be changed?
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Published: 11/02/2025
The Nigerian government has raised the application fee for applying to register new private universities from N6 million to N30 million. This information was disclosed in a press statement issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and signed by its Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu.
The statement explains that government has increased the processing fees for establishing new private universities from ₦5 million to ₦25 million. Additionally, the cost of the application form has been raised from N1 million to N5 million.
It reads:
“Pursuant to the above and in line with the directive of the Honourable Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission hereby informs Promoters of proposed Private Universities in particular and the general public as follows: The Commission hereby suspends further processing of all inactive applications including those of private open universities (i.e. those that have not made progress on their applications or made submissions to the Commission for upwards of two years), and applications at the stage of submission of Letters of Intent only,
“The Fee for purchase of Application Forms for the Establishment of a Private University is hereby reviewed from One Million (N1,000,000.00) Naira to (Five Million (N5,000,000.00) Naira; The Processing Fee for Application for the Establishment of a Private University is hereby reviewed from Five Million (N5,000,000.00) Naira to Twenty-Five Million (N25,000,000.00) Naira.”
Netizens have reacted negatively to this news, accusing the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa of trying to commercialize education in Nigeria, by turning the ministry into a revenue generating organization.
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Should the Ministry of Education be commercialized?
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Published: 11/02/2025
President Donald Trump has continued his his feud with musician Taylor Swift. He posted on Truth Social that Swift was booed by fans at the Super Bowl when her image appeared on the giant screen.
He wrote:
“The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the Stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!”
Trump and Swift’s feud began in 2024 during the months leading to the US Presidential Elections. Swift had publicly endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump appeared a day later Fox and Friends and said Swift “seems to always endorse a Democrat and she’ll probably pay a price for it in the marketplace.” Days after, Trump expressed his displeasure at the musician, by posting, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!”
Netizens wonder how long this feud would last and what Trump has in waiting for Taylor Swift.
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Published: 10/02/2025
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar arrived at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, at exactly 12:36pm today to meet with his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In Atiku’s entourage were, former Governors of Cross River and Sokoto States, Liyel Imoke, Senator Aminu Tambuwal and Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi.
They are currently in a closed-door meeting.
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Published: 10/02/2025
Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi has in a public statement issued a disclaimer on rumors that its controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit is back in operations.
His statement titled, titled “Disclaimer: SARS Remains Dissolved,” was issued today in Abuja. The statement stressed that the SARS unit was disbanded on October 11, 2020, and remains permanently dissolved.
Adejobi dismissed rumors of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) under a reformed set of rules.
Adejobi urged Nigerians to verify information from credible sources: “To ensure receiving accurate and reliable updates, citizens are advised to follow the official handles of the Nigeria Police Force on social media: @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of public awareness, stating, “Your safety and awareness are paramount; stay informed and vigilant.”
Recall that the Nigeria police SARS unit was the object of focus during the deadly #EndSARS protests in 2020.
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Published: 10/02/2025
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has disclosed that the Federal Government is pressuring the National Council on Education (NCE) to approve the reversal of the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction from Primary one to six. The appeal was made at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting in Abuja on February 6.
The NCE had previously advocated for the use of the mother tongue of the immediate environment as the medium of instruction in the first three years of primary education to preserve Nigerian languages and enhance foundational learning.
According to the minister, there are several challenges hindering the implementation of the policy. She said, “Inconsistencies in policy execution, especially in urban areas and some parts of the country, impede implementation. We use English from the start, contradicting the policy.
"With over 500 languages in Nigeria, implementation becomes complex, making it difficult to select a dominant language in multilingual communities. Limited availability of instructional materials and textbooks, among other factors, hinders implementation,” she said.
She added that the ministry and NCE must initiate a policy review to implement the necessary changes.
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How can the challenges of implementing the policy be overcome?
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Published: 10/02/2025
President Donald Trump has revealed his plan to takeover the management of the Gaza Strip. According to Trump, Gaza will now be managed by the US government. Trump made the suprising declaration during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he hosted at the White House for talks.
Trump said, “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it.” He suggested that, “long-term ownership” by the US, would turn Gaza to the “the Riviera of the Middle East. This could be something that could be so magnificent.” He added that he would make the war-battered enclave “unbelievable” by unexploded bombs and rubble and economically redeveloping it.
He added that his plan had the backing of the “highest leadership” in the Middle East. He urged Egypt and Jordan to take displaced Gazans. However, both countries and the Palestinians flatly rejecting the surprise idea.
In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Trump’s plan could “change history” and was worth “paying attention to.” Netanyahu’s visit marked the first visit of a foreign leader to the White House since Trump’s return to power, for what were billed as talks on securing a second phase of the Israel-Hamas truce after an initial six-week ceasefire.
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Published: 05/02/2025
President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to a bill for the establishment of Federal University of Education, Numan, Adamawa State.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, President Bola Tinubu expressed his disapproval, stating that Section 22 of the bill accords the authority on the disposal of land to the governor and not the President as it ought to be by law in respect of land belonging to a Federal Government entity in the case of universities.
The President Tinubu added that the proposal on the Award of Degree by the proposed institution was omitted in Section 25(b).
The Bill for the Establishment of Federal University of Education Numan in Adamawa State was passed last year by the house and forwarded to the President for assent.
The President’s disapproval comes as a huge disappointment to the sponsors of the bill and people of Adamawa, who had hoped to have a new university.
What do you think of Tinubu’s decision?
Do you think it is necessary to have another university in Adamawa State?
Are they existing ones well managed?
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Published: 05/02/2025
Some oil marketers have turned to Dangote Refinery to purchase cheaper petroleum products, particularly petrol. This move follows the recent announcement by Dangote Refinery to reduce its petrol price to N890 from the initial N950.
Several marketers (particularly in Lagos State) have been observed to have changed the logo of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on their filling stations, dumping franchise deals with NNPCL due to the stiff competition from Dangote. These marketers are seeking to achieve product availability at the cheapest price form the consumer, evidence of the deregulation of the downstream.
It also feared that NNPCL may lose bulk of its customers as many marketers are set to be renamed and rebranded so they could be business with Dangote. Dealers explained that the rebranding of filling stations is a tactic by the marketers to buy cheaper products from the Dangote refinery, and other import sources at a cheaper rate.
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Published: 05/02/2025
The spate of illegal mining for minerals has increased across communities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Communities most affected include Ekori, Mkpani and Agoi in Yakurr LGA. The presence of these armed artisan miners has raised the fear of insecurity among people in these communities. Many people fear for their lives and damage to the environment.
It is feared that over 1000 illegal miners (mostly from Zamfara State) have infiltrated these communities. There have been several arrests of these miners.
Leaders of the communities are working with government and security personnel to curb the activities of these miners.
Speaking to reporters on the issue, Obol Ofem Ubana Paramount Ruler of Yakurr said, “Mining should be done peacefully, not with hostility and fighting…they are giving license to people not known by government to mine”.
Yibala Inyang Chairman of Yakurr said, “We have been on red alert. As the chief security officer of the local government, we have put security measures in place to checkmate the security breach. We have made the people to understand the implication of allowing people to mine illegally in their villages.”
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Published: 05/02/2025
In a press conference, David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, urged Canadians to boycott liquor and hospital products manufactured from the USA. The decision comes in retaliation to recent trade tariffs imposed on Canada by President Donald Trump.
David Eby reiterated the “crushing” 25 per cent tariffs announced by the U.S. He described Trump’s tariffs as “a complete betrayal” of the historic bond between Canada and the U.S. on Saturday.
He said, “It’s a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally and friend.”
Eby added that even if the matter is resolved, nothing will remain the same between Canada and the US, that Canada will ensure that it is not found in a vulnerable position to be bullied by the US in future.
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Published: 02/02/2025
In a Facebook post on February 1, Joe Igbokwe a chieftain of the All-Progressives Congress, APC declared that President Bola Tinubu will win Nigeria’s Presidential elections in 2027. He urged Tinubu’s opponents to abandon thoughts of contesting for the presidency in 2027.
Igbokwe urged the opposition to research Tinubu’s background before contesting against him in 2027, stating that Tinubu would secure a second term and reposition Nigeria for the better.
According to Igbokwe: “Those who are interested in winning the 2027 presidential election should know who PBAT is—his background, his time with Mobil Nigeria, his tenure as a senator, his eight years as governor of Lagos State, and his role as one of the key figures in the formation of the SDP, AD, AC, ACN, and APC.
“The role he played, the resources he contributed, the energy and goodwill he displayed, and the bridges he built across Nigeria. It took him more than 25 years to prepare for this exalted office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“He first supported Atiku Abubakar, Nuhu Ribadu, and PMB for the presidency, but only PMB succeeded. He threw his hat into the ring in 2021 and emerged victorious.”
“He worked tirelessly, built strong alliances, and supported thousands, including me, across the East, West, North, and South. No Nigerian from any region can match PBAT in mentoring and elevating men and women across the country. His immense contributions to Nigeria speak for him every day, everywhere”.
“Perish the thought if you are among those who believe he will fail or will not secure a second term. He will succeed, he will reposition Nigeria, he will advance the nation’s progress, he will grow the economy, he will fix Nigeria, he will retool and restructure it, he will elevate Nigeria, he will reform the system, and much more.”
Igbokwe concluded his post by urging the opposition to carry out a SWOT analysis, examine their antecedents, track records, and history before attempting to contest against President Tinubu.
What do you think of Joe Igbokwe’s stand on Tinubu?
Do you think the opposition can unseat Tinubu in 2027?
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Published: 02/02/2025
As part of the National Energy Compact, the Nigerian government plans to introduce an annual electricity subsidy of $600m for all customers from 2025 as part of efforts to reform the power sector. The National Energy Compact is an agreement signed by Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, and nine other African countries.
This subsidy is expected to last until 2027 and aims to bridge the gap between cost-reflective tariffs and regulated electricity rates, while the government works towards eliminating the metering deficit and enhancing the financial sustainability of power distribution companies.
The document noted that the subsidy is a temporary measure designed to ensure affordability, while the government progressively moves towards full cost-reflective tariffs. It might take different forms, including a flat monthly subsidy per electricity consumer or a subsidy on the first 50 kilowatt-hours consumed each month. This approach intends to reduce the regressivity of previous subsidies, where a significant portion benefited wealthier households.
The document also outlines Nigeria’s plan to close its metering gap which currently stands at approximately seven million unmetered electricity end-users. The government outlined a plan to install 1.5 million smart meters in 2025, four million in 2026, and 1.5 million in 2027.
The closure of the metering gap is expected to reduce losses in the sector, improve revenue collection efficiency, and ensure that tariffs are aligned with actual consumption, thereby reducing the need for future subsidies.
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Published: 02/02/2025
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890, effective Saturday February 1. The announcement was made in a press statement issued the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina.
Chiejina explained that the decision to lower prices follows a similar decision made on 19th January, when a modest price increase was implemented due to rising crude oil costs. However, with recent global market trends indicating a decline. He added that by the downwards adjustment in price was a bold move to encourage economic relief for Nigerians.
This price adjustment is in response to favorable developments in the global energy sector and decline in international crude oil prices. Dangote Refinery said its decision to crash the price reflects its commitment to aligning with market realities and ensuring that consumers benefit from changes in international crude oil prices. The statement also noted that the price reduction would significantly lower the cost of petrol across the country, generating a positive ripple effect throughout the broader economy.
According to the statement, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery firmly believes that this reduction from N950 to N890 will result in a meaningful decrease in the cost of petrol nationwide, thereby driving down the prices of goods and services, as well as the overall cost of living, with a positive ripple effect on various sectors of the economy.”
The refinery has also called on petrol marketers across the country to ensure that the benefits of the reduced price are passed on to the Nigerian public.
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Published: 02/02/2025
The US government has in a public statement announced that it will not go ahead with tariffs imposed on Colombia. President Donald Trump had ordered 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods, after Colombia’s President, Gustavo Petro, barred two US military deportation flights from landing in the country on Sunday January 26.
The White House statement says Colombia has now agreed to accept migrants arriving on US military aircraft "without limitation or delay". Colombia said a dialogue would be maintained to "guarantee the dignity of our citizens".
Petro had earlier denied entry to US military deportation flights, saying that migrants should be returned "with dignity and respect", that his country would only accept repatriated citizens on "civilian planes, without treating them like criminals".
In response, Trump announced "urgent and decisive retaliatory measures" in a post on his social media site Truth Social, including tariffs and visa sanctions. Petro responded on X with a post announcing his own tariffs and celebrating Colombian heritage. "Your blockade does not scare me, because Colombia, besides being the country of beauty, is the heart of the world," he said.
Within hours, the two sides appeared to have resolved the row, and the White House said Columbia had agreed to "all of President Trump's demands". Petro's presidential plane has been prepared to facilitate the return of the Colombian deportees.
The feud between the two nations came after Trump's administration vowed to carry out "mass deportations". The president signed multiple executive orders related to immigration on his first day in office.
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Published: 27/01/2025
Afe Babalola SAN has announced his decision to withdraw cases against rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farontimi. The senior advocate and founder of Afe Babalola University made the announcement in the early hours of Monday January 27. Babalola’s had sued Farontimi based on the contents of his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’. Farontimi was arrested and arraigned before two courts in Ekiti State for both criminal defamation and cyberbullying.
Babalola said his decision to withdraw the case was based on the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top traditional rulers at a midnight meeting. At the said meeting the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole: the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.
Babalola restated the importance of the Yoruba traditional institution and the influence it wielded, saying, “The monarchs are here, they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt…I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.
He listed other key personalities who had appealed to him to take the matter out of court, including, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe.
He said, “If you go through the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you will find that he attacked many judges by names, he attacked Supreme Court judges, and none is bothered, but I am bothered. I am bothered because of where and how I started life, from the farm to where I am.
“There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment. There is nothing I am going to gain from so-called damages. I am not in quest of more wealth, rather how to spend what I have for the benefit of others. The only time I am happy is when I give.”
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Published: 27/01/2025
There are unconfirmed reports that oil marketers in Nigeria may dump Dangote’s petrol for imported products, as these are much cheaper. The landing cost for imported petrol as of Friday January 24, was N922.65 per litre compared to Dangote’s N995. Dealers said the cost of imported products includes shipping, import duties, and exchange rates.
The amount is a considerable reduction of N32.35 from the N955 per litre offered at the loading gantry of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The oil marketers view the lower cost of imported petrol as an incentive to sell to their customers at a cheaper price, while making profit.
Last Sunday, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery said the rise in petrol price from N899.50 to N955 was due to an increase in the cost of crude oil, the major component for refined petroleum products. But despite this reduction, the retail price of petrol in Nigeria has remained high, with major marketers continuing to sell refined products between N990 and N1,010 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the latest energy data released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, the import parity into tanks was N922.65 per litre, a reduction of N21 or 2.2 per cent from the N943.75 per litre quoted on Thursday. The average cost for 30 days rose to N939.52 per litre on Friday, up from N929.07 per litre on Thursday, and N900.74 per litre on Tuesday.
The document also noted that the price of Brent crude was benchmarked at $78.29 per barrel, down from $78.88 per barrel the previous day, with an exchange rate of N1,550 per dollar.
This cost is viewed as an improvement for importers, providing private depot owners and independent marketers with an alternative route to profitability and the opportunity to source cheaper products.
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Published: 27/01/2025
The Nigerian U19 female cricket team has achieved a remarkable victory on its premiere outing at the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup. The team beat the more experienced New Zealand team by two runs. The Nigerian team displayed exceptional fielding skills to restrict New Zealand's chase after posting a modest total of 65/6 while batting.
With New Zealand requiring nine runs in the final over of the 13-over match and sitting at 57/5, Nigerian bowler Lilian Udeh's precise bowling secured a historic two-run victory for her team. The match saw few double-digit scores, with Udeh (19) and captain Lucky Piety (18) contributing for Nigeria, while Anika Todd led New Zealand's scoring with 19 runs.
This victory is particularly significant as Nigeria is the first West African country to be represented at the competition. Victory over New Zealand is demonstrative of the team’s hard work and determination.
More wins are expected.
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Published: 20/01/2025
Social media app, TikTok, was restored in the US after President-elect Donald J. Trump promised to issue an executive order to halt a federal law. TikTok welcomed back users with a message saying, “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
Trump posted on his Truth Social that he would “issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”
Major app stores removed the popular social media site and it stopped operating for US users as a federal law took effect on Sunday. The ban stems from a 2024 law that requires app stores and cloud computing providers to stop distributing or hosting TikTok unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Lawmakers passed the law over concerns that the Chinese government could use the app to spy on 170 million US users.
TikTok has said that a sale is impossible, citing the nature of its global operations, and China has already signaled that it could block the export of its all-important video-recommendation technology.
Some argue that President Trump’s order would raise questions about the rule of law in the United States. His action would constitute an attempt to temporarily neuter a law that passed with broad bipartisan support in Congress and that the Supreme Court unanimously upheld last week.
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Published: 20/01/2025
Congratulations are in order for Donald Trump as he is set to be inaugurated for his second term today as the 47th President of the USA. However, due to freezing temperatures and high winds in Washington D.C, the event will be held inside the United States Capitol rotunda. It will be the 60th U.S. presidential inauguration.
The event will be the first presidential inauguration to take place indoors since Ronald Reagan's public ceremony in 1985. It will include a swearing-in ceremony, a signing ceremony, an inaugural luncheon, a pass-in-review, a procession, and a parade. Inaugural balls are held at various venues before and after the inaugural ceremonies.
Many democrats have said they will not be attending the event.
Will you be attending or watching the presidential inauguration today?
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Published: 20/01/2025
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accepted President Bola Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria this year. President Al Nahyan accepted the invitation in Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.
President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on December 12 as a guest of the UAE. At the event, President Tinubu delivered Nigeria’s position on climate change and other economic challenges and congratulated the UAE leader for the successful event. During the discussions, the Sheikh thanked Tinubu for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and his country.
President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms were yielding fruits and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to develop the economy. He said the reforms had stabilized and grown the economy, encouraging foreign investors, including international oil companies, to announce billion-dollar investments, signaling renewed confidence in doing business with Africa’s most populous nation.
Netizens have expressed various opinions on the acceptance of the invitation. Some wonder if this could be counted as an achievement for the Tinubu led administration – the visit of another president.
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Published: 16/01/2025
Ibrahim Traoré, military leader of Burkina Faso, has officially banned judges from wearing British and French colonial-era wigs. The decision is to decolonise the nation’s judiciary.
Traoré emphasised the need to end colonial-era customs and adopt practices that honour Burkina Faso’s cultural identity. The colonial wigs, which have historically represented external control within African judicial systems, are now being anadoned.
Burkina Faso joins a growing number of African nations taking steps to replace such remnants of colonial rule with traditions rooted in local culture. This move reflects an expanding movement across Africa, where nations are critically reassessing colonial inheritances and transitioning towards practices that better align with their heritage.
The wig-ban marks a significant cultural shift, symbolising a broader effort to reclaim and celebrate indigenous values across the continent.
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Published: 16/01/2025
Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama. However, the statement confirms that, “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies”
No explanation was given for why Michelle Obama was skipping Trump’s inauguration. She also not present at former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral in Washington last week. Former Presidents Trump, Obama, Bush, and Clinton and their spouses attended the event.
Some netizen’s are asking “who cares if she doesn't attend?”
Others wonder why she hates President Trump so deeply.
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Published: 15/01/2025
Director-General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has advocated a decentralized approach to electricity supply in Nigeria. She was speaking on the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in socio-economic development at the 10th convocation ceremony of the African University of Science and Technology, AUST, in Abuja, yesterday.
The DG said Nigeria must first increase internet access for her citizens to be able to upskill them in AI. AI activities cannot be accomplished without access to constant power supply.
According to Iweala, “Underpinning all that, of course, is access to reliable electricity power supply. Power outages and constant interruptions might prove a more challenging constraint in Nigeria and other African countries to internet access and AI adoption than anything else.
“In other words, we could lay out the smartest approaches to the adoption of AI, like the federal government and AUST are trying to do, but find that efforts undermine our lack of access to the very basics – electricity infrastructure.
“Here, I would propose that we take a more decentralized approach to electricity provision in the country in light of the improved affordability of renewable energy.
“Each production, consumption and learning unit that is able should try to create its electricity supply through renewables. I’m proud to learn that AUST is embarking on this path, with feasibility studies for hydro and solar sources that can carry the campus. The issue is to mobilize the N200 million needed to make this happen.”
To avoid abuse and unethical practices, the DG concluded that it is necessary to put regulations in place to guide the use of AI to ensure data security.
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Published: 15/01/2025
The Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali yesterday confirmed that nine banks have been fined for failing to make Naira notes available through automated teller machines (ATMs) during the yuletide season. The fines total N1.35 billion. According to the apex bank, the fines were imposed on the banks to demonstrate the CBN’s zero tolerance for cash flow disruptions.
The banks fined include, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.
Each bank was fined 150 million for non-compliance to CBN’s cash distribution guidelines. The fines were imposed following spot checks on their branches after repeated warnings. The fines will be deducted from each bank’s account with the CBN.
According to Ali, “The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines.” She added that the CBN’s investigations and monitoring will continue to scrutinise cash hoarding and rationing, both at bank branches and by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators.
The CBN’s decision is part of efforts to crack down on illegal cash sales and operational violations, including enforcing POS operators’ daily cumulative withdrawal limit of N1.2 million.
Were you able to access cash during the yuletide?
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Published: 15/01/2025
A female passenger onboard an Ibom Air Abuja bound flight from Uyo caused untold hardship and loss to other passengers by hindering the flight from taking off. The incident happened on Wednesday January 8, 2025.
Prior to the flight, passengers were informed that due to weight restrictions, some or all their luggage may not arrive on the same flight. However, the said woman disembarked the flight and went to fight staff loading the plane, insisting that all of her luggage must be put on the flight irrespective of the directive.
Report from the consumer protection department of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that passengers with luggage above 20kg signed indemnity forms in this regard, while those whose bags were in the region of 20kg were informed verbally that their bags would arrive on the next scheduled flight which they all agreed including the passenger.
Despite pleas from the pilot who even offered to carry her checked-in baggage in the cabin if not for its size, the passenger reportedly refused to accept. Unfortunately, her actions delayed the flight unnecessarily, causing the air space to be closed against the flight.
The said passenger’s unruly behavior caused other passengers including those who had international flights in Abuja and those with important appointments to be stuck in Uyo for the night. In a video of the incident shared on social media, other passengers were seen charging at the passenger, attempting to assault her as she was being whisked away by airport security personnel.
Confirming the incident, Director of Public Affairs and Consumers’ Protection of NCAA, Michael Achimugu said, “Despite all pleas, she held the plane hostage until the airspace was closed. Consequently, the pilot had to announce a cancellation of the flight. “It was at that moment that other passengers became irate. Had AVSEC and Ibom Air personnel not been on top of their game, the unruly passenger would have been lynched. I salute the timely intervention that saved her life.”
Achimugu confirmed that in line with regulations, the passenger would be prosecuted, adding, “The NCAA continues to educate stakeholders about unruly behavior and the penalties it attracts.”
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Published: 12/01/2025
Social commentator, Reno Omokri has come for former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi on the issue of insecurity in Nigeria’s southeast. Omokri is accusing Obi of ignoring the situation in the east and focusing only on cases in the north. Omokri expressed his displeasure on Obi’s stance via a post X.
The post reads:
“The Southeast had the highest incidents of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria for the year 2024, according to data from the analytical firm SMB Morgen. According to the statistics, Anambra is the state most prone to such abductions, followed by Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi.
“But the strange thing is that a study of posts made by Peter Obi on the subject of kidnapping, abductions, and ransom payments for the year 2024 found that most of his posts were directed at the North, the Southwest, and the South-South, respectively, in that order.
The Southeast, which had by far the highest percentage of abductions for ransom, featured the least in Mr. Obi’s condemnatory posts about the issue.
"This is surprising given the data from SMB Morgen. Peter Obi attacks other regions and ethnicities for a malaise that is more prevalent in his own region and particularly his home state. Why is that?
“When it happens in the North or Southwest, Peter Obi will dance naked in public. But if it occurs in Igboland, Mr. Obi will chop and clean mouth. He will usually not comment until he has been called out. And even in the rare event he addresses abductions in the Southeast, his words are tame, compared to the hyperbolic and hostile words he uses when they occur outside his home region.
Omokri ended his post with a strong rhetorical question:
"Can such a person govern a multiethnic and religiously heterogeneous nation like Nigeria fairly and objectively? You be the judge!”
What do you think of Omokri’s post?
Do you think Obi is fair in his criticism of insecurity in Nigeria?
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Published: 12/01/2025
The Lagos State Police Command has in a public statement confirmed its arrest and arraignment of Stella Nwadigbo, a primary school teacher for indecent treatment and assault of a child.
A video of Stella assaulting a boy went viral earlier this week courstey of social media influencer VeryDarkMan.
The police statement reads:
The suspect, who was arraigned in Magistrate Court 1, Ogba today, January 9, 2025, had been captured in a viral video indecently treating and assaulting a three-year-old pupil of a primary school in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
Following receipt of the video, the Family Support Unit (FSU) of Ikorodu Police Division promptly arrested the suspect on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 and transferred her to the Gender Unit of the Command Headquarters same day after preliminary investigations. The victim was taken to a medical facility for adequate medical attention.
The suspect has since been remanded to Kirikiri Correctional facility till February 18, 2025 when the case comes up for continuation of hearing.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, while commending Nigerians for promptly alerting the police to the situation, assures them of the ever-readiness of the Command to respond quickly and appropriately to situations towards ensuring the safety and security of resident and visitors to Lagos State.
CSP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
LAGOS STATE COMMAND
IKEJA
Netizens are divided on the situation. While some support Stella’s arrest, others disagree, arguing that she only spanked the child for likely bad behavior. Some have accused the police of trying to perpetuate Western style upbringing which does not work well for African children.
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Published: 09/01/2025
eeApocalyptic scenes are being witnessed across counties in Los Angeles as wildfires continue to burn out of control. Five people have died, more than 2,000 structures have been destroyed, and at least 130,000 residents are under evacuation. The situation has been described as the most destructive firestorms to hit the region in living memory.
The five bodies were found in three structures in Altadena, where the Eaton fire exploded Tuesday night, giving residents little time to flee. It is estimated that more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed in the Palisades fire and another 1,000 either damaged or destroyed in the Eaton fire, according to the L.A. County Fire Department.
The causes of death for the five bodies found in the Eaton fire have not been determined. Authorities plan to deploy sniffing dogs (K-9s) that specialize in human-remains detection, which will be used to ensure no other people are unaccounted for in the blaze.
Anthony Hopkins, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal are among Hollywood celebs who homes have been destroyed by the fires.
Officials have blamed the fires on climate change, that caused high winds and drought in the area, which has made vegetation very dry and easy to burn. Usually, snow and rain is expected in January in the area.
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Published: 09/01/2025
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has given notice of his resignation. He said he would leave office as soon as the ruling Liberal party chooses a new leader after months of slumping polls and internal division.
Trudeau said, “I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader.”
Trudeau, who has been in power since 2015, decided to step down following a lingering political crisis that saw top Liberal allies urge him to quit. It was not immediately clear how long Trudeau would remain in office as a caretaker premier.
Trudeau will continue to lead Canada when President Trump takes office this month and will be tasked with leading the country’s initial response to the new US administration, including a possible trade war.
Trump, who is not a fan of Trudeau’s policies, has vowed to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports, which could prove devastating to the Canadian economy, and Trudeau had pledged to retaliate.
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Published: 07/01/2025
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has warned the APC against intimidating Peter Obi, his family members or close associates, insisting that such a threat should not be allowed to go unaddressed. Tanko also warned against any attempt to arrest his principal adding that Nigerians would respond negatively to such action.
He said, “That is a threat. If they make the move (to arrest Obi), it will boomerang on their government. In a democratic setting, Obi did not in any way impugn anybody’s integrity, nor did he cross any line. We are not making any false allegations.
“But if they threaten anybody with some level of impunity, believe me, the Nigerian people will react negatively to them. They must learn to accept it. If they have a counter-allegation to the issues we are raising, they should be provided with facts.”
Tanko was reacting to statements made on Arise News by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka. According to Morka, Peter Obi had “crossed the line” in his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Morka added that Obi was desperately seeking to incite Nigerians into bringing down the current government.
He ended his argument saying, “I am not somebody to go on the offensive in that manner, but Mr. Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and I think that at this point, he has come to him whatever he gets.”
Do you consider Morka’s statement a threat to Peter Obi?
What would happen if the APC came for Obi?
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Published: 07/01/2025
Acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, has in an official statement announced the release of three Nigerian women from prison by Saudi authorities. The three Nigerians namely: Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi were arrested at Medina in March 2024 for alleged possession of substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. They have spent 10 months in prison. Their release followed high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.
The statement said, “The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.”
“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.
“The Ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda.”
The women were handed over to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah and received by the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya. They are currently undergoing immigration processes to return to Nigeria.
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Published: 06/01/2025
In an interview on Sunday January 5, the Labour Party (LP) National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, asserted that his party has the capacity to win the 2027 Presidential elections without forming a political coalition. Ifoh stressed the LP’s strong grassroot support and appeal across the country. Ifoh denied recent rumours of a coalition agreement with Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said, “As it stands, Labour Party has not been approached or invited to any meeting whatsoever to discuss a coalition. What we see already is that people are thinking of alternatives and how best elections can be won in a landslide against the ruling APC.”
“Labour Party didn’t need any coalition in 2023 when it gathered millions of votes from Nigerians who wanted Labour Party to take over the leadership of the nation. We will continue to say that the system played a trick on both Nigerians and Labour Party.
“We know LP has what it takes to win elections at the highest level and we demonstrated that in 2023. If elections were to hold again today, Labour Party would even do it in a bigger way because the government of the day has failed. Everything that Labour Party stands for and canvassed in 2023 is what Nigeria needs at the moment. So we do not even really need a coalition to win the election.”
Ifoh reiterated LP’s performance in the 2023 elections. Arguing that it demonstrated the party’s potential to independently challenge and unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress.
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Published: 06/01/2025
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has shared photos and a video of a visit to his office by famous boxing icon Anthony Joshua.
Via his X handle, the Governor posted:
On behalf of our great state, I was delighted to welcome boxing icon Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua during his visit to Lagos. Our city is a hub of fun, culture, and endless inspiration, and it’s always a joy to host champions like Anthony, who draw motivation from our vibrant energy and spirit.
As Anthony prepares for a bigger and better 2025, we encourage him to keep inspiring the world with his grit and determination. Lagos stands proudly behind him, just as we celebrate every champion who finds strength and purpose in our city.
The Governor presented the boxer with several gift and souvenir items from the Lagos State Government.
Netizens have left comments admiring the simplicity and humility of the boxing icon, comparing him to Kemi Badenoch the UK MP. Others commented on his impressive height and handsomeness.
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Published: 02/01/2025
The new year began on a sad note in the USA as a suspect terrorist ploughed a rented Ford Pickup truck at high speed into a crowded area in New Orleans on New Year's Day. The FBI has identified the suspect accused of carrying out the attack as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen of Texas.
According to the FBI, Jabbar drove a pickup truck into the crowd, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens. An ISIS flag was found in the truck. The FBI is working to determine if the suspect had associations or affiliations with the terrorist organization.
The FBI says after hitting the crowd, Jabbar got out of the car and began firing at law enforcement. Shots were returned by law enforcement and Jabbar was killed at the scene. Weapons and potential IEDs were in the truck.
The FBI confirmed that Jabbar was an Army veteran from Texas and wore full military gear at the time of the attack. Multiple law enforcement confirmed that Jabbar was from the Houston area and public records list multiple addresses for him in north Harris County, as well as Fresno and Beaumont.
What could have motivated Jabbar to carry out such a heinous attack on innocent citizens on new year’s day?
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Published: 02/01/2025
While celebrating the 2025 New Year’s Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Pope Francis called for a firm commitment against abortion. He advocated for the protection and respect life from conception to natural death.
In his homily, he prayed that everyone learns to care for “every child born of a woman” and to protect “the precious gift of life: life in the womb, the lives of children, the lives of the suffering, the poor, the elderly, the lonely and the dying.”
He said, “I ask for a firm commitment to respect the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, so that each person may cherish his or her own life and all may look with hope to the future.”
Recently, the Pope sparked outrage in Belgium when he criticized its abortion law as “homicidal” and announced he wanted to beatify Belgium’s late king who abdicated for a day rather than approve legislation legalizing the procedure. The Vatican recently announced that the beatification process is under way for King Baudouin, who died in 1993.
Speaking to worshippers and pilgrims gathered at the square, Pope Francis recalled the Jubilee’s central message of the need to forgive debts. He appealed to world leaders from wealthy countries to eliminate or reduce the debts owed by poorer countries.
What do you think of the Pope’s strong stance on abortion?
Should rich countries forgive the debts of poorer often irresponsible countries?
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Published: 02/01/2025
A Boeing 737-800 plane operated by Korean airline Jeju Air has crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The plane was arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, when it crashed at about 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT)
Four crew members and all 175 passengers were killed. Most passengers were South Koreans, apart from two Thai nationals. Camera footage shows the plane landing without its wheels, skidding along the runway and crashing into a wall, triggering a fiery explosion. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
A government official said air traffic control had issued a bird strike warning, delaying the landing. Two minutes later, the pilot issued a Mayday call and was cleared to land from the opposite direction.
There are two survivors, both members of the flight crew. One of them has been talking to doctors. The 33-year-old flight attendant from the Jeju Airplane told doctors he had already been rescued when he woke up. He was first taken to a hospital in Mokpo, about 25km (15.5 miles) south of the airport, but was later transferred to Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital in the capital.
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Published: 29/12/2024
Speaking at the 2024 State Christmas Carol organized by the Niger State Government in conjunction with the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Governor of Niger Sate, Mohammed Bago appealed to Christians in the state, to exercise patience regarding the annual pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Governor’s cited the instability of the region as the reason for postponing the pilgrimage. He said allowing Christian citizens of his state to travel to the conflict zone is equivalent to signing their death warrants.
Governor Bago was represented at the event by the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Dauda. Dauda noted that the current challenges in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, pose a significant threat to the safety of pilgrims. He stressed that the governor cannot, in good conscience, authorize a trip that would put the lives of Christian pilgrims at risk.
“I am not willing to give tickets that would lead to the death of our Christian brothers and sisters,” he said. “I urge them to be patient and wait until peace returns to the Middle East. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we will not compromise on that,” he added.
In response, the chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN, Most Rev Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, had called on Governor Bago to consider other alternative destinations for Christians for holy pilgrimage, like Turkey/Jordan, and Rome or Greece. Dr Yohanna, urged Christians in the state to continue to pray for the Governor while appealing to them to show love and share with others.
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Published: 29/12/2024
According to TASS, Russia’s state-owned news agency, Andrey Kaprin, the General Director of the Radiology Medical Research Center of the Russian Ministry of Health, has announced that the country is ready with its own mRNA vaccine for cancer. According to Kaprin, the vaccine will be rolled out early in 2025 for free to all. Kaprin added that the vaccine will not be generalized, it would rather be personalised to each patient.
Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow, had told TASS news agency that the cancer vaccine could suppress tumour growth, preventing the spread of the disease.
Russia’s announcement of this new vaccine will be a huge game-changer for cancer treatment. Cancer patients worldwide spend a fortune for medicine and surgries annually.
How will the West receive this new vaccine?
How will big pharmaceutical companies respond?
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Published: 18/12/2024
Two bankers, Ekpe Anayaoha Okoronkwo and Umeonuoha Onyinye have been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly selling newly minted Naira notes worth N500,000. The defendants were arrested on November 15, 2024 in Enugu State following actionable intelligence linking them to the sale of Naira mints.
According to the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the duo was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on currency racketeering. Their arraignment took place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.
The charge reads: “That you, Ekpe Anayaoha Okoronkwo and Umeonuoha Onyinye, sometime in October 2024 at Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did sell a total sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) mints in Two Hundred Naira Notes (N200) denominations, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria to one Husseini Ibrahim and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 21 of the same Act.”
Okoronkwo pleaded guilty to the charge, while Onyinye pleaded not guilty.
Justice Umar has adjourned the case to January 15, 2025, for the hearing of Onyinye’s bail application and the conviction and sentencing of Okoronkwo. The defendants are remanded in the Enugu State Correctional facility.
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Published: 18/12/2024
24-year-old Brazilian player and forward for Real Madrid Vinicius Junior has been awarded FIFA’s Best Player (male) for 2024. The award was presented on December 17 in Doha, Qatar.
He beat his teammate, Manchester City’s Jude Bellingham to the award.
He response to his critics, Vinicus took to his Instagram and posted in Portuguese and English on Instagram (translated):
"Today I write to that boy who saw so many idols lift this trophy... your time has come. Or better yet my time has come Time to say... yes I am the best player in the world and I fought hard for it. They tried and still try to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not ready. No one will tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave. When I was in São Gonçalo, the system didn't care for me. I was almost swallowed. I won for me, for my family. With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, Brazilian national team, my hundreds of teammates during those years... the people who accompany me daily to my routine who admires me...THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD."
Our congratulations to him.
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Published: 18/12/2024
Speaking during a press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia on Tuesday December 17, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State said he doubted if the release of the detained leader of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, would end the insecurity situation in Nigeria’s South-East.
The Governor said he believed that criminals had hijacked the Biafran struggle and were now exploiting it to perpetrate organized crime and fuel insecurity in the region. He describes their activities as “lucrative criminality” as they engage in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idolatry.
He revealed that over 99 per cent of criminals arrested in Anambra in the past two years were Igbo, with more than 70 percent being non-indigenes of the state.
According to Soludo, “The so-called agitators have transformed into organized criminal gangs. They hide in forests, kidnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and they justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra. Let us be clear—this has nothing to do with any liberation movement. Criminality has taken on a life of its own. These people have tasted blood, and now, money is their motivation.”
The Governor decried the complicity of some communities in shielding these criminals, adding that insecurity in the region was sustained because some locals viewed security agencies as adversaries and the criminals as liberators. He announced a state-wide security initiative called ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign). The proposed security initiative will in late January 2025.
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How best could Operation Udo Ga Chi be best deployed?
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Published: 18/12/2024
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has come under heavy criticism after tweeting on X of his meeting with President elect Donald Trump and President Macron of France. The three leaders met on the sidelines of the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris on December 7.
In his tweet, Zelensky said, “We want this war to end as soon as possible in a just way”. Netizens criticized his change of rhetoric, stating that Zelensky had previously said the war must continue until Ukraine is victorious over Russia. Netizens also criticized his casual dressing at a serious gathering of world leaders on the reopening of the historic cathedral. Some called him a thief.
Do you think Zelensky will get along with President Trump?
Will he keep getting the donations for war against Russia?
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Published: 08/12/2024
After a devastating fire in April 2019, world leaders gathered in Paris for the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The reopening event on December 7, came five years after the UNESCO World Heritage site was severely damaged in a fire that drew a global outpouring of support. The cathedral doors were ceremonially opened by the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich.
Host of the event, French President Emmanuel Macron, said, “Tonight, I stand before you … to express the gratitude of the French nation – gratitude to all those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre-Dame…Tonight, the bells of Notre-Dame will ring again.”
The French president especially thanked the firefighters who contributed immensely to saving the ancient cathedral from complete destruction. The firefighters who helped fight the fire received a standing ovation during the ceremony. The word “merci” – French for “thank you” – was also projected on the front of the building.
Notre-Dame has been meticulously restored, with a new spire and rib vaulting, its flying buttresses and carved stone gargoyles returned to their past glory and white stone and gold decorations shining brightly once again.
In attendance at the event were, President elect Donald Trump of the USA, President Zelensky of Ukraine, Prince William of the UK, Elon Musk, among other government and business leaders.
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Published: 08/12/2024
Speaking through a representative, The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, described the Nigeria’s criminal justice system as weak, and in need of a complete overhaul.
The IGP’s comments were read by his representative Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) at the recent 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony, organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN).
The IGP likened Nigeria’s justice system to a sick person in needs of medical help from a doctor, it needs to be revived.
He urged Nigerians to stop blaming the police for the decay in society, stating that the “Police is not the only pillar or stakeholder in the criminal justice system in this country. We have challenges, we accept, but we will try our best to make sure we have a better system.”
Calling for a united effort, the IGP said, “All of us must come together to help perfect the criminal justice or justice system administration in Nigeria. If this system is working well; it is going to affect you”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said that corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of the Nigerian society, undermining policy-decision making.
Aliyu commented that “Corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of the Nigerian society, undermines policy-decision making, resource mobilization and utilization, policy execution and service delivery.”
Do you think the Nigeria Police is contributing positively to reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system?
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Published: 08/12/2024
Speaking on the sidelines of an investigative public hearing by the Senate Committee on Works in Abuja on December 6, Minister of Works Engr David Umahi described people criticizing President Tinubu’s efforts as envious and jealous. He said that current reforms by the President will soon reposition the economy.
Responding to questions on the controversial Lagos – Calabar coastal project, Umahi responded, “Mr. President had this dream of making Nigeria better for the past 25 years as a governor and now God has given him the opportunity to serve the country and to actualize his dream, so he has no choice than to perform”.
He continued, “It’s very rare for a president to agree to continue the whole project of his predecessor.”
He said he believed that President Tinubu was turning the nation around positively, adding that critics never believed that the President could do that within the shortest time he ascended.
He further explained that the diversion of the road at 16 kilometers was due to the African communication cable that came from the ocean. He explained further that the road was reconnected at kilometer 26 to avoid further errors.
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Are you a Tinubu critic?
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Published: 08/12/2024
Wicked - a musical movie adaptation has debuted to an impressive 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes after early screenings. The movie is directed by Jon M. Chu and stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba the witch. It is based loosely on the story of the Wizard of Oz.
The rating, based on over 1,000 verified reviews, reflects overwhelming approval from superfans of the hit 2003 stage musical and The Wizard of Oz lore. The movie, set to officially release in a few days, is expected to be one of 2024’s biggest box office hits. Its $145 million budget is expected to be easily recovered.
Will you be viewing this movie?
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Published: 20/11/2024
The Federal Government of Nigeria has lifted its ban on the posting of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to the private sector. Corps members can now serve in banks, oil and gas companies, etc.
The lifting of the ban was issued in a memo dated November 18, 2024, by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande. The new policy directive will take effect with the commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise.
The previous policy implemented during the tenure of former Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, discouraged private companies from exploiting cheap labour. It also aimed to promote public sector capacity building. It restricted corps members to four sectors of the economy, including education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
The Minister said the new policy follows President Tinubu’s strategy to combat rising youth unemployment by ensuring that government agencies align with the vision of his administration, adding that the directive will initially take effect in Lagos and Abuja.
The memo read in parts, “There is an urgent need to review this policy to expand the opportunity and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study. Without prejudice to the need to constantly review per prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings…posting of corps members to select banks and other private sector organizations, including those operating in oil and gas, to commence with Abuja and Lagos”.
According to the Minister, the new policy would allow corps members to gain valuable experience in their chosen fields of study, noting that the previous policy hampered Nigerian youths from gaining experiences that would prepare them for the challenges of the labour market.
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Published: 20/11/2024
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations of the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, has confirmed the elimination of 30 Boko Haram terrorists during a surprise attack in Gubio Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State. The insurgents had launched multiple assaults to overrun a special military force stationed in Kareto community of Gubio LGA.
In an official statement, General Buba confirmed that the national troops recovered weapons from the slain terrorists. The statement reads in part, “The attack resulted in the destruction of equipment, including one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator. The first attack occurred on August 16 at 6:00hrs, where 18 soldiers were killed, and several were injured, with six insurgents neutralized. “Yesterday, five more soldiers were killed in another attack, while over 30 terrorists were eliminated in subsequent engagements today without further casualties on our side.”
He added that a reinforcement team, supported by an air component, was dispatched to pursue the attackers.
The Borno State Government has expressed its condolences to the military following the loss of soldiers during the recent attack.
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Published: 20/11/2024
Vershima Mker and Lami Jennifer Iorvihi, have through their lawyers petitioned the Chief of Army Staff, calling for the immediate dismissal of Major General G.S. Mohammed and Corporal A. Abubakar, alongside a compensation claim of N150 million.
The petition comes after the pair were brutally attacked by military personnel in a video that went viral. The incident occurred in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on 3rd Avenue. The victims were visiting family and friends as part of preparations for an upcoming wedding.
According to the letter, Major General Mohammed and his convoy, blaring sirens, arrived at the crowded scene. Despite limited space on the road, the convoy allegedly forced its way through, leading to an altercation.
The petitioners accuse the soldiers of dragging Mker and Iorvihi out of their vehicle, subjecting them to beatings, and wounding them.
They further allege that the victims were detained without cause at a police station, enduring more abuse. The letter emphasizes the physical and psychological trauma inflicted, describing the treatment as inhumane and unjust.
Their lawyers wrote, “Our clients were merely visiting relatives when the convoy, led by Major General G.S. Mohammed, accosted them. The brutality they suffered is unacceptable, and we demand accountability.”
The solicitors stressed the urgency of their demands, which include not only the dismissal of the implicated officers but also monetary compensation to address the grievous harm inflicted. The case has sparked public concern over the use of force by military personnel and the implications of unchecked authority.
The Nigerian Army is yet to respond.
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Published: 19/11/2024
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy has countered Daniel Bwala for claiming to be the only presidential spokesperson. In a statement issued late Monday, Onanuga, who has since moved into the office occupied by former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ajuri Ngelale, said there was no single spokesperson for Tinubu, but three.
On Monday November 18, Daniel Bwala had announced that he has taken over as presidential spokesman. He posted, “Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House).” His post was accompanied by photos of him briefing State House Correspondents. Bwala, was the former spokesperson of Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections.
Countering Bwala, Onanuga posted, “President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery. The restructuring is as follows: 1.Mr. Sunday Dare – hitherto Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications. 2.Mr. Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, is now Special adviser Policy Communication.
Onanuga added that, “These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy , underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency. Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.”
This is not the first time that Tinubu’s communication team is coming come under negative spotlight. For example, in commemoration of the first anniversary of Tinubu in office in May, Onanuga and Ajuri Ngelale issued contradictory statements on the President’s address to the nation.
Netizens have criticized Tinubu’s appointments, of three policy spokespersons, describing his actions as not well thought out.
Do you think the three presidential spokespersons will find a common ground?
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Published: 19/11/2024
30 malnourished minors arraigned for treason due to their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests have been released and brought to the State House in Abuja today. The children were brought to the premises at around 2:00 pm and were received by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of Tinubu to be handed over to their respective state governors.
President Bola Tinubu on Monday ordered their release after embarrassing and heart wrenching videos of the minors spread in the media. Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case against the protesters as requested by the Office of the Attorney-General.
However, observers say the move to drop the charges and release the children was a face-saving measure, that the government would have avoided the embarrassment if it had not engaged in a high-handed approach against the protesters.
Some netizens have called for rehabilitation and the payment of full compensation to the children.
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Published: 05/11/2024
Republican candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania have cast their votes at the Mandel Recreation Center in Palm Beach, Florida. The couple cast their vote this morning, as physical voting began for the US Presiential Election.
Speaking to the media, Trump said, "I feel very confident...and it looks like Republicans have shown up in force… I hear we are doing very well.” He added that he was honoured to see that the voting lines were long.
His opponent, Kamala Harris told the press that she voted via mail.
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Published: 05/11/2024
Former President Donald Trump has pulled yet another interesting campaign stunt by arriving in a branded garbage truck in Green Bay, Wisconsin for his rally. The republican presidential candidate rode in the truck to spotlight recent remarks by his political opponent, President Joe Biden who described Trump’s supporters as ‘garbage’. Trump has since weaponized this statement against both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Dressed also like a garbage collector, Trump asked reporters who gathered near the truck, “How do you like my garbage truck?” This is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden.”
Trump’s response comes amid backlash over comments made by a comedian at a recent Trump rally, who disparaged Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” The controversy was fueled further when Biden, in a late-night call on Wednesday, said, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
Speaking to reporters, Trump attempted to distance himself from the comedian, Tony Hinchcliffe, whose remarks sparked criticism. He said, “I don’t know anything about the comedian…I don’t know who he is. I’ve never seen him. I heard he made a statement, but it was a statement that he made. He’s a comedian, what can I tell you. I know nothing about him.”
He added, “I love Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico loves me,”.
Trump’s stunt has seen support for his campaign increase over Kamala Harris. Many republicans who comprise half of American voters have expressed anger over Biden’s insulting remarks and have promised to come out to vote for Trump.
Some have argued that Biden’s statement will cause Kamala to lose the elections, as did Hillary Clinton with her “deplorable” comment.
Tell us what you think.
Who are you supporting?
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Published: 31/10/2024
Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun has warned individuals keeping USD privately of serious legal and finacial consequences. The Minsiter said individuals have a grace period of the next nine months to deposit their all their privately held dollars into Nigerian banks.
The minsiter disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the National Economic Council, NEC, presided over by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said, “One element of the cost increase is the foreign exchange rate, and that is demand and supply… it is unsafe, it is insecure and it is outside of legal limits.” He stressed that people should bring all the dollars that they are holding outside the system, in order to credit it to their bank accounts. He added that as long as dollars held by individuals are not proceeds of crime and other illicit activities, there will be no penalty, no taxes, or questions asked when they come to deposit them at Nigerian banks.
“They just meet the normal ‘Know Your Customer’ criteria of banks and they have an opportunity to bring in those funds, make them safe, make them secure, and make them available”, he said.
However, the Minister did not explicitly state what the legal and financial consequences would be for citizens who flout the new policy.
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Do you have USD, and will you be depositing them into Nigerian banks?
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Published: 31/10/2024
Nigeria’s outgoing Minister of State for Education Dr. Yusuf Sununu has appealed to the appealed to the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to call off their strike. The strike embarked by the two unions has entered its fifth day.
Representing the new Education Minister in a meeting today between the unions and government, Dr. Sununu reiterated that efforts were underway to address the issues leading to the industrial action. He assured union leaders of the government’s commitment to resolving the matter saying, “We have reviewed the reasons for the strike and briefed them on the Federation Ministry of Education’s efforts to resolve the issues.” He stated that discussions had reached an advanced stage and appealed for cooperation from both unions.
In response, the chairman of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU, Comrade Hassan Makolo, expressed optimism regarding the meeting’s outcomes. He assured that the unions would suspend the strike once their members confirm receipt of the withheld salaries.
Activities at public universities across Nigeria have been crippled since Monday due to the indefinite strike by NASU and SSANU, who are protesting the government’s failure to release four months of withheld salaries from 2022.
How long will the government keep battling with university unions over salaries?
How could be a lasting solution?
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Published: 31/10/2024
Public Relations Officer SPRO, DCI Kenneth Udo of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed that cross-dresser Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky was arrested earlier today at the Seme Border in Lagos as he/she is a ‘person of interest’. The crossdresser was intercepted while trying to exit the country.
He said the action of the immigration service was in keeping with its commitment to securing the country’s borders against illegal movements. Udo confimed that the crossdresser is currently being interrogated and will be be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Bobrisky was meant to appear before an investigative panel of the national assembly today to explain accusations of bribery and evading of prison over a case of mishandling the naira.
The crossdresser is in trouble again with national authorities.
Will his/her godfather come to the rescue again?
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Published: 21/10/2024
Today, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya landed at the international airport in Yaoundé, the country’s capital after several weeks away amidst rumors about his health. Rumor spread that he had fallen ill and died in Europe.
The state broadcaster Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) showed the 91-year-old man shaking hands with officials next to his wife Chantal. He was greeted by a jubilant crowd wearing outfits displaying his portrait. His supporters chanted to the beat of a drum and lined the roads as his motorcade left the airport for the presidential palace.
Biya was last seen during the September China-Africa Cooperation Summit. According to CRTV, their coverage of the president’s arrival today will put an end to all the speculations about his health. The government had put a strict ban on any conversation and publication on the President’s health.
Sources say that the president had been undergoing treatment in Geneva for several weeks.
President Biya has ruled Cameroon unchallenged for four decades. Netizens are questioning why he is still in power and when he will leave power for a younger and more dynamic leader.
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Published: 21/10/2024
After a two-year ban, Emirates has resumed its Nigeria operations. The resumption flight touched down at Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on October 1, led by Nigerian born Mohammed Madugu as the captain. The flight landed at 3:32 pm, an Emirates Boeing 737-300ER.
Soon after landing, the airline hosted an exclusive event for VIPs, government officials, key representatives from Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority, Customs, Police and the Airforce, as well as trade and industry partners and corporate clients. Notably in attendance were, Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia; David Broz, Senior Vice President of Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs and Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support.
The official delegation from Nigeria onboard the flight included Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria; Zayyan Ibrahim, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and Adewale Babatunde Awolesi, Head of Chancery, Consulate General of Nigeria.
Commenting on the return of services, Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said, “This has been a long-awaited moment, and we are excited to resume operations to Lagos, helping reconnect travellers seamlessly to and through Dubai, coupled with a consistent, world-class experience onboard.”
In response, Minister Keyamo said: “We are pleased to welcome Emirates back to Nigeria. Emirates has become a global brand and Nigeria, being the most populous black nation in the world, is the sure destination for all major airlines in the world. So, this is a mutually beneficial relationship, and we look forward to many years of seamless operations for the designated airlines of both countries to ply the route.”
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Published: 03/10/2024
The results reflect the outcomes from the three leading political parties in the governorship election (21/09/2024) as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Many say the elections were not free and fair, that it was marked by bribery and vote buying. Monday Okpebholo of the APC was declared the winner.
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#edostate #EdostateElection #INEC #Okpebholo4Governor
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Published: 23/09/2024
The results reflect the outcomes from the three leading political parties in the governorship election (21/09/2024) as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Many say the elections were not free and fair, that it was marked by bribery and vote buying. Monday Okpebholo of the APC was declared the winner.
Image Source:
#edostate #EdostateElection #INEC #Okpebholo4Governor
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Published: 23/09/2024
New York federal judge Robyn Tarnofsky, has denied bail to Hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. Combs was arrested on September 16 on accusations of running a criminal enterprise from at least 2008 that relied on drugs and violence to force women to "fulfill his sexual desires", according to prosecutors.
According to court documents, Mr Combs "wielded the power" of his status to "lure female victims... to engage in extended sex acts" called "Freak Offs". "During Freak Offs, Combs distributed a variety of controlled substances to victims, in part to keep the victims obedient and compliant”.
Diddy pleaded not guilty.
If convicted on all three counts, the rapper and record producer faces a sentence of 15 years up to life in prison.
Combs's lawyer, Marc Agnifilo has launched an appeal against the judge's bail decision, with a hearing set for Wednesday. According to Agnifilo, "We believe in him wholeheartedly… He didn't do these things. There's no coercion and no crime. He's not afraid of the charges…he is the target of an unjust prosecution".
Is Diddy innocent or guilty?
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Published: 18/09/2024
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has mandated Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in the country to limit their daily sale of USD to customers to $5,000.
According to the CBN, this decision is aimed at regulating cash sales in the foreign exchange market to ensure stability and compliance in accordance with its policy outlined in the Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for Fiscal Years 2024/2025.
The CBN added that this move is to manage foreign exchange reserves and curb the misuse of foreign currency. The decision is also to allow for the pooling of funds and ensure transparency in the handling of foreign exchange transactions.
The Central Bank of Nigeria noted that authorized dealers must “continue to render appropriate statutory returns on sources and utilization of funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria,” ensuring accountability in foreign exchange operations across the market.
Similarly, travelers entering or exiting Nigeria must declare amounts between above $10,000 at the country’s borders.
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Published: 18/09/2024
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NISHA) has announced that the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon will initiate controlled water releases starting from Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
According to a press statement signed by its Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Umar Muhammed, “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day)”.
“Nonetheless, the dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue river system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria. The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir,” the statement read.
It is anticipated that the water level will escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River.
11 boarder sates will be affected by the rising water level, these include: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers.
NISHA called for heightened vigilance and appropriate preparedness measures by federal, state, and local government authorities to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to an increase in flow levels in major rivers during this period.
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Published: 18/09/2024
Tito Jackson, brother of the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, has died aged 70. His death is attributed to a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. The family is yet to make a formal statement on the cause of his death.
Tito Jackson was one of the founding members of the Jackson 5, later known as the Jacksons, along with Michael, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and later, Randy.
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Published: 16/09/2024
Spokesperson of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Olufemi Soneye, has said the the company will sell petrol for N1,019 in far northern states, N999.22 in states like Abuja, Sokoto, and Kano, N950 in Lagos, and N960 in other southern states.
Soneye made these disclosures on Monday, in a statement titled, ‘NNPC Ltd Releases Estimated Pump Prices of PMS from Dangote Refinery Based on September 2024 Pricing’.
According to Soneye, “The NNPC Ltd has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across the country”. The company explained that the product it loaded on Sunday was paid for in dollars.
“The NNPC Ltd can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as naira transactions will only commence on October 1, 2024.
“The NNPC Ltd assures that if the quoted pricing is disputed, it will be grateful for any discount from the Dangote Refinery, which will be passed on 100 per cent to the general public,” the statement added.
Prior to this statement, Dangote Refinery had disagreed with the NNPC on Sunday that it was selling PMS at N898, but did not release its price list.
What do you think of the back and forth between the NNPC and Dangote?
Why is the NNPC paying Dangote in USD?
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Published: 16/09/2024
281 inmates have escaped from the correctional facility in Borno State following last weeks’ devastating floods. The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the number of missing inmates, after it’s initial denial of the incident.
Spokesperson of the service, Abubakar Umar confirmed the incident, but refused to say that the inmates ‘escaped’. He however said that seven of them have been “recaptured.” He added that the service has the details of the missing inmates, including their biometrics.
Describing the cause of the incident, Umar said, “The flood brought down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the medium security custodial centre Maiduguri (MSCC) as well as the staff quarters in the city. Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing.”
Note that on September 10, investigative journalists Sahara Reporters had published that scores of inmates had escaped from the Maiduguri correctional facility following the flood that damaged the building.
In response, the NCoS released a statement, asking the public to ignore such reports and saying it was only planning to evacuate the inmates following the damage caused by the flood.
Do you think the NcoS will be able to find all the missing inmates?
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Published: 16/09/2024
Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Felix Morka has taken a swipe at the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), arguing that their inabilities to resolve the lingering leadership crisis in their respective domains was enough evidence not to be entrusted with the country’s administration.
In a statement issued in Abuja titled, “Salihu Lukman, A Cantankerous Political Rodomont, Morka dragged Lukman, former Vice President Northwest of the PDP for speaking against the APC and urging the opposition to kick out President Bola Tinubu from office at the next election.
Salihu Lukman had made statements that the past 16 years of the PDP administration were better than the APC’s nine-year reign. He also accused Tinubu’s successor, former President Muhammadu Buhari of failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Reacting to Lukman, Morka said, “It is ludicrous to tout opposition – PDP and Labour Party, that cannot even manage their internal affairs as capable of offering responsible and visionary leadership to Nigeria”. Morka described Lukman’s stance as inept, chronically corrupt, unpatriotic and destructive to our democracy.
Morka urged Nigerians to continue to support the president, adding that Tinubu’s vision “shall” be justified…in the fullness of time, this President shall be vindicated for his vision and unwavering commitment to the national interest and the common good of all.”
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Published: 10/09/2024
Human rights activist and social commentator Aisha Yesufu has reacted to claims by embattled national chairman of the Labour Party Julius Abure, that she and Pastor Itua Ighodalo, were responsible for managing all campaign funds of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 election.
Abure had told journalists in Abuja after a meeting of the National Executive Council on Monday that there was no truth in the allegation that he embezzled the party’s campaign donations.
The activist challenged the national chairman to tell Nigerians what he did with the proceeds of the ‘Labour Party N1,000 Challenge’ campaign donations he has been raising since 2022.
Yesufu said, “That statement Abure made was a big fat lie. He thinks it was like those days when they used to do their Labour unionism when nobody had internet or keep records; those days they got away with everything. When it comes to certain things, I am a very detailed and process-driven person.
“There were times when the fundraising team was frustrated with me because of my insistence on due process. Before Mr. Obi came out with his campaign account, the Labour Party had theirs. I have with me here a ‘Labour Party N1,000 Challenge’ post that was tweeted on 24/11/22. It said ‘Take ownership of the LP campaign by donating a minimum of N1,000 to Labour Party Zenith Account 1225832294.
“When that account was opened by Abure, I was very angry. I remember some people harmlessly saying it was no big deal since it was for the same Labour Party campaign. But I insisted that it is not the same thing because we don’t have access to any money that went into the LP account and therefore can’t use it to facilitate the electioneering campaign.
“So, for Julius Abure to come out in 2024 to blatantly lie that they were not involved in any campaign, saying it was only Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Itua (is unbelievable).
The allegation and counter-allegation come six months after Yesufu announced that the fundraising team received donations totaling N596m from party supporters, Obidient movements, and Nigerians globally.
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Published: 10/09/2024
Former Vice President and the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has described the Bola Tinubu administration as being more oppressive than the worst of military dictatorships Nigeria experienced in the past decades.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku urged the President to direct his actions at perpetrators of violence, not on innocent law-abiding citizens. Atiku was writing in reaction to the recent arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero on Monday September 9.
Ajero was arrested by the Department of State Services on Monday morning at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, while heading to the UK for official duties. Ajaero was held in custody throughout the day and released late at night. On the same day, the DSS also raided the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s Abuja office.
Atiku stated that Ajaero’s arrest exemplifies the current administration’s persistent efforts to intimidate and suppress organized labour. According to Atiku, “The recent arrest of Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, en route to an official event, epitomizes this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organized labour”.
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Published: 10/09/2024
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has located the bodies of six Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas. The bodies were found in a tunnel under Rafah. The IDF named the hostages to include, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sgt Ori Danino. Findings show that the six were brutally murdered before their bodies were dumped.
Speaking on a national broadcast, President Netanyahu said “We are in a difficult day. The heart of the entire nation is torn…our efforts to free our hostages are ongoing". He commented on Hamas' continued refusal to agree on a deal to free Israeli hostages despite four interventions by the USA. He added that any group that murders hostages is not ready for a deal.
In reaction, a group known as The Hostages Families Forum said that all six were "murdered in the last few days, after surviving almost 11 months of abuse, torture, and starvation in Hamas captivity". The group has also announced plans to "bring the nation to a halt" on Sunday, asking the Israeli public to join protests in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and elsewhere in Israel to call for a hostage exchange deal.
The hostages were abducted on October 17 during Hamas' attack on Israel in 2023.
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Published: 01/09/2024
Speaking at the PDP Congress in Rivers State held at the party's Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 31, 2024, Nyesom Wike Minsiter of the FCT and the former Governor of Rivers State, reiterated that he is happy to be a member of President Tinubu’s govermenent.
He said, “We fully in government. We are fully in Tinubu’s government. I have no regret about it and I will continue to be there. Anybody who is angry should go and hug the transformer”.
The minister promised to unleash crisis in Rivers State if anyone dared to upset the political structure he laid. He said, “Some governors say they will take the structure from us and give it to somebody. I hear that they have given them assurance that they will take the party from us. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their state…When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace. Whether you are in Bauchi or wherever your hands will get burnt. You will never see pace again.”
Wike’s statements could be understood as indirect attacks on the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Wike and Fubara have been on a power tussle over the control the oil rich state for over a year. Members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) have severally criticised Wike on his decision to support and serve in the opposition Tinubu led administration, describing his actions as anti-party.
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Published: 01/09/2024
Chidimma Adetsina has won the Miss Universe Nigeria Contest. The 23-year-old beauty queen represented Taraba State. The win comes with a prize money of N10 million.
Her win comes after months of being threatened and dragged online in South Africa over her parentage. Some South Africans had questioned her eligibility to compete in the South Africa qualifiers of the beauty pageant, complaing that her is Nigerian and her mother has Mozambican roots. Ms Adetshina cried tears of joy as she was crowned. She said, "This crown is not just for beauty; it's a call for unity.”
Chidimma was born in Soweto and is a bonafide South African. The controversy over her nationality sparked an investigation with the organisers of Miss South Africa asking the nation's home affairs department to look into her eligibility. After an initial probe, the department announced that Miss Adetshina's mother may have committed "identity theft" to become a South African national.
Her win means that she will be representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe Contest in Mexico on the global stage.
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Published: 01/09/2024
As campaigns intensify towards the November Presidential Elections in the US, republican candidate Donald Trump has lashed out against democratic candidate Vice-President Kamala Harris. Addressing the huge crowd in Pennsylvania on August 17, Trump described Harris as a communist and radical lunatic. He added that she is the most radical person to ever run for the office of president, more radical than Bernie Sanders. He said, “she breaks everything she touches”.
He asked," who the hell is Harris?... I was running against Biden, and now Harris? ” He added that President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have killed the American dream, that the dream is as dead as a door nail. Trump also criticized Harris’ choice for vice-president, Tim Walz. He asked, “how bad is that guy? He signed a bill to put tampons inside male bathrooms.”
Trump’s critical comments also took a cultural dimension as he warned that no Jewish person should vote for Kamala Harris based on her anti-Israeli stance.
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Published: 18/08/2024
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said that misogyny or the hatred/discrimination of women will be considered among other actions like Islamic and far-right radicalism as violent and extremist activities. She stressed that these ideologies pose harm on citizens. According to Ms Cooper, these actions "both online and on our streets…fray the very fabric of our communities and our democracy".
She said that the government will investigate the causes and conduct of the radicalisation of young people. The strategy will "map and monitor extremist trends" to work out how to disrupt and divert people away from them. It will also "identify any gaps in existing policy which need to be addressed to crack down on those pushing harmful and hateful beliefs and violence", she said.
The Home Secretary’s strategic focus is apt considering the spate of violent activites that have escalated across the UK, as racist and other extremist groups have clashed over the rights of immigrants.
Opposers, have described this move as the Labour government’s move to crack down on conservative groups.
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Published: 18/08/2024
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has issued warnings against liturgical abuses during mass in catholic churches across the nation. In a strongly worded letter, the bishops decried the “alarming increase” and “grave violations” which have become “a source of scandal and embarrassment to the Church in Nigeria.”
The letter — signed by the president Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, liturgy committee chairman Bishop Augustine Ndubueze Echema, and general secretary Bishop Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun — named 12 abuses to include:
1. Deviations from prescribed prayers and rubrics of the Mass, including the Eucharistic Prayer.
2. Irreverent handling of the Eucharist.
3. Priests walking down the aisle while carrying the monstrance during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and blessing people, using gestures akin to sprinkling of holy water.
4. Inappropriate music,” including secular songs.
5. Indecorous dance,” including during Eucharistic exposition.
6. Commercializing the liturgy by “taking up too many collections and fundraising right in the middle of liturgical celebrations.”
7. Using the pulpit “to pursue personal interests.”
8. Incorporating local customs inconsistent with the Catholic faith under the pretext of inculturation.
9. Failure to wear proper vestments.
10. Lack of adequate preparation for liturgical celebrations.
11. The “invention of rites,” including the ceremony of child dedication where a youngster is sometimes placed on the altar.
12. The blessing of items not approved by the Church as sacramentals.
In their letter, the bishops said that priests who failed to follow the Church’s liturgical norms were guilty of “a serious betrayal” and “leading the faithful astray.” “We remind our priests that the altar is not a stage for theatrics, nor is the liturgy a venue for novelty,” they said.
“Fidelity to the laws of the Church is not optional — it is mandatory. The faithful deserve nothing less than the true and reverent celebration of the mysteries of our faith.”
According to the letter, bishops should use penal measures, where necessary, against offending priests. They should be made to realize the gravity of their actions. Penal measures will deter others from committing similar offenses.
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Published: 18/08/2024
The Nigerian Police has launched investigations into the death of controversial crossdresser and prostitute Abuja Area Mama. The cross dresser was brutally murdered, and naked body dumped along Katampe-Mabushi expressway in Abuja.
Spokesperson of the FCT Police Command Superintendent Josephine Adeh has confirmed that investigations are ongoing. They suspect it is a homicide. According to Adeh, the police received a distress call and rushed to the scene to find the crossdresser’s badly bruised and lifeless body.
Prior to the tragic event, the energetic crossdresser had severally complained about the police’s failure to offer him/her protection from regular verbal and physical attacks and abuses.
Netizens have expressed differing opinions on the sad event. While some express their sadness and displeasure on the crossdresser’s gruesome killing, others are making jest of the situation, wishing that more Nigerian crossdressers should suffer the same fate.
Abuja Area Mama’s death is indicative of deep seated hatred and misunderstanding of LGBTQ+ persons in Nigeria.
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Published: 09/08/2024
An Israeli targeted airstrike has killed the political leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh in Iran’s capital Tehran. Haniyeh was killed at about 02:00 local time. The 62-year-old is the most senior Hamas leader to be killed since the 7 October attacks.
Israel is yet to officially respond but had vowed to eliminate Hamas's leaders especially after the Golan Heights attacks that claimed 12 lives.
Iran has vowed to avenge his death.
This event comes hours after Israel claimed it killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon. These attacks raise fears of further regional conflict, and throws ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel into doubt.
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Published: 31/07/2024
An Israeli targeted airstrike has killed the political leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh in Iran’s capital Tehran. Haniyeh was killed at about 02:00 local time. The 62-year-old is the most senior Hamas leader to be killed since the 7 October attacks.
Israel is yet to officially respond but had vowed to eliminate Hamas's leaders especially after the Golan Heights attacks that claimed 12 lives.
Iran has vowed to avenge his death.
This event comes hours after Israel claimed it killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon. These attacks raise fears of further regional conflict, and throws ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel into doubt.
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Published: 31/07/2024
An Israeli targeted airstrike has killed the political leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh in Iran’s capital Tehran. Haniyeh was killed at about 02:00 local time. The 62-year-old is the most senior Hamas leader to be killed since the 7 October attacks.
Israel is yet to officially respond but had vowed to eliminate Hamas's leaders especially after the Golan Heights attacks that claimed 12 lives.
Iran has vowed to avenge his death.
This event comes hours after Israel claimed it killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon. These attacks raise fears of further regional conflict, and throws ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel into doubt.
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Published: 31/07/2024
Legendary Nigerian musician Onyeka Onwenu has died. She slumped and after an impromptu performance at the birthday celebration of her longtime friend Stella Okoli in Lagos. She was declared dead before arriving at the hospital. She was 72.
Onwenu’s career spanned over four decades, including music, journalism, acting, and politics. She was vocal about fighting corruption and the need for good governance in Nigeria. Her music was a blended pop, highlife and reggae. Some of her notable songs include ‘One Love’ and ‘You and I’. Nigeria and indeed entire world are trying to come to grips with the shock of the tragic news.
She began her music career in the 1980s releasing several albums. She was also engaged in acting, starring in films and television series, including “Half of a Yellow Sun,” “Lionheart,” “Muna,” and many others.
As a politician, she was a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party. She contested twice unsuccessfully for the position of Local Council Chairman of her local government but was later appointed Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. She was awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). She received the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
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Published: 31/07/2024
The management of the mobile service provider has said that its offices have been closed nationwide to protect its workers and facilities from further attacks. This decision was in response to attacks on its offices in Lagos, Oyo, and Osun states. Some MTN subscribers whose lines had been barred over the weekend due to non-NIN linkage, expressed anger and vented their frustration by attacking and destroying MTN’s facilities.
MTN said that it was still taking stock of its losses, as the protesters had physically destroyed several of its facilities. They added that the decision will not affect any of their services. The reopening of their offices will depend on the nature of the planned nationwide protest and how long it lasts.
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Published: 31/07/2024
After weeks of opposition from party donors and leaders of the Democratic Party, President Joe Biden has announced his decision to step down from running for re-election. He posted a letter this afternoon on X stating his decision. In his letter, he expressed his unreserved support for his Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s nominee.
Joe Biden is currently under treatment in isolation for COVID-19. His decision has been received with shock by members of the Democratic party who thought that Biden was still determined to battle Trump in the November elections.
Republicans are calling for him to resign due to his increasing incompetence and mental challenges.
Many think that Kamala Harris is less likeable than Biden.
Do you think the democrats will support Kamala Harris?
Will she be replaced by another?
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Published: 21/07/2024
The Presidency has described calls for a nationwide protest under the hashtags #EndBadGovernance, #TinubuMustGo and #Revolution2024 as treasonable. In a lengthy tweet on X, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and his supporters, aka ‘The Obedients’ of spreading the hashtags and hateful messages about the government. He described them as anarchists.
According to Onanuga, “If they understand the meaning of their hashtags, they will realize they are clarion calls for treason. Wanting to end an elected government is high treason. Wanting revolution is a call for a coup d’etat, which is also high treason.”
In response, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement titled ‘Obi, Labour Party not involved in ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest,’ stated that it was wrong for Onanuga to link the LP and its national leader to the proposed ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest.
He described the content of the tweet as a figment of the author’s imagination. He said, Labour Party is known for being peaceful party, and it has on several occasions asked its followers to follow peace. He added that the party was not a lawless group, as evident in the aftermath of the last general election. It is therefore delusional for anyone to link our supporters to the planned protest.
What do you think of Onanuga’s accusations?
Do you think LP is involved in the planned protest?
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Published: 21/07/2024
A software defect in CrowdStrike, a cyber-security firm has caused global IT and internet disruptions, affecting major banks, media outlets, airlines, and hospitals.
Many flights have been grounded. Currently, there are queues and delays at major airports. Shops and communications have not been spared.
The boss of CrowdStrike, George Kurtz, has said the problems were caused by a "defect" in a "content update" for Microsoft Windows devices. He added: "The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed."
Responding to questions on if the incident was a cyber-attack, Mr Kurtz said the issues did not affect other operating systems, adding: "This is not a security incident or cyber-attack."
Due to the ongoing mess, CrowdStrike shares have plunged as much as 21% in early pre-market trade. Microsoft’s share value has also taken a hit.
Crowdstrike produces antivirus software, had issued a software update that caused Windows devices to crash.
Did you experience any internet or travel disruption today?
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Published: 19/07/2024
A software defect in CrowdStrike, a cyber-security firm has caused global IT and internet disruptions, affecting major banks, media outlets, airlines, and hospitals.
Many flights have been grounded. Currently, there are queues and delays at major airports. Shops and communications have not been spared.
The boss of CrowdStrike, George Kurtz, has said the problems were caused by a "defect" in a "content update" for Microsoft Windows devices. He added: "The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed."
Responding to questions on if the incident was a cyber-attack, Mr Kurtz said the issues did not affect other operating systems, adding: "This is not a security incident or cyber-attack."
Due to the ongoing mess, CrowdStrike shares have plunged as much as 21% in early pre-market trade. Microsoft’s share value has also taken a hit.
Crowdstrike produces antivirus software, had issued a software update that caused Windows devices to crash.
Did you experience any internet or travel disruption today?
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Published: 19/07/2024
A man has been killed and several people injured in a drone attack on Israel. The missile fired by the Houthi movement in Yemen, hit a block of flats in the country’s capital Tel Aviv. The Israeli military described it as a large, long-range type.
This attack marks a significant escalation of attacks on Israel which began in the wake of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which was triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October.
Until now, almost all Houthi missiles and drones fired towards Israel have been intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome system. The Israeli military said defence forces had detected the incoming drone but had not tried to shoot it down because of "human error".
A military spokesman for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, said the strike had been conducted with a new drone capable of bypassing interception systems.
The Israeli military said it was increasing air patrols, while Tel Aviv's mayor said the city is now on high alert.
Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire across the border since Hezbollah launched rockets a day after Israel began its military offensive on Gaza in response to Hamas's deadly attack on Israel.
Hezbollah and the Houthis say they are fighting for the Palestinians.
How Israel respond to being directly hit?
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Published: 19/07/2024
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero has given reasons why organized Labour comprising the NUC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) accepted the proposal of N70k as minimum wage from President Bola Tinubu.
Ajaero said the unions agreed to the offer because of other incentives attached. According to him, “The President promised a review every three years as against what obtained in the past.”
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga has published the following message on his X handle:
“Breaking: President Bola Tinubu has approved N70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers with promise to review the national minimum wage law every three years. President Tinubu also promised to find ways to assist the private sector and the sub-nationals to pay the minimum wage. President Tinubu announced the decisions at the meeting held with leaders of TUC and NLC on Thursday in Abuja, the second time the parties met in 7 days.”
Do you think organized labour got a fair deal?
Could the Nigerian government have done better considering the hard times?
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Published: 19/07/2024
Contestant Chima Udoye has won the ninth season of Nigerian Idol. His victory comes after several weeks of rigorous training and intense performances.
Udoye wowed the audience with an amazing delivery of ‘Not the Girl’ by Nigerian performer and composer, Dare Art Alade and ‘As’ by Stevie Wonder. The judges were left in awe.
He will receive the grand prize of N30 million, a brand-new SUV, a record deal, and a video shoot among the prizes.
The finale featured guest performances from Simi, Chike, and past Nigerian Idol winners such as Progress and Victory Gbakara.
The 2024 Nigerian Idol was hosted by IK Osakioduwa. The theme was ‘Dare to Dream’. The show aired for eight weeks, April 21 to July 14.
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Published: 14/07/2024
Former United States President Donald Trump has survived an assassination attempt. He was shot by 20-year-old Thomas Mathew Crooks during his campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania on July 13. The FBI moved quickly to cover him and eliminated the assailant.
While being was taken to safety, Trump raised his fist in defiance and encouraged the crowd to “fight”. This image has since gone viral on all social media platforms.
Trump suffered injuries to his right ear. He received medical treatment at Butler Memorial Hospital. Reports show that the former president is safe and has arrived at his residence in New Jersey.
Left-wing media particularly CNN were very dismissive of the shocking incident and described it as a fall on the stage. The tried to minimize a very serious situation that could have led to the death of a former US president.
Investigations are ongoing to understand the motivation of the shooter and any collaborators. President Joe Biden has made statements condemning the shooting. He has promised to reach out to Trump.
How could this situation sway voters in the November Presidential Elections?
Why would someone want Trump dead?
What are they afraid of?
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Published: 14/07/2024
During his sermon at the recently concluded Ministers & Workers Conference of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Americas 1, the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye said that he is very wary of sexual immorality, despite his age of 82 and high level of spiritual anointing. He said one’s years in Christian ministry was no guarantee of defense against sexual immorality.
The cleric warned his ministers to be wary of sexual immorality and the erroneous belief that their ‘anointing’ could help them withstand any temptation.
He referred to Samson, who was a judge in Israel, who fell into sexual immorality despite the anointing over him. He said, “Somebody says, at your age, why are you still running? I run faster than before because the closer you get to the finishing point, the more careful you must be. Some of you can say, ‘Daddy, what are you saying, are you still running?’ I run fast.
He warned boys and young men to flee from women who smile at them. He said “I do warn my children, particularly the boys. I said if the devil comes against you, tell the devil to get lost, but when you see a girl smiling at you in a funny way, run because you can’t win the battle.”
Netizens have expressed surprise at the cleric, wondering why he is so obsessed with sex. Others have praised him for expressing his personal struggles.
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Published: 07/07/2024
Data from Nigeria’s Central Bank show that that the country’s foreign reserve has reached $34.7bn. This figure represents an increase of $110m from the previous figure of $34.5bn.
Nigeria’s reserves have been steadily increasing over the past week, with growth attributed to the recent increase in oil prices, improved diaspora remittances, and the Central Bank’s efforts to stabilize the currency.
Recent Fitch Ratings show a positive outlook on Nigeria’s economy. According to Fitch, significant reforms have restored macroeconomic stability and enhanced policy coherence and credibility.
However, Fitch report noted that short-term challenges remain, including high inflation and FX market volatility. Despite these conditions, the agency expects further monetary policy tightening and strengthening of monetary policy transmission.
In response netizens have questioned these reports, citing the continued untold hardship plaguing ordinary Nigerian citizens.
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Published: 07/07/2024
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has advanced plans to launch a uniform currency to be used in all 15 member states - the ECO. Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from member countries are currently in concluding discussions on how the new currency will be managed. The goal of the new currency is to propel economic growth and development throughout the West African sub-region. Nigeria has fully endorsed its use.
According to an official statement released after their meeting, “The vision for the ECO extends beyond a mere currency. It aspires to become a cornerstone of economic integration, streamlining trade and bolstering monetary stability across the region…the meeting culminated in a renewed sense of purpose surrounding the ECO’s introduction. Participants emerged with a shared belief that the single currency holds immense potential to reshape the economic landscape of the region, paving the way for a more prosperous future for all member states”.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, commented that the ECO will foster economic growth and development in the region. He further emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to its successful implementation.
However, there are divergent opinions on the effect of the proposed ECO on West African economies. While some believe it would bring about economic growth like the Euro in Europe, others believe that it will change nothing due to the corrupt tendencies of most governments in the region.
Do you think the new ECO will bring about economic growth and development in West Africa?
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Published: 07/07/2024
Meet the UK’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer became prime minister of the United Kingdom, replacing Rishi Sunak, after a landslide Labour victory in the July 4, 2024, British
general election.
He was born on September 2, 1962, in London, England. He is a British politician and lawyer who became leader of the Labour Party in 2020. He has served as a member of Parliament for Holborn and St. Pancras since 2015.
How will he lead the UK in these troubled times?
How will he manage inflation, immigration, and the UK’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war?
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Published: 05/07/2024
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has confirmed Nigeria’s signing of the Samoa Agreement. The Samoa Agreement mandates developing countries to support the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The minister announced this development on July 1 at a reception organized by the European Union (EU) in Abuja.
However, when contacted Bagudu’s media assistant, Bolaji Adebiyi, said the agreement was signed by the federal government strictly for the economic development of Nigeria. He argued that agreement contained no references to LGBT+ or same sex marriage, that it is wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted those tendencies. He insisted that what Bagudu signed was a $150 billion trade deal.
Nigeria, 34 other African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, including the Republic of Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Botswana, Burundi, Jamaica, Mali, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Namibia, Grenada, Eritrea, Malawi, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Maldives, Mauritania, the Republic of Nauru, the Republic of Palau, Saint Lucia, the Republic of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Tuvalu, have refused to sign the LGBT Agreement. These countries are very religious, upholding mostly Islamic and Christianity values. They are also very protective of their cultural values.
News of the agreement has been greeted with negative sentiments by Nigerians on and offline, especially religious leaders. Many are warning the government to not dare to tamper with the country’s traditions and cultural norms on marriage.
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Published: 04/07/2024
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced that Nigerians spent a total of N16.5 trillion annually to buy diesel, petrol and generators to get electricity. The minister made the revelation at the ongoing 2024 Nigeria Oil and Gas conference in Abuja.
The minister said, spending in the formal sector was just N1tn in 2023. This is minute, compared to spending in the informal sector, that generated revenue close to N20tn, as citizens purchased generators, diesel, and petrol.
He said, “Even if it is just a quarter of that is put in the official power sector, we are talking about incremental revenue of N5tn that will bring the sector’s revenue to N6tn, sincerely we are going to have something close to uninterrupted 24/7 power supply in Nigeria”.
He also announced that the formal power sector, including electricity generation, transmission, and distribution companies, made a total revenue of N1tn last year amid the over N16tn spent by power consumers in the informal sector.
He however, added that power consumers on Band A are currently enjoying 24/7 power supply across the country.
Minister Adelabu’s revelations point to the huge amount of revenue the government and power distribution companies loose annually, due to their inability to effectively manage the power sector. Many Nigerians have turned to installing solar panels to generate power. Others use diesel or petrol generators for meet their power needs.
How have you been managing power supply in the past one year?
How much do you spend weekly on petrol, diesel, and generator?
What can Nigeria do to improve the epileptic power supply situation?
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Published: 03/07/2024
The Central Bank of Nigeria has threatened to sanction banks and other financial operators that reject the old series and lower denominations of the US dollars.
This warning was contained in a circular dated June 27 directed at deposit money banks, Bureau De Change operators and the public and signed by the acting director of the currency operations department, Solaja Olayemi.
“Kindly be reminded that the Central Bank of Nigeria circular referenced COD/DIR/INT/CIR/001/002 and dated 9th April 2021, which explicitly frowned at this selective acceptance of deposit, is still in force and must be adhered to and complied with by all relevant parties.
“For the avoidance of doubt and further guidance on the circular, the content is hereby reissued as follows for strict compliance: All DMBs /authorized forex dealers should henceforth accept both old series and lower denominations of United States Dollars that are legal tender for deposit from their customers. The CBN will not hesitate to sanction any DMB or authorized forex dealers who refuse to accept old series/lower denominations of US Dollar bills from their customers,” the circular partly read.
CBN said the fresh circular was necessitated by findings from its consumer market intelligence which revealed the continued rejection of old/lower denominations of dollar bills by banks and other authorized forex dealers.
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Published: 03/07/2024
The US Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot be prosecuted for official actions taken as president. However, the immunity does not cover his unofficial acts. The ruling came after a split decision of 6 to 3 among the supreme court justices. The 6 conservative judges were in the majority, while the leftist three justices opposed it.
The decision of the supreme court marks the first time that a former US president is shielded from prosecution for actions taken within their constitutional authority, as opposed to a private capacity.
The justices threw out a lower court’s decision rejecting Trump’s claim of immunity from criminal charges involving his efforts to undo his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden.
Reading the ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts said, “We conclude that under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of presidential power requires that former presidents have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts during his tenure in office… at least with respect to the president’s exercise of his core constitutional powers, this immunity must be absolute. As for his remaining official actions, he is also entitled to immunity.”
However, the supreme court’s ruling did not sit well with President Biden and his fellow democrats. In reaction, Biden said that it sets a wrong precedent, that the ruling will cause future US Presidents to act like kings because of immunity. He added that “For all practical purposes the ruling sets no limits to what the President can do”.
Trump is facing trial over allegations that he started a riot on January 6, 2020, after he lost the elections to President Biden. Trump holds that the elections were massively rigged in favor of Biden.
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Published: 02/07/2024
Ex-husband of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has urged the Lagos State High Court to stop her from using his name and surname ‘Alison Madueke’. Retired Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Alison Madueke, has filed a petition of jactitation – a declaration that marriage has ended. He has asked her to return to her maiden name ‘Agama’.
He described her use of his family name as embarrassing, based on the numerous cases of corruption levelled against her. He stressed that the marriage had been dissolved since April 2022. According to him, judgment was delivered on April 13, 2022, in Suit No. NSD/MG345/2021 by Hon. Justice A.A. Ozegya. He added that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
He stated that, “The persistent portrayal of the respondent as the spouse of the petitioner is creating embarrassment, a misleading impression and tarnishing the reputation, integrity, and public image of the petitioner.
His ex-wife Diezani is undergoing criminal trials in both Nigeria and United Kingdom. She faces public allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
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Published: 02/07/2024
Democratic Party’s President Biden and republican candidate Donald Trump have faced off in the first public debate leading up to the US presidential elections in November.
The debate organized by CNN in Atlanta, was keenly anticipated and viewed worldwide. It marked the first opportunity for both candidates to sell themselves as the best person to win the world’s most powerful political office for the next four years.
Through the debate, Donald Trump maintained confidence and composure in expressing his arguments and responses on US policy and future decisions.
However, President’s Biden’s performance was appalling. Many have described is as painful to watch. His speech was slurred at many points, and he struggled to manage his train of thought. Some have criticized the Democratic Party for senior abuse, of forcing an elderly man to keep running for office, instead of resting in retirement. There is talk that the democrats want Biden to immediately resign and be replaced by another candidate.
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Published: 28/06/2024
Nigerian social media influencer and self-proclaimed human rights activist Very Dark Man (VDM) is at it again. The influencer has taken to dragging Nigerian celebs like Iyabo Ojo and Nkechi Blessing over the low quality of invitations they received to Davido’s wedding.
He mocked them for being invited to attend at 5pm as different from other VIPs like him who were invited to attend the event at from 10 am. He criticized Iyabo Ojo for pretending to be stuck in traffic. According to VDM, Iyabo Ojo had made insulting remarks about his parents, that he was trying to get back at her.
Several celebs and influencers including Paulo and Sabinus have criticized VDM his disrespectful behavior. That he did not donate a dime to support the couple but ate thoroughly at the event.
What do you think of VDM’s actions?
How should the influencers respond?
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Published: 27/06/2024
Kenya’s President William Ruto has conceded to the demands of young protesters by agreeing not to sign the finance bill containing controversial tax demands on citizens. His concession was made after deadly protests which saw parliament set ablaze. Protesters broke into parliament, vandalising the interior and setting parts of the complex on fire. The ceremonial mace, symbolising the authority of the legislature, was stolen.
23 persons have been reported killed.
Ruto said, "I concede.” He added that that he would not sign the bill into law. Mr Ruto said he would now enter into dialogue with the young people, who were at the forefront of the biggest protests to hit the country since he was elected in 2022.
As of today June 27, police were seen deployed across the capital Nairobi and around State House. Many Kenyans on social media vowing to stage a march into the president's official residence, that he must account for the young lives that were lost.
The protesters have now changed their demand to “Ruto must go”. They believe that he has lost relevance and is incapable to governing Kenya with equity.
However, some prominent people linked to the protests have warned the risk of further violence from government forces.
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Published: 27/06/2024
1. Five people have been recorded while about 40 people are reportedly being treated in hospital.
2. The Kenyan parliament was set alight after protesters breached the complex and made away with the mace, the symbol of legislative authority.
3. Hundreds of MPs were unable to leave the building and reportedly took cover in the basement.
4. Former President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a statement calling for calm and restraint from the country's leaders. He said, "I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people…Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution, and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy."
5. President William Ruto has blamed the protest and the clashes on "criminals" who he says "hijacked" the protests. He described the activities of the protesters as treasonous. He vowed a "full response" to the violence
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Published: 26/06/2024
Flutterwave, a leading African payment technology company, has laid off 24 of its employees, accounting for three per cent of its workforce. Founder and CEO Olugbenga Agboola said that this decision was part of the company’s plan to refocus on its core business areas, particularly enterprise payments and expand the remittance segment through its SendApp.
Agboola however, commended the service of the laid off staff, describing them as “the most hardworking people you’d meet”. He added that, “But once the data and the business are pointing us in a specific direction, it would be counterproductive for us not to listen and create the right mechanisms to move faster on the opportunities awaiting us.”
To support the transitioning employees, Flutterwave offered a comprehensive severance package including, three-month gross salary, monetization of unutilized accrued leave days, 12 months of access to the company’s professional training platform, and three months of free outplacement services. Additionally, Flutterwave is providing six months of stock option vesting, three months of free healthcare, and continued access to mental health and career coaches for three months.
Do you use Flutterwave?
Do you think the employees were treated fairly?
Could the current economic downturn in Nigeria have influenced the management’s decisions?
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Published: 26/06/2024
After five years in prison, Julian Assange has finally been freed. He regained his freedom after accepting to sign a plea bargain that he was guilty of the criminal charges levelled against him.
Assange imprisoned in the UK at the request of US authorities over a conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information. The US government held that the Wikileaks files - which disclosed information about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars - endangered lives.
Assange will spend no time in US custody and will receive credit for the time spent incarcerated in the UK. Assange will return to Australia, according to a letter from the justice department. The deal which will see him plead guilty to one charge is expected to be finalized in a court in the remote Northern Mariana Islands on Wednesday, 26 June.
His wife, Stella Assange, tweeted thanks to his supporters "who have all mobilized for years and years to make this come true". She advised that the Biden administration "should distance itself from this shameful prosecution".
Assange’s Wikileaks founded in 2006, has published millions of documents about US government secret military activities, including its invasion of Iraq. However, the government views these publications as the largest compromise of classified information in the history of the United States.
During his time in prison, Assange was rarely seen in public. He suffered from poor health, including a small stroke in 2021.
Do you think Assange was treated fairly?
Do you think he deserved what he got?
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Published: 25/06/2024
Nigerian music superstar Davido and his bride Chioma are set to wed today June 25 in Lagos. The past days have witnessed much social media buzz and discourse around the wedding that is expected to be star-studded. There is talk of the expensive invitation pack issued. That it contains the Samsung Galaxy Z fold phone worth over a million naira, among other expensive gift items. Some social media comedians have made jokes about selling or exchanging their invites. Pictures have circulated about expensive treats given to Chioma’s bridesmaids. Other social media fans have used the opportunity to troll Wizkid, Davido’s perceived music rival.
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What do you think of all the buzz about the wedding?
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Published: 25/06/2024
Independent oil marketers in the downstream oil sector have called for the immediate intervention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure the provision of crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Insufficient supplies to the refinery have kept the price of diesel up. Local marketers are considering returning to their international suppliers.
They slammed the international oil companies in Nigeria for selling crude oil to Dangote refinery above the global market prices, describing this as ‘anti-country practice.’
The National President of IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, stated that the refusal of the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, to collaborate with IPMAN is another factor affecting the $20bn refinery. He noted that more than 3.5 billion liters of Dangote diesel and aviation fuel had been exported to Europe by the refinery in the past few months, being 90 percent of its output.
The IPMAN leader further blamed Dangote for the importation of diesel by operators, saying Dangote diesel is more expensive. He said “The major challenge is the cost of the Dangote diesel. We are looking for a reduction from him. He should bring it to a little bit lower rate.”
Dangote Refinery has also accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority of granting licenses indiscriminately to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.
How could this issue be resolved?
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Published: 25/06/2024
Speaking during campaigns this week at Wisconsin, Republican Party candidate Donald Trump promised that if elected, his government will facilitate the issuance of green cards to foreigners graduating from US universities.
He said "I do promise… You graduate from a college; I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma a green card to be able to stay in this country and that includes junior colleges too."
Trump was responding to questions asked by tech investors on what his plans were to employ the brightest brains in tech from abroad and retain those who study in the USA.
To clarify the issue, Trump’s campaign team said that he was referring to only skilled graduates who can make significant impact in the USA, not illegal immigrants taking undue advantage of government’s resources.
Some have described his promise as merely political, a show of desperation as the November Presidential Elections draw closer.
The US green card or permanent resident card allows individuals the right to live and work permanently in the United States and is a step towards citizenship.
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Published: 22/06/2024
Mostly Gen Z Kenyan youths have taken to the streets to protest high taxes, rising unemployment, and other economic hardships plaguing the country under the Ruto led government. The government plans to raise $2.7 billion by increasing taxes at the expense of struggling citizens.
The youths filled the streets of Nairobi, chanting and waving placards, blocking traffic, and hindering the operations of several government establishments to express their grievance. Police responded violently with tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. Spent cartridge shells were found around the protest site, indicative of the use of live bullets. One person has been killed and over 200 injured in the protest that began on Thursday June 20.
An alliance of human rights groups, including Amnesty International have condemned the actions of the police, appealing to them to allow the youths express their opinions.
Some have described the protest as the beginning of a revolution in Kenya.
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Published: 22/06/2024
There is talk of an exit scam as Tapswap, a popular tap-2-earn app by TON Blockchain announced that it is halting payments to tappers, as its representatives are seeking the best ways to reward the tap-to-earn gamers. This information was disclosed by the company’s Head of Communications John Robbin.
According to Robbin, the method of token allocation has not yet been ascertained, hence payments have been postponed until July 1. Robbin said, “We will allocate a significant part of the tokens to the community to retain the tappers. We want you all to be part of the Tapswap community”.
Since it launched in February 2024, the app has amassed over 50 million users globally. Users are required to repeatedly tap the icon in the center Tapswap bot screen to mine coins. The app has gained a huge following in Nigeria, as ordinary citizens spend hours tapping on their phone screens in pursuit of financial earnings amidst growing economic hardships.
However, the public sentiment around the announcement is negative as tappers believe that it could be the beginning of an exit scam, after Tapswap has gained a huge following and amassed huge revenue from ads on its app. Others remain hopeful.
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Published: 20/06/2024
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is headed to North Korea to meet its leader Kim Jong Un. This will be Putin’s first visit in 24 years. Both leaders met in September 2000 when leader Kim paid a visit to the Russian city of Vladivostok.
Although, the agenda of the meeting is not clear, there are speculations that both countries are strengthening military ties amidst growing western isolation. North Korean media is describing Putin’s coming, as a ‘a friendly visit’. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin has become a pariah to the West and has been seeking allies elsewhere.
The US and South Korea have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery and other equipment, likely in exchange for food and military aid, however both countries have denied the existence of an arms deal. After North Korea, Putin plans to visit another ally country, Vietnam.
In the west, there is growing apprehension that Russia is planning a nuclear attack. NATO countries are preparing to move their nuclear weapons from storage, to prepare them for possible action.
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Published: 18/06/2024
The rising cost of livestock has resulted in low-key Eid celebrations among Nigeria’s Muslims. Livestock like cows, rams, and goats are often slaughtered, eaten and shared as essential parts of the celebrations. The cost of a decent sized cow has escalated to N2 million.
The high cost of livestock is attributed to rising costs of animal feed, transportation, and insecurity affecting most northern states where livestock are reared. Several farmers have reported to buying animal feed from neighboring West African countries.
Some Nigerians say it is time to call for a state of emergency in the county’s agricultural sector. That the Tinubu led administration should prioritize and act to promote agricultural development and tackle the menace of insecurity adversely affecting farmers across the country.
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Published: 18/06/2024
Flamboyant RCCG Pastors Idowu and Siju Illuyomade were recently asked to step down as pastors of the flamboyant and wealthy City of David Parish, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Illuyomades served as pastors to late Herbert Wigwe and his wife Chizoba. The Wigwes were one of the key sponsors of the parish and the church.
Their decision to throw a lavish birthday party at Eko Hotel just days after the Wigwe’s tragic death, drew wide criticism, causing the parish to be excluded from the high-profile funeral ceremonies. It is believed that the behavior and general carefree attitude of the couple, informed the decision of the church council to remove and transfer them to an obscure position and parish at Ebute Metta.
Feeling humiliated, the couple have resigned. There are unconfirmed reports that they are considering the idea of starting their own church.
What do you think about the Illuyomades?
Have you met them?
Do you think that they will establish their own church?
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Published: 13/06/2024
Today June 12, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of unbroken democracy in Nigeria. However, Nigerians are still left wandering if they have truly benefited from the dividends of democracy. The negative public sentiment clouding democracy day is a result of decades of misrule marked by corruption and impunity by various Nigerian governments over the last two decades. Poverty, inflation, and other economic challenges have worsened since the inauguration of the current Tinubu led administration in 2023.
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Do you think it is worth celebrating democracy day in Nigeria?
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Published: 12/06/2024
President Joe Biden of the USA has promised to respect the jury’s decision and not try to influence the trial of his son Hunter Biden. He said he will not be granting him a presidential pardon. The jury has found Hunter guilty on three felony charges comprising lying about possesing a hand gun and cocaine.
Hunter Biden faces possible jail time following the verdict which marked the first criminal prosecution of a sitting president’s child.
Hunter’s conviction comes as his father campaigns for re-election in November, and less than two weeks after his political rival Donald Trump was convicted of felony in New York.
Trying to gain public sympathy, President Biden said, “I am the president, but I am also a dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction, understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery”.
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Published: 12/06/2024
Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy recently paid a visit to the University of Porth Harcourt Teaching Hospital. During the visit, the artist reportedly announced that he will be paying the hospital bills of every patient in the hospital to the shock and appreciation of the hospital staff and patients. Nigerians have widely commended this generous act hailing him as as a powerful man, ‘Odogwu’.
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Published: 12/06/2024
Ibrahim Traoré military leader of Burkina Faso, has awarded Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov his nation’s highest honor - the Order of the Stallion. The event took place on Wednesday June 5 at the nation’s capital Ouagadougou.
Since 2023, Burkina Faso have been strengthening ties with Russia to the displeasure of the West. Russia is also assisting Burkina Faso in building nuclear power plants to increase the supply of energy across West Africa. Both countries are also collaborating in areas of health, economy, education, science, and technology.
Reacting to the award, Lavrov retreated Russia’s commitment to assisting African countries to get rid of neocolonial influences. He commended the people of Burkina Faso for deciding to become masters of their own destinies.
Burkinabe citizens have expressed support for closer Russian ties.
What to you think of Burkina Faso’s growing ties with Russia?
How will the West react to this development?
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Published: 08/06/2024
Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) has fined Multichoice Nigeria N150 million for challenging its jurisdiction. The tribunal has also ordered the company to provide one-month free access on DStv and GOtv for all its Nigerian subscribers.
On April 24, MultiChoice announced a new increase in the cost of subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages. On April 29, the tribunal issued an order stopping this decision. However, the company ignored the order and went on with its plans, in contempt of the tribunal.
Multichoice through its lawyer, Moyosore Onibanjo, filed an application on April 30 challenging the order. In its ruling, a three-man panel, led by Thomas Okosu, cited section 39(2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Act that states that the “tribunal shall have jurisdiction throughout the federation and on all commercial activities aimed at making a profit”.
The tribunal also held that the sanctions were placed on the company are due to the illegality of the eight-day notice given to the customers before the price hike.
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Published: 08/06/2024
Data from the State of the States Report by BudgIT reveals that N986.64 billion was spent by 30 Nigerian state governors on recurrent expenditures, including refreshments, sitting allowances, travelling, utilities, etc., in the first quarter of 2024.
A breakdown showed that the 30 states spent N5.1bn on refreshments for guests, N4.67bn on sitting allowances to government officials, N34.63bn on local and foreign travel expenses, and N5.64bn on utility bills, amounting to N50.02bn in the first three months of 2024.
Nigerians have expressed shock at the extravagance and waste of these state governments in view of the current harsh economic climate in Nigeria, marked high inflation and rising poverty among ordinary citizens.
What can be done to curb wasteful spending by state governments in Nigeria?
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Published: 05/06/2024
Data from the State of the States Report by BudgIT reveals that N986.64 billion was spent by 30 Nigerian state governors on recurrent expenditures, including refreshments, sitting allowances, travelling, utilities, etc., in the first quarter of 2024.
A breakdown showed that the 30 states spent N5.1bn on refreshments for guests, N4.67bn on sitting allowances to government officials, N34.63bn on local and foreign travel expenses, and N5.64bn on utility bills, amounting to N50.02bn in the first three months of 2024.
Nigerians have expressed shock at the extravagance and waste of these state governments in view of the current harsh economic climate in Nigeria, marked high inflation and rising poverty among ordinary citizens.
What can be done to curb wasteful spending by state governments in Nigeria?
Share your thoughts on this issue in he comments.
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Published: 05/06/2024
New British banknotes bearing the face of King Charles III’s have gone into circulation today June 5. The issuing of the new notes by the Bank of England, are in line with British law to have the face of the reigning monarch on national banknotes. The King’s face appears on 5, 10, 20, and 50-pound notes.
The new notes will be used simultaneously with the previous notes with the face of the former monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
Currently, there are 4 billion banknotes in circulation, so it might be difficult to spot the new notes.
What do you think of the new notes?
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Published: 05/06/2024
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday resolved to suspend their national strike. The suspension was due to the government’s speedy intervention by way of returning to negotiations with the unions. The following resolutions were reached at their meeting.
1. There is a greater need to create the right ambiance for negotiation to continue unhindered. The indefinite nationwide strike action is, therefore, relaxed for One Week from today to allow the Federal Government to commit to a concrete and acceptable National Minimum Wage; take definitive steps to reverse the electricity tariff hike back to N66/kWh and abolish the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into Bands.
2. The NLC and TUC National Leadership are mandated to continue to maintain open channels of communication with the Federal Government to negotiate and secure favourable outcomes for Nigerian workers and people.
3. All affiliate unions and State Councils are therefore directed to relax the indefinite nationwide strike and return to their respective workplaces immediately.
The NLC and TUC’s actions have come under widespread criticism. Many believe that they would have been more resolute on their demands, that they should have secured a reasonable figure for a new minimum wage before agreeing to suspend the strike. Some have described the President of the NUC Joe Ajero, as unserious and weak.
Do you think labour got a fair deal?
Will the government be honest on its promises to workers?
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Published: 05/06/2024
Via its X handle, The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Headquarters has tweeted a breakdown of the monthly salary of Nigerian senators, almost N30 million. The tweet was posted amidst the ongoing strike by the union and its member unions over the national minimum wage and escalating electricity costs.
Should Nigerian senators earn this much in view of the country’s poor economic climate?
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Published: 04/06/2024
The Central Bank of Nigeria has revoked the banking license of Heritage Bank Plc due to its failure to improve its financial performance. The CBN believed that the bank’s financial health is unstable and unsustainable. The decision was disclosed by Sidi Ali, director of corporate communications at the CBN.
According to the CBN, the bank has breached Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020. Its management was unable to improve its performance despite various supervisory steps taken by the regulator. The CBN holds that the Heritage Bank has no prospects of recovery and that its decision was necessary to protect the financial system and maintain public confidence.
In support of depositors, the CBN has promised to repay up to N5 million. The CBN added that “Depositors with funds in excess of the insured deposits will be paid as and when the assets of the closed bank are realized. Depositors will soon be notified by publication in national dailies as to the commencement of payment of the insured deposits”.
Do you think the CBN made the right decision?
Do you operate an account with Heritage Bank?
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Published: 04/06/2024
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) made good its threat to shut down the country in view of its rejection of the N60K minimum wage offered by the Tinubu administration. The NLC embarked on a strike yesterday June 3. The national strike brought Nigeria to a halt as government establishments, hospitals, banks, and many private companies were shut down. The shutting down of the national grid, petrol stations, and oil marketing firms, further aggravated the situation, plunging the country into a total blackout. Flights were grounded and passengers were stranded.
Negotiations are ongoing between labour and the government. Speaking for the government, the Secretary to the government George Akume announced that President Tinubu is committed to paying a minimum wage higher than N60K, with attendant palliatives including distribution of grains, providing subsidized transportation, and grants for students. However, the NLC has been resolute on its demands for N494K as minimum wage. Today marks the second day of the strike.
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Published: 04/06/2024
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the N60K minimum wage offered by the Nigerian government. The government has shifted its stance from N48K earlier offered. The NLC has also shifted ground from its earlier demand of N615,000 to N494,000. The issue of minimum wage is yet to be resolved.
What do you think is a reasonable minimum wage for Nigerian workers considering the prevailing economic climate?
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Published: 28/05/2024
There have been conflicting orders from the Kano State High Court and the Federal High Court on who is to remain as Emir of Kano. The Kano State High Court ruled against the removal and harassment of the reinstated Emir Sanusi II by security forces.
In a counter move, the Federal High Court in Kano presided by Justice Amobeda, has ruled that Emir Sanusi be immediately evicted from the palace, and, that the recently deposed Ado Bayero be reinstated as Emir along with his rights and privileges.
The case has been adjourned to June 4 for further hearing. The conflicting court rulings have further complicated the case.
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Published: 28/05/2024
Violent protests have broken out in Kano over the dethroning of Emir Ado Bayero and the restoration of the previous Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Supporters of Bayero took the streets demanding that he be reinstated immediately.
Before the protest, a prayer was held for the intervention of God. The protest began peacefully, but, however, turned violent as the protesters began to set fires at various parts of the city. The protestors insisted that the government should obey the court order preventing the reinstating of Emir Sanusi.
Currently, there is a heavy presence of security personnel, including policemen, soldiers, officials of the Department of State Services, among others in Kano City and at Gidan Sarki Nasarawa, home of the dethroned Emir Bayero.
Sanusi was dethroned in 2020 by former Governor Ganduje over corruption and several other allegations.
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Published: 26/05/2024
American rap superstar Nicki Minaj has been arrested in the Netherlands for carrying drugs. Some quantity of cannabis-marijuana was found in her luggage as she tried to leave the capital Amsterdam for the UK for a scheduled concert in Manchester.
The concert organizers announced the indefinite postponement of the concert to a hugely disappointed audience waiting for the arrival of the star. They were assured that their tickets were still valid for the concert whenever it holds in the future.
The star tweeted her shock that cannabis was illegal in the Netherlands. She had assumed it was allowed for recreational use. She added that she suspects that the Dutch police were only trying to frustrate her UK concert. A sabotage.
What do you think about the use of cannabis for recreational use?
Do you think the Dutch Police are against Nicki?
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Published: 26/05/2024
Justice Binta Nyako today refused to grant bail to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu, who has been in detention over a treasonable felony, has asked the court to grant him bail or to transfer him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to prison. Alternatively, he requested to be placed under house arrest.
Justice Nyako said that she refused Kanu’s requests as he had jumped bail earlier on and fled from Nigeria. She added that his bail sureties had requested to be recused, as they could not account for his whereabouts.
However, the judge ordered the DSS to grant Kanu uninterrupted access to his lawyers and at least five visitors on visiting days. She also ordered that Kanu should be allowed access to any doctor of his choice.
In reaction to the refusal, Kanu in a fit of rage described the government lawyers as terrorists. He insisted that the Nigerian government had kidnapped him and brought him back home to try him unfairly. He added that he was motivated to flee the country as he was sure that the government was planning to assassinate him.
Justice Nyako adjourned the case to June 19 and 20 for further hearings.
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What do you think of Kanu’s accusations?
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Published: 20/05/2024
The President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, the foreign minister, and other government officials have died in a helicopter crash in the mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border. The deceased were found in the charred wreckage of a helicopter.
There are fears that the crash could have been caused by a blizzard. There are also rumors that the helicopter could have been shot down by Israeli forces.
Raisi was a hardliner and potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He had been very vocal against Israel’s actions over Gaza and was instrumental in authorizing the response attack on Israel after it killed Iranian military officers.
The Iranian government has announced that it will be holding a presidential election on June 28 to elect a new president.
What do you think could have caused the crash that killed Iran’s President?
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Published: 20/05/2024
Tinubu Suspends Cybersecurity Levy Amidst Public Outcry
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has ordered the immediate suspension of the Cybersecurity levy on Nigerians in response to the public outcry. The new levy aimed to charge Nigerians 0.5 percent on each financial transaction as a tax for cyber protection from the government.
Civil society including Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT, organized labour, and individuals decried the imposition of the new policy, stating that it will worsen the hardships currently faced by ordinary citizens since the assumption of the Tinubu administration in May 2023.
The cybersecurity levy is backed by Section 44 (2) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 which aims to bolster cybersecurity measures in Nigeria. It mandates the imposition of a levy on electronic transactions, with the proceeds paid into the National Cybersecurity Fund (NCF) under the administration of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
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Published: 13/05/2024
Prince Harry and Meghan Complete Nigeria Visit: Shunned by British High Commission
Prince Harry Duke of Sussex and wife Meghan Markle have ended their three-day visit to Nigeria with a visit to Lagos State to see Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, military personnel, and some school children. In Lagos, the couple participated in a game of sit-down volleyball organized by the Giants of Africa Foundation.
The visit began on Friday, May 10 with their arrival in Abuja. According to the couple, they were in the country on the invitation of Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters to make Nigeria part of the Invictus Games. The Invictus Games were founded ten years ago by Prince Harry to give physical and mental support to injured military personnel. During the visit, the couple had the opportunity to meet key government officers, injured military personnel, and schoolchildren.
However, the visit was marked by conflicting perspectives from Nigerians. While some praised the couple for visiting Nigeria and making the country part of the Invictus community, others believed they were only seeking clout and relevance, after being shunned by the working royals in the UK. Some posted on X that King Charles would not look favorably at Nigeria for hosting the couple.
Noticeably during the visit, the British High Commission in Nigeria did not acknowledge the presence of the couple. Speaking on the matter, Richard Montgomery the High Commissioner said that the couple was visiting Nigeria in a private capacity. He added that the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme, and that they not representing the work of His Majesty King Charles III.
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Published: 13/05/2024
Protests Intensifies on US University Campuses against Israel
There have been several protests on US university campuses over Israel’s actions in Gaza. The students say that they are upset over the USA’s foreign policy and support for Israel over the Palestinians.
Many of the protests turned violent as windows and doors were smashed. The protestors blocked roads and obstructed campus-wide activities via sit-ins and blocking of roads. Several students have been arrested, up to 300 at Columbia and New York universities. The students are saying that they have a voice and a right and will not keep silence over the massacre of Palestinians in Gaza.
In response, New York Mayor Eric Adams, said that the students are not acting alone, they are being influenced by outside forces. He added that they were led by entities not affiliated with the universities. In response, the students denied having any outside influencers. They said they acted alone.
At the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), protesting students were countered by pro-Israel protestors who attacked them with fireworks, bear spray, and life rodents to scare them off.
So far, the students have shown no fear. They are determined to keep up the protests until the war on Gaza ends.
What to do you think of the student protesters?
Should the USA keep supporting Israel?
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Published: 03/05/2024
USD 9.5 Billion on Hold: Turkey Halts Economic Ties, Promises to Sue Israel
Turkey has suspended trade relations with Israel over its siege and attacks Palestinians in Gaza. The Turkish government says it will halt all exports until Israel allows the free flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Turkish trade Minister said efforts will be made to ensure that Palestinians are not adversely affected by the trade ban.
President Erdogan of Turkey said that a trade volume USD 9.5 billion is at stake with the current ban, that Turkey cannot focus on economic gains while the people of Gaza continue to suffer. Currently, Turkey is Israel’s 13th biggest trade partner.
In reaction, Israel Katz, the Israeli Foreign Minister, accused the Turkish President of acting like a dictator and not respecting international trade agreements.
In a new development, Turkey has also promised to join South Africa to sue Israel for genocide in Gaza.
Columbia is also threatening to cut trade ties with Israel over their actions against the Palestinians.
Do you think Turkey’s action is justified?
Does Israel have a point on their siege over Gaza?
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Published: 03/05/2024
Stop Paying Us Peanuts: Borno Teachers Cry Out
School teachers in Borno State have taken to social media to cry out over the meager pay they receive from the government. Some teachers claim they receive N13K, while others are as low as N7K monthly. These figures are far below the national minimum wage of N30K. Several teachers complain that they trek to work as their salaries cannot sustain them until the end of the month.
In response, Abba Wakilbe the education commissioner said that the teacher's claim is false and that the work of enemies trying to tarnish the image of the government. He accused the teachers of being ungrateful as most of them are not qualified, and that the government is paying them out of compassion. He said,“ I won’t call them teachers, they are unqualified…they were found to be untrainable… our qualified teachers are receiving the minimum wage”. He said the former administration should have fired them.
He added that the state government is investing N1 billion to train 6,227 teachers to improve the quality of teaching for the benefit of the students and the state.
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Published: 01/05/2024
May Day 2024: NLC Disappointed, Warns of Action at End of May
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed disappointment as the government failed to announce the implementation of the requested new national minimum wage of N 615,000. Labour is arguing that the said amount is commensurate with the current economic realities faced by ordinary citizens.
Speaking on the 2024 Workers’ Day celebrations at the Eagles’ Square in Abuja, the President of the NLC Joe Ajero said that the demand for the new minimum wage stands firm; rooted in the grim reality of workers’ lives across the nation.
The NLC has given the government until the end of May to meet its demands. They stressed that if the negotiation drags on beyond the end of May, industrial harmony in the country will no longer be guaranteed.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said the new minimum wage will take effect from May 1, 2024. She added that the government is committed to negotiating a minimum wage that is realistic for both parties.
Do you think the NLC is justified in its demands?
Is N 615,000 feasible for the government to pay regularly?
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Published: 01/05/2024
Prisonbreak: 119 Inmates Flee as Rains Destroy Fence
119 inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, near Abuja. The inmates escaped via a huge gap in the prison wall due to damage caused by a heavy downpour on Wednesday, April 24.
In a signed statement, Adamu Duza, spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, said that the heavy rain caused severe damage to the infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
So far, 10 inmates have been captured via joint efforts of the national security services. The authorities are appealing to the public to help with any information to help capture escaped inmates. Repairs on the damaged section of the fence are ongoing.
On a visit to the facility, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Ojo highlighted the pressing need to renovate and relocate the country’s aging correctional facilities. He stated that the facility was built to house only 250, but had over time, become overcrowded and scarcely maintained. He assured the public that the Tinubu administration will not make excuses but will be taking proactive steps to capture the inmates and renovate and secure the facilities.
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Published: 25/04/2024
Dunamis Church Apologises for Pastor’s False Accusations
Dunamis International Gospel Center has today issued an official statement apologizing to its member Veronica Anyim over the dreadful embarrassment she received from the church’s Senior Pastor, Dr Paul Enenche.
Anyim had been giving a testimony about her successful graduation from university after struggling for a decade. She mentioned that she graduated with a BSc in Law. The pastor quickly interrupted her, arguing that there is nothing like a BSc in law, but rather an LLB. The pastor also questioned the quality of her English proficiency. He called her a liar and laid curses on any future liars who planned to give testimonies before the church. Unknown to the pastor, there is a law-related degree called BSL in Law offered by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Videos of the shocking incident went viral, attracting massive criticism of the pastor and the church. Netizens demanded a public apology. Interestingly, Vera Anyim has made social media posts today saying that all is well between her and the pastor and that everyone should move on from the event.
How could the pastor have responded to Vera?
Is the church’s apology acceptable?
How do you Vera’s view response?
How could you have responded?
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Published: 15/04/2024
#BringBackOurGirls – 10 Years After Chibok Kidnap
Nigerians and the world are marking the 10th year commemoration of the kidnap of 276 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in Borno State in northern Nigeria. The sad event took place on April 14, 2014.
Armed Boko Haram terrorists surrounded the school compound and led the girls away into the forests without any resistance from security forces. Over the years, the girls suffered unimaginably at the hands of their captors.
So far, 180 girls escaped or were rescued. More than 91 girls are unaccounted for. 48 parents have died waiting for their daughters’ return. Some of the girls have been rehabilitated in the USA, and others received and are still receiving education at the American University of Nigeria.
The plight of the Chibok girls was brought to the global limelight by the #BringBackOurGirls Movement in Nigeria in reaction to the government’s denial of the event. The organization is demanding concrete action from the Nigerian government to keep their promise of rescuing all the girls, rehabilitating them, and keeping a functional database of citizens of Nigeria.
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Published: 14/04/2024
Iran-Israel Conflict Commences: Hundreds of Missiles Fired at Israel
Iran has fired hundreds of weapons including ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. The Israeli missile defense system The Iron Dome and fighter jets from the USA, have been working overtime to intercept these missiles.
Israel and the USA are currently under high tension as Iran has promised to deal severely with both countries for killing senior Iranian military officers at the Iranian consulate in Syria. Israel and the USA view Iran as a terrorist state and the primary supporter of HAMAS.
President Biden has reiterated the USA’s iron-clad support for Israel.
It is feared that this war will negatively affect the global economy.
We are following this story.
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Published: 14/04/2024
Six Months in Prison, No Fine: Bobrisky is Sentenced
Nigerian crossdresser/transgender Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, was today sentenced to 6 months in prison with no option for a fine. The sentence was read by the judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Bobrisky had been in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for over a week through the Eid holiday. Bobrisky was arrested for spraying the naira at several events. Spraying the naira is considered abuse and punishable under Nigerian law, however, this law is scarcely enforced.
Supporters of the controversial figure, opine that the sentence was too harsh and that Bobrisky would have been allowed to pay the optional fine of N50K. Supporters also think that the government is trying to punish Bobrisky for openly promoting LGBTQ activities online while using the naira abuse case as a cover.
On the other hand, Bobrisky’s critics including Verydarkman, are rejoicing over the sentencing. They believe Bobrisky’s sentencing would serve as a deterrent to other Nigerian crossdressers and transgenders.
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Published: 12/04/2024
N15.6 trillion on Lagos-Calabar Highway: Expenses to be Recovered via Tollgates
Speaking on Channels TV yesterday, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi confirmed that 15.6 trillion naira is to be spent on the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway. He stressed that the government plans to recover its expenses on the project via tollgates along the route.
He said cars will pay an average of N3000 daily, while big trucks will pay N5000. He added that there would be business and relief facilities for public use at every toll gate. He said the government would recover its expenses on the road within fifteen years.
Umahi’s position has been severely criticized by several individuals and groups including, the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; the Labour Party, LP; Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP; the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF; and transport operators, among several others.
Atiku has described the project as a highway to fraud and waste, and the project is shrouded with selfish and dubious interests.
What do you think of Umahi’s position?
Is Atiku right?
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Published: 12/04/2024
Herbert Wigwe: Ogunbanjo Family Sues Orbic Air for Compensation over Crash
The family of former Chairman of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, late Abimbola Ogunbanjo who was killed in a Southern California helicopter crash on February 9, has filed a lawsuit against Orbic Air, the US helicopter company for wrongful death and negligence.
The family argues that the company ignored the bad weather and conducted the flight which ended fatally, killing Abimbola Ogunbanjo, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and first son. The Ogunbanjo family stated that the flight should have been grounded because of treacherous weather comprising a wintry mix of snow and rain. The case was filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court against Orbic Air and its CEO, Brady Bowers.
The suit also includes the unidentified successors of Pettingill and Hansen, whom Ogunbanjo’s family holds responsible. The Ogunbanjo’s are seeking compensation for funeral expenses and other damages.
Before the lawsuit, there was widespread criticism of Orbic’s crash handling. People complained about their glaring lack of empathy and concern for the victims of the crash.
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Published: 12/04/2024
Kicked out: Edo State Assembly Impeaches Deputy Governor Shaibu
News has broken of the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu. Shaibu was impeached today by the State House of Assembly after adopting the report of a seven-man panel that investigated allegations of misconduct against him. He was investigated on allegations of perjury and leaking of government’s secrets.
Philip Shaibu has been in a long battle against the State Governor Godwin Obaseki, after he declared his intention to contest for the office of Governor against the blessings of his principal. It is most likely that he would contest the impeachment in court.
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Published: 08/04/2024
Former vice-president of Nigeria and 2023 Presidential candidate of the PDP Atiku Abubakar has blasted the Tinubu administration on the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Atiku is accusing the government of not being sincere, that the project should have begun in Calabar and not in Lagos if the government was serious about its completion.
According to Atiku, the Goodluck Jonathan administration had tried to commence the project however, the plan failed due to Jonathan’s electoral defeat in 2014. In 2016, the Buhari administration announced a cost of $11.1bn and pledged completion within three years however, nothing happened.
Atiku added that the Tinubu administration awarded that contract to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech Construction Company Limited (Hitech). The contract was awarded without proper documentation and competitive bidding involving indigenous companies. Atiku also criticized the Minister of Works David Umahi for not being open and transparent on the nature of funding for the contract.
Do you think the Tinubu administration is serious about completing this project?
Could a Nigerian-owned company have better handled this huge contract?
Why is Atiku so concerned?
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Published: 08/04/2024
Massive Earthquake Hits Taiwan
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Hualien County in Taiwan this morning killing 9 and leaving hundreds injured. Residents scrambled out of damaged buildings seeking for safety. Taiwanese authorities say that many people are feared trapped in damaged buildings. Serious efforts are ongoing to rescue people from the rubble.
The quake is described as the strongest in 25 years to hit the Island nation. Officials said that the quake shook the main island and surrounding offshore islands. They warned of more tremors in the days ahead.
Although highly developed, Taiwan is only recognized by a few nations as a country. China considers Taiwan a rebellious province of China. However, according to the Chinese news agency, China is paying close attention to the quake and is willing to provide disaster relief assistance.
News about the earthquake is still unfolding and Philco News is following closely.
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Published: 03/04/2024
Forbes World Billionaires’ List 2024 – Four Nigerians Mentioned
Forbes Magazine on April 2 released the 38th edition of its World Billionaires List for 2024, with Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola as the four richest Nigerians on the list.
On the list, Dangote remained Africa’s richest man, recording $13.4 billion as of April 2, 2024, while Adenuga followed with a net worth of $6.7 billion. Rabiu and Otedola, according to the new report, were worth $5.2 and $1.7 respectively.
Currently, Bernard Arnault remains the world’s richest man, with $233 billion; Elon Musk is second with $195 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos ($194 billion); Mark Zuckerberg ($177 billion), and Larry Ellison ($141 billion).
Forbes’ World’s Billionaires list ranks everyone on the planet with a net worth of $1 billion US dollars or more.
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Published: 03/04/2024
On Dressing - Air Peace Crew
Nigerians are divided on whether it was appropriate for the crew of Air Peace to dress in the Igbo traditional ‘isi agu' fabric. The fabric which features the head of a lion is a symbol of nobility and strength and is widely used among Igbo and other southeastern ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Some netizens on X and other social media have expressed heavy criticism on the crew’s dressing for being too ‘igbotic’, one-sided, and not representative of Nigeria. Others support the crew for the fact that Nigeria is multicultural, and that the Igbo culture is a strong representation of Nigeria.
In support of Air Peace, some believed Nigerians should rather focus on celebrating the huge success of the airline in offering heavily subsidized tickets to London. Ticket prices from Nigeria to the UK have since crashed after Air Peace came into the game.
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Published: 03/04/2024
FAAN Shuts KFC over Discrimination
In response to the discriminatory treatment of Adebola Daniel, son of the former Governor of Ogun State, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed the Murtala Muhammed Airport branch of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
In a press release signed by Mrs. Obiageli Orah Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN stated that it is acting in line with Section 55 of the Lagos State General Provisions on Discrimination against people with disabilities. FAAN is also demanding that KFC tender an unreserved apology to Adebola and promise to never mistreat any other customer.
However, netizens have expressed mixed reactions to FAAN’s decision. While some support it, others are accusing FAAN of being overkill and being too selective because the victim is the rich son of a high-profile Nigerian politician.
What do you think FAAN’s action?
Is it justified?
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Published: 28/03/2024
No Wheelchairs Allowed – KFC Kicks out Disabled Former Governor Son
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Nigeria refused service to Adebola Daniel, the disabled and wheelchair-bound son of former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel. Adebola had just flown into the country with his wife and friends and decided to patronize the outlet in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when the manager rushed out saying “No wheelchairs allowed”, urging him to leave the restaurant.
Daniel narrated this awful encounter in several posts on X on March 27. He stated that it was the worst public humiliation he had ever experienced. He went on to speak on the challenges of living as a disabled person, especially in Nigeria.
KFC’s action stands in gross violation of section 17 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) which stresses the obligation to eliminate practices detrimental to competition and consumer welfare to safeguard consumer interests.
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Published: 28/03/2024
Francis Key Bridge Collapses in Baltimore: Several Missing
The Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Patapsco River in Baltimore USA collapsed this morning. The collapse was caused by a large cargo ship in distress. The ship had issued a mayday warning saying it had lost power and propulsion.
Six construction workers had been working on the bridge, fixing potholes. Currently, divers and other emergency workers on boats and helicopters are searching for people who have fallen into the river. Two people have been rescued so far.
The bride is notable for heavy traffic, as thousands travel on it to and from Baltimore. Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland said in a news conference that it is difficult to say how long it will take to rebuild. He said efforts are focused on rescuing people.
What are your thoughts on this developing story?
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Published: 26/03/2024
Binance Exco Escapes Nigeria, Tricks Security
Detained Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla has escaped from custody. This information was confirmed by the Head of Strategic Communication of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Zakari Mijinyawa. Mijinyawa said that Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport. He had been allowed to attend a public prayer under watch in the spirit of Ramadan. However, the cunning executive escaped, boarded a flight, and exited the country.
Mijinyawa said, “We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect.”
The crypto exco had been in detention in a flat in Abuja for allegations of tax evasion leveled by the Nigerian government against Binance Nigeria. He and his colleague Gambaryan were scheduled to appear in court on April 4.
According to ONSA, the personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention.
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Published: 25/03/2024
Bobrisky Wins 'Best Dressed Female'
In a star-studded event to launch a new film, ‘Beast of Two Worlds- Ajanaku’ by Eniola Ajao yesterday, popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky won the ‘The Best Dressed Female’. The prize came with a nice sum of 1 million naira. The event was held at the Circle Mall in Lekki, Lagos.
Bobrisky is arguably Nigeria’s most popular and visible crossdresser. In recent videos, the cross-dresser has admitted having had a sex change surgery, now becoming a woman. However, this claim has yet to be verified.
The win has sparked debate in the social media space, with some supporting and others criticizing.
Do you think Bobrisky’s win is well deserved?
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Published: 25/03/2024
Cancer: Princess Kate Releases Video
In a solemn video released today, Catherine Princess of Wales announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer. Her medical team discovered cancer present in her body after she had undergone a major abdominal surgery. She added that she has begun chemotherapy treatment and needs some time away.
According to the princess, “This of course came as a huge shock and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family”.
The video puts to rest rumors about the royal princess who has been away from the public for several weeks. There were rumors from Russian media that she and King Charles were dead.
*You can watch the video on our social media pages.
Cancer is becoming more prevalent in developed and developing countries, including Nigeria.
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Published: 22/03/2024
Terrorism Financiers Named and Shamed
The Nigerian government has published a list of terrorism financiers as uncovered by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The list comprises 9 individuals and 6 companies. Notably on the list is Tukur Mamur, a Kaduna State-based publisher, currently under arrest with the Department of State Services (DSS). Mamur was arrested for allegedly aiding the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022.
Other terrorism financiers include the suspected attacker of the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State on June 5, 2022, and the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on July 5, 2022, among several others. Below is the list.
1. Tukur Mamur
2. Yusuf Ghazali
3. Mohammed Sani
4. Abubakar Mohammad
5. Sallamudeen Hassan
6. Hassana Issah
7. Abdulkareem Musa
8. Umar Abdullahi
9. West and East African Trading Company Ltd
10. Settings Bureau De Change Company
11. G. Side General Enterprises
12. Desert Exchange Ventures Ltd
13. Eagle Square General Trading Company Ltd
14. Alfa Exchange BDC
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Published: 20/03/2024
Labour vs Labour: NLC Demands Sack of Labour Party Chairman
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress today stormed and picketed the national secretariat of the Labour Party in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure.
The NLC leadership accused Abure of various corrupt unethical practices including, planning a convention on March 27, without the input of stakeholders. According to the NLC, the planned convention is aimed at re-electing Abure as the sole administrator of the Labour Party.
The NLC also accused Abure of not providing a level and fair playing field for ordinary Nigerian workers to contest for political positions. The NLC is calling for the setting up of a caretaker transition committee to organise a legitimate and all-inclusive national convention for the party. The NLC called Abure an imposter who has broken every rule, that his time is up.
In response, the Labour Party leadership opposed the demands, promising legal action against the NLC.
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Published: 20/03/2024
Distributors of Drug-laced Chin-Chin Arrested in Bayelsa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a hairdresser, Josephine Odunu and a dispatch rider, Edesemi Ikporo, for allegedly selling and distributing drug-laced snacks, chin-chin, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi said officers of the agency on patrol intercepted the motorcycle dispatch rider around the Opolo area and recovered 200 grams of chin-chin produced with cannabis sativa. The driver’s was on a mission to deliver to his clients.
A swift follow up operation led to the arrest of a distributor, Josephine who works as a hairdresser. The NDLEA recovered 3.00kilograms of the drug laced snacks from her salon, bringing the total weight seized from the duo to 3.2kg.
Both suspects have confessed to distributing the snacks to students and at birthday parties.
What could be done to control the rising drug problem among Nigerian youths?
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Published: 17/03/2024
Youths Kill 16 Military Personnel in Delta State
Youths of Okuama community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, have ambushed and killed 16 military personnel from the 181 Amphibious Battalion. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, 12 soldiers, and a civilian were brutally mudered, mostly by beheading.
The troops were deployed on a peacekeeping mission to restore order in the community. Okuama and Okoloba communities have been in conflict over land and oil resources.
The sad news was disclosed by army spokesperson Brigadier General Tukur Gusau. The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, has ordered the immediate investigation and arrest of all those involved in the crime.
What could have motivated the youths to carry out such a heinous crime?
How could civilians ambush and killed trained military personnel so easily?
How can troops be better protected on peacekeeping missions?
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Published: 17/03/2024
A Tip of the Iceberg, More Dangers Ahead: Sheikh Warns
In a recent interview on Arise News, Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi said attacks and abductions by terrorists groups and bandits are just a tip of the iceberg, more dangers will come, if the government fails to negotiate with these groups.
He advised the Tinubu led administration to copy the USA model of negotiating with Taliban terrorists, including financial compensation and social development programmes. He accused the government rushing to punish terrorists, instead of addressing their challenges, thereby turning them into monsters.
He described the problem as a civilian insurgency and advised the government to keep the military off the issue. He said the problem could only be addressed via the work of detectives, good policing, and social programmes to compensate and reform the insurgents.
Overtime, Gumi has become infamous for his negotiations for the release of kidnap victims by terrosits’ groups in Nigeria.
Do you agree with Gumi’s assertions?
How can Nigeria best tackle terrorism?
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Published: 17/03/2024
Sokoto State: Gunmen Kidnap 15 Students
Gunmen have kidnapped 15 children and an elderly woman at an Islamic school in Gidan Bakuso in Gada local government in Sokoto State today. The incident took place today in the early hours.
Liman Abubakar, the proprietor of the school has confirmed the sad event. He added that the gunmen shot one person and abducted an woman in the process.
The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the command has deployed a team to investigate the situation, and that he will brief the press further on the issue.
The Sokoto kidnapping is coming a day after kidnappings in Kaduna State that witnessed the kidnap of 280 students and teachers.
How can the problem of school kidnappings be stopped in Nigeria?
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Published: 09/03/2024
Herbert Wigwe, Wife, and Son Laid to Rest Today
A combined funeral service was held today in Isiokpo Rivers State for the Late Access Bank Chief, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen Chizoba, and son Chizzy. The service which was held at his local church, Lion of Judah Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, had in attendance high-profile national and international dignitaries. The security level in Isiokpo was heightened due to the high-profile event.
The somber event featured Bible and obituary readings, choral and solo performances, and trumpet fanfare. Of note, was a performance by Mercy Chinwo, a popular Nigerian gospel artist.
In his sermon, Pastor David Adedoye charged all to do good to all humanity. He added that Herbert Wigwe’s life should serve as a pointer to the emptiness of amassing wealth; what matters is the positive impact we make on others.
After the service, the three bodies were laid to rest in a private bural at Wigwe University.
Nigerians, and indeed the world, are yet to come to terms with the tragic loss of the Wigwes.
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Published: 09/03/2024
Gunmen Kidnap 280 in Kuduna State
Unknown gunmen have attacked and kidnapped students and teachers of Government Secondary School Kuriga in Kaduna State, Nigeria. About 280 persons are missing. The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, March 7.
The gunmen threatened the victims with weapons and marched them into the bushes. 25 persons escaped to narrate the ordeal. The school authorities immediately alerted the security forces including the KADVS (Kaduna State Vigilante Service). Members of KADVS followed the bandits into the bushes but were unsuccessful as they could not match their superior firepower. The bandits killed one of the vigilantes.
The Governor of the state, Senator Uba Sani led senior government officials and heads of security agencies to the scene of the attack to carry out a first-hand assessment of the situation. He promised that his government would do everything in its power to rescue all the victims.
School kidnappings are becoming frequent in Northern Nigeria. Nigerians are asking questions on how such a large number of persons could be kidnapped and transported successfully in broad daylight.
Where were the security forces in the region?
What could be done to stop these attacks on schools in Nigeria?
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Published: 08/03/2024
Lion Mauls Keeper at University of Ife
A 9-year-old male lion in the keep of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife has killed its keeper, Olabode Olawuyi. Olawuyi, a long-serving veterinary technologist for over a decade, was brutally attacked while trying to feed the wild cat.
Members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue him from the strong grip of the lion, however, the wild cat had already inflicted severe fatalities.
The Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju has confirmed the incident. He said that the University’s management has sent a delegation to condole with the widow and children of the deceased. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has ordered an investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident. The lion has since been euthanized.
What could have caused the lion to turn on its keeper?
Was it hunger?
Should wild animals be domesticated?
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Published: 19/02/2024
Ole! Protesters Call out Tinubu in Ibadan Protest
A large protest broke out this morning in Ibadan, Nigeria’s third largest city. The huge crowd could be heard chanting “ole” (thief in Yoruba) in reference to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. The protesters held placards with messages calling for an end to hunger and insecurity aggravating the hardship in the country. They showed no fear in the face of security personnel.
The protesters are hoping to draw the attention of the Tinubu administration to pressing issues affecting citizens. They are calling on the government to put more efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people and to improve the country’s economy.
The protest is one of several protests across Nigerian cities in response to the current hardships faced by Nigerians.
Do you think the protest is justified?
How do you think the Tinubu administration will respond?
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Published: 19/02/2024
Wigwe: US NTSB Releases Photos of Helicopter Crash
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released photos of the helicopter crash that killed six people including, Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, son Chizi, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and the two pilots. The photos show a mangled and burned wreck.
The Airbus EC130 helicopter was heading to Boulder City from Palm Springs, California, when it crashed near Halloran Springs, California, about 80 miles south of Las Vegas. The aircraft burst into flames on impact with the ground.
Witnesses described the weather conditions during the crash as a mix of rain and snow that must have affected the craft.
One can only imagine the horrors the deceased passengers went through.
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Published: 14/02/2024
Access Holdings has announced its new acting CEO, Bolaji Agbede.
Agbede comes with 30 years of experience in finance and commerce. She was was previously the human resources director of the Access group, where she managed the strategic and cultural integration of the various entities acquired by the group over the years.
Bolaji Agbede is appointed to replace the previous CEO, late Dr Herbert Wigwe who died in a helicopter crash on February 9 in the US. He was aged 57.
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Published: 14/02/2024
In an official release, Access Bank Holdings has confirmed the death of its CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the USA on February 9, along with his wife and son. The company described Dr. Wigwe as a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to social impact. That his legacy of excellence and compassion will continue to inspire all.
The bank added that in line with the company’s policy, an acting group CEO will soon be announced, as it is pertinent to help continue Wigwe’s excellent work.
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Published: 11/02/2024
Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc and founder of Wigwe University, Herbert Wigwe, is feared dead. Unconfirmed reports state that Wigwe is among the deceased in a helicopter crash on February 9 in California, USA. There are reports that his wife and son were aboard the ill-fated helicopter.
US media reports state that there were no survivors in the crash. However, the names of the deceased are yet to be published.
Philco News is following this story.
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Published: 10/02/2024
Three West African Countries of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced a ‘sovereign decision’ to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Military leaders of the three countries expressed their defiant stance in a broadcast message in Mali today. The countries are accusing ECOWAS of pandering too much to Western powers and abandoning the ideology of Pan-Africanism, which puts Africa and African interests first in all things.
The three countries have been under economic sanctions since military regimes took power from civilian governments in 2020, 2022, and 2023 respectively. The military leaders describe the sanctions as irrational and unacceptable, at a time when they were dealing with jihadist violence and poverty because of previous irresponsible civilian administrations. ECOWAS is insisting that the military hand over power to civilian governments.
The three countries which were founding members of ECOWAS in 1975, have created a new alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States.
In response, ECOWAS has issued a communique stating that the organization has not received direct notifications of their intentions to withdraw their memberships.
Philco News is following this story.
What do you think of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso’s decision to leave ECOWAS?
How will this decision affect them?
What do you think of ECOWAS?
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Published: 28/01/2024
Cars flung into the air, windows and glass doors shattered, houses smashed to pieces – these are just a few phrases to describe the extent of the destruction caused by a bomb blast last night in the Bodija area of Ibadan the Oyo State capital. Two people are reported dead and over 70 persons are injured.
Search and rescue efforts are on at Adeyi Avenue the site of the explosion. The Nigerian government has ordered an investigation, as some families have reported missing children and relatives.
Poorly stored explosives by illegal miners are attributed to be the cause of the explosion. There are unverified comments about a terrorist attack.
What could have caused this explosion?
What measures could be put in place to better protect lives and property in Nigeria?
What should the government do for the unfortunate victims of this explosion?
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Published: 17/04/2024
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, to turn herself in for questioning without delay.
The EFCC is currently investigating allegations of N37.1 billion laundered in her ministry during her tenure. The former minister is said to have collaborated with a contractor, James Okwete to launder the said amount. Currently, Okwete is in the EFCC’s custody. Farouk has since denied knowledge of Okwete.
This is the second demand issued by the commission, as the former minister had snubbed the first invitation for interrogation on January 3.
Do you think Sadiya Farouq will turn herself in for investigation?
Do you think the case will be properly investigated?
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Published: 04/01/2024
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a 10-point demand in its New Year’s message to the Federal Government of Nigeria, requesting for the immediate implementation of all agreements reached in 2023, including the payment of 35K to civil servants.
The statement issued by the TUC President and Secretary-General, Festus Osifo, and Nuhu Toro, demands that a new national minimum wage be negotiated and implemented, and if further delayed in the year, arrears must be paid.
The union stated that the level of inflation in the country currently stands at 28.20 percent, far above sub-Saharan Africa’s regional average of 9.4 percent.
It urged the government at the state and federal levels to stop the unwise and unpatriotic tradition of taking loans; as these loans are often used for purchasing expensive cars for legislators, constructing unnecessary buildings, and purchasing mundane and sundry things.
The TUC warned against the devaluation of the naira and the increase in the price of petrol, among several other key demands.
What do you think of the TUC’s demands?
Do you think the Tinubu Administration will listen to them?
Are we going to witness another nationwide strike soon?
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Published: 04/01/2024
The Federal Government of Nigeria has today suspended the acceptance of degrees from the West African countries of Benin and Togo. This decision follows the results of an undercover investigation by journalist Umar Audu, which exposed degree mills operating in both countries.
Anyone could pay to get a verified degree from higher institutions in both countries in a space of six weeks or less. Audu paid and got a verified degree in Mass Communication (2:1 second class upper division) from Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT) and was successfully deployed for NYSC in Nigeria, including receiving his first monthly allowance.
An official statement signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, reads that “ The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps.
The government lamented that “some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified”.
What do you think of this situation?
Is the Nigerian Government justified in its decision?
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Published: 02/01/2024
Distinguished Nigerian author and human rights advocate, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has launched her first children’s book titled, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf. The author stated that the book was written to inspire the love for reading among Nigerian children and children worldwide.
The event tagged, ‘Christmas Magic with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’ was held at Alliance Française in Lagos on December 29 and was attended by high-profile dignitaries including former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbanjo (via video), Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate Dr Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, former Minister of Education Dr Oby Ezekwesili, among several other key figures.
In her welcome address, the author said, “One of the things I find worrying now about this country is how our ability to think critically just seems to be in massive decline…we have lost the ability to craft good arguments… we think the louder we are, the better our points is…reading things that are well written, well punctuated, really does help us think better”.
She commented that she is often offended when Nigerians use the phrase “asides that” – as it is not good English.
Adichie has earned prestigious global prizes including the Orange Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award for her novels like Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah.
Her devilling into children’s literature adds a new layer to her multifaceted work in writing.
What do you think about Chimamanda’s writing of children’s literature? Will you be buying a copy of her new book?
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Published: 31/12/2023
The government of South Africa is not taking it easy with Israel. The country has launched a case against Israel in the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ), over the killing of more than 21,000 Palestinians, in what Israel calls a war against the military group Hamas. Israel began a military campaign in Gaza in response to the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel.
South Africa is requesting the court to demand an immediate ceasefire to end the killings. South Africa describes Israel’s actions as genocidal; a move to promote apartheid and the destruction of a racial and ethnic group.
The South Africa application states, "The acts and omissions by Israel complained of by South Africa are genocidal in character because they are intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnic group, that is part of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip (‘Palestinians in Gaza’). The acts in question include killing Palestinians in Gaza, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, and inflicting on them conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction. The acts are all attributable to Israel, which has failed to prevent genocide and is committing genocide in manifest violation of the Genocide Convention, and which has also violated and is continuing to violate its other fundamental obligations under the Genocide Convention, including by failing to prevent or punish the direct and public incitement to genocide by senior Israeli officials and others."
Netizens are divided in their positions on South Africa’s latest move. Some say that South Africa can smell apartheid from a mile; it is about time countries stand up to Israel’s bullying. Others think application is dead on arrival.
What do you think?
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Published: 30/12/2023
The government of Ondo State has announced the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The late governor passed on today December 27, aged 67.
Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, issued a statement that the governor died in Germany after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Akeredolu was particularly noted for spearheading the establishment of the indigenous security force Amotekun. Amotekun operates within the western region of Nigeria. He was at the forefront of opposing plans to establish cattle grazing colonies in the western region and around Nigeria.
However, his administration was not without controversy, as he was often absent from office for long periods. His illness was kept a secret from the citizens. There were several calls for him to hand over to the Deputy Governor or to resign. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has issued a passionate statement, expressing his sadness at the late governor’s death. Deputy Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa has been sworn in as the new Governor today.
What memories do you have of the late Governor Akeredolu?
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Published: 27/12/2023
Former Governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele has been released from the Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja. He was released on Friday, December 22, after meeting the bail condition of N300 million and providing two sureties.
The court demanded that Emefiele deposit all his travel documents with the registrar of the court and must remain within the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
Emefiele had been in detention since June 2023 over allegations bordering on procurement fraud, embezzlement of $6.23 million, and 543.4 million pounds in the United Kingdom, among other financial crimes.
He was also responsible for causing widespread suffering and economic hardship with the ban and withdrawal of the naira in favor of newly colored notes.
What do you think of his release?
Do you think he deserves to suffer more in detention?
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Published: 23/12/2023
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has expressed its strong disapproval of a recent decision by Pope Francis on the blessing of same-sex unions. The Pope stated that it was okay for Catholic Churches to bless gay and other irregular couples.
According to the Nigerian bishops, blessing same-sex unions is against God’s law, the teachings of the church, and the laws of Nigeria.
This strong stance was expressed in a statement by the President of the conference, Lucius Ugorji, and the Secretary, Donatus Ogun.
According to the statement, “The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria assures the entire People of God that the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage remains the same. There is, therefore, no possibility in the teaching of the church of blessing same-sex unions and activities.”
The bishops accused the Pope of misinterpreting the Scriptures and Roman Catholic guidelines on irregular couples. They urged priests not to defy the sacredness of the holy matrimony and never to do anything that would detract from the sacredness of this sacrament.
Will this lead to a serious conflict between the Nigerian bishops and their boss in Rome?
Who do you support - the Pope or the bishops?
How far will this go?
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Published: 23/12/2023
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reverted its 2021 decision that banned the use of cryptocurrencies and assets in the country. The apex bank published this decision in a circular dated December 22, 2023, with reference number PR/DIR/PUB/CIR/002/003, and signed by Haruna Mustafa, Director of its Financial Policy and Regulation Department.
The CBN stated that its decision was reached in line with moves to regulate the use of crypto in many forward-thinking countries. Instead of a total ban, Nigeria will map out ways to regulate the use of crypto to prevent money laundering.
The circular outlines guidelines on the operations of bank accounts for Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASPs). Under the new guidelines, banks and other financial institutions are prohibited from holding, trading, and/or transacting in virtual currencies on their own account. It added all banks and other financial institutions are required to immediately comply with its new guidelines.
Note, in February 2021, under its disgraced former Godwin Emefiele, the CBN banned the use of cryptocurrencies, including facilitating its payments. Banks were ordered to track and freeze any bank account linked to crypto activity. Many Nigerian crypto traders lost money or had their bank accounts frozen.
Will the government compensate Nigerians for their crypto losses since 2021?
Will all frozen accounts be released?
Tell us what you think in the comments.
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Published: 23/12/2023
To combat the neo-colonial control of the West on its natural resources, Burkina Faso’s military government has recently laid the foundation for a gold refinery. The refinery is set up to stop the exportation of raw gold from the country to be refined in Europe and imported back to the country.
The refinery will have a production capacity of around 400 kilogrammes (880 pounds) of gold per day, says Ismael Siby, its CEO. Siby added that the first 22-carat gold bars would leave the refinery in 11 months, and the project would create 100 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs.
Speaking on the importance of the refinery, the leader of the country’s military government, Captain Ibrahim Traore said, “There’s no longer any question of us taking our gold abroad for refining. We’ll refine it on-site because we know the real content of the raw gold that comes out.”
Traore added that “a lot of gold leaves Burkina fraudulently, and this helps to fuel terrorism…today we have decided to put a whole new network in place.”
The mining sector accounts for 14.3 percent of Burkina’s state revenue. Gold is its primary export. However, gold production fell from 66.8 tonnes in 2021 to 57.6 tonnes in 2022 – marking a 13.7 percent drop.
What do you think of Burkina Faso’s bold move?
What can other African countries learn from this?
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Published: 03/12/2023
Israeli and Hamas forces have begun fighting after a truce that lasted seven days. From the early hours of December 1, bombings and shootings were heard in the cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.
Hamas fired rockets which were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome. Israeli missiles smashed buildings, leaving over 184 people dead and 589 injured. Israel and Hamas are accusing each other of breaching the truce and triggering the resumption of fighting.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with senior Israeli government officials, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “Israel has an obligation to defend itself, but the way Israel defends itself matters. It is imperative that Israel acts in accordance with international humanitarian law and the laws of war”.
The truce was reached to allow for hostage and prisoner swaps between the warring parties. The truce also allowed hundreds of aid trucks to supply Gaza with humanitarian aid.
Negotiations to extend the ceasefire are ongoing by the USA, Qatar, and Egypt.
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Published: 02/12/2023
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has said he deserves to be listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s greatest president. He was speaking during the 10th German-Nigerian Business Forum in Berlin, Germany. He cited his ‘great’ achievements to ‘reform’ the Nigerian economy from day one, including his removal of petrol subsidy among other economic ‘achievements’ from day one, since his inauguration on May 29. He also cited his achievements as a former governor of Lagos State. The audience responded with laughter.
Nigerians have dragged their president on his statements. Some have said that he deserves a Guinness World record for being the president who inflicted the greatest amount of poverty and suffering on his people in record time.
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Published: 23/11/2023
There has been a deadly gun battle between military and police officers in Yola, the Adamawa State capital. Eyewitnesses reported that military officers arrived at the police headquarters in an armored vehicle, at about 11 p.m. and began to shoot at police officers. A police inspector Jacob Daniel was shot dead at the gate. The police responded fire for fire.
Several people were reported injured in the shoot-out. There was blood and bullet shells scattered all over the scene. There are conflicting stories on the exact cause of the attack. Adamma State Police Command has confirmed that the matter is under investigation.
Unconfirmed reports say that the military officers were on a mission to rescue their colleague who had been attacked and arrested by the police.
Army and Police clashes are not uncommon in Nigeria, as both force battles for supremacy. In March 2023, there was a clash between both forces in Taraba State. The army attacked and killed three police officers in response to the stabbing of their colleague by policemen. In January, the army and traffic police were recorded fighting dirty on the highway in Lagos. In 2022, a traffic police officer was beaten to death in the trade fair area in Lagos. Army officers accused him of causing a gridlock that hindered their movement.
These ugly events point to a need to reeducate Nigerian security officers on work ethic and other professional practices.
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How can Nigerian security officers become more civil?
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Published: 22/11/2023
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to pause the fighting in Gaza. In an agreement reached today, both parties will stop the fighting for four days to allow aid trucks to enter. Israel also promises to release 150 imprisoned Palestinian women and children.
In response, Hamas is to release 50 Israeli women and children hostages. Israel has also promised to extend the pause and fighting by a day with every 10 new Israeli hostages released.
According to Israel, Hamas had taken 240 Israeli hostages in the October 7 attacks that killed 1,200.
Israeli bombings on Gaza have killed over 13,000 people. Israel says the bombings are necessary to destroy Hamas and rescue hostages.
Speaking on the recent agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reminded the world that he is not prepared to end the war; fighting will resume immediately after the truce. He said in Hebrew, “We are at war and we will continue to destroy Hamas and return all our hostages and to ensure that no entities threaten Israel”.
It is uncertain when the ceasefire will commence and how many trucks will be allowed daily.
What do you think about this four-day truce?
Do you think it is time for the war to end?
Are both sides justified in their actions?
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Published: 22/11/2023
The Embassy of France in Nigeria has announced a scholarship program to finance master’s degree studies at French higher educational institutions for the academic year 2024/2025.
Five grants will be awarded to the laureates wanting to pursue studies courses related to Environment and Risk Management. Applications opened on November 6th and will close on December 15th.
This program is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research, and implemented by the French Embassy and Campus France Nigeria.
For more details, click on the link below:
https://www.nigeria.campusfrance.org/call-for-masters-application-for-the-20242025-academic-year
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Published: 21/11/2023
In what has been described as 'a political earthquake' in the south American country of Argentina, libertarian-conservative politician Javier Milei has defeated his left-wing rival, Sergio Massa in the presidential race.
Milei scored 56% of the votes against Massa’s 44%. Known for his scathing criticism of the left-wing government and politicians, Milei is popularly described as Argentina’s Donald Trump and as ‘EL Loco’ (the madman).
There are images of Milei with a ‘Make Argentina Great Again Cap’. Former President Trump has already expressed joy at Milie’s victory.
Milei has promised to make sweeping changes to restore Argentina to its lost glory, including, cutting welfare payments and slashing the bureaucracy by closing the ministries of culture, women, health and education, among others. He has also promised to promote capitalism by growing the private sector.
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Do you think he has what it takes to move Argentina forward?
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Published: 20/11/2023
Football superstar and former President of Liberia, George Weah, has called to congratulate Joseph Boakai the country’s new president. Weah’s action mirrors President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s action after Nigeria’s 2015 presidential elections when he conceded peacefully to Muhammadu Buhari.
Weah’s peaceful concession comes at the end of Liberia’s presidential elections that were held from 10 to 14 November 2023. On national radio, Weah said, "I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections."
Boakai a former vice president, had lost to Weah in the 2017 elections. In the 2023 elections, Boaki scored 50.9% of the vote over Weah's 49.1%. In the capital Monrovia, Boakai’s supporters danced, shouted, and honked car horns after the near-final results were announced.
Many Liberians felt that Weah did not fulfill his promises to alleviate poverty and improve the country's crumbling infrastructure. His presidency was marked with accusations of corruption and bullying, while he spent most of the time traveling about.
Liberia is struggling to recover from two civil wars that killed more than 250,000 people and from a 2013-16 Ebola epidemic that killed thousands.
Weah’s peaceful concession has been widely commended within and beyond Africa at a time of prevalent military coups because of the ‘win or die’ attitudes of corrupt politicians.
What do you think of Weah’s peaceful concession?
What can Nigerian and other African politicians learn from this?
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Published: 18/11/2023
A meeting today at the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu failed to end the current strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
In attendance at the meeting were top government officers including, Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour, and his Minister for State, Nkiruka Onyejeocha. On the side of labour were Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, and other labour leaders.
Ribadu informed labour that arrests have already been made in Imo State to reprimand police officers involved in violently assaulting the President of the NLC, Joe Ajero. Ribadu condemned the assault and promised that the government would investigate the case.
Minister Lalong commented that the meeting was fruitful, and the government is hoping that the strike will soon be called off. In response, Osifo commented that the NLC and TUC will go back to deliberate on the numerous promises made by government officials at the meeting.
Do you think the Nigerian government has NLC and TUC’s best interest?
Is the government using promise tactics?
Should labour call off the strike?
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Published: 15/11/2023
Compliance with the nationwide strike declared on November 14 by the Nigeria Labour Union (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) remains staggered across the country.
In Imo State, the home state of the NLC president Joe Ajero, banks, government establishments, and private offices remained open for business. However, most schools remained shut.
In Kano, Bornu, Adamawa, and Cross River states, workers observed full compliance.
Speaking anonymously to our reporters, a woman commented, “This not a good time for a strike, people are trying to fend for themselves, and everything is hard. It is not necessary”. A student in Calabar commented,
“Strike has been a very big catastrophe, and it has been affecting our school activities… a four-year course now turns to six or seven years. It is heartbreaking”.
The NLC declared a nationwide strike in response to the Police’s violent assault on their President Joe Ajero on November 1, in Imo State.
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Should the strike be called off?
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Published: 15/11/2023
The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is having it hot on several fronts. First, he received a no-confidence letter from his party over the sack of Suella Braverman as the Home Secretary. Braverman was fired for her strong stance against refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. She had also accused the UK police of being too soft on Pro-Palestinian protesters, allowing them to behave in an unruly manner.
Today, Supreme Court President Robert Reed announced a decision by the court to declare Sunak’s plans to deport refugees and asylum seekers to Rwanda as unlawful.
In a scathing open letter, Braverman described Sunak as incompetent, a people pleaser, and incapable of keeping his promises on the Rwanda plan. She wrote, “You failed to prepare a credible Plan B." Sunak’s neutral stance on issues is increasingly isolating him from members of the conservative party.
What do you think of the current situation in the UK.
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Published: 15/11/2023
In response to Pro-Palestinian protests worldwide, supporters of Israel matched on the mall in Washington DC today. The number of supporters was estimated to be over two hundred thousand.
The demonstrators comprised republicans, democrats, families of hostages, journalists, and business figures, among several others.
The demonstrators expressed their love for Israel and stressed the effects of growing antisemitism worldwide. Reports show that antisemitism within the US has increased by 388% since the Israel-Hamas war began.
Speakers at the rally stressed that Israel’s refusal to declare a cease fire is because Hamas is refusing to release Israeli hostages captured in the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
Anti-Israeli protests are ongoing in most countries as Israel continues to bomb Gaza in search of hostages and to dismantle Hamas’s structure. The death toll of Palestinians is currently over 11,000.
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Published: 15/11/2023
To boost the free movement of people, goods, and services across the African continent, President Paul Kagame has announced visa-free travel for all Africans to Rwanda.
The President made the declaration at the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council held in Kigali, the country’s capital. President Kagame said, “Any African can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish, and they will not pay a thing to enter our country…We should not lose sight of our own continental market. Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow”.
An advocator for African unity, President Kagame, has placed Rwanda among the list of countries leading the charge on visa-free travel for Africans across the continent. This list includes Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles.
Africans have greeted this decision from Rwanda, as a positive step leading towards a new African model like the European Schengen model that allows Europeans to travel visa-free travel across 27 countries.
Rwanda is one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. The business ecosystem is friendly, and its cities are the cleanest on the continent.
What do you think of President Kagame’s decision?
As an African, are you excited to visit Rwanda?
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Published: 04/11/2023
A jury of nine women and three men has found Sam Bankman-Fried guilty of seven charges of fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Founder of Futures Exchange Limited (FTX), a bankrupt crypto exchange, Bankman defrauded people worldwide of over USD 10 billion.
He had convinced people to make huge investments in his company, which was a mere Ponzi Scheme. He used the money to finance political contributions, venture capital investments, and to lead an extravagant life with his friends and colleagues.
The seven counts carry a maximum sentence of 110 years. Bankman is currently 31 years old.
While in court, Bankman showed little to no emotion. He just bowed his head as the juror repeated guilty seven times. He will return to court on March 28, 2024, for his sentencing. It is expected that he will appeal the court’s judgment.
FTX scam victims worldwide have expressed joy at the news of Bankman’s sentencing however, with little or no hope of ever recovering their funds, a strong pointer to the need for caution in crypto investments. Do not invest what you cannot afford to lose.
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Published: 04/11/2023
In swift response to the robbery incident that took place on October 20, personnel of the Benue State Police Command embarked on a high-speed chase to catch armed robbers fleeing in two Hilux vans and a salon car.
In a gun battle that ensued along the Otukpo-Taraku Highway, military and police personnel gunned dead two of the armed robbers and arrested four of them. Others fled into the bushes, abandoning the vehicles. Sadly, the police lost its DPO, John Adiku, and three other personnel.
New reports show that over ten people were killed in a bank robbery incident yesterday. Four banks were attacked including United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank, Zenith, and Stanbic IBTC. The robbers carted millions of naira and threw some into the air as they fled, eyewitnesses report.
In reaction, Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode has promised to design a new security architecture to prevent future robbery incidents.
Residents of Otukpo have commended the efforts of the police, while expressing shock over the shocking incidents.
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Published: 21/10/2023
Daring armed robbers have killed seven persons comprising security personnel and citizens in simultaneous robbery incidents in Otukpo local government area in Benue State.
Three banks, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank, and Zenith were robbed. Eyewitnesses said that the robbers first attacked the local police station, and then went on to attack the banks. They fired shots into the air and at people.
Dynamites were used to blast the security doors open. The robbery went on for over an hour with no security intervention. The thieves carted millions of naira in two Hilux vans and one salon car. Catherine Anene, the local Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident and stated it is currently being investigated.
What were the possible motivations for this robbery?
How would the police have responded?
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Published: 20/10/2023
#EndSars 3 Years on: Mr. Macaroni Leads Solidarity Walk
A small number of activists and citizens, led by comedian Mr. Macaroni (Adebowale Adedayo), embarked on a solidarity walk today to mark the third anniversary of the #EndSars protests.
The heavily policed walk today at the Lekki Toll Gate Lagos was to commemorate the efforts of protesters who were killed or arrested on October 20, 2020 while protesting police brutality and advocating for the respect for human rights in Nigeria.
Speaking to the media, the activists called for the immediate and unconditional release of all protesters in police custody since 2020.
Do you think the Nigerian government has learned anything from #Endsars?
Why have Nigerians lost interest?
What should be the next steps?
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Published: 20/10/2023
US Sends Nuclear Aircraft Carrier to Israel’s Aid
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced that his government is sending its nuclear aircraft carrier, The General Ford to Israel’s aid in the face of ongoing attacks by the Palestinian military group Hamas.
Austin stated that the US’s move is in response to Israel’s plans to launch a full-scale retaliation attack on Palestine. The aircraft carrier will serve as a show of force and will be ready to launch attacks if the need arises.
The aircraft carrier is loaded with 500 navy personnel, warplanes, and missiles, including nuclear.
The US remains Israel’s strongest military and economic ally.
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Published: 08/10/2023
Reports show that over 700 Israelis have been killed in a surprise attack by the Palestinian military group Hamas. The surprise attack that began on Saturday, October 7, witnessed the shooting of civilians and the bombing of several Israeli towns. Hamas has also taken an undisclosed number of several Israelis and Americans into captivity.
Over 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military forces, with more than 2,000 seriously injured. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared war on Palestine. He promised “mighty vengeance” on Hamas and its supporters in Lebanon and Iran.
Hamas announced that the unprecedented attack was in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and decades of occupation and apartheid rule in the Gaza Strip.
Several countries and international organizations including the United States, Nigeria, and the African Union, have appealed for a de-escalation of the conflict to save human lives and restore peace to the region.
Before these attacks, Israelis had not been killed in such large numbers for decades.
Do you think the Palestinians are justified in these attacks?
How should Israel respond?
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Published: 08/10/2023
PDP candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election, Atiku Abubakar, has filed new documents to the Supreme Court accusing Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu of forgery and lying under oath. Atiku is praying for the court to disqualify and remove Tinubu from office.
Atiku’s appeal is a response to the recent disclosure of Tinubu’s diploma and academic documents from Chicago State University that show several incriminating discrepancies to those he submitted to run for office.
Atiku insists that “the presentation of a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission by a candidate for election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a weighty constitutional matter, requiring consideration by the Courts as custodians of the Constitution.”
Head of Atiku’s legal team, Chris Uche SAN, announced that the appeal has been submitted through the Registrar of the Supreme Court.
Do you think the Supreme Court will consider Atiku’s appeal?
What do you think about the CSU revelations?
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Published: 08/10/2023
In an official statement issued today October 1, the management of BUA Cement has announced an immediate reduction in the price of their cement bags to N3,500. The company said that it decided to bring the price reduction forward as it was initially planned for the first quarter of 2024.
According to the statement, the purpose of the price slash is “…so that Nigerians can begin to enjoy the benefits of the price reduction before the completion of our plants. Upon completion of the ongoing construction of our new plants, which would increase our production volumes to 17 million metric tonnes per annum…”
Nigerians have greeted this price reduction as a welcome relief, considering the current economic hardship and inflation in the country that has led to skyrocketing costs of building and construction materials.
Some Nigerians wonder if other cement manufacturers like Dangote will emulate BUA’s kind gesture.
Tell us what you think in the comments.
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Published: 01/10/2023
Anonymous gossip blog Gistlovers has leaked a nude video of controversial social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse aka Verydarkblackman. In the video, the influencer can be seen ‘beating his meat’.
This leakage could be understood as part of an ongoing feud between the blog and the influencer over who is the killer of the late Nigerian artist MohBad. While Gistlovers points suspicion to musician Naira Marley and his colleagues, Verydarkblackman has kept his suspicion on MohBad’s wife. In response, Verydarkblackman reposted the video on his X page stating that he wouldn’t allow himself to be shamed by the anonymous blog.
In reaction to the video, some Nigerians have expressed disappointment at the average size of the influencer’s gbola (penis), stating that it is not commensurate with his large and muscular body. Many stated that he carries nothing; that he is big for nothing.
Have you watched the leaked nude on X?
What are your thoughts on Gistlovers and Verydarkblackman?
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Published: 27/09/2023
After hours of screening, the senate confirmed the appointment of Dr Olyayemi Cardoso as Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor. The confirmation on September 26 also included four deputy governors namely, Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, and Dr. Bala M. Bello.
Cardoso is an experienced Nigerian banker, chartered stockbroker, and public policy maker. He served as the former chairman of Citibank Nigeria and was the Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget. He is also a Harvard alumnus.
Nigerians are looking forward to Cardoso and his team to help salvage the country’s economy from its current state of near comatose.
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Do you think he has what it takes to save Nigeria’s economy?
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Published: 26/09/2023
In a trending video, Pastor Tunde Bakare of Citadel Global Community Church referred to the late Nigerian music artist MohBad. In his sermon, the controversial pastor and politician seriously criticised the late artist's lifestyle as reckless and careless.
In the video, the pastor referred to the deceased as ‘More-Bad’. He asked, “Is More-Bad a good name?”
Pastor Bakare added “When he was drinking and smoking and associating with evil men, he did not know that the harvest will come so soon and he will be cut down in the prime of youth…”
The congregation laughed and cheered in response.
What do you think of the pastor’s statements?
Do you think he was insensitive to the dead and his family?
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Published: 26/09/2023
Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has announced the Federal Government’s decision to declare Wednesday, September 27 a holiday in Nigeria. The day is set aside to allow Muslims to celebrate Eid Al-Mawlid the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
In his official statement, Minister Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerian youths to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition toward fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class, and ethnicity, and join hands with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to build Nigeria
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Published: 26/09/2023
Larry Omordia, CEO of African Television, is trending over his promise to pay N10 million to the wife of late Nigerian musician and rapper MohBad, if she can prove by DNA testing that her baby truly belongs to the deceased. He said he decided to counter people who are threatening to sue those demanding a paternity test for the baby.
In the viral video, Omordia said, “If the woman has nothing to hide, she walks away with N10 million that is a promise from African Television”.
Omordia’s video is coming in the wake of rumors circulating that the son of the deceased musician belongs to his controversial colleague, Sam Larry.
What do you think about this promise?
Is he serious, or is this clout chasing on a whole new level?
Who do you think the baby belongs to?
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Published: 26/09/2023
In a recent press conference, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi, warned against the intimidation of female Law students who reported cases of sexual harassment by their suspended Dean, Professor Cyril Ndifon.
The VC was reacting to a leaked audio of a phone call by Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Oju Kennedy making mild threats to a student. In the audio, the minister insinuated that the students were being manipulated by the VC to destroy Professor Ndifon’s career and reputation.
In the recording, the minister could be heard saying “If your VC makes you go and lie against somebody, you will go to jail, trust me. I want you to be very careful because your future is at stake. You can’t join anybody and maltreat a fellow human being…”
Speaking at the press conference, Professor Obi stated that the university has set up a fact-finding panel on the issue. She said that “the students of the Faculty of Law on their own, wrote and submitted a petition and protested against the suspended dean… they were not prompted by anyone.”
She stressed that sexual harassment was not the only matter being investigated by the panel, there were other violations of the university’s regulations.
What do you think of the behavior of the minister?
Do you think the students will back down in this case?
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Published: 17/09/2023
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has issued a severe warning against use of Crusader Soap as it contains harmful amounts of mercury.
The banned soap had been smuggled into the country via outlets like the Alaba International Market. In 2021, the soap was smuggled seven times in consignments of three containers containing up to 4,500 cartons of the soap.
The DG stated that syndicates used forged customs documents to import the soap. However, NAFDAC personnel succeeded in impounding consignments of the soap at Alaba Market. She said “these products have found their way into various supermarkets and cosmetic shops with unsuspecting members of the public patronizing them.”
Do you use Crusader Soap?
Why is the soap in high demand?
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Published: 17/09/2023
The government of the United Arab Emirates has not confirmed claims made by the presidential spokesperson on media Ajuri Ngelale that the visa ban imposed on Nigeria has been lifted.
In an official statement, the UAE confirmed that two of its leading airlines, Emirates and Etihad will resume flights immediately to Nigeria. The UAE government added that leaders of both countries will work together to reinforce ties and explore opportunities for further bilateral collaborations.
Operators of travel agencies were particularly excited at the news of the ban lift. Several travel agents have made and posted videos on social media announcing the lifting of the visa ban and immediate resumption of services to Dubai.
Before the ban, Dubai was the leading destination for most Nigerian tourists and job seekers, as Dubai visas were relatively easier to obtain compared to visas from other global tourist destinations.
This situation points to the need to be more cautious with information from the desk of the current presidential spokesperson.
Published: 13/09/2023
Former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, Lauretta Onochie, has called for the arrest and questioning of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, over what she described as inciting statements and efforts to frustrate and truncate the Tinubu administration.
In a tweet dated September 12, Onochie described Obi as a clown and his running mate Yusuf Baba Datti the leader of ‘angry birds’ trying to instigate Nigerian youths to violence because their party lost the 2023 presidential elections.
She wrote that Peter Obi continues to “instigate his headless and consequently, brainless followers to a violent change of government. I have never seen a more desperate individual”.
Onochie’s tweet is coming barely a few weeks after she was seen in a video being thoroughly insulted by a child in her UK apartment. Notorious for her insults and attacks on the opposition, Onochie had been rather quiet since campaigns for Nigeria’s presidential elections.
Onochie stressed that the heavens would not fall if Obi were arrested.
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Published: 13/09/2023
Over 2000: Death Toll Rises in Morocco Earthquake
The number of the dead has crossed over 2,000 as emergency services and rescue workers seek for survivors in the rubble created by a recent earthquake in Morocco. Sadly, this number is expected to rise, considering the extent of damage from the quake.
On September 8, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the country. Provinces like Al-Haouz, Taroudant, and Marrakesh were severely affected. Reports show that the severity of the tremors could be felt in other Northern and West African countries, as far as Gambia. There are reports that the quake was also felt in Spain.
Houses and important historical sites have been damaged by the quake. Many victims have had to sleep outdoors due to homelessness and the fear of additional tremors. There are increased cries for food, water, and relief materials from government and donor agencies. The World Health Organization has said that over 300,000 have been impacted by the disaster.
Spain, France, Italy, Israel, and the US have sent aid. Algeria, previously in conflict with Morocco, has promised to open its airspace for related humanitarian and medical flights.
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Published: 10/09/2023
British Member of Parliament Bell Rebeiro-Addy and other activists have renewed calls for the immediate return of the stolen Benin Bronzes currently housed in the British Museum.
These renewed calls are in response to recent incidents of theft at the museum. The police are currently investigating the case. Items were stolen and sold in the open market and on eBay, many for far lower than their original value.
Chair of the museum, George Osborne, has confirmed over 2,000 missing pieces. The Director of the museum, Hartwig Fischer, has resigned following the poor attitude of the museum’s management towards investigating and recovering stolen items over time.
MP Rebeiro-Addy believes that the Benin Bronzes are in danger of being stolen again after being violently stolen by British Colonial Forces in Nigeria in 1897. The museum has always cited the safety of the Benin bronzes and the lack of professionalism of Nigerian archeologists as their main motivations for holding on to priceless artworks for over a century.
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Published: 10/09/2023
The designer of Nigeria’s famous green-white-green flag has passed today, Tuesday August 30. Late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi had been ill.
In 1958, Late Pa Akinkunmi’s design was selected among 2,000 entries in a competition by the then British Colonial Government as the flag for the yet-to-be-independent Nigeria. The bands of green represent Nigeria’s rich flora and white represents peace. Akinkunmi was rewarded with 100 GBP. The flag was hoisted on October 1, 1960, to replace the colonial British Union Jack.
Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Feel free to share your thoughts about the passing of this national hero.
Published: 30/08/2023
President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon has been ousted in a military coup. The President who has been in power for three terms, has been placed under house arrest.
Military officers led by General Brice Nguema appeared on TV to declare a cancellation of recent election results and the dissolution of all institutions of the republic. The officers described the elections as fraudulent. The country has been placed on an overnight curfew.
The coup has been greeted with joy by many Gabonese who have expressed freedom from rule by the Bongo family. The coup has been condemned by Western countries, including Germany and France.
In reaction, Ali Bongo has released a video message asking everyone to “make noise” so he can regain his position and freedom.
Are you ready to make noise for Ali Bongo?
How do you feel about the coup in Gabon?
Tell us in the comments.
Published: 30/08/2023
The Delta Police has paraded over sixty persons for allegedly participating in a gay wedding. Dressed in white, the young men have denied being gay. Speaking to reporters, several of them said they were in the hotel for an all-white party. Others said they were arrested for just being near the venue. However, a video has surfaced showing two young men fully dressed in wedding outfits as bride and groom. In the video, the MC was heard acknowledging the presence of the manager of Rainoil.
The police are charging the men for contravening Nigeria’s 2014 Anti-Gay Law. The law prohibits same-sex marriage or relationships. Public reactions on the issue are divided. Some Nigerians are calling for their immediate release and freedom to love and love whom they choose. Others are calling for them to be severely punished. This is the third of such mass arrests of gay suspects. There were arrests in Lagos in 2021 and in Kano in 2022.
Was the ‘manager’ of Rainoil Nigeria also arrested?
Do you think it’s time for a review of Nigeria’s Anti-gay Law given the increasing visibility of gay Nigerians?
Should the young men be punished?
Tell us in the comments.
Published: 29/08/2023
The Manchester Crown Court has found British nurse Lucy Letby guilty of murdering seven babies and planning to kill six more. Letby did the killings between 2015 and 2016 while working on nightshifts in Chester. Some of the babies were just a day old. She even killed a set of twins.
In several notes, she described herself as a horrible and evil person. She admitted to murdering the babies in her care, stating that she was not good enough to care for them.
Letby was arrested in 2018 and may be given a lengthy sentence, probably a life sentence. Investigations are still on to ascertain if there were more deaths caused by her.
What do you think about Lucy Letby?
What is the most appropriate punishment for her?
Tell us in the comments.
Published: 18/08/2023
During a bi weekly briefing of military operations in the country, the director of defense media operations Major General Edward Buba confirmed that 36 military personnel were killed in Niger State. The personnel were ambushed by terrorists during an offensive operation.
Of the 36 dead were 3 officers and 22 soldiers. 7 soldiers were wounded. The general said that the recently crashed military helicopter was conveying the soldiers to Abuja for treatment. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the crash.
The general cautioned against the spread of propaganda and disinformation by terrorists’ groups.
What is your take on the current condition of the Nigerian military?
Tell us in the comments.
Published: 17/08/2023
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the release of N5 billion naira to each state to cushion the effects of removal of the petrol subsidy in the country. 52% of the money is given as a grant, while 48% is to be paid back to the government in installments. In addition, the government announced that it would release five trucks of rice to each state.
The above palliative measures were announced today by Governor Babagana Zulum of Bornu State after the meeting of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council chaired by the Vice President.
Responding to reporters, another member of the council, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, added that the National Social Register is being reviewed to make the distribution of aid more effective nationwide.
How do you view these decisions?
Do you think the state governors will ever repay the loan?
Are you ready to receive your rice?
Let us know in the comments.
Published: 17/08/2023
The University of Calabar has through its Registrar and Public Relations Unit, announced the suspension and removal of Professor Cyril Ndifon as the Dean of the Faculty of Law. The suspension is with effect from today August 17.
The university disclosed that this decision was reached by the Vice Chancellor, who was dissatisfied with Ndifon’s response to a query she issued to him.
The professor is to hand over all the university’s properties in his possession and relinquish his position immediately. He is to stay away from the university’s premises except in response to the panel set up to investigate the allegations.
Earlier this week, students of the Faculty of Law held a peaceful protest calling for an end to sexual harassment by lecturers in the faculty, particularly by Professor Ndifon. This is the second time the professor is being accused of sexually harassing students.
Published: 17/08/2023
Students of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar Nigeria today held a peaceful protest calling for an end to sexual harassment by lecturers in the faculty, especially by Professor Cyril Ndifon the Dean. The students held placards and chanted no to rape and sexual demands for grades. Some of the students accused the university of being complicit. Photos of their placards are posted here.
Recall that in 2015, the same professor was accused of raping a 20-year-old 400-level student. The professor was suspended as the case was investigated. The professor was later acquitted of the charges and reinstated. Professor Ndifon was reappointed dean in 2022.
The law students have promised not to back down until justice is served to the said professor.
How should this case be addressed at this time?
Let us know your thoughts on this matter in the comments.
Published: 14/08/2023
Four people have died due to the collapse of the roof of the Zazzau Central Mosque, Kofar Fada Zaria in Kaduna State Nigeria. The sad incident took place at around 4pm today during evening prayer.
The Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has officially confirmed this unfortunate event. Considering the unfortunate incident, the emir announced that future prayers would be conducted outside the mosque until further notice. Arrangements are being made to bury the deceased.
What could be the cause of this building collapse?
What could be done to prevent a future occurrence?
Tell us in the comments.
Published: 11/08/2023
In an opinion piece published in the Washington Post on August 3, the ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum cried for help from the US and other Western countries. Bazoum called for Western forces to unite to help end the military junta in his country.
Writing from his current house arrest, the former president described himself as a “hostage…one among hundreds of citizens who have been arbitrarily and illegally imprisoned”. According to Bazoum, the military takeover has no justification, if it is allowed to succeed, it will have far-reaching consequences in the region and the entire world.
He called on the US, the European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS to help end the military junta and to free all that have been arrested.
The former President went on to adulate himself and his government for helping to minimize attacks by Boko Haram and maintaining economic and social stability in the country. He warned that the coup will lead to the economic ruin of Niger, as 40% of their national budget is funded by foreign aid.
He concludes by saying, “I call on the U.S. government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order…. The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history.”
What do you think about former President Bazoum’s cry for help?
Do you think the West will respond to him?
Let us read your comments.
Published: 04/08/2023
Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo) has stated that drivers of public transport vehicles in Lagos State will not join the ongoing Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) protest. Akinsanya who is the Chairman of Lagos State Parks and Garages (LASPG), said through his spokesperson that the decision was reached at an executive meeting earlier today. The decision is binding on its over 50,000 members.
He added that he is committed to enforcing the reduction in transport levies and fares as directed by Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State as palliative measures. Daily tickets at parks will now be sold for N600, a reduction from the previous N800. For passengers, Akinsanya said, routes where the transport fare was N500, will now be reduced to N300, and from N200 to N150. For commercial motorcycles (Okada riders) and tricycles (Keke Marwa), operators will get a 25 per cent reduction on the tickets bought from the union.
The NLC is embarking on a protest to express workers’ displeasure over the terrible hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and lack of palliative measures to cushion its effects.
Published: 28/07/2023
In a handwritten note delivered through his special counsel Aloy Ejimakor, Nnamdi Kanu, the Supreme Leader of The Indigenous People of Biafra Movement has issued marching orders to Pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa.
In the note, Kanu said “I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any sit-at-home from henceforth. Equally, refrain from antagonizing governors or personnel in political positions because you are not in position to know what they are doing on my behalf.”
Kanu ordered Ekpa to cancel any pending sit-at-home orders, and he embarked on the movement to liberate and not enslave the people. Kanu insisted that he despises any person or entity that wishes to inflict suffering on the people.
Kanu’s note comes in response to years of sit-at-home orders issued by Finland-based Ekpa. The imposed curfews have resulted in death, injury, and huge financial losses for citizens in south-eastern states in Nigeria.
Published: 28/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
In a meeting today with the new commander of the 82 division Major General Hassan Dada, Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo State called for the arrest of Pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa. The governor said, “It is our hope that the military working with the Federal Government will be able to either bring Simon Ekpa to either sit at home with us or be made to face the wrath of the law”.
In response, the new commander said he has matching orders from his superiors to restore peace to Nigeria’s southeast. He solicited for support from the government, traditional rulers, and citizens on his new assignment.
Published: 28/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
Speaking to reporters, President of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero stated that he and his colleagues did not walk out of the meeting scheduled today as widely peddled. Ajaero said, “It was more or less the government that stayed away”.
The NLC president stated that they were supposed to meet with the government on Wednesday, July 26, but the Chief of Staff to the President was absent. The meeting was then adjourned to Friday, July 28. Speaking further, Ajaero narrated that when he and his colleagues arrived at the venue today, they were subjected to three hours of security checks. The Chief of staff was still absent. Only the secretary and her staff were present, hence their decision to leave the venue. Ajaero added that he later received a call from the Presidential Chief of Staff, rescheduling the meeting to Monday, July 31.
The NLC President stated that Nigerian workers are demanding that the Government implements all that was agreed upon at their first meeting, including palliatives, the mass transit issue, and wage awards. He criticized the government for showing blatant disregard for court proceedings by increasing the pump price to N617.
On the issue of state governments offering palliatives to their citizens, Ajaero described their actions as dictatorial, that they had no right to do so, as they are offering mere tokens. He cited the Imo State governor as being deceitful. He could not pay his workers N30k, but he is promising an increment of N40K.
On the issue of giving the president more time to study the current issue, the NLC President insisted that as each day passes by, Nigerians are suffering and dying from the current hardships.
Published: 28/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
Commenting on the list of ministerial nominees released today, Shehu Sani, a former senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, described it as a big disappointment. Sani stated that from his assessment, the list contains a few names of people who are competent, however, the majority of the names comprise people he thinks the president was compelled to appreciate for their efforts to ensure his victory at the elections, including former governors.
He particularly pointed to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Sani described El Rufai’s nomination as a tragedy, given all the terrible things he has done and said in office. He described El Rufai as a betrayer and a sower of discord. He believes that El-Rufai will sow the seeds of discord between the president and the vice president, as well as between the president and his cabinet. Sani stressed that El Rufai is full of religious bigotry and does not deserve a place in Nigeria.
Sani advised that if President Tinubu plans on succeeding, he should focus on people who have the capacity, competence, and general acceptability from the generality of Nigerians. He said, “The eight years of the past administration was a complete waste…this is an opportunity to prove that he has the competence and capacity to lead the country to a higher level”.
What do you think of Shehu Sani’s comments?
What do you think of the list of ministerial nominees?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Published: 27/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
A second Russia Africa Business and Humanitarian Forum opened today in St Petersburg, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts the summit. In attendance are 19 African heads of government, business leaders, and key policymakers. The summit is held at a time when Russia has left the Black Sea Grain Agreement with Ukraine.
In his opening address, President Putin stated that Russia is interested in deepening trade, investment, and humanitarian ties with Africa. He criticized Western countries for obstructing supplies of grains and fertilizers to Africa, while on the other hand, blaming Russia for the current global food crisis. Putin added that Russia can replace Ukraine commercially and provide food aid to African countries in need including, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, Somali, and Eritrea. He stressed that the planned food aid would be delivered free of charge.
President Putin also discussed Russia’s plans to work with African countries to help develop their financial infrastructure to guard against restrictive Western systems.
In response, Benedict Oramah, President of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) said, “30% of Africa’s cereal import comes from Russia… ensuring that these flows continue, is the priority Afreximbank”. Oramah stated that Afreximbank has created a platform called African Trade Exchange to ensure the seamless flow of money, food, and fertilizers between within and outside Africa. Oramah assured the summit that Afreximbank will work with Russian partners. He encouraged African business leaders to reciprocate Russia’s gesture by investing in Russia to ensure stronger partnerships.
What do you think of Russia’s renewed closeness to Africa?
Does Russia have much to offer Africa?
Can African countries help end the Russian-Ukraine War?
Let us know what you think in the comments.
Published: 27/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
A group of concerned lawyers has threatened a defamation suit against the Nigerian Department of State Services DSS over the derogatory name-calling of its member as ‘charge and bail’ in a tweet on July 18. The group of lawyers is making a case for the release of suspended Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and other Nigerians in unlawful detention for prolonged periods.
Speaking to our reporters, Ahmed Tijani Yusuf the convener of the Consortium of Human Rights lawyers said, “We are not charged and bail lawyers, we are solicitors and advocates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria…there are so many Nigerians apart from Emefiele in illegal custody, including Bawa, who has now become an underdog”. Fuming in anger Maxwell Okpara, a member of the group, who was directly attacked, asked, “When is it an offense to represent a suspect... because I am defending IPOB, I should be called a terrorist?"
Ezekiel Ugochukwu another member, said, “We are asking the president to set up a committee of Inquiry to review all illegal detentions…we are asking that the committee visits all DSS cells to find out what is happening there”.
Published: 20/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
To mitigate the consequences of the petrol subsidy removal and its attendant hardships, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State has launched a new Intrastate Transport Scheme with a fleet of over 100 taxis and buses. The new scheme will provide affordable transport to the citizenry and will be managed by a public-private partnership set up by the Bayelsa Government. The scheme is expected to generate N35 million monthly.
Speaking at the launch, the governor commented that “We believe that this will now be our own palliative at the land sector”. Governor Diri appealed to the federal government not to centralize the distribution of the gains of subsidy removal to Abuja states in various regions that should be incorporated and receive their fair share. Diri added that while the government plans to provide various of transport vehicles nationwide, they should also provide boats for people living in riverine states like Bayelsa.
Published: 20/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
In a heated session on July 19, members of the Nigerian House of Representatives deliberated on the sudden hike in the price of petrol to N617 per liter across states in the country. Representatives from the opposition People’s Democratic Party were vehement in their opposition to the price hike.
Honorable Ikengha Ugochinyere from Imo State said, “The resultant effect is an overnight increase in the cost of transportation across the country, and of course, we are expecting a hike in the price of food in the coming days…if this is allowed to continue, we fear that fuel price will be sold at N1000 naira by the end of the year”.
In support, Hon. Zakaria Nyampa from Adamawa State appealed to the house to suspend the increase in pump price by the NNPC pending the appearance of its CEO to explain the current situation before an investigative committee is set up.
However, the house voted overwhelmingly not to suspend the price increase pending investigations. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House said, he believed that the price hike is a result of market forces playing out.
Published: 20/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
The Federal Government of Nigeria has brought up a new charge against suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele. The government through the Department of State Services DSS, is accusing Emefiele of illegal firearm possession. DSS agents discovered a single-barrel shotgun and 123 rounds of ammunition (cartridges) in Emefiele’s possession.
The DSS stated that the offense contravenes Section 4 of the Firearms Act of 2004 and that, Emefiele did not have any license or permission to possess the said weapons.
Godwin Emefiele has been in the custody of the DSS since June 10, under investigation for several corrupt practices. His legal counsel Joseph Daudu has appealed for fairness and upholding of the rule of law in Emefiele’s case. He stated that the world is watching how legal activities are proceeding under the current Tinubu administration, and that abuse of the rule of law could negatively impact Nigeria’s image before viable international investors.
Published: 16/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
Presidential spokesperson Dele Alake announced today that Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is putting food security and water availability and affordability among his list of priorities. These issues are to be seriously addressed by the National Executive Council.
The president’s stance is in response to the escalating cost of food in the country due to the removal of petrol subsidy and new financial policies to unify the exchange rate of the naira in relation to the US dollar. The escalating cost of food is the direct consequence of the rising cost of transportation and fertilizers. Escalating food prices have caused unbearable hardships for the citizenry.
The Senate has recently approved the 500 million naira requested by the president to be disbursed as financial palliatives to 12 million homes at N8,000 per month for six months.
Alake also announced plans to establish a new National Commodity Board to help regulate the prices of food in the country. Storage facilities will also be revamped to prevent spoilage and wastage.
President Tinubu’s move has been commended as being more people-sensitive, compared to the attitude of the past Buhari-led administration towards the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
Published: 13/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
In an impassioned speech, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stressed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must become more proactive in defending democracy in the region and in the wider African context.
The president was delivering his inaugural speech as the newly elected chairman of the organization on Sunday, July 9. President Tinubu said that “We will not allow coup after coup to cause Africa’s separation”. He added, “Yes democracy is very tough to manage, but it is the best form of government”.
The new ECOWAS Chairman promised to take the matter seriously with the African Union, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He promised that “we will bite back; we cannot continue like toothless bulldogs. Tinubu was hinting at the rather passive stance of ECOWAS towards political upheavals in West Africa, under previous leaderships.
President Tinubu issued a stern warning to exploiters of Africa to stop their activities. He stressed that “our people have suffered enough”. Tinubu promised that despite his limited experience as the new ECOWAS leader, he will do his best to promote democracy and the rule of law in Africa.
President Tinubu of Nigeria takes over from the past chair, President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau.
Let us know what you think about President Tinubu as the new ECOWAS Chair.
Will he put words into action?
Published: 10/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
Bassey Edet Otu - Governor of Cross River State
In a meeting today with permanent secretaries and directors across ministries and agencies in Cross River State, Nigeria, State Governor Bassey Edet Otu promised to increase the salaries of civil servants across the state. The governor stated that this decision was necessary to improve the welfare of workers. The governor noted the paucity of funds in the state, but, was, however, firm in his resolve.
The governor said, “The story is going to change. For us to get the best, our workers must be well taken care of”.
However, the governor added that “To whom much is given, much is expected”. The increment in salaries will require greater effectiveness and efficiency from all civil servants in Cross River State.
Published: 06/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
In a public notice emailed to its account holders today, Zenith Bank Nigeria announced a new withdrawal limit for its customers. Customers can now withdraw up to N200,000 daily. The new withdrawal limit is also applicable to account holders from other banks who may want to use its ATM machines. The financial service provider added that the N500,000 cashless withdrawal limit for individuals still stands.
Zenith Bank’s new withdrawal limit comes as a relive to customers who have been severely inconvenienced by the recent withdrawal limits set by the Central Bank of Nigeria in December 2022 and 2023 respectively
Published: 05/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
Efio-Ita Nyok is now the National Coordinator of the Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (Leg’ACEs) – a programme of Order Paper Nigeria.
Nyok was elected alongside two other executives, Deborah Obiabo (National Deputy Coordinator North/FCT Caucus Coodinator of the OPN Leg'ACEs) and Ukeme Anwan (National Deputy Coordinator South/Akwa Ibom Caucus Coodinator of OPN Leg'ACEs), in an election that held on Friday, June 30, 2023. Their tenure will last for one year.
In an address before the election, the Executive Director of Order Paper Nigeria, Oke Epia, said that the two main areas of concern for Leg'ACEs include, opening up the civic space in Nigeria, with a view to engaging the citizenry to demand quality public service from the national and state assemblies, and to develop best practices for interreacting with houses of assemblies.
Speaking at the event, Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq, Senior Programme Executive of OrderPaper Nigeria, said “With great pleasure, OrderPaper congratulates these leaders on their well-deserved election. We are confident that they will galvanize the Leg'ACEs Community towards greater heights”. The Programme manager added that the new national executives will infuse a breath of fresh ideas into the Leg’ACEs Programme.
Leg'ACEs, a programme and community of Order Paper Nigeria, was created to fulfill the mandate of bridging the gap between citizens and parliament. Its objectives include co-creating opportunities with stakeholders in furtherance of parliamentary reporting and education and activating the agency of responsible citizenship to promote accountability from legislators.
Order Paper is a leading Nigerian policy think tank and media group that aspires to bridge the gap between the citizenry and parliament. As a media body, the organization is engaged in reporting, tracking, analyzing, and archiving activities of the Nigerian legislature. The organization’s vision is to become a leader in parliamentary reporting, advocacy, and public policy advisory in Africa.
Published: 02/07/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
The US Supreme Court has voted to end affirmative action. The court ruling announced on Thursday, June 30 was a result of a 6 to 3 vote by its nine judges. Six of the conservative judges voted in favor of a case brought by an anti-affirmative action group called Students for Fair Admissions. Edward Blum, its founder, argued that affirmative action was unfair and discriminatory towards White and Asian American students who work so hard to secure university admissions.
Blum and his group argued that no race should be advantaged or disadvantaged in university admission processes, only qualified candidates should be selected, and admissions should be strictly on merit, and not based on race or skin color. Blum argued further that affirmative action policies practiced by universities such as Harvard and the University of North Carolina violated Title VI provisions of the 1965 Civil Rights Act that bar discrimination based on race, skin color, or nationality.
However, the Supreme Court ruling was greeted with severe criticism by liberal democrats like former US President Barak Obama. Obama tweeted that affirmative action gave black people, including him, an opportunity at the table at Harvard. His wife Michelle posted a page-long tweet detailing how affirmative action helped students from struggling families to get into prestigious universities and colleges. According to Michelle Obama, these indigent students could not afford to attend good schools or pay tutors to prepare them for examinations. Other Democrats who voiced their displeasure at the new development included President Joe Biden, Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Jackson, among several others.
On the Republican side, Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence welcomed the development. Pence’s comments that his three children who attended Yale were evidence that affirmative action was no longer needed, received a severe backlash on social media. Pence was severely criticized for his insensitive comments and refusal to acknowledge the effects of decades of discrimination against Black people and Latinos in the US.
Affirmative action first appeared in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy promised to take affirmative action to ensure that all qualified applicants were employed, irrespective of their race, color, or creed. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson followed in Kennedy’s steps by signing Executive Order No 10925, mandating employers not to discriminate among applicants on the bases of race or skin color.
In the decades following, affirmative action became a policy adopted by some leading universities to ensure that candidates from certain designated groups can participate in all provided opportunities including education, training, funding, etc. These universities adopted quota systems to ensure that Black people and Latinos are included. In some cases, the admission criteria are relaxed to accommodate them. The universities view affirmative action as a way to compensate for centuries of slavery and decades of discrimination against Blacks and Latinos in the US.
Published: 30/06/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State UNICROSS (formerly CRUTECH) Professor Augustine Oko Angba, has this morning clarified the university’s current ranking in the 37th position among universities in Sub-Saharan Africa by Times Higher Education (THE). Presenters on FAD FM 93.1 Calabar, Tina Akwaeke, and Fidelis Ubana, invited the university don to respond to critical commentary circulating on social media about the university’s ranking.
The Vice-Chancellor began by stating that most people were ignorant of THE’s ranking criteria. He argued that the university’s impressive ranking was due to its current research and social impact, in contrast to other universities that have more conducive environments and facilities, but however, have become complacent in these areas. The VC said that THE was not concerned with big names or past achievements, this factor greatly enhanced the university’s impressive ranking.
Professor Angba argued further that while some faculty were yet to give their best in teaching and research, UNICROSS has a crop of faculty that have attained global acclaim for their excellent research and high citations in Google Scholar, Scopus, Clarivate Web of Science, and other reputable international research indexes. These hardworking faculty are responsible for the global visibility of the institution. The VC promised more support for these diligent faculty, to expand their numbers and to strengthen the university’s online presence across academic platforms.
The presenters gave the audience an opportunity to call in with questions for the VC. Callers posed questions on sub-substandard buildings, emphasis on theory over practical due to lack of equipment, implementation of research findings, rampant corruption, and insecurity, among several other issues plaguing the university.
UNICROSS was renamed in February 2021 and positioned as a conventional university that offers a variety of courses across disciplines, rather than only in tech-related areas.
Founded in 2002, the university boasts four campuses across Cross River State, Nigeria. Currently, the university has ten faculties comprising biological sciences, engineering, education, communication technology, environmental science, physical science, basic medical science, architecture, management sciences, and agriculture and forestry.
Published: 30/06/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
The 2023 ranking of universities in Sub-Saharan Africa by Times Higher Education (THE) shows six Nigerian universities in the top thirty percent. The ranking list published on June 26 shows Covenant University in 1st place and 7th on the African continent. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, follows in 26th place. The famous University of Ibadan comes in at the 36th position, immediately followed by Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH now University of Cross River State). Social media users have expressed surprise at CRUTECH’s impressive global position in contrast to its older counterpart, The University of Calabar, which did not make the list.
The Sub-Saharan Africa Universities Ranking list was published in Accra, Ghana at the Sub-Saharan Africa University Forum organized by Times Higher Education in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. The event which was held at Ashesi University, had in attendance, Duncan Ross, Chief Data Officer at THE, and Dan LeClair, CEO of the Global Business School Network. Also in attendance were Professor Oke Bukola, Chairman of the Nigerian Universities Ranking Advisory Committee (NURAC), and Dr. Noel Salihu, Deputy Executive Secretary (Academics), Nigerian University Commission (NUC), among other leading African and Nigerian academics.
The impressive performance of Nigerian universities indicates efforts by both public and private universities to improve in areas of teaching, research, and social impact. It also demonstrates the resilience of Nigerian academics to keep improving their work, despite limited funding, facilities, and other setbacks in the country. The list is also evidence of the extent of global awareness, connections, and participation of younger and private universities in Nigeria in contrast to the older established universities, which tend to be complacent in these areas. The ranking list is a reference point and motivation for other Nigerian universities to improve.
Established in 2004, Times Higher Education is a leading global educational organization renowned for publishing its annual World University Rankings. Currently, THE works with renowned publisher Elsevier to collect data through a set of established scholars located in each country. THE collects data from African universities in five areas including resources and finance, access and fairness, teaching skills, student engagement, and Africa impact.
Published: 29/06/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has launched its Braille Account Opening Form. The first of its kind in Nigeria, the bank aims to allow the visually impaired to take control of their finances.
In attendance at the event in Lagos were visually impaired leading Nigerian producer and songwriter Cobhams Asuquo, students from Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, Lagos, and top executives of UBA.
The introduction of the new forms comes against the backdrop of cheating of the visually impaired. Cheating on visually challenged people is an ugly act which happens in Nigeria and globally. People take advantage of their lack of sight to scam them off money, trick them into signing false documents, and cheat them while in romantic relationships.
In a BBC interview video on Facebook, Anietie Akpan a visually impaired Nigerian dry cleaner, laments on customers continued cheating him of his hard-earned money. He tells the BBC that customers lie about bank transfers; others owe him and run away because he cannot see them, and the list goes on.
Watch video:
https://web.facebook.com/watch/?v=383812133269851
UBA’s new scheme to allow the visually challenged to take charge of their finances is highly commendable. It is demonstrable of the bank’s goal to include and empower people with visual impairments. The Braille forms spell out all the requirements for opening accounts and other information on monthly interest and deductions. Visually impaired persons can now perform account openings and other baking transactions without any or little assistance.
Published: 28/06/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
Officers of the Nigerian Police have arrested Trinityguy (Abdullahi Maruf Adisa) a Nigerian prankster notorious for his extreme pranks. His videos which are shared via his social media channels, often show members of the public in distress and shock from being pranked. A recent video shared widely, shows the prankster threatening to hit a minor with a slipper if she does not admit to seeing his penis. In the video, Trinityguy can be seen repeatedly asking her about the color of his penis.
Watch video:
https://twitter.com/hybrawhym/status/1673331509325905922
Trinity’s arrest on June 23, 2023, was in response to a call for his arrest by police public relations officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi. Adejobi argued that Trinity’s pranks unfairly endangered innocent citizens. His use of the sounds of gunshots to prank people, including other forms of harassment put people with delicate medical conditions at risk of a heart attack. The police spokesperson argued further that Trinity Guy and other extreme Nigerian pranksters, also put their own lives in danger, as they could be shot dead by police personnel, who would presume that they are criminals.
While some argue that Trinity’s videos are staged and the victims are paid actors, others are terrified by his prank videos.
The prankster and content maker is currently under police custody and will be arraigned before a magistrate court in Ibadan, Nigeria for sexualizing a minor in contravention of Section 516 of the Oyo State Criminal Code of 2000.
Reactions on Twitter show differing positions on his arrest.
@OEzebilo - In saner climes, this would have resulted in a long prison sentence.
@holorunbiggest - This is all a joke, he's doing it to have sex or molest the girl, he didn't touch her body. All they can do is to tell him where to adjust not sending him to prison.
@Wyhkhay - This is not in any way a prank but an act of child abuse/molestation...He needs to go t prison for this no matter how short the jail term might be.
Published: 26/06/2023
Philip Ephraim
Calabar, Nigeria
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