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Showing posts from January, 2025

Biafra: We’ll resist Appeal Court’s judgement affirming IPOB proscription — Nnamdi Kanu

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The embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has vowed to resist the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which affirmed the proscription of IPOB and its designation as a terrorist organisation. Kanu stated that the court’s ruling would be challenged within the ambit of the law, as the judgment did not pass the “muster of the Nigerian Constitution and the statutes pertinent to it.” On Thursday, the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal upheld an order by Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, proscribing IPOB and designating it a terrorist organisation. In its judgement, a three-member panel of the court unanimously agreed with the lawyer representing the Federal Government, Oyin Koleosho, that the state acted lawfully in proscribing IPOB. The panel maintained that IPOB’s activities posed a threat to Nigeria’s continued existence and the security of its citizens. Faulting the judgment, Kanu argued that the order of proscription b...

EPL: Lineker, Richards warn Aston Villa over signing Felix from Chelsea

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Football pundits Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have warned Aston Villa against signing João Félix from Chelsea. Aston Villa are keen to bring in the Portuguese playmaker during the January transfer window, as their forward Jhon Durán is set to join Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Félix has started just three Premier League matches under manager Enzo Maresca since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer. However, Lineker and Richards believe the former Barcelona star would not be a good fit for Unai Emery’s side. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker said: “That is a funny one because he is a player who moved for a massive price tag when he was really young to Atlético Madrid. “There is no question he has a lot of ability, but he has never managed to secure a regular starting place anywhere, so I don’t know what Aston Villa would see in him.” Richards added: “That is the thing. Everyone wants a marquee signing, and getting a player of that stature by name to Villa Park w...

Food security: Gov Zulum advocates large-scale irrigation farming in Lake Chad region

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Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has advocated for the establishment of large-scale irrigation farms as a key solution to addressing the escalating food insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin region. The governor made the call during a panel discussion titled “Ensuring Food Security through Building Resilience of Food Systems in the Lake Chad Basin Region” at the ongoing 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri. Governor Zulum emphasised that the Lake Chad Basin region is endowed with vast arable land which, if properly harnessed, can significantly contribute to the region’s food security. He underscored the importance of collaboration between regional governors, key partners, and the United Nations to establish irrigation farms that can be efficiently managed by agricultural experts. “We need to invest in irrigation. Irrigated agriculture is the only solution. Unfortunately, our investment in irrigated agriculture is very low. “We have vast fertile land. Borno Sta...

Constitution allows Muslims establish Shari’a law anywhere in Nigeria – Buhari’s ex-aide

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A former Media Aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has declared that Nigeria’s constitution permits Muslims to establish Shari’a law in any part of the country. Ahmad said the establishment of Shari’a courts is a matter of religious freedom and legal recognition which are protected under the constitution. Faulting some Southwest governors against the establishment of Shari’a in their region, Ahmad said the Shari’a court system does not impose its jurisdiction on non-Muslims. In a statement he issued on Thursday, Ahmad said: “The Constitution is the foundation of our democracy, the supreme law that defines the powers of leaders and the rights of citizens. Those in positions of authority should understand that and uphold the very laws that grant them the power to govern. “It is well provided in our Constitution that it is the right of Muslims to establish Shari’a courts for matters concerning personal law. This right is not limited to the northern part of the countr...

Adamawa’s Fufore Emirate invites 31 chiefs from northern Cameroon for new emir’s coronation

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The newly created Fufore Emirate in Adamawa State is set to celebrate its closeness to and affinity with the neighbouring Cameroon Republic as it invites 31 chiefs from there for the coronation of the new emir. The monarchs who are mostly from the northern part of Cameroon which shares international boundaries with the Fufore Emirate, are expected to attend the grand coronation and presentation of second class staff-of-office to the Emir of Fufore, Alhaji Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, Lamido Fuunage. The coronation is slated for February 5, 2025. The Cameroon monarchs, most of them bearing the title of Lamido, include those from Gaudere, Garua, Chebowa, Gasiga, Demsa, Meme, Guividig, Gidigis, Wandala, and Limami, among the other domains. The Fufore Emirate, one of the seven chiefdoms and emirates recently created by the Adamawa State Government, has 12 districts, and is home to people who are predominantly farmers and cattle breeders. The Information Officer of Fufore Local Government Area...

24-hr port operations will help realisation of $1 trillion economy by 2031 — FIRS chairman, others

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There can be no better time than now for the take-off of the National Single Window initiative aimed at eliminating bureaucratic delays in export and import processes to boost trade efficiency and enhance economic growth. This was the consensus of stakeholders and industry experts at the opening of a three-day workshop on the presidential initiative called the National Single Window project launched by President Bola Tinubu in April, 2024. The stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, Managing Director, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and others are optimistic about the potentiality of the project fast-tracking the realisation of $1 trillion economy. Speaking at the National Single Window forum at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday, Oyetola s...

Niger: Police parade 12 suspects for vandalizing govt property

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The Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmanman, has paraded twelve suspects for vandalizing government properties in Minna, the state capital, and other parts of the state. Danmanman disclosed this during a press briefing in Minna. He explained that the arrests were made on January 24 and 25, 2025, following reports of miscreants taking advantage of the ongoing infrastructure upgrade to steal government property. The CP revealed that the first set of suspects—Shamsudeen Ibrahim, 19; Abba Shuaibu, 24; and Faisal Aliyu, 18, all from Limawa, Minna—were caught with streetlight cables, diggers, hammers, and cutters. According to him, the second set of suspects were arrested with some quantities of burnt electric armored cables. They include Khalid Shehu, 18, of Sabon-Gari, Minna; Ibrahim Lawal, 21, of Sabon-Gari, Minna; Gambo Umar, 18, of Tunga, Minna; Mohammed Lawal, 24, of Hospital Road, Minna; and Magaji Garba, 31, a receiver from Kwangila, Minna. In a sep...

Four arrested in Anambra for burning 74-yr-old woman to death

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Four persons have been arrested by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command for burning a 74-year-old woman to death. The incident occurred on Saturday in Abagana, Dunukofia Local Government Area. Her attackers reportedly procured a coffin and interred her immediately after the act. A source claimed that the woman, who used a wheelchair, was suspected to have been burnt for ritual purposes by one Ifeanyi Igwe, who remains at large. However, five persons connected to the incident, including Igwe’s 21-year-old girlfriend, Chinenye Ekwenugo, were arrested. The Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, clarified the situation in a press release, stating that three of the four arrested persons were linked to the procurement of the coffin and burial of the victim. His statement read: “The Anambra State Police operatives serving at Abagana Divisional Police Headquarters today, 26/1/2024, at 9 am arrested four suspects, including a 21-year-old...

EPL: Salah overtakes Thierry Henry in all-time top goalscorer chart

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Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah has moved up to seventh in the Premier League’s all-time goalscoring charts. Salah scored in the 35th minute of their 4-1 win over Ipswich Town at Anfield on Saturday. The 32-year-old has been in inspired form for Arne Slot’s table-topping side this season. Salah netted his 176th goal in the division and has now moved clear of Thierry Henry (175) and one behind Chelsea legend Frank Lampard (177). The Egyptian is two goals clear of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak in the race for the Golden Boot this season. He has also contributed 13 assists. Liverpool’s win over Ipswich saw them maintain their six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. The forward’s goal also means he is now the second-highest-scoring overseas player in the competition’s history, behind only Sergio Agüero (184). Alan Shearer is the Premier League’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals. EPL: Salah overtakes...

Premier League releases statement on Lewis-Skelly red card against Wolves

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The Premier League on Saturday released a statement addressing Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card against Wolves. Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win on Saturday. The 18-year-old tackled Matt Doherty as he raced away on a counter-attack. Referee Michael Oliver brandished a straight red card, and the decision was upheld by VAR. The Premier League has now confirmed the red card was correct, as Lewis-Skelly’s lunge constituted “serious foul play.” The decision was heavily criticised on social media, with a number of Arsenal fans left baffled. However, the Premier League Match Centre has now explained why the player was dismissed. The statement read: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.” The decision was branded as “baffling” by new Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, who said: “Baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best re...

2 residents hit by stray bullets in attack on Adamawa community

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Two residents of Garaha, a community in Hong local government area of Adamawa State, sustained injuries from stray bullets when gunmen launched an attack on the community. DAILY POST Post gathered Friday that the injured who are now receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre in Hong town, were hit during an exchange of fire between the attackers and combined forces of military, Police, and local vigilante members. According to eyewitness accounts, the timely intervention of the security forces saved the community, restraining the attackers from doing more damage than the stray bullets injuring the couple of residents now being treated. The attack on Garaha was reportedly launched on Wednesday, January 22, by people believed to be elements of the insurgents that have troubled much of the North East for a long time. The Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the latest attack on Garaha and how operatives of the police and mili...

Clinton Morrison names best football team in the world

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Former Crystal Palace and Birmingham City star Clinton Morrison has named Liverpool as the best team in the world. He hailed Reds head coach Arne Slot for his excellent start at the club. Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp at the helm at Anfield last July and has popped up as the talk of the town. The Dutchman has guided Liverpool to a whopping 26 wins and just two defeats in 33 overall outings so far. Morrison, who spoke to Tribal Football, was asked to share his thoughts on Slot, he said: “What Arne Slot’s done at that football club, since the great Jurgen Klopp left, is a fantastic job. “I think there’s been a breath of fresh air. They’re so strong. Even when they’ve qualified, he’s still playing a strong XI. “He’s taking the Champions League so seriously and he’s relentless at the moment. “You’re thinking the other night [in the 2-1] against LOSC Lille, would he perhaps rest people like [Mohamed] Salah? No. “And then Salah scores a fantastic goal. Liverpool have been outstanding a...

Nigeria makes case for UN Security Council seat at World Economic Forum summit

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Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has called for a permanent seat for Africa in the United Nations, UN, Security Council while making a case for Nigeria as the country that should represent the continent in the global body. A statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said Tuggar spoke during a panel discussion on the theme, ‘Africa’s Momentum’, at the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, Sweden. Africa has no permanent seat in the Security Council, arguably the UN’s highest decision making organ. Tuggar decried the exclusion of Africa in the UN Security Council while stating that about 60 percent of the resolutions of the Council bother on issues that have to do with Africa. He also noted that many of the laws promulgated by the Council have adverse implications for Africa, including the Deforestation Law which bans the purchase of produce from deforested land in Africa while ignorin...

‘Faith brought us together’ – Wife of suspended Catholic priest

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Dora Chichah, wife of suspended Catholic priest Rev Fr Daniel Oghenerukevwe, said faith played a critical role in their union. DAILY POST reports that Rev Oghenerukevwe, from the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, was suspended after entering into a marriage in Dallas, Texas, without completing the formal canonical process to be released from his priestly vows. According to the diocese, while the priest formally requested release from Holy Orders on November 30, 2024, he failed to provide the required documents before proceeding with the marriage. Photos from the wedding quickly went viral. Speaking from Dallas, Texas, US, in a live testimony session at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Streams of Joy International Church, Dora recounted her journey of faith and prayer that led her to meet Daniel. Catholic missionary priest, Fr Kelvin Ugwu, reposted the video of Dora’s testimony recently on Facebook. The single mother of three described praying for over nine years for a life partner, addin...

EPL: Garnacho takes decision on joining Chelsea as Man Utd reduce transfer fee

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Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho would favour a move to Chelsea over Napoli, according to TyC Sport. Napoli have already seen an offer rejected for Garnacho as United initially held out for £70m. Chelsea are also keen on signing the 20-year-old before the end of the January transfer window. Garnacho’s agents were in attendance at Stamford Bridge on Monday night to watch the Blues beat Wolves 3-1. United’s hierarchy held further talks with Napoli on Tuesday and reports in Italy claim that they have now reduced their asking price to €65m (£54.8m). But Garnacho’s preference would be to continue playing in the Premier League, although Chelsea have yet to submit an offer to United. United boss Ruben Amorim refused to comment on Garnacho’s future ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Rangers. EPL: Garnacho takes decision on joining Chelsea as Man Utd reduce transfer fee

Maduka University resumes academic activities, says admission still ongoing

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Maduka University Enugu has announced that academic activities for students will commence this week after the brief 2-week Christmas break. Recognised and approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Maduka University offers diverse programs. The management announced that students of the university will start academic activities on the specified date, urging all qualified new students who completed registration to resume promptly. While reiterating a zero-tolerance policy for cultism and other social vices, the management encouraged new students to embrace the institution’s ethos encapsulated in its slogan, ‘knowledge, self-reliance, and service.’ Despite the academic year already underway, Maduka University announced that admission is still open for prospective students. Interested candidates can initiate the application process through the official Maduka University website at www.madukauniversity.edu.ng. The admission form is available for download, and applicants...

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia deepen ties on solid mineral exploration

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Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have renewed plans to enhance the capacity of their geological agencies by leveraging breakthroughs achieved by Saudi firms in mineral exploration. Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. He stated that the development took place on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Tomori noted that the decision was reached during a closed-door meeting between a Saudi delegation, led by the Minister of Mining, Bandar Al-Khorayef, and a Nigerian delegation, led by Alake. Alake proposed that both countries collaborate in areas of mutual economic advantage, emphasising partnerships across the sector’s value chain. Using Saudi Arabia’s renowned gold market as an example, Alake suggested that Nigeria’s gold refineries could access the Saudi market under protective clauses, ensuring expansion opportunities for both economies. In ...

Akpabio addresses Ivorien parliament, harps on collaboration, African unity

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The President of Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Monday addressed the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, emphasising the importance of parliamentary collaboration and unity among African nations. Speaking at the opening session of the 2025 First Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan, Akpabio also called for stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Akpabio, whose address was titled “Strengthening Ties, Building the Future Together,” told the Ivorian lawmakers that Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria are not merely neighbours but partners in the grand endeavour of African progress. “The future of West Africa rests upon us. Therefore, let us not be complacent. The challenges before us are vast – youth unemployment, human trafficking, and security threats. “Yet so too are the opportunities. Parliamentary cooperation should lead the way to deeper executive collaboration and unity. “We must set the tone for African parliamentary engagemen...

NNPCL commences rehabilitation of pipelines, depots

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, says it is undertaking rehabilitation of pipelines and depots to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure. The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, CCCO, of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye stated this in an interview with journalists on Saturday. He noted that the ongoing rehabilitation project, which is expected to be completed within 2 to 3 years, would resolve longstanding challenges in petroleum distribution. Soneye further explained that upon completion, Nigeria will achieve sustainable crude oil supply to refineries, seamless product distribution through pipelines, reduced reliance on trucks, improved energy security and reduced fuel importation, lower transportation costs and reduced road hazards caused by fuel tankers. In his words: “We can assure Nigerians that NNPC’s pipeline and depot rehabilitation project is With a structured financial model, strategic partnerships, and committed execution, the initiative is set t...

Gov Nwifuru urges Ebonyi scholarship beneficiaries to be good ambassadors

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Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has called on the newly enrolled indigenous students of the state scholarship scheme to serve as exemplary ambassadors of the state. Nwifuru made this known during the flag-off ceremony of the Ebonyi State 2024/2025 Scholarship Programme (foreign and local), held at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke. In his address, Nwifuru reminded the beneficiaries, particularly those on foreign scholarships, of their dual roles as students and representatives of Ebonyi State. He urged them to be conscious of their words, actions, and achievements, as these reflect the collective identity of the Ebonyi people. The governor emphasised the importance of graduating on time and returning to the state to apply their expertise in their fields of specialisation. He warned against following the example of some scholars who failed to contribute meaningfully to the state after benefiting from such programmes. He encouraged the students to...

Forces of operation safe haven rescue 18 hostages, achieve major progress in Plateau, Taraba

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Forces from the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven have accomplished significant success in their continuous mission to maintain peace and safety throughout the Joint Operations Area (JOA), encompassing Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna States. A statement released by the Military Information Officer, Maj. Samson Nantip Zhakom, on Thursday emphasized the considerable advancements achieved by the troops in their intensified kinetic and non-kinetic activities along the Plateau-Taraba borders, especially in the Bangalala and Kinishi Forests, covering the Wase and Karim Lamido Local Government Areas (LGAs). According to Zagazola Makama, a security expert and counter-terrorism specialist in the Lake Chad Region, the operations have resulted in the removal of numerous bandits, the demolition of criminal hideouts, and the rescue of 18 kidnapped individuals, who have since been reunited with their families after appropriate documentation. In Tarangol, Bokkos LGA, Sector 5 forces captured five b...

Troops kill six, mourn five heroes in Sokoto anti-terror operation

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Troops of the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade on Thursday neutralized six terrorists during a coordinated operation against Lakurawa terrorists in Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State. This was disclosed in a statement by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi. According to the statement, the operation resulted in an intense firefight that claimed the lives of five soldiers. “The troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one box of 12.7mm ammunition. However, this success came at a heavy cost, as five gallant soldiers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty,” the statement read. The military urged the public to remain vigilant and alert to their surroundings. The statement further called on residents of Gudu LGA and neighboring areas to report any suspicious activities or security threats to the relevant authorities, as part of efforts to combat ...

Foreign fighters fueling terror surge in Nigeria – DHQ

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has attributed the recent surge in terrorist activities in Nigeria’s north-east and north-west regions to an influx of foreign fighters. The country has faced a series of attacks targeting military bases and civilians, raising concerns about the state of its national security framework. At the year’s first military press briefing, Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, linked the escalation to collaboration between fighters from the Sahel region and local accomplices. “The resurgence in terror attacks can be traced to the arrival of foreign fighters who have reinforced these terrorist groups,” Buba said. “These individuals, coming from the Sahel region, are supported by local collaborators who act as informants, monitoring and reporting troop movements.” Buba reassured the public of the military’s commitment to combating terrorism, emphasizing efforts to undermine the terrorists’ ability and resolve to continue their activities. “Despite...

Naira drops against dollar at official, black markets amid spike in inflation

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The naira dropped against the dollar at official and parallel foreign exchange markets at the close of Wednesday amid Nigeria’s inflation rise. FMDQ data showed that the naira weakened further to N1,551.10 against the dollar on Wednesday from N1,549.65. This means that the naira lost N1.45. Similarly, on the black market, the naira depreciated by N7 to close at N1,667 per dollar on Wednesday from the N1,660 exchange rate the previous day. DAILY POST reports that the naira dipped at the two FX markets on Wednesday, unlike on Tuesday when it recorded mixed results. Naira drops against dollar at official, black markets amid spike in inflation

Tragedy in Kogi as FRSC confirms 6 dead, 60 injured in auto crash

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An auto crash involving an articulated vehicle in Kogi on Tuesday left six persons dead and 60 persons injured, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has confirmed. Samuel Oyedeji, the commander of Kogi Sector of FRSC, who made the disclosure to NAN in Lokoja on Tuesday, attributed the accident to high speed. According to Oyedeji: “The accident occurred around 3 pm and I can confirm to you that six persons died, while 60 others got injured. “Our officers in collaboration with the Police and NSCDC personnel have rushed the injured to the Kogi Specialist Hospital and the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, for medical attention. “The six corpses have also been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital. “We learnt the truck from Bauchi was heading to Enugu State before the unfortunate incident occurred around Zone 8 Roundabout, Lokoja, KOGI.” The sector commander decried the notoriety of motorists, especially drivers of trucks and buses, who indisc...

Naira stumbles further against dollar

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The naira continued its decline against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Monday. FMDQ data showed that the naira weakened to N1,548.89 against the dollar on Monday from N1,543.03 exchanged last week Friday. This indicated that the naira fell by N5.86 compared to N1,543.03 traded at the close of last Friday. Similarly, on the black market, the naira closed at N1,667 per dollar on Monday from N1,665. However, the naira had been fairly stable between N1,545 and N1,660 per dollar at the official and parallel foreign exchange markets, respectively. Last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria unveiled the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account , NRNOA, and the Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account, NRNIA, to boost diaspora remittances. Naira stumbles further against dollar

‘I didn’t have bank account while with P-Square’ – May D

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Nigerian singer Akinmayokun Awodumila, popularly known as May D, has opened up about the poor treatment he was allegedly subjected to while signed to R&B duo P-Square’s record label Square Records. Featuring in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, the singer revealed that he didn’t have a comfortable accommodation or a bank account while he was at the record label. He recalled how Davido sought shelter with him after absconding from home, but he couldn’t stay due to the poor condition of the room at P-Square’s mansion. “When Davido was running from his dad, he came to my room in P-Square’s house, he was like ‘May-D is this where you stay? I can’t sleep here oh’…If I had a room, it would have been cooler,” he said. “For the four years I was with P-Square, I didn’t have a bank account. It’s only when someone has money that he opens an account.” May D accused P-Square of sabotaging his chances with Akon’s Konvict Music, where the duo was previously signed. He stated th...

Kidnappers reportedly kill man after receiving N5.5m ransom in Benue

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Gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen, who kidnapped Terzungwe Shaku, a farmer and businessman in Akor village, Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, have reportedly killed him after collecting N5.5 million from his family members for his release. The development has forced members of the community and neighbouring villages to flee their homes for fear of being targeted by the marauders. A close family source who preferred anonymity, told newsmen on Sunday that the deceased who early last year survived an attack by the marauding herdsmen was however not lucky a few days to the new year when the armed men again stormed his business place and whisked him away. According to the family source, kidnappers had demanded N10 million as ransom for his release but his family members negotiated and paid N5.5 million to secure his freedom. “It is true, Akor is my village. Terzungwe was a big farmer who also owned a provision store in Akor. Early last year armed he...

South East Senate Caucus endorses Senator Azuta Mbata on Ohaneze Presidency.

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The South East Senate Caucus has endorsed and congratulated Senator Azuta Mbata on his emergence as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, the leader of the Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said Senator Mbata’s victory at the election during the Ohaneze General Assembly in Enugu, marks a milestone in the history of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation. The caucus, he said, has firm confidence in Mbata’s pedigree and leadership qualities that are solid enough to steer Ohaneze to achieve the much desired unity and development in Igboland and command the ability to also reach out to similar associations outside Igboland to enhance good relationship for the unity of Nigeria. “We as a caucus have the confidence that Ohanaeze as constituted under the leadership of Senator Mbata would weave the entire Igbo race cohesively together in unity, peace and make Ohanaeze a veritable rallying point for Ndigbo wherever they may be. “Such tra...

Mexico launches nationwide campaign to mop up weapons

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday unveiled a national campaign aimed at reducing the number of firearms on the country’s violence-stricken streets. The initiative, named “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace,” incentivises citizens to anonymously surrender weapons at designated drop-off points, including churches, in exchange for cash. Compensation rates include 8,700 pesos ($430) for a revolver, 25,000 pesos ($1,200) for an AK-47 rifle, and 26,450 pesos ($1,300) for a machine gun. All surrendered firearms will be destroyed. “This is about protecting our communities and ensuring a future where our children don’t grow up surrounded by violence,” Sheinbaum stated at the campaign launch event in Mexico City, which featured soldiers symbolically destroying a weapon. The programme includes a unique touch for children, who can trade toy guns for other toys, pointing out the campaign’s commitment to fostering a culture of peace. Initially implemented in Mexico City in 2019, the d...

Traders shut market over death of 2 in Ibadan

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Traders at Eleyele market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Friday shut down the market over the death of two people. Our correspondent reports that a truck fully loaded with granite on Wednesday lost control and rammed intsome traders who were at the roadside. It was learnt that about two people lost their lives as a result of the accident. Our correspondent learnt that several other people sustained various degrees of injuries during the incident. As of Friday, those who sustained various degrees of injuries were still receiving medical attention in various hospitals. Our correspondent, however, reports that the market was shutdown on Friday to pray for the soul of those who lost their lives and pray to avert future occurrences in the market. Another source revealed that the leaders of the market decided to shut down the market to organise prayer to avert future occurrences. One of the sources said, “Eleyele market was shut down today. The market was shut down so as to orga...

Bello Turji kills two kidnapped victims after receiving ransom

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Two young men have been killed by dreaded bandit leader, Bello Turji. Turji killed the two victims from Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, despite their families paying ransom for their release. The victims were abducted during a recent attack on their community and were later instructed to pay ransom. Their families had fulfilled the ransom demands in hopes of securing their safe return. Security analyst and Counter-insurgency in Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama reported a source as saying, “Despite receiving the ransom, Turji executed the victims. It was an act of cruelty that has left the entire community devastated.” This is coming when Turji had issued fresh threats over his uncles arrested by Nigerian troops. The bandit kingpin warned that he would unleash deadly attacks if his uncles were not released. However, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, called his bluff, describing Turji as “a dead man walking.” Bello Turji kills two kidnapped victims after receiving ra...