Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah on Thursday, signed Land Use Regulation 2025 as well as Executive Order No. 1, 2025, designating some areas in the state as urban areas.
He signed the regulation in exercise of his powers under the Land Use Act 1978.
By the provisions of the Executive Order, entitled “Enugu State Designation of Land as Urban Areas,” the entire Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South Local Government Areas have been designated urban areas.
Likewise, the entire Udi local government area, Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Nsukka LGA, Oji-River, Ugwuoba, and Inyi in Oji-River LGA; Obollo-Afor and Orba in Udenu LGA; Umulokpa and Adani in Uzo-Uwani LGA, have been designated as urban areas.
In the same vein, Ndeabor Urban Area measuring 10km radius and Oduma Urban Area, measuring 20km radius both in Aninri LGA; Agwu Town measuring 25km radius, Ihe, Agbogugu, Mgbowo, Isu-Awa, Mmaku, Ituku, and Owelli-Court; Aguobuowa and Oghe in Ezeagu LGA; Ogbede, Ukehe, and Aku in Igbo-Etiti; Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North LGA; Ibagwa Aka in Igbo Eze South LGA; and Ikem and Eha- Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area have been so designated
Mbah explained that the action of the government was informed by the need to bring clarity in land administration and revenue collection.
A magistrate court in the Ogba area of Lagos state has remanded Stella Nwadigbo, the teacher who was seen in a viral video assaulting a three-year-old pupil.
Nwadigbo was arraigned in court on Thursday by the Lagos state police command over indecent treatment and assault of the child.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The magistrate, M.O. Kusanu, granted N200,000 bail to the defendant with two sureties.
However, she was remanded at the Kirikiri correctional centre until she meets the bail conditions.
The woman, a primary school teacher was captured in a video violently smacking a toddler for failing in a numeracy lesson.
The frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir Paul Chukwuma has warned agencies and institutions of the government against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to score cheap political point.
Chukwuma sounded the note of caution while addressing journalists at his country home in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.
He was responding to allegations of money laundering leveled against him by in an online report.
The online report alleged that the Abuja Federal High Court had ordered the forfeiture of $378,000 and a Mercedes Benz Maybach belonging to Sir Paul Chukwuma to the Federal government, citing alleged involvement in money laundering.
The money and the vehicle, were alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activities, according to the report.
Speaking on the report, the governorship aspirant, insisted that the alleged money was legitimately earned by him through his company, in a contract with the Federal Government.
While expressing doubt about the involvement of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the shenanigans as claimed by the sensational media outlet, the educationist said the contract awarded to his company was dutifully and creditably executed and documents duly submitted to the ICPC.
“The money is in the company’s account, which was legitimately earned. All the documents related to the contract are in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The report is not a representation of facts ,” he stated.
He wondered where the allegation of unlawful financial activities were coming from, if not from detractors and blackmailers, being sponsored by interest persons and groups.
The former National Auditor of the APC dismissed the allegation as false, saying that he cannot be intimidated by the tactics of political opponents who seek to ruin his governorship ambitions.
The APC chieftain accused those afraid of his growing political profile of being behind the blackmail.
He vowed to fight any attempt to blackmail him out of the 2025 Anambra State governorship race.
The governorship hopeful also expressed confidence that in spite of the entrance of more personalities into the 2025 governorship race, he remains the aspirant to beat.
The Pro-Chancellor Olivia University Bujumbura Burundi, concluded that the growing number of aspirants declaring governorship ambition under the APC is an indication that the party is viable and his efforts at builiding and making the party acceptable to the people of Anambra state were bearing fruits.
The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has called for peaceful coexistence among border communities of Abia and Cross River States amidst escalating tensions over boundary dispute.
The call followed the violent clashes that erupted between the Isu community in the Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia state and the Ukwa Mbiabong Ukwa Eburutu community in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River on January 4 and 5, claiming several lives.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the NBC Director- General, Adamu Adaji, condemned the violence, describing it as “unacceptable and deeply regrettable.”
He urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing boundary resolution efforts between the two states.
Adaji said the boundary commission has fixed January 20, 2025 for further discussions on the disputed land as it works towards finding an amicable resolution.
A political movement with membership capacity of over 20,000 Ikemba Front, has endorsed the governorship ambition of Sir Paul Chukwuma on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group declared its support for Chukwuma at its endorsement meeting held in Awka, Anambra State capital, on Thursday.
The founder of Ikemba Front, Dr Chidi Okoye, who announced the development at the end of the meeting, said their decision was anchored on Chukwuma's pedigree, vision, competence, capacity and capability.
According to him, apart from the fact that the dreams and vision of Chukwuma align with the ideologies of the group and its demised leader, he is the man to beat as he towers higher among other aspirants.
Okoye noted that the former national auditor of the APC is not only a consistent and dedicated party man, but has committed his time and resources to rebuilding and entrenching the APC in Anambra state.
"Sir Paul Chukwuma is the man to beat in the contest, given the fact that he has been a party man; he is one of the founding members; he was at one time the national auditor of the party. He has been a member of NWC. He has been in bed with the party as long as I can remember. He recently got offices for all the 326 wards in the state; they all have APC offices and they have 21 local government offices. He is a man that has done so much for the party".
He pledged the readiness of the political group to work towards the emergence of Sir Chukwuma as the flag bearer of APC and ultimately, Anambra's next governor.
The founder of Ikemba Front said the report that Ikemba Front endorsed Nicholas Ukachukwu was false, insisting that the governorship aspirant has not met with the group.
The endorsement meeting was attended by the group's executives, local government coordinators, the women and youth leaders and other major stakeholders.
Two police personnel were killed on Thursday as Boko Haram terrorists attacked a police station in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
One other police officer was critically injured as the terrorists exchanged fire with police on duty at the station before they were eventually overpowered and repelled with the assistance of the civilian joint taskforce who are stationed near the police station.
A police statement said the attack happened at about 12:10am on Thursday.
The Borno State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Daso, said the hand-grenades thrown by the terrorists landed on a shelter tent behind the division, and fatally wounded two officers.
He said the state commissioner of Police Yusufu Lawal, during a visit to Nganzai Police Division, commended officers for their bravery and condoled with families of two officers who lost their lives.
President Bola Tinubu has called on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to increase the $2 billion currency swap between Nigeria and China to enhance trade between the two countries.
He also called for an upward review of the $50 billion dollars aid package for Africa, which China’s President Xi Jinping announced last year.
Tinubu made the call when he received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, at the State House on Thursday.
The President said increasing the level of currency swaps will speed up the infrastructural development in Nigeria and deepen the strategic bilateral relations.
China and Nigeria recently renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion yuan (approximately $2 billion), to enhance trade and investment.
Tinubu also called on China to support Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.
On his part, the minister of Foreign Affairs of China, said Chinese Government would support including an African country in the UN Security Council, adding that their investments in the country would focus on employment generation and infrastructural development.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has frowned at the slow pace of works on the Port Harcourt/Aba express road despite injecting huge sums into the projects.
The Minster also lamented that despite paying 85 percent of N199 billion Naira to Julius Berger PLC for the construction of Bonny Bodo Road, no tangible work has been done.
Umahi spoke in Port Harcourt while inspecting some federal roads under construction in Rivers and Abia States.
He also frowned at the contractor handling the Eleme axis of the East-West Road, RCC, for delaying the construction project.
The Minister urged contractors handling various federal road projects across the country to speed up works on site and ensure the completion of projects on scheduled dates or face termination of their contracts.
Among the projects visited by the Minister was the Port Harcourt/Aba/Enugu Road, handled by an Arab Contractor and China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC), Bonny/Bodo Road handled by Julius Berger and the Ahoada and Eleme sections of the East-West Road projects handled by Setraco, Rock Results and Raynoids Construction Company (RCC).
Mozambique's main opposition leader returned from exile on Thursday as security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters who gathered near the main international airport to welcome him home.
Venancio Mondlane was seen walking off a plane at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo.
He had left the country in October following a disputed election that has sparked months of violent protests and thrown the country into turmoil.
Mondlane said he left Mozambique fearing for his life after two senior members of his opposition party were killed in their car by unknown gunmen in a late-night shooting in the aftermath of the election.
Police on Thursday also blocked roads leading to the airport after Mondlane said on social media earlier this week he would return to the southern African country.
More than 100 people have been killed by security forces since Mozambique erupted in protests that Mondlane called for after the long-ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the October 9 2024 election.
Mondlane and other opposition candidates accused the ruling party of rigging the election.
David Moyes could return as Everton's manager after Sean Dyche was sacked on Thursday.
Report says Moyes has held discussions with Everton's owners The Friedkin Group and could make a return to the club as early as this weekend.
Dyche paid the price for Everton's run of just one win from their last 11 games, leaving them a point above the Premier League relegation zone in 16th place.
His sacking was confirmed just over three hours before Everton's FA Cup third-round tie against Peterborough with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman placed in interim charge.
Baines revealed pre-match that Dyche had selected the starting XI for the Toffees who won 2-0 at Goodison Park to reach the next round.
Moyes, who left West Ham at the end of last season, was manager of Everton between 2002 and 2013.
It is understood Everton's owner, the Friedkin Group - who only completed their takeover of the club last month - hope to announce a new manager before next Wednesday's Premier League match against Aston Villa.
Two Reverend Sisters have been kidnapped by unidentified persons in Anambra state.
The two Reverend Sisters were said to be returning from their Vocational Association meeting at Ogboji in Orumba South local government area when they were kidnapped.
The Secretary General of Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Onitsha, Sister Maria Ikeotuonye said the two victims were abducted on Tuesday, along Ufuma road in Orumba South local government area on their way back.
Ikeotuonye identified the victims as reverend sister Vincentia Maria, the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma and Sister Grace Mariette, a teacher at Immaculate Girls’ Model Secondary School Nnewi.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra state, Tochukwu Ikenga said Police-led Joint Operation was ongoing for the possible rescue of the two catholic reverend sisters.
The people of Umuobor, Akaeze in the Ivo local government area of Ebonyi State have alleged that nine members of the community were still missing in a land war between the community and their neighbours Ogwor community.
In a petition to Governor Francis Nwifuru through their Lawyer, Mike Ahamba, the community alleged that the nine members of the community were feared dead.
The community called on the state Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya to investigate their disappearance, suspected killings and prosecute those behind the dastardly act
They called on the governor to impress it on the police to enforce the Supreme Court decision on the disputed land.
It would be recalled that Umuobor and Ogwor communities have been at war for over five decades over a vast fertile land known as Elueke which has claimed many lives with property worth billions of naira destroyed.
Various court judgments including that of the apex court which ruled that the Elueke land belongs to Umuobor, ought to have ended the crisis but the war took a more dangerous twist last year when many killings, destructions and abductions on both parties were recorded.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the interim freezing and forfeiture of over ₦228.4 million connected to Theodore Orji, the former Governor of Abia State.
Nwite made the interim forfeiture order on Wednesday following an ex parte application to that effect by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Counsel for the EFCC, Fadila Yusuf, argued that the forfeiture was vital to its investigation into money laundering allegation against the former governor.
The judge, after granting the forfeiture order, instructed the EFCC to publish the order on its official website as well as in the newspaper with a 14-day window from the date of publication to show cause why the funds should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Effdee Nigeria Ltd is alleged to have conspired with others to defraud Abia State Government with conspiracy, abuse of office, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering and diversion of public funds.
The EFCC said that Effdee Nigeria Ltd, in whose possession the monies were found, is reasonably suspected to have conspired with the former Governor of Abia State, some officials in the former governor’s administration and his family members.
The judge adjourned the matter to February 3 for a report of compliance.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has dismissed as misleading, media reports that a federal High Court in Abuja had ordered interim forfeiture of N228.4 million Naira traced to him.
The former Governor who said he was embarrassed by the trending report, explained that he had no pending suit before any court on the said subject.
Orji further said the persons said to have been arrested in connection with the case were never his Aides nor business allies as erroneously reported in the said report.
He held that the report was fraught with errors in facts as Erondu Uchenna Erondu mentioned in the report as his Special Adviser on Special Duties was never so appointed by him.
According to the former Abia governor, he had no business transactions with Effdee Nigeria Ltd nor a banker, Austin Akuma mentioned in the misleading report.
He demanded an immediate retraction of the said trending report, as well as an apology from the News Agency of Nigeria, over the embarrassment the report had caused him.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has intercepted a white Peugeot 15-seater bus transporting 59 children suspected to have been trafficked.
Announcing this on Wednesday, FCT police commissioner, Tunji Disu, said a team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sarki Umar, interFootball Fan bemoans appointment of Chells as Super Eagles coachcepted the vehicle popularly known as J5, on January 6 along the Abuja-Kano route.
Disu said the children aged between four and 12 years, were suspected to be trafficked from Kano.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who hail from different families in Kano State, were allegedly being transported to Nasarawa State under the guise of receiving training.
The police commissioner added that the driver of the vehicle, Ali Ibrahim and his assistant, Alhassan Ibrahim, were apprehended on the spot.
The Federal Government has confirmed plans to increase telecoms tariffs, but assured Nigerians it won’t be by 100% as requested by operators.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijan, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would come up with modalities for tariff adjustment in the telecoms industry.
The Telcos recently urged the federal government to approve the increase in tariffs, in line with current realities, fueled by the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira.
The Federal Government has announced plans to regain control of Almajiri schools that were established during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and handed over to governors of the 19 northern states.
These schools, which were handed over to the governors of the 19 Northern states, have since been neglected and abandoned.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, Idris Sani, during a Memorandum of Understanding signing event with the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All in Yola on Wednesday
Sani said the commission was working to rehabilitate the schools and restore their original purpose.
The Executive Secretary said he has directed his Chief of Staff to conclude arrangements for the takeover of 157 Almajiri schools in the country.
The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says corps members in the country will soon start receiving ₦77,000 as their monthly allowance.
NYSC spokesperson Caroline Embu, said the Corps’ Director General, Brigadier General Y.D Ahmed, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ahmed said arrangements for the payment of new corps members’ allowance have been concluded.
The increase of the monthly allowance for corps members followed the review of Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 in July 2024.
Raging wildfires surrounded Los Angeles on Wednesday, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes and stretching firefighting resources and water supplies to the limit.
A new fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, forcing more evacuations and raising to six the number of wildfires burning in Los Angeles County.
Five people are confirmed dead and more than 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate from the Eaton fire
Hurricane-force winds hindered firefighting operations and spread the fires, which have burned unimpeded since they began on Tuesday.
According to state officials, all of the fires were 0% contained, including a pair of conflagrations that held the city in a pincer move.
The fire has been described as the most destructive fire in LA's history
Nigerians have reacted agrily to the appointment of Éric Chelle, former coach of the Malian national team, as the new head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) announced him on Tuesday following a recommendation from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
However, his appointment as the Super Eagles coach has stirred outrage and scepticism among Nigerian football fans, with many questioning the NFF’s decision-making process.
Some of the football fans, who questioned the ability and capability of the Malien to manage the Super Eagles, criticised the choice as an insult to Nigerian coaches.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned the appointment, describing it as a “slap” to Nigerian pride.
Some of the fans who expressed disappointment over the appointment of the former Mali coach as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, said the NFF should have retained the coaching crew lead by Augustine Eguavoen.
According to them, there are better and more experienced coaches, both in Nigeria and Europe.
The Anambra police command says its operatives arrested no fewer than 300 suspects for different crimes, recovered 43 improvised explosive devices and 40 stolen vehicles in different parts of the state in the past one year.
The police also rescued 14 kidnapped victims, including three children stolen from Bauchi state in 2024.
The State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, disclosed this on Monday at the Police Command Headquarters in Amawbia while briefing newsmen on some of the feats and breakthrough recorded by the Command between January 2024 and January 2025.
Itam said the police also recovered over one hundred (100) different brands of arms and over two thousand, nine hundred and thirty-seven (2,937) ammunition of various types.
He said the command recorded the breakthroughs in collaboration with other security agencies.
Other accomplishments of the police within the period under review include: recovery of different brands of motorcycles, securing over thirty (30) convictions, elimination of the Master-minds of the attack on Police Operatives attached to RRS in Uruagu Nnewi; the arrest of an 18-year-old boy over a planned cult killing in Nibo and the destructions of so many criminal camps, but the most notable is that of Nimo, Njikoka local government area, which led to the recovery of 19 unexploded devices.
The commissioner of police stated that the command will in 2025 consolidate its gains in crime prevention and restoration of law and order.
The President General of Nise in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Anthony Nwabuona has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of three children of same parents in the community.
He made the clarification on Monday, contrary to earlier reports that the three children were murdered on Saturday by unknown killers and dumped in their father’s car.
Nwabuona said the children died of suffocation inside their father’s car.
According to him, the children entered their father’s car while playing and mistakenly pinned down the lock of the car and couldn’t open it.
He maintained that contrary to reports of murder, there were no marks on the deceased’s bodies to suggest they were killed with any weapon, and they were not tied with ropes.
A bomb explosion at an Islamic school in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has claimed two lives and injured two persons.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday morning at Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School in Kuchibuyi Village, Byazhin area of the nation’s capital.
The FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina had visited the owner of the Islamic school, Adamu Ashimu.
She said the three visitors were suspected of having brought the explosive device with them.
The police spokesperson in the FCT said the owner of the school has been taken into custody for questioning, and further findings would be communicated in due course.
Terrorists linked to the Islamic State group have reportedly killed six soldiers in a raid on a military base in northeastern Nigeria.
AFP quoted two military officers, saying that the fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly launched a pre-dawn attack in trucks and on motorcycles on Sunday on the base in Sabon Gari in Borno State’s Damboa district.
According to the report, the insurgents set fire to the base along with army vehicles.
The military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said an intense gun battle forced the soldiers to retreat.
The officer however added that air strikes against the fleeing terrorists resulted in multiple militant fatalities and the destruction of their operational vehicles and weaponry.
Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major General Edward Buba confirmed the assault on the troops but didn’t disclose the casualty figures.
The Senate has announced that it would suspend plenary for two weeks upon resumption on the 14th of this month as both chambers of the National Assembly begin consideration of the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget at the committee level on January 7.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Adeola Olamilekan, better known as Yayi, announced this on Monday.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday in Abuja, Adeola said the senate has also fixed Thursday this week for an open day on the budget consideration.
The senator, who gave key timelines in the budget review process, said the 2025 Appropriation Bill may be passed by January 31, 2025, following extensive deliberations and consultations.
He emphasized the commitment of the Senate to work tirelessly within the limited timeframe to ensure the timely passage of the budget.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is to commence the defence for the 2025 appropriation bill by Ministries Departments and Agencies this Tuesday.
The chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, revealed this on Monday after a meeting with chairmen of statutory committees at the House of Representatives.
Bichi also stated that the House hopes to pass the budget before or by end of January 2025.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu presented a ₦49.7 trillion Naira Budget Proposal for 2025 before a joint session of the National Assembly, on December 18, 2024, with Security and defence, infrastructure, health and education topping the allocations.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the dismissal of 27 officers from its workforce.
In a statement on Monday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the officers were dismissed for various offenses bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct.
He said their dismissal followed the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, and the ratification by the Chairman of the agency, Ola Olukoyede.
Oyewale said the anti-graft agency was investigating “a trending $400,000 dollars claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader of Canada's governing party and will leave the office of prime minister once a new leader of the ruling Liberal party is chosen.
Trudeau announced this at a news conference in Ottawa on Monday, but added that he will stay on as Prime Minister until a new Liberal Party leader is chosen.
Trudeau, who has been in power since 2015, said his decision to leave followed extensive discussions with his family.
The 53-year-old leader said the country deserves a real choice" at the next election, adding that internal battles in the party had made it impossible for him to face off against his political rivals.
He acknowledged a protracted political crisis that saw top Liberal allies urge him to quit.
Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party for 11 years and prime minister for nine, was facing a mounting set of crises, from Donald Trump’s tariff threats to the resignation of key allies and disastrous opinion polls.
His resignation could be seen as choosing to jump before he is pushed, ahead of a general election to be held later this year that he is widely expected to lose.
Trudeau had been under growing pressure from within his party and elsewhere to step down
Taiwo Awoniyi opened his goals account in the Premier League this season in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineaux on Monday night.
Awoniyi, who made his 15th league appearance this season, came on in the 88th minute and scored in stoppage time to complete the rout.
Also in action for Forest was Ola Aina who made his 20th league appearance for in-form Forest team.
Forest continued their impressive form as they sealed their sixth straight win in the Premier League this term.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood scored the other goals for Nottingham Forest.
The win means Forest remain in third place, and are tied on 40 points with second-placed Arsenal in the league table.
Leaders from the Southeast have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order the dismantling of roadblocks and checkpoints in the region, arguing that these measures are worsening logistics costs and contributing to inflation.
The request was made during a town hall meeting in Enugu, as part of President Tinubu’s official visit to the state, where he commissioned several projects executed by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
Onyemuche Nnamani, a key voice at the meeting, criticised the economic and security impacts of the roadblocks, stressing that Enugu’s modern security infrastructure renders them unnecessary.
He pointed to the state’s investments in a command and control centre, CCTV systems, and patrol car cameras as more effective alternatives to traditional road checkpoints.
Chris Ngu, another leader at the meeting, drew attention to the untapped potential of the Anambra Basin, which is believed to contain one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.
A former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, advocated for the revival of the rail system in Enugu and surrounding states, saying it is important for regional development and connectivity.
In response, President Tinubu pledged to consider the requests, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering development across all regions of Nigeria.
The Ebonyi State police command has arrested 17 suspects for allegedly lynching and burning a man accused of witchcraft at Enohia Itim village in Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.
The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Adejobi explained that the suspects had mobilised and apprehended the deceased on 3rd January, but instead of handing him over to legal authorities, they decided to take the law into their hands.
He said the youths accused the victim, identified as Uromchi Okorocha of being involved in the killing of several people through witchcraft powers
The police, which condemned jungle, urged citizens to desist from taking laws into their own hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them.
At least five persons were feared killed when a tanker ladened with petrol lost control and burst into flames on Sunday afternoon in Delta State.
The accident occurred near the Orogodo River along the old Lagos Asaba expressway, in Agbor Ika South Local Government Area of the state.
The police spokesperson in Delta, Bright Edafe said only two deaths were recorded so far.
Edafe said the fire also affected two other vehicles and buildings belonging to First Bank and Access Bank branches in the area.
Suspected bandits have killed the acting chairman of the Katsina state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Surajo Rufa’i.
The assailants killed two other persons during the attack on Saturday night at the Mai Rana community in the Kusada local government area of Katsina.
The gunmen also abducted the two wives of the late MACBAN acting chairman and his daughter.
The police spokesperson in Katsina, Abubakar Aliyu, who confirmed the incident, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied reports that it plans to destroy over six million unclaimed Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).
The denial followed an online report recently claiming that the electoral commission wanted to destroy six million uncollected PVCs.
In a statement on Sunday, INEC described the report as “false” and “incorrect,” maintaining that it never contemplated destroying uncollected PVCs.
The commission advised members of the public to ignore the report.
President Bola Tinubu will depart Lagos this Monday, January 6, for Accra, the capital of Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President- elect John Dramani Mahama on January 7.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement on Sunday.
Onanuga noted that aside the longstanding relationship between Mahama and Tinubu, the president as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, would join other African leaders at the ceremony.
Mahama, who served as the 12th president of Ghana between 2011 and 2017, was re-elected in December 2024.
He will succeed President Nana Akuffo-Addo.
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Three Nigerian women arrested and prosecuted for alleged drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been acquitted and released.
The spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa announced this in a statement on Sunday.
Ebienfa said the women were released after “prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements” between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities”.
The trio, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested for alleged possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
They were arrested and prosecuted on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.
More than 60 million Americans across more than 30 states are in the grips of a huge winter storm that could bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade.
A polar vortex has brought frigid weather down from the Arctic to the central US, with extreme weather conditions accompanying it.
Thousands of flights are delayed or cancelled, many roads cut and schools shut as a result of the storm.
Blizzards are expected to bring whiteout conditions to Kansas and Missouri, where a state of emergency has been declared.
A state of emergency has also been declared in the states of Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas and parts of New Jersey
However, the weather is expected to begin easing this Monday.
Manchester United demonstrated the spirit that has been missing under new manager Ruben Amorim to earn a superb point at Premier League leaders Liverpool.
United, attempting to avoid four straight league defeats for the first time since 1979, took a shock lead when Lisandro Martinez powered a finish high past Alisson after 52 minutes.
Liverpool were level seven minutes later when Cody Gakpo scored with a superb angled drive before all United's good work looked to be in vain.
Mohamed Salah equalled Thierry Henry's tally of 175 Premier League goals from the penalty spot with 20 minutes left after handball was awarded against at Matthijs de Ligt following a video assistant referee intervention.
However, Amad Diallo scored another big goal after his winner at Manchester City when he turned home Alejandro Garnacho's cut- back late in the game.
The result is expected to offer some encouragement to Amorim.
The leading All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma has declared year 2025 as Anambra's year of hope and rebirth.
Chukwuma made the declaration in his New Year Message titled, "Hope Rising in Anambra State".
The new year message was signed by the Spokesman, Sir Paul Chukwuma Campaign Council, James Eze.
He declared that Anambra would recover her lost glory and retake her position as one of the most peaceful, prosperous and prestigious states in Nigeria.
"2025 is the year of new beginning for Anambra State. It is the year our dear state will rise again to reposses the fulness of its glory and respect among Nigerian states. Anambra shall shrug away its present nightmare of clueless leadership and cast aside the dark clouds of insecurity. Yes, Anambra shall rise again this year," he said.
The governorship aspirant regretted that the state has fallen into wrong hands in the past three years and consequently drawn back in critical development indices.
"I'm appalled at how low we have sunk under the leadership of the current administration. The level of insensitivity and ice-cold meanness of the current APGA administration is legendary. Never have Ndi Anambra seen this type of inflexible and pitiless spirit in previous governments; the type that is totally unmoved by the tears of the people they exist to serve" Chukwuma posited.
The former National Auditor of the APC, noted that 2025 offers Ndi Anambra the chance to change their unacceptable narrative by choosing a new administration that will wipe away the tears of anguish caused by the APGA administration.
He stated that the state deserved a better leader, considering her enormous human and material resources.
The APC chieftain called on the people of Anambra to embrace a new dawn and join him in changing the story of the state.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has stopped all forms of payments in public primary and secondary schools in the state, including Parents- Teachers Association, PTA, levies.
This is even as the law mandating all children of school age to be in school every school day came into effect from this January 1, 2025.
These were contained in a New Year broadcast Otti made to the Abia people on Wednesday.
According to the governor, as soon as the new school term begins later in the month, it will be unlawful to find any child outside the walls of the classroom during school hours.
He disclosed that an imprest account system for the running of schools has been introduced for Headteachers and school Principals to manage the day-to-day operations of their schools, warning that no child should be extorted or denied opportunities to education.
A chief magistrate court in Kaduna has ordered the remand of a public affairs and political commentator, Shehu Mahdi in a correctional facility.
The court gave the order on after Mahdi was arraigned on Tuesday by the Department of State Services (DSS) before Magistrate Abubakar Lamido on two counts of conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism.
In his ruling, Lamido held that Mahdi should remain in a correctional facility in Kaduna until January 14, 2025, for further hearing on the matter.
Mahdi was arrested a few days ago by officers of the DSS after he rebuffed pleas to pull down inciting videos he posted online claiming that President Bola Tinubu granted France the approval to set up a military base in northern Nigeria.
Mahdi’s narrative came on the heels of a related claim by the military leader of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that France set up a military base in northern Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the video clips posted by Mahdi have since been fact- checked by several media organisations and found to be 2013 video footages of Nigerian soldiers at Bamako Airport, Mali, during their deployment for an African Union Peace Keeping Mission in Northern Mali
The Kano State Government has opposed President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, saying it is “inimical to the unity of the country”.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, declared the government’s position during the 2025 celebration held at the Filin Mahaha, Kofar Naisa open theatre.
He described the introduction of the Tax Reforms Bills as ill-timed, rejecting it in all ramifications.
According to the Kano state government,the bills would do more harm than good to the people of the state.
The governor held that tax reform bill is not the solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
President Bola Tinubu has assured the 36 state governors that there is no plan by the federal government to take over the control of local government in the country.
Tinubu said this on Wednesday when members of the Nigeria Governors Forum led by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak paid him a New Year homage at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
He said the financial autonomy granted to local governments is not an attempt to snatch the third tier of government from governors.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the president tasked the 36 state governors to lead development at the grassroots.
He asked the governors to drive Nigeria’s agricultural revolution and strengthen local autonomy to foster grassroots development and economic stability.
The president said the governors can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to consider reviewing call tariffs upwardly by the first quarter (Q2) of 2025.
The president of ATCON, Tony Emoekpere made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
Emoekpere said the hike is necessary to enable its members to improve the quality of their services.
According to him, the revenue being generated currently is not enough to support the ongoing operations of most of the telcos and the infrastructure providers as well.
US president, Joe Biden has described the New Orleans New Year's Day attack as "despicable", saying he was grieving with the families of the victims.
Biden in an address to the nation on Wednesday, said the attacker had ‘desire to kill’ as death toll rises to 15.
A man drove a pick-up truck at high speed into large crowds in New Orleans early on New Year's Day, killing 15 people and injuring others before being shot dead by police.
The death toll was initially put at 10, with 35 others reported injured.
The attacker has been identified as a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas, Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
The FBI says an Islamic State group flag was found in the vehicle and they are investigating the attack as an "act of terrorism"
While the identities of the victims are still being established, investigators say they believe the New Orleans suspect was not "solely responsible" for the attack.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother, months after he announced the death of his father.
Nwabali shared the sad news of his mother’s death on X Wednesday evening.
“Rip mom,” he wrote, describing it as the “worst year of my life already
The Chippa United goalkeeper, did not, however, give details of how the mother died.
He lost his father just over a month ago, a few hours before the Super Eagles match against Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification game in mid-November.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Brentford in the first Premier League fixture of 2025 and boost their title hopes.
Bryan Mbeumo put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute, but Gabriel Jesus equalised with his sixth goal in four games.
Quickfire strikes from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli then ensured Arsenal left west London with all three points.
It was vindication for manager Mikel Arteta, who named a changed side with Kai Havertz left out due to illness while 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first Premier League start.
Arsenal are back up to second, six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, while Brentford stay 12th.
Seven persons, including two security personnel were killed on Monday when gunmen attacked a compound in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was gathered that the gunmen invaded a venue where preparations for a burial ceremony were being made and started shooting sporadically, leading to the death of the victims.
The State Police Command Spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the development in a statement late on Monday, said those killed included two unarmed passers-by.
Ikenga explained that the gunmen shot at two security operatives at a security observation post close to the local Government Headquarters by the Expressway, while escaping from the scene.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam has ordered an immediate manhunt on the assailants.
Report says the attack could be in connection to the directive given by the hoodlums that “no burial ceremony” should be held in the community without their approval.
Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah has inaugurated a mission hospital remodeled at the cost of N300 million Naira in Ihe, Awgu local government Area of the state.
The hospital was remodeled by the members of Ihe Development Initiative, a group of entrepreneurs, academics and servicemen from the community.
Mbah represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Emmanuel Obi, said the project aligned with his administration’s plan to bring healthcare delivery closer to people in the rural areas.
He called for stronger partnership between the community and Catholics Diocese of Awgu to sustain the facelift of the hospital.
The hospital established in 1976 by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu with the assistance of a former traditional ruler of Ihe, the late Dennis Nwachukwu, is now managed by the Catholic Diocese of Awgu.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday presented a 2025 Appropriation Bill of N1.188 trillion to the three-man Victor Oko-Jumbo-led state House of Assembly.
The development was a repeat of last year’s action by Fubara, who shunned the 27-member factional Assembly loyal to his predecessor and estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike.
The governor presented the 2025 appropriation bill shortly after delivering his address to the lawmakers at the temporary Assembly Auditorium, in Government House in Port Harcourt.
He said the budget, christened: “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” would be implemented to achieve sustainable economic growth, accelerate development and improve the living standards of residents.
Fubara disclosed that nearly N31 billion Naira is allocated to support interventions in agricultural development and support programmes for Rivers youths to tackle unemployment.
While the 2025 budget was being presented in Rivers state, the Benue State House of Assembly on Monday, passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N550.1 billion.
The appropriation bill was passed after debates by the members, on the report by the house committee on appropriations.
The Chairman, House Standing Committee on Appropriation, Cephas Dyako said the 2025 proposed estimates were higher than the 2024 Supplementary Approved Estimates by N177.09 billion, which represented a 47.5 per cent increment over the 2024 revised and approved budget.
The Speaker, Hyacinth Dajo, advised the Director-General of Economic Planning, Jerome Andohol, to be submitting the budget early enough to allow members to take their time to work on it.
An Osun state resident, Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a chicken and eggs in 2010, has been released from jail.
Olowookere’s release followed the pardon granted to him, alongside 52 other convicts by the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, on December 26.
Biola Adebayo, a Nigerian actress, who brought attention to the fate of Olowookere, confirmed his release in a video on Monday.
She thanked Nigerians for their support.
Also, the Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Public Communication, Olusola Ajala, confirmed that the young man was on his way to the State, after being released from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison.
President Bola Tinubu has praised the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL) describing it as a remarkable achievement in 2024.
The NNPCL had earlier on Monday announced the restart of the 125,000 barrels per day Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, working at 60 per cent capacity after several years of not producing any oil.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the restart of the Warri Refinery brought joy and hope to Nigerians and further strengthened the confidence of Nigerians in a brighter future.
While congratulating the NNPCL on the feat, Onanuga noted that the Warri refinery will for now not produce petrol, but focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.
The Warri Refinery’s resumption comes just a month after operations began at the 60,000-barrel-per-day-old Port Harcourt Refinery.
The Presidency has asked the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed to withdraw his threat to President Bola Tinubu over the tax reform bills.
This followed the statement made by the governor on December 26, when he said that the president was “calling for anarchy” if he went ahead with the tax reforms.
Bala warned that if these policies continued, the northern region would “show its true colours” in response.
In a reaction on Monday, the presidency urged the governor to retract his confrontational remarks and redirect his focus toward productive dialogue with the federal government regarding any concerns about the Tax Reform Act.
The presidency in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Public Communication and orientation, Sunday Dare, noted that Mohammed’s statement is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between the state and federal government and neither does it reflect the view of the entire north.
Venezuela’s supreme tribunal has fined TikTok $10 million US dollars in connection with viral challenges that authorities say left three children dead and injured dozens in recent months.
President Nicolas Maduro said the three children, aged 12, 13, and 14, died after they participated in challenges that included ingesting, inhaling, and spreading “dangerous mixes” of chemicals.
In a ruling on Monday, Tania D’Amelio, one of the tribunal judges, said TikTok had been negligent in failing to implement “necessary and adequate measures” to stop the spread of content encouraging the challenges.
D’Amelio said Venezuela would use the money to “create a TikTok victims fund, intended to compensate for the psychological, emotional, and physical damages to users, especially if these users are children and adolescents”.
The social media platform was also ordered to open an office in the South American country and given eight days to pay the fine or face “appropriate” measures.
Last month, Maduro threatened “severe measures” against TikTok if it did not remove content related to what he called “criminal challenges”.
Report says lawmakers are now considering laws regulating social networks.
Manchester United ended a 2024 to forget with a fourth consecutive defeat as Newcastle cruised to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford to intensify the scrutiny on Red Devils’ boss Ruben Amorim.
Amorim has won just two of his first nine league games to leave United languishing down in 14th, just seven points above the relegation zone.
Goals by Alexander Isak and Joelinton gave the visitors all three points and piled more misery on the Red Devils.
The Red Devils’ fifth loss in December is the first time they have lost five matches in one calendar month since September 1962.
Elsewhere, Chelsea surprisingly fell to their first defeat in 11 matches, suffering a 2-0 defeat to relegation-battling Ipswich.
It was Chelsea’s second league game loss in a row.
The other premier league match between Aston Villa and Brighton on Monday night, ended 2-2.
The Anambra state government says genuine native doctors have nothing to fear about its plan to register native doctors in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor said this in a recent statement.
He clarified that the government is not after genuine traditional medicine practitioners, but targets only fake and diabolic practitioners involved in criminality.
Mefor said Governor Chukwuma Soludo only declared war on devilish ones involved in criminal activities, as part of efforts to combat rising criminal activities linked to fraudulent native doctors who prepare charms for kidnappers, gunmen, and internet fraudsters.
The commissioner stated that the government is only interested in rooting out those using their so-called spiritual powers for criminal activities as the diabolical rituals of the fake native doctors have given rise to practices evil practices like ritual killings, money rituals
The commissioner assured law-abiding practitioners that they have nothing to fear, stressing that the government’s efforts are aimed at protecting the cultural heritage of traditional medicine while eradicating its misuse.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has hinted about the plan of his administration to increase the number of local governments in the state.
Otti dropped the hint over weekend at a civic reception organised by Awomukwu Think Tank Forum in honour of their two illustrious sons Monday Ubani and Davidson Alaribe — at Awomukwu Ikwuano Local Government.
The governor said that increasing the number of local governments in Abia “is very critical” hence he has taken it as “a major project”.
He said some local government areas are very big and need to be broken down for “administrative convenience and efficient service delivery”.
Otti noted that the state government could consider creating development centres, because of the challenges associated with creating new local government areas in Nigeria
The Zamfara State Government has approved an end-of-year bonus for public servants and pensioners.
The State Head of Service, Ahmad Aliyu Liman, who announced this in a circular, said governor, Dauda Lawal, approved a 13th-month salary equivalent to 30% of basic pay as a bonus for the year 2024.
He said the payment will be extended not only to serving public servants but also to pensioners.
The government urged all public servants to reciprocate its gesture by demonstrating increased commitment, hard work, and efficiency in service delivery.
The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching University (ABUTH) Zaria is set to commence kidney transplant surgeries in 2025 towards bringing relief to patients with kidney failure and reversing medical tourism.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Ahmed Umdagas, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria.
Umdagas said the Urology Centre of Excellence would be ready by the first quarter of 2025 to offer high-quality urology services.
He noted that aside a few infrastructure, most of the machines and equipment as well as personnel for kidney transplant were available.
He added that aside from the urology centre, there would also be an Amenity Wing that can take any class of patients.
As world leaders send condolences to South Korea after the country suffered its deadliest aeroplane crash, the Federal Government on Sunday expressed sympathy with the government and people of South Korea following the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216, that killed 179 people.
The crash occurred on Sunday, when the Boeing 737-800, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea.
The plane skidded off the runway and collided with a wall, resulting in a fiery explosion.
Out of the 181 passengers and crew on board, 179 lost their lives, leaving only two survivors.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with South Korea during this difficult time.
The Nigerian government described the crash as a tragic loss and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the South Korean people.
The Nigeria Customs Service has announced the seizure of 15,325 litres of petrol to be auctioned off at ₦400 per litre.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, announced this during a press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos.
Ejibunu explained that a court condemnation order and all legal processes have been finalised by the office of the Legal Adviser.
He said the petrol, when auctioned, will ease transportation hardship during the festive season.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have approved the extension of operating hours for sunrise and sunset airports across the country due to an upsurge in traffic occasioned by the festive season.
The sunset airports are those that operate only between sunrise and sunset.
Apart from the five major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano, which operate 24 hours, other airports typically function between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The acting Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, said airlines could now operate flights into sunset airports during the festive season to mitigate the effects of flight delays and cancellations.
Najomo said capacity is no longer the primary cause of flight delays and cancellations by local airlines.
He explained that domestic operators have increased their capacity significantly in recent months.
A former president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, is dead.
The Democrat, who served as president from 1977 to 1981, passed on aged 100.
The Carter Centre said the 39th president of the US died on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family.
The Gospel-loving, “born again” Christian is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Carter became the first ex-US president to reach 100 years on October 1, 2024.
He lost his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1981 and left the White House with low approval ratings amid an economic turmoil.
He would go on to immerse himself in humanitarian work which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says that there was "relief" after an "important" win at Leicester City ended their woeful run of form, but he still wants to sign players in January.
City earned a much-needed 2-0 win over Leicester on Sunday to take some of the heat off Guardiola and his players.
It's been a nightmare run for the reigning Premier League champions, who
Savinho and Erling Haaland scored to give City their first away win in more than two months.
Speaking after the macth, Guardiola said they needed the win, adding that it was an ideal performance from his team.
He hoped that the victory will give their mood a better position.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah scored his 20th goal of the season as Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points with a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham.
Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander- Arnold were the scorers for Liverpool.
Salah has been central to the Reds title charge, despite uncertainty around his contractual situation.
The Anambra State police command has confirmed the abduction of the member representing Onitsha North 1 constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.
Azuka, a member of Labour Party, who regained his mandate after the court sacked Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) previously announced winner of the 2023 poll, was reported kidnapped on Tuesday, around 9pm at Ugwunabamkpa In-land town, Onitsha.
However, the state police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed his abduction on Wednesday.
Ikenga said efforts were on to rescue the abducted lawmaker.
Abia state governor, Alex Otti has approved a new monthly stipend of N250,000 for traditional rulers in the State.
A statement by the governor’s media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the Chairperson, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba confirmed this in an appreciation message he sent to Otti over the weekend.
Mba said the payment of the monthly stipend will commence in December 2024.
He explained that the traditional rulers in Aba South, would receive an amount different from others.
Military authorities have denied bombing civilian populations in Sokoto, saying the airstrikes by a fighter jet in the Silame local government area of the state did not target the civilian population.
There were media reports on Wednesday that airstrikes conducted by the air component of operation hadarin daji targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group had mistakenly killed civilians in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.
The reports, including the Press Secretary to the Sokoto State Governor, Abubakar Bawa, claimed that the airstrikes left over 10 villagers dead, with several others sustaining various injuries.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, the joint media coordinator for the operation, Abubakar Abdullahi, said the airstrikes targeted locations confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.
Abdullahi said the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.
According to him, all military operations are based on “thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions” to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
Meanwhile, Sokoto state government has sympathised with the people of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, in Silame local government area of the state, following the erroneous bombing of the communities by a military fighter jet.
The Sokoto State Government confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, saying the attack left at least 10 innocent villagers dead and several others injured.
The Press Secretary to the Sokoto State Governor, Abubakar Bawa, said, governor Ahmed Aliyu visited the two communities that were bombed by the military fighter jets.
He described the incident as unfortunate.
The state government stated that a thorough investigation would be conducted to find out what led to the avoidable mistake, so as to guard against its recurrence.
No fewer than 22 were injured on Christmas Day when a Sharon vehicle loaded with bags of rice lost control and rammed into a procession of Christian faithful from the Tumfure community of Gombe state.
The police command in Gombe said the accident occurred around 2:pm along Bauchi road.
The police spokesperson in Gombe, Buhari Abdullahi explained that the procession, escorted by some policemen, was heading to the Emir of Gombe’s palace and the government house for Christmas homage, when the vehicle rammed into them.
Abdullahi said the driver fled the scene while a mob set the vehicle ablaze.
He said the victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, and the specialist hospital for treatment.
The Comptroller General of Customs of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has directed for the auction of seized petrol.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, announced this on the service’s official Facebook page.
Ejibunu said 15,325 litres of seized petrol, would be auctioned to the public, to ease transportation hardship during the festive season.
He explained that the Comptroller General of Customs directed that the seized product be auctioned at the rate of N10,000 per 25 litres.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has announced that it reached over 1.4 million Nigerians with humanitarian and developmental assistance in 2024.
IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Paola Pace, disclosed this in Abuja.
She said the organization remains committed to providing critical support across various sectors to vulnerable populations.
Pace noted that in addition to its humanitarian work, IOM supported 30,562 people through development initiatives, including livelihood and resilience-building programs.
At least 21 people have been killed in violent unrest across Mozambique following the Constitutional Council’s decision to uphold the victory of the long-ruling Frelimo party in the October presidential election.
The Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda announced the figure late Tuesday.
The court ruling on Monday confirmed Frelimo's candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the winner with 65.17% of the vote, dismissing allegations of widespread fraud.
This sparked a wave of protests led by opposition supporters who insist the election was rigged.
Protests have erupted nationwide, with demonstrators blocking roads, burning tires, and clashing with security forces.
In several provinces, public buildings and vehicles have been vandalized as anger boils over.
The violence has resulted in the arrests of at least 78 people, with the government warning of more detentions as protests continue.
The opposition, led by politician Venâncio Mondlane, has rejected the court's decision and accused Frelimo of electoral manipulation.
The English premier league will take centre stage today as all eyes will be on Manchester City, which have struggled to win matches recently.
There are eight Premier League matches being played on Boxing Day as the season begins to really heat up.
Ahead of the fixtures, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said the club are in danger of missing out on a place in next season's Champions League.
Guardiola, who noted that there are a lot of contenders, said they will be out, if they continue to lose games.
City, who are seventh in the Premier League after 17 matches, have lost nine of their last 12 matches, the worst run of Guardiola’s managerial career, and last tasted victory on December 4 against Nottingham Forest.
Guardiola's side host Everton on Boxing Day, in an early fixture at 1.30pm.
Report says City’s struggling stars were forced to sleep at the club’s training ground overnight ahead of today’s showdown with Everton.
In other premier league matches today, Bournemouth will host Crystal Palace, Chelsea will face Fulham, Newcastle will meet Aston Villa at St James's Park, while high-flying Nottingham Forest will square up against Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham.
Southampton will face West Ham United, Wolves will wait for Manchester United, while league leaders Liverpool will host Leicester at Anfield, in a 9pm showdown.
As Christians and non-Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas, governors of different states of the federation have congratulated their citizens and urged them to imbibe the virtues of the season.
In Anambra, the state Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has extended his warmest congratulations to Ndi Anambra and Nigerians on the joyous occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration.
In his goodwill message, issued by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Tuesday, Soludo stated that this special season reminds the people of God’s boundless love and the enduring spirit of hope that the birth of Jesus Christ brings to humanity.
He urged the people of the state and all Nigerians to demonstrate selfless love to one another and also keep hope alive in the face of challenges this season.
The governor also assured those returning home this season of adequate security, saying that comprehensive security measures have been put in place to ensure they celebrate peacefully with their loved ones.
In Rivers State, governor Siminalayi Fubara, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the state and Nigerians, urging them to embrace peace, unity, and love during the festive season and beyond.
In his Christmas message delivered at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, Fubara congratulated Christians in Rivers State and across the nation as they joined the global community in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
He called on citizens to use the occasion for deep reflection, prayer, and commitment to building a more peaceful, united, and progressive society.
The governor emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence, particularly in addressing the nation’s current economic and security challenges.
Fubara urged citizens to rise above differences and focus on unity and understanding, stating that these are essential for attracting investment and accelerating development.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the sum of ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus for civil servants, public servants, and pensioners in the state.
The approval was communicated in a statement that was signed and released by the States Head of Service, George Nwaeke, on Tuesday.
Nwaeke said the approval, which was given on Monday, is to enable the workers and senior citizens have a fulfilled Christmas celebration.
This is the second time within the administration of Fubara that civil servants in the state will be receiving Christmas bonus, to the tune of one hundred thousand naira.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has declared a two-week holiday for civil servants in Benue State to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
Alia announced the holiday on Tuesday in Makurdi as part of his Christmas message to the people of Benue.
He stated that the holiday would commence on December 24 and end on January 6, 2025.
According to the governor, the extended holiday is intended to allow workers to enjoy the festive season with their loved ones.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated enforcement action against five airlines for various violations of Part 19 of the NCAA regulations.
The violations include the non-payment of refunds within the stipulated time frame, non-responsiveness to the NCAA’s directives, missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, delayed and cancelled flights, amongst others.
A spokesman for NCAA, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this at the corporate headquarters of the Authority in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations stipulate actions that airlines must take during disruptions and failure to comply attracts various levels of sanctions.
The airlines sanctioned consists of two international and three domestic operators.
The inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, says the Nigeria Police Force arrested 30,313 suspected criminals and rescued 1,581 kidnap victims in 2024.
Egbetokun spoke on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with senior officers at the force headquarters in Abuja.
The IGP said the police recovered 1,984 assorted firearms, and 23,250 rounds of ammunition in 2024.
A statement issued by the force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP used the event to outline plans for 2025.
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has dismissed petition by the law firm of Chief Afe Babalola, Emmanuel Chambers, seeking the removal of activist lawyer, Dele Farotimi, from the roll of legal practitioners.
The firm had written a 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024, and signed by Ola Faro, a partner in the firm, to the LPDC.
In the petition, the firm accused Farotimi of engaging in “conduct that is unbecoming of a legal practitioner, by making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession”.
The LPDC in its report, said that the alleged offenses occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author, not during his practice as a legal professional and concluded that it lacked jurisdiction to address complaints about publications.
It advised aggrieved parties to seek redress in regular courts.
Protests have broken out in Syria over the burning of a Christmas tree, prompting calls for the new Islamist authorities to take steps to protect minorities.
A video posted on social media showed the tree on fire in the main square of Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town in central Syria.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main Islamist faction which led the uprising that toppled President Bashar al-Assad, said foreign fighters had been detained over the incident.
HTS representatives have promised to protect the rights and freedoms of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria.
Footage on social media appeared to show masked men dousing the Christmas tree with an unidentified liquid the night before Christians in Syria prepared to celebrate Christmas Eve.
On Tuesday more protesters took to the streets over the arson attack, including in parts of the capital Damascus.
Some in the Kassa neighbourhood of Damascus chanted against foreign fighters in Syria.
The home-based Super Eagles arrived Uyo on Tuesday for the second leg of their 2024 African Nations Championship qualifier against the Black Galaxies of Ghana.
The players and their officials landed in Nigeria from Accra on Monday.
The Eagles held the Black Galaxies to a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Accra on Sunday.
They trained at practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday night.
The home-based Eagles will host the Black Galaxies of Ghana in Uyo on Sunday in the play-off of the CHAN qualifier.
A score draw would be enough for the Ghanaians to advance while the home-based Eagles need an outright win to qualify for the 2024 CHAN.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill into law.
Soludo assented to the bill in a brief ceremony at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia on Monday.
He expressed confidence that the budget would drive significant transformation across Anambra State in 2025, focusing on infrastructural development and service delivery.
The 2025 budget of ₦606 billion, 991 million, 849 thousand, 118 Naira has ₦467.5 billion, represnting 77% allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦139.5b, representing 23% reserved for recurrent expenditure.
The Anambra State Government has insisted that Oba, in Idemili Local Government Area of the state does not have a traditional ruler at the moment.
The state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, made this declaration at a news conference in Awka on Monday.
This followed the purpoted election of a traditional ruler to succeed late Peter Ezenwa, who died in 2018.
Nwabunwanne said no election conducted by the community was known to the government, which had full supervisory power over community and union matters.
He said that a subsisting matter was pending in court, stopping the conduct of the election into the traditional ruler’s seat of the town, and the government would not recognise any exercise in contempt of court.
Eight people have been confirmed dead in a road traffic crash that occurred at the Mmuri River along Abam-Ohafia Road, in Abia State.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia state command, Ngozi Ezeoma confirmed the death of the eight people, on Monday.
Ezeoma said three people were also injured in the road traffic crash that occurred on Sunday.
She disclosed that the crash involved a trailer carrying chippings which hit and fell on a Sharon Volkswagen vehicle with 10 persons on board.
According to her, preliminary investigation revealed that the crash was caused by dangerous driving and excessive speeding.
The police in Ebonyi State has arrested a man identified as Joshua Nwafor for allegedly beating his wife, Charity Nwafor, to death over a tuber of yam in the Nsokkara area of Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest of the suspect on Monday.
It was gathered that Nwafor and his late wife had a misunderstanding over how a tuber of yam should have been cooked.
According to report, contrary to Nwafor’s directive that the yam should be cooked, the wife roasted it because she preferred eating roasted yam.
This was said to have angered the husband who dragged the wife inside the room and beat her till she gave up.
President Bola Tinubu says he has no regrets removing petrol subsidy in May 2023, insisting that the action was necessary.
Tinubu said this during a chat on Monday at his Bourdillon residence in the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos state.
He insisted that removing petrol subsidy was in a bid to save generations to come, noting that the country was already spending its future while giving freebies to neighbouring countries.
The president argued that petrol subsidy removal some 18 months ago has increased competition within the sector, leading to a gradual reduction in the pump price of petrol.
President Tinubu also said there is no going back on the tax reforms his administration recently introduced.
Still on the media chat, President Bola Tinubu on Monday unequivocally said he is not prepared to reduce the size of his 48- man cabinet.
He said this in response to criticism that his cabinet is “bloated”.
According to the president, every member of his cabinet is crucial to drive the mission of the administration.
Recall that in August 2023, the president swore in 45 ministers—the highest appointed since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
In October 2023, the president swore in three additional ministers, increasing the cabinet members to 48.
However, a year later, Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet, which led to the “discharge” of five ministers, the appointment of seven new ones, and the reassigning of fresh portfolios to 10 cabinet members.
Protests have broken out once again in Mozambique after the country's highest court confirmed that the ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo, won October's disputed presidential election.
On Monday, protesters chanted the name of Venâncio Mondlane, who came second, burnt tyres, barricaded roads and threw stones at police.
This is the latest round of unrest since the October election in Mozambique, where more than 100 people have been killed in protests that broke out after there were allegations of widespread voting irregularities.
Deadly protests had erupted when the preliminary results were announced at the time.
In a ruling earlier on Monday, the top electoral court in Mozambique largely upheld the results of the country’s disputed October elections, but revised Chapo’s margin of victory downwards.
Initial results in October said the Chapo gained a 71% share of the vote to Mondlane's 20%.
The court has now ruled that Chapo won 65% to his main rival's 24%.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has questioned the decision- making from Marcus Rashford's camp following his public comments regarding his future at Old Trafford.
Rashford said in a recent interview, that he was "ready for a new challenge" after being dropped for the 2-1 win at Manchester City on 15 December.
The 27 year old has been left out of the last three match-day squads.
Amorim, who had previously commented on the situation after the interview emerged, has now questioned the decision-making from those around Rashford, admitting it is not just the player at fault for the comments.
The coach said, he can "separate" the decisions of those advising Rashford from his relationship with the player, insisting that he is at the moment focused on improving the England international.
The Anambra state Police Command has confirmed that 22 persons died in Saturday’s stampede at the venue for the distribution of rice in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area.
Residents had gone to take part in the sharing of bags of rice donated by a philanthropist, Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson, through his foundation when the incident happened.
The police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, gave the number of casualties on Sunday after the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, visited the hospital where the victims of the tragic stampede were receiving treatment.
Ikenga said other people were injured during the stampede, but did not give details.
He said investigation into the unfortunate incident was ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Anambra state Government has urged individuals and organizations involved in charitable activities to prioritize the safety and welfare of recipients.
It called for future relief distributions to be executed in a more structured and decentralized manner, incorporating adequate crowd control measures.
The government said this in response to the tragic loss of life in a stampede that occurred during a rice distribution event in Okija, on Saturday.
Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, in a statement over the weekend, said the tragedy underscores the critical need for a more organized and secured approach to such charitable distributions.
Aburime recommended that future events should adopt measures like establishing multiple distribution points within the community to alleviate congestion, prioritizing, vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals with disabilities, employing trained personnel to manage crowds, maintain orderly queues, and implementing public awareness campaigns to educate the community on safety protocols during such events.
He said the state government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede.
The director General of the Southeast Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife has described the Otu Odu Society as a great Igbo cultural heritage with so much significance for the preservation of Igbo tradition.
Ekwunife made the remark at the induction of Uchechi Nworah into the Otu Odu Society in Enugwu-ukwu, Njikoka local government area as Iyom Ugomba and Ngozi Vin-Agbata, (Iyom Ojiefi Ijele) in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.
She described the honor bestowed on Iyom Uchechi Nworah as deserving and timely, saying the relationship between the Ekwunife and Nworah families have been deep and cordial.
She applauded Iyom Uchechi’s contributions to the community and commended Uche Nworah’s efforts in promoting Igbo cultural values.
Similarly, Ekwunife lauded Ngozi Vin-Agbata’s dedication to community service and described her initiation as a testament to her exemplary leadership and impact in the society.
The Senator commended both honorees for embracing the responsibilities of their titles with grace and dignity.
Recall that Ekwunife was inducted into the Otu Odu Society at the age of 31 by Eze Nri to become the youngest Iyom in Igboland.
As part of efforts to encourage productivity and service to humanity, the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, Amaku, Awka Anambra State over the weekend recognised members of staff and other people who have been dutiful and dedicated to selfless service to humanity and the growth of the hospital.
The 2024 End of the year Appreciation Day/ Award Ceremony, which held at the hospital Premises, saw the award of Best Staff award, award of excellence for Philanthropist Service to humanity, Best Staff, among others.
In his opening address, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Joe Akabuike said the aim of organizing the ceremony was to motivate and encourage the staff and other stakeholders, who have shown selfless service to humanity.
Akabuike noted that some staff members have distinguished themselves in their various departments, just as many philanthropists have helped the hospital to thrive in so many ways.
The Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Chief of Staff, Enerst Ezeajughi, commended the Hospital Management and staff for their various efforts.
He stated that the current administration is working tirelessly for the betterment of the health sector and the workers.
A former CMD of the hospital, Lawrence Ikeakor who was honoured with Meritorious award of excellence, applauded the hospital management and Akabuike for finding him worthy of the award after seven years of vacating office.
Also, a philanthropist and founder of Ide Global Movement, Azubuike Ekweozor, who was given an award for his benevolence, especially undertaking to pay off the medical bills of indigent patients in the tune of five million naira, thanked the management for recognizing his efforts and pledged to do more.
Similarly, a staff in the Department of Radiology COUTH, Ekweanor Chukwudi who was hounoured as the best staff of the department, assured that he would continue to work for the progress of the hospital.
He also encouraged his colleagues to always put in their best while carrying out their duties.
Other staff members who were honoured as the best staff in their various departments include, Obiorah Chidimma from the administration department; Onwuzor Obinna, from the department of account; Adanna Wilson, department of Pharmacy; Nwakonobi Chuwuma, Department of Audit among others.
Correspondent Amaka Obiesili reports that apart from honouring some staff members of the hospital who distinguished themselves in their various departments, the 2024 End of the year Appreciation Day/ Award Ceremony was used to present the 2024 scorecard of the hospital to the public, detailing the hospital’s achievements in the year.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of a retired Major-General and former military governor of the state, Godwin Abbe.
Abbe, who served as Rivers State’s military governor from August 1990 to January 1992, died on Saturday in Abuja after a protracted iillness.
Reacting to his death, Fubara said Abbe’s death is a significant loss to the state, the Niger Delta and the nation.
Describing Abbe as a leader who prioritized the welfare of Rivers people during his tenure, the governor said the late military officer’s contributions to the unity and development of Nigeria were commendable.
In his condolence message issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor extended his condolence to Abbe’s family, the people of Edo state and the Nigerian military.
While praying for the eternal repose of Abbe’s soul, Fubara urged the family to take solace in the fact that the late General lived a fulfilled life in the service of his fatherland.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the federal government will provide support to families who lost members to the recent stampedes across the country.
On Wednesday, over 35 persons, mostly children died in a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
On Saturday, two stampede incidents also occurred in the Ojika in Anambra and the Maitama area of Abuja while rice and other relief materials were being distributed.
Over 20 persons lost their lives in the Anambra incident while 10 persons were confirmed dead in the Abuja stampede.
Reacting to the development, Shettima described the incidents as a national tragedy.
He said the government has directed relevant agencies to provide immediate support to affected families.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says petrol is going to sell at N935 per litre beginning from this Monday.
IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima, said this on Sunday.
Garima said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide.
According to him, over 30,000 of its members of IPMAN are set to commence petrol loading from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Port Harcourt Refining Company following the reduction of the ex-depot price of the product to N899 per litre.
United States President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal after accusing Panama of charging excessive rates on US ships passing through one of the busiest waterways in the world.
Trump, who had posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday that the fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous,” doubled down during a speech in Arizona on Sunday, saying the US was “being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped off everywhere else.
The president-elect also said he would not let the canal fall into the "wrong hands," warning of potential Chinese influence on the passage.
The US largely built the canal in 1914 and administrated territory surrounding the passage for decades.
But Washington fully handed control of the canal to Panama in 1999 after a period of joint administration.
Liverpool extended their advantage at the top of the Premier League table after a 6-3 rout of Tottenham on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah delivered a sublime performance featuring two goals and a pair of assists as Arne Slot’s side ran riot in north London.
Liverpool took advantage of second-placed Chelsea’s 0-0 draw at Everton earlier in the day to sweep to four points clear at the top and cement their status as title favourites heading into the Christmas period.
Salah is the only Premier League player to reach double figures in goals (15) and assists (11) this season.
The 32-year-old is now Liverpool’s fourth top scorer ever with 229 goals.
Liverpool’s other goals were scored by firepower as Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Meanwhile, Manchester United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth.
The result means that United will spend Christmas 13th in the table.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu market in Aba, Abia state.
In a statement on Wednesday, NAFDAC said its operatives shut down the shops during a two-day operation on December 16 and 17.
The agency said a team of its personnel uncovered a large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods.
The fake products include beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt.
According to the regulatory agency, fake and expired goods – worth N5 billion – were consequently destroyed during the operation.
The south-east zonal director of NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade, expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities at the market, despite a previous undertaking signed by the leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi has expelled the national vice-chairman of the party in the south-east, Ali Odefa, over alleged anti-party activities.
The acting chairperson of the PDP in Oguduokwor, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi state, Onyeka Ovuta, announced on Wednesday that Odefa has been expelled from the party.
Ovuta noted that the PDP executive committee in Oguduokwor ward, suspended Odefa in October, 2024.
Subsequently, a federal high court in the state upheld Odefa’s suspension as the national vice-chairman of the party in the south- east.
Ovuta said Odefa’s expulsion followed the recommendation of a disciplinary committee that affirmed the allegations of his anti- party activities.
Delta state government says the enactment of the Delta State Human Trafficking Prohibition law is an expression of its commitment to fighting human trafficking.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole said this in Asaba during a one-day sensitisation on human trafficking, organised by the Delta State Taskforce on Human Trafficking for the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Commercial Tricycle Owners Association, and Private Park Owners in the state.
The training was organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Transport and the Girls Power Initiative, in commemoration of the 2024 International Migrants Day held in Asaba.
The attorney general, who is the Chairman of the Delta State Task Force on Human Trafficking, said the enactment of by law was part of the measures to tackle human trafficking.
The attorney general, who is the Chairman of the Delta State Task Force on Human Trafficking, said the enactment of by law was part of the measures to tackle human trafficking.
He said transporters in the state have a role to play in the fight against human trafficking, adding that they should support the state government to eradicate human trafficking by going the extra mile to observe the demeanour of their passengers to notice and report any red flags.
The commissioner noted that now the law is in place in the state, strict penalties will be meted out to persons found wanting, including the seizure of transportation vehicles used for human trafficking.
Many children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a children’s Christmas party, in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
Thought the exact number of casualties is still unclear, the governor of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that multiple lives were lost and some injured at the Christmas carnival hosted by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, on Wednesday at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan.
Makinde, who described the incident as a sad day for the Oyo State Government, commiserated with the parents that have lost their children.
He said the primary organisers of the event that led to the stampede have been taken into custody as investigations continue.
According to a report, chaos broke out when a large crowd surged forward to collect gifts and food, resulting in numerous children being trampled.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of executive management of 12 River Basin Development Authorities.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the appointments in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the executives are 72 in number.
The River Basin Development Authorities include: Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority; Abeokuta, Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Yola; Chad Basin Development Authority Maiduguri; Benin-Owena Development Authority; Niger Delta Basin Development Authority and Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Minna.
Others are: Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority; Ilorin; Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi; Anambra – Imo River BAsin Development Authority, Owerri; Cross River Basin Development Authority; Hadejia Jamaere River Basin Development Authority, Kano and Sokoto Rima Basin Development Authority.
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos State to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 3:23 pm on Wednesday, December 18.
Before his departure to Lagos, President Tinubu presented the 2025 budget of N47.9 trillion Naira, before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Some of the highlights of the budget include the allocation of N4.91 trillion Naira for defence and security, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, health got N2.4tn, education – N3.5 trillion, among others.
The Nigeria Customs Service has announced the implementation of a zero percent duty on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) equipment imported into Nigeria.
The Nigeria Customs Service announced this in a statement on Wednesday.
The service said the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s investment climate and increasing domestic gas utilisation.
According to the customs, the measures were designed to ameliorate the cost of living, bolster energy security, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Ghana’s Supreme Court has upheld the legality of the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill passed earlier in February, after dismissing two separate cases challenging the legality of one of Africa's most restrictive pieces of anti-LGBT legislation.
The dismissal of the controversial anti-LGBT bill by the court has cleared the way for President Nana Akufo-Addo to sign it into law.
Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, from the seven-member panel court, said in the televised ruling that the cases were premature.
She ruled that until there's presidential assent, there is no act.
The legislation criminalises promoting LGBT rights and imposes a prison sentence of up to five years for the “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities”.
The bill also proposes a jail term of up to 10 years for anyone involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy campaigns aimed at children and encourages the public to report members of the queer community to authorities for “necessary action”.
The West African nation's parliament unanimously approved the bill in February, but Akufo-Addo delayed signing it pending the challenges filed at the Supreme Court.
Carlo Ancelotti has become the most successful coach in Real Madrid history as his side easily brushed aside Pachuca 3-0 to win the inaugural Fifa Intercontinental Cup final.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr were both on the scoresheet on their respective returns to the starting lineup on Wednesday night as the Concacaf Champions Cup winners from Mexico proved no match for the Uefa Champions League holders in Qatar.
Mbappe gave Madrid the lead late in the first half, tapping home from close range after Vinicius had rounded Carlos Moreno in the Pachuca goal.
Rodrygo doubled Madrid's lead seven minutes into the second half with a sublime curling striker from the edge of the box, before Vinicius added a third from the penalty spot after Lucas Vazquez was brought down by Oussama Idrissi.
The inaugural edition of the Intercontinental Cup - essentially a replacement for the Fifa Club World Cup, which will instead take place next summer - involved the winners of five continental club competitions taking part in a straight knockout tournament.
Pachuca, winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup, defeated Caf Champions League holders Al-Ahly of Egypt to reach the final.
With Ancelotti’s 15th piece of silverware in total across two separate spells in charge at the Bernabeu, he has moved clear of the legendary Miguel Munoz - who won 14 between 1959-74 - for the most trophies won by any manager in the club’s long and illustrious history.
The Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to tackle insecurity.
Soludo gave the assurance during a press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia on Tuesday, where he addressed critical issues regarding security challenges facing the state.
The governor, who acknowledged the resurgence of some criminal activities, particularly kidnapping for ransom, killings and armed robbery, announced plans to launch a joint security operation, codenamed Operation Udo Ga Achi, to tackle insecurity in the state, by January 2025.
He said the Operation Udo Ga-Achị will deploy personnel and vehicles branded with its insignia for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and real-time interventions across the state.
Soludo also revealed that Operation Udo Ga-Achị will be backed by technology-based security solutions, including the toll-free emergency lines.
The professor of economics further stated that the state’s CCTV surveillance project, which commenced in Onitsha, would be expanded to Awka, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia by March 2025.
Among other measures announced, the governor emphasized the need for collective action, reiterating that the fight against insecurity cannot be won by the government alone.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised Sylvester Ezeokenwa as the national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), after a protracted leadership dispute.
The commission’s decision comes in compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment delivered on 27 November 2024, which settled the longstanding battle for APGA’s leadership.
INEC in statement by its National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, on Tuesday, confirmed the commission’s alignment with the apex court ruling.
Olumekun said the commission restored Ezeokenwa as the chairman of APGA and reinstated his name on its website accordingly, after it received the judgment of the Supreme Court.
The Enugu State Government has launched the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), a digital platform designed to streamline land title applications and ensure seamless processing within 48 hours.
The state governor, Peter Mbah said the initiative is a major step towards modernizing land administration and boosting transparency.
He noted that with ENGIS, land title applications can now be completed entirely online, allowing residents to process titles, conduct searches, and access results conveniently from the comfort of their homes.
According to him, the new system would eliminate land grabbing, double allocations, unauthorized constructions, and revenue diversion, thereby restoring trust in land management processes.
In Ebonyi state, a 54-year-old man, Eseni Chima was, on Tuesday, docked before an Abakaliki Magistrate’s Court for allegedly beating his wife, Ugochukwu Chima, to death with iron rod.
The prosecutor, Emmanuel Monday told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on September 4, at 60 Ogbaga Road, Kpirikpiri in Abakaliki Local Government in Ebonyi.
He told the court that the offence was punishable under Section 319 (1) of the criminal code law, s of Ebonyi, 2009.
Chima is facing a count charge bothering on murder.
The Magistrate, Chinedu Agama did not take the plea of Chima for want of jurisdiction and directed the police to send the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
From the southeast, we move to the south-South, where after a 10- year suspension, the Rivers State government has announced the reintroduction of Rivers Christmas Discount Market.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, John Otamiri, revealed this on Tuesday.
He said the market, slated to commence on Thursday, December 18, will be held at the Elekahia Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Otamiri said the market which will offer goods at significantly reduced prices, aims to ease the financial burden on residents during the festive season.
According to him, vendors have been provided to the venue free of charge to ensure that the cost of goods is kept at the barest minimum.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion as ransom in one year between May 2023 and April 2024.
In its latest crime experience and security perception survey report published on Tuesday, the NBS reported that 65 per cent of households affected by kidnapping paid ransoms for the release of their loved ones from the abductors’ den.
The average amount paid as ransom was ₦2,670,693, with an estimated total ransom.
According to the report, kidnapping incidence was estimated at 2,235,954 nationally with results showing that rural areas recorded more kidnappings than urban areas.
Further analysis of the report by zones revealed that North-West had the highest cases (1,420,307), followed by North-Central (317,837), while the least was recorded in South-East (110,432.
The NBS indicated that an estimated 51.89 million crime incidents were recorded across Nigerian households during the period.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set a daily withdrawal limit on point-of-sale (PoS) terminals to N100,000 per customer.
The CBN also restricted PoS agents to a daily transaction limit of N1.2 million.
The apex bank revealed this in its ‘Circular on Cash-Out Limits for Agent Banking Transactions,’ released on Tuesday and directed to all deposit money banks (DMBs), microfinance Banks, mobile money operators and super-agents.
The bank said the policy is in line with its ongoing efforts to advance a cashless economy as well as the interventions, aimed at addressing identified challenges, combating fraud and establishing uniform operational standards across the industry.
It also set a cash withdrawal limit per customer (regardless of channel) at N500,000 per week.
The apex bank warned that breach of the directives contained in the circular will attract appropriate penalties including monetary and/or administrative sanctions.
The death toll from an earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Tuesday has risen to 14, as search teams claw through piles of rubble in an attempt to locate survivors.
Two hundred others are being treated for injuries, with powerful aftershocks from the 7.3-magnitude tremor reported overnight.
The earthquake damaged buildings, including the embassies of the US, France, the UK and New Zealand. It also cut power and mobile services.
Vanuatu police say a seven-day state of emergency has been declared to limit the movement of the public while search and relief operations are underway.
Details showed that four of the fatalities died at hospital in the capital city of Port Vila, six were from a landslide, while four were from a collapsed building, where the toll was expected to rise further.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said an estimated 116,000 people could be affected by the worst impacts of the quake.
Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior won the FIFA Best men’s player of the year award at a ceremony in Doha on Tuesday, while Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati picked up the women’s prize for the second time.
The award comes two months after 24-year-old Vinicius was second in the Ballon d’Or, with Real electing to snub the ceremony when they found out beforehand that Manchester City midfielder Rodri was set to win the trophy.
But the Brazilian was this time on hand to collect the prize in person as he is in Qatar with his club ahead of their Intercontinental Cup final clash with Mexico’s Pachuca on Wednesday.
Vinicius succeeds Lionel Messi as the FIFA Best men’s player after the Argentinian scooped up the last two editions of the award.
The Brazilian forward scored 24 goals and laid on 11 assists in 39 matches across all competitions as he led Real to a La Liga and Champions League double last season.
Manchester United’s Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas award for the best goal of the year for his spectacular bicycle kick against Everton in the Premier League.
Amid the controversy sparked by president Bola Tinubu’s appointment of two APGA members into positions in his government, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Sir Paul Chukwuma has defended the president's decision, saying appointment is his prerogative
Tinubu had approved the appointment of Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, a life board member of All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), Mr Mark Okoye, as Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, South East Development Commission.
The appointment sparked controversy in Anambra state, with many arguing that President Tinubu was more comfortable working with the state ruling APGA than APC, and would likely support governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election in 2025 against his party (APC).
But Chukwuma at a media interaction with media personalities in his country-home Umueri, Amambra East Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra state, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, dismissed such allegations.
The governorship hopeful argued that president Tinubu was only being a father to all in his quest for inclusivity and national unity.
He maintained that as long as those appointed are eminent and competent citizens of Anambra state, the focus should be on delivery of their assignments and the overall wellbeing of the Southeast.
The philanthropist stated that other than criticising the choice of the president, he should be commended for looking beyond party affiliation and moving to change the winner takes it all syndrome in our politics.
“So, the President should be commended for appointing our credible people in his cabinet. He is not only appointing APGA members as some persons alleged. He has appointed other qualified APC members and none politicians into key positions in his cabinet. We commend him for that, and will support him in all he is doing for peace and development of Anambra and Nigeria,” he stated.
The APC chieftain also dismissed rumours of an APC-APGA alliance, reaffirming that the APC is focused on building grassroots support to win the governorship position in the 2025 elections.
"Appointment is appointment, but when it comes to election proper, APGA will be APGA and APC will be APC", he added.
Chukwuma, who further commended APC members in the state for their commitment and grassroots mobilisation, urged them to look at the bigger picture for the South-East politically.
Just like A.D. Posey once said, "Don't just raise the bar...Raise the roof", Reapfold Properties Limited, recently demostrated that it's set to rule the real estate sector, through intergrity, innovation and excellence.
At its SUMESTA 1.0 held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Hilton Leisure Resort and Hotels Awka, it was glitz and glamour as Reapfold Properties Limited showed that it is a real estate company that does not just focus on sale of property, but prioritises human capital development, growth, well-being of staff and reward for hardwork. It was pleasing to hear the exploits and success story of the company that was founded 14 months ago. Reapfold Properties Limited was founded by Honourable Nonso Smart Okafor on October 3, 2023 with just one staff member, but with a vision to thrive and empower younger generation to build wealth.
Unsurprisingly, the company has grown in leaps and bounds and today boasts of increased workforce and four (4) different offices in different parts of Nigeria.
Impressively, the real estate company has in the past one year successfully launched about eight properties in Anambra, Enugu, Delta States and the FCT. This is a confirmation that the real estate agency is determined to even go to where no foot has stepped on and leave a trail.
The well-packaged SUMESTA 1.0 was an opportunity to also announce the Reapfold Properties Limited newest estate, Akachukwu Estate, located close to Chinua Achebe Airport, Umueri. The estate is an offer of value and luxury. Also announced is the Awka school of Real estate, a school designed to empower students and equip them with what is required to excel in real estate. Admission is open by January 2025. This is one of its kind. The school is a creation of the recognition that potential realtors need to know the rudiments of the sector if they are to succeed.
Anyone who witnessed the SUMESTA 1.0, which was a blend of summit and fiest, left the venue with no doubt about the future of the company and its vision to change the face of real estate in this part of the world. Held on the theme "Building Sustainable Wealth Real Estate", SUMESTA 1.0 attracted industry players, supporters, real estate unthusiasts, government officials, professionals and investors.
At the event were the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, his counterpart in the ministry of Housing, Mr. Paul Onyeka, the Lawmaker Representing Anaocha 2 Constituency, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, and the Lawmaker Representing Nnewi South 1, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi. There was also the Group Managing Director, Maintrust Properties Limited, Mr. Cornel Osigwe, the Group Managing Director, Dynamo Group, Aneto Samuel Onyema, Former Anambra State Lawmaker, Hon. Uzoma Eli, Reverend Father Chimaobi Okoye, among others.
The event hosted by Albino Brothers saw the rain of prizes for realtors and staff of the company who made sales within the year, even if it was a plot of land. People went home with bags of rice, cartons of noodles, tomato paste, Microwave oven, deep freezer and ultimately an SUV car.
Dr. Stanley Onunkwor, who emerged Grand Ambassador award, smiled home with mouth watery gifts, which include a luxury SUV, smart TV, deep freezer, 50k bag of rice and an all-expenses-paid international trip. He was rewarded for his huge sales and other values he brings to Reapfold. The MD of Realfold Properties Limited said Dr. Onunkwor, has not only excelled in his role but has become a true inspiration for all of them. He said, "Dr. Stanley, your dedication and vision are truly exceptional, and we are proud to have you as part of our family". "Dr. Stanley, your dedication and vision are truly exceptional, and we are proud to have you as part of our family", he added.
The MD said the company decided to appreciate realtors and staff who distinguished themselves with mouthwatering gift items, which was in addition to the 10% commission they had received during each of their sales.
There were other winners, who went home with prizes ranging from 50kg bags of rice, Microwave oven, among others. Some of the winners include: Chika Nathaniel Arinze, who was awarded the team leader of the year; and Sandra Chika Richard, Eze Justin Okwudiri, Ifenna Charles Nworah who were honoured with silver member award. There were prizes and recognitions for Nancy Chidebe, Adaobi Okafor, Brown Ebubechukwu, Chiamaka Udugbo, Ikeanyi Hilary and Nwakor Sandra.
As staff of the year, John Alexander Ameh, was rewarded with a 50kg bag of rice, a brand new android phone and carton of tomato paste. Honourable Okafor said John was rewarded in appreciation of his unflinching efforts in the growth of the company.
This is an exhibition of the understanding of the place of a motivated workforce in building a resilient company by the managing Director. It's a pointer that Reapfold Properties Limited is out to make a change.
Obviously, Reapfold Properties Limited provides an opportunity for young people to take their destinies into their own hands and make their future brighter, by coming on board a company with a progressive trajectory. With the lofty heights already achieved by Reapfold Properties Limited in fourteen months, one wonders what it's going to be in few years to come.
For the potential clients, the Managing Director isn't an unknown quantity. He is a man of excellence and intergrity, which he has proven over the years; from his days at the higher institution and the Anambra state House of Assembly. It simply translates that investors and clients can be rest assured that lands bought from Reapfold Properties Limited are genuine with relevant title documents. The Anambra commissioner for Housing, Pauly Onyeka, confirmed the intergrity of the MD, when he spoke glowingly about Reapfold Properties Limited. If I'm to borrow the words of Israelmore Ayivor, author of Leaders Watchword, Reapfold Properties Limited, has raised the bar for itself, increased, improved and inspired others to do so
The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged the contractor handling the reconstruction and dualization of the Nnewi-Ozubulu- Okija road to ensure timely completion without compromising quality.
The Chairman of house committee on Works and Infrastructure and member representing Orumba South Constituency, Emma Nwafor, gave the charge during an inspection tour of the ongoing project, as part of the committee’s oversight responsibilities.
Nwafor noted that work was progressing on the sixteen point six- kilometer dual carriage way according to specification and standard.
The committee expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of the work done so far, and urged the contractors to maintain the high standards.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Sir Paul Chukwuma has decried the level of insecurity in Anambra state.
Chukwuma was reacting to the recent cases of kidnappings and other violent crimes in the state.
He spoke in his country home, Umueri, Anambra East Local government, on Saturday during an interaction with media personalities.
He stated that the level of insecurity in the state has become troubling and alarming to the point that many citizens of the state are now afraid to come home.
According to him, while Anambra state is becoming a war zone, it's quite unfortunate that the state government has shown no capacity to deal with the security challenge.
The APC governorship aspirant called on governor Chukwuma Soludo to rise to the deteriorating security situation in the state.
"Anambra State is turning into a war zone under Soludo's administration. It is very unfortunate that we have a government in state that finds it difficult to attend to our needs. The facts are there that govt is not doing anything to tackle it. We need to speak out. It is not enough to tell people to come out on Mondays when you are not doing anything to address the insecurity," he said.
"The state government needs to wake up as many citizens of Anambra State are now afraid to return for Christmas", he added.
The educationist argued that the state government has not bought any equipment for the security agencies in order to boast their capacity to fight crime.
The Umueri born philanthropist wondered what governor Soludo has been doing the security votes he receives every month.
He called on stakeholders to come together, harness their ideas and intervene in the security challenge facing the state.
Anambra state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo says plans are on the way to launch a major security initiative to tackle insecurity in the state.
Soludo said this while featuring on a television programme.
He said the security initiative called Operation Udo G’achi’ which is literally translated as Peace Must Prevail, would be launched this week.
According to him, the launch would be a major step towards managing security in the state.
The governor further threw his weight behind state police, saying it is an idea that has become necessary.
For the second time this year, the Enugu Timber Market located in Enugu South Local Council has been gutted by fire, causing damage to property worth several millions of naira.
The fire, which occurred around 6 p.m. on Saturday, came barely six months after a similar inferno in the market.
Reports say several shops with timber, finished products like wooden doors and heavy duty machines were destroyed.
It took the intervention of firefighters from the Enugu State Fire Service to prevent the fire from spread to other shops.
The Director of the Enugu State Fire Service, Okwudiri Ohaa, said they were assisted by men of the Federal Fire Service in bringing the fire under control.
In the meantime, the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has announced the appointment of Fidelis Chukwu as its new president-general.
Chukwu replaced the immediate past president-general of the Ohaneze, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died on 25 July after a protracted illness.
The National Publicity Secretary of Ohaneze, Alex Ogbonnia, Chukwu said the new president-general emerged at Imeobi Ohanaeze’s meeting on Saturday in Enugu.
Chukwu noted that the new president general emerged following the application of the doctrine of necessity.
The Onaneze spokesperson explained that Chukwu will complete the Imo State tenure which ends on January 10, 2025.
Twenty persons have been feared dead following a boat mishap on the River Benue on Saturday around Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims, mostly women and children, were reportedly returning to Doma in Nasarawa State after attending a market day in Ocholonya village when their wooden boat capsized.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin James, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
He said local divers have recovered some bodies.
The Federal Government has approved an upward review of allowances for officers in public service.
Some of the allowances reviewed include Duty Tour Allowance, transport allowances, uniform allowances, and overtime allowances.
The decision was reached at the 46th meeting of the National Council on Establishment, chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.
Report says the review was part of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of public service officers across Nigeria.
The National Council on Establishment, the highest policy-making body for public service matters, is chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and includes the Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) will on December 22, airlift 10,000 Christians who registered for this year’s holy pilgrimage to Jordan.
The NCPC’s Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this on Sunday.
Adegbite explained that each of the intending pilgrims paid N3 million Naira, amounting to N30 billion by the Nigerian contingent.
He revealed that the pilgrims will spend 10 days visiting sites in Jordan and Turkey before returning to Nigeria.
The December Christian pilgrimage is the first in 2024, after the exercise was repeatedly shifted.
The leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch has continued her review of the negative experiences she had in Nigeria.
This time around, she took a swipe at the Nigerian police force, saying officers of the Force stole her brother’s watch and shoe.
Badenoch, who was speaking in an interview with The Free Press, a US media outfit, said her experience with the Nigerian police was an unforgettable one.
While reviewing her experience with the police in Nigeria and the UK, the Conservative Party leader, born to Nigerian Yoruba parents said “giving people a gun is just a licence to intimidate”.
Badenoch has drawn the anger of Nigerians — including a rebuke from Vice-President Kashim Shettima — for “constantly saying what they described as denigration of her homeland.
Hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people are feared dead in Mayotte after the French Indian Ocean territory was devastated by a powerful cyclone.
A senior local French official, Prefect Francois-Xavier said this on Sunday.
The French interior ministry said "it will be difficult to account for all victims" and a figure could not be determined at this stage.
Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte overnight, with winds of more than 225 kilometre per hour, damaging housing, government buildings and a hospital.
Reports says the entire settlements were flattened, by the cyclone, which has been described as the strongest storm in more than 90 years to hit the islands.
French President Emmanuel Macron said his thoughts are with compatriots in Mayotte, who have gone through the most horrific few hours, and who have, for some, lost everything, including their lives.
Mayotte has a population of 320,000.
As the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony takes place today in Marrakesh, Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has declared full support for Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who are strong contenders for the prestigious Player of the Year awards in the men’s and women’s categories.
Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, faces stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams for the Men’s player of the year award.
Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, faces stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams for the Men’s player of the year award.
On the eve of the ceremony, the NFF in a statement by its spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, expressed confidence in both players’ chances, particularly hailing Lookman as the standout nominee for the men’s award.
In addition to these individual categories, Nigeria is vying for several other awards which include: the National Team of the Year with the Super Eagles and Super Falcons; the Women’s Young Player of the Year, with Chiamaka Okwuchukwu; and Women’s Club of the Year, with Edo Queens.
Ebonyi state government has disclosed that no fewer than 31 female inmates are facing a murder trial at the Nigerian Correctional Service Custodial Centre in Abakaliki, the State capital.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Odo, disclosed this at the custodial centre, when the wife of the state governor, Mary-Maudline Nwifuru paid fines for 41 male inmates convicted with the option of fines, securing their freedom.
Odo said none of the 31 female inmates was among the released prisoners, as they are facing capital offences, including murder.
He explained that they could not benefit from the release facilitated by the governor’s wife because their trials were yet to be concluded, coupled with the fact they all have capital offences attached to their cases.
The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out an alleged ₦4.8 billion fraud charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against the Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, Cletus Ibeto.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala struck out the charge after counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, informed the court that Ibeto had refunded over ₦3.2 billion of the money he was accused of stealing from the alleged victim, Daniel Chukwudozie.
Jacobs also informed the judge that both the defendants and the complainant had met with the EFCC and agreed to settle the matter out of court.
He however stated that two issues namely: the allegations of forgery and the $3 million dollars that Ibeto denies collecting from the complainant, remain unresolved.
The defence lawyer, Adebayo Oshodi, confirmed in court that an agreement had been reached, resulting in the refund, but denied that any issues remained unresolved.
After considering the submission from both lawyers, Justice Ogala struck out the charge.
In April 2023, the EFCC instituted a 10-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and the fraudulent use of documents against the businessman and his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd.
Troops of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued four kidnap victims from a hideout in Ugbolu Forest in Delta State.
The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Emmanuel Onoja, announced this on Wednesday.
Onoja said the victims were held captive for several days while their abductors demanded hefty ransoms for their release.
He said their rescue followed a credible intelligence.
Users of Meta-controlled social media applications were shut out globally on Wednesday evening as the company grapples with a “technical issue”
Frustrated Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday evening to report the global outage of the three apps owned by tech giant Mark Zuckerberg.
Downdetector also showed big spikes for Instagram with 70,000 outage reports above average and Facebook, which had over 100,000 outage reports.
Meta confirmed the problem in a post on X post, saying they were working to resolve it.
Facebook suffered a similar outage in May 2024 and in October 2021 which was attributed to technical issues, not a security hack as originally feared.
President Bola Tinubu says the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will continue to explore wisdom and diplomacy in ensuring that Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali return to the regional bloc, which they exited in the wake of military interventions in those countries.
President Tinubu said this while receiving the President of Germany, Frank–Walter Steinmeier at the Aso Rock Abuja, on Wednesday.
According to a statement by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the president, said that ECOWAS is leaving the door open for the return of democracy in those countries.
Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, however stated that the regional body will not tolerate unconstitutional government in those countries.
In his response, the German President said the re-integration of the three countries will have significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.
Steinmeier is on a three-day state visit to Nigeria.
The minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, says Nigeria is on track to add 150 megawatts of electricity to its national grid before the year ends.
Adelabu spoke to journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the presidential villa in Abuja, on Wednesday.
He said the upgrade will be made possible following the successful completion of the pilot phase of the presidential power initiative.
The minister said the initiative, which is being implemented in partnership with Siemens, intends to enhance Nigeria’s electricity supply through a series of strategic projects.
According to him, the pilot phase of this project is up to 80% completed.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced its first export of premium motor spirit also known as petrol, to Cameroon.
The export was done in partnership with Neptune Oil, a Cameroonian energy firm.
In a statement on Wednesday, the refinery said the feat highlights both organisations’ dedication to addressing the region’s rising energy needs.
The President and CEO of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the first export of PMS to Cameroon was a tangible demonstration of their vision for a united and energy-independent Africa.
Amnesty International has urged Mozambique to “end its bloody crackdown on protesters”, saying 110 have been killed in demonstrations sparked by disputed presidential elections in October.
The human rights organization made the call on Wednesday in a statement signed by its Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farise, saying enough is enough.
Unrest has rocked the southern African nation since the October 9 polls, won by the ruling Frelimo party, which has been in power since 1975, but denounced as fraudulent by opposition parties.
While the electoral commission reported that Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, received nearly 71 percent of the vote and the leader of the small Podemos party, Venancio Mondlane, garnered 20 percent of the votes, Mondlane contended that a separate count found he received 53 percent of the vote, with Chapo only taking 36 percent.
Farise said the authorities’ flagrant, continued and escalating use of unnecessary and unlawful force against protesters must cease immediately.
The Constitutional Council is due to confirm the results at least two weeks ahead of the January inauguration of Chapo, to succeed the outgoing President Filipe Nyusi.
FIFA has confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The world football governing body announced at an online FIFA Congress on Wednesday.
The Middle Eastern country submitted the sole bid for the competition and got the nods of 200 FIFA member federations in the virtual event.
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino said the vote of the congress was loud and clear.
FIFA also ratified the decision to hold the 2030 World Cup across six countries on three continents.
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are the joint hosts of the competition.
In champions league matches played last night, Manchester City’s crisis continued with a 2-0 defeat away to Juventus in the, while Barcelona beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 to clinch a spot in the knockout stage of Europe’s elite club competition.
Arsenal, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Lille, Feyenoord and Stuttgart were also victorious.
Dusan Vlahovic put Juventus ahead early in the second half, before Weston McKennie made it 2-0 with a fine acrobatic finish in the 75th minute.
Bukayo Saka netted twice in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
The win places the Gunners closer to securing a spot in the Champions League knockout stages.
The Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri in Anambra has recorded 400,000 passengers in 7,000 flights since it began commercial flight operations in December 2021.
The airport managing director, Martins Nwafor disclosed this on while playing host to the state commissioner for information, Law Mefor.
Nwafor explained that only two commercial airlines are using the airport at present, but talks are ongoing to bring more airlines on board.
He noted that operations are largely during the daytime, but airfield lighting systems are being installed to make night flight operations at the airport possible.
A 19 year old boy, Ifechukwu Ibesimako has been arrested by the police in Anambra state for alleged kidnapping.
The suspect, a native of Aboji Village Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday by the operatives attached to Oba Police Divisional Headquarters.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, said Ibesimako and three other accomplices were arrested after a ransom of two hundred thousand Naira was paid for the release of the victims in their captivity.
According to Ikenga, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect and the other three accomplices lured their victims through social media chats, by proposing friendship to them and holding them hostage until their relatives paid a certain amount to their gang before they are released.
He said two female victims, aged between 15 and 19 years, who were held by the boys were also rescued.
The sacked 7th Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), Benard Odoh has instituted legal actions against the management of Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS) over alleged denial of his professorial appointment and employment status.
Odoh filed the suit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
This was disclosed by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Charles Otu, in a statement on Wednesday.
Otu said, though no date has been fixed for the hearing, Odoh will leave no stone unturned to seek legal redress on the very weighty and damaging allegations against his person.
He accused the management of the University of being in league with politicians to dent Odoh’s image and academic record.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his arraignment on alleged money laundering charges.
Justice Maryanne Aninih remanded Bello on Wednesday and adjourned the matter to December 10 for a ruling after the lawyers in the case argued the bail application.
The defense counsel Joseph Daudu had requested that the court grant bail to the former governor as the alleged offences were bailable.
But the prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, challenged the competence of the bail application, arguing that it was filed only on November 22, while the arraignment had not yet taken place.
The former governor, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu are being prosecuted as 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in a fresh N110billion Naira 16-count charge instituted against them by the EFCC.
A late evening fire broke out at the premises of Radio Nigeria on Plot No. 35, Ikoyi Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, prompting swift emergency response from multiple fire stations across the state.
The fire, which started around 5:30 p.m., engulfed the studio section of the building.
A statement by Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, said the agency was alerted at approximately 5:30 PM and firefighters from the Dolphin, Ebute Elefun, and Oba Onitolo Fire Stations arrived promptly to combat the flames.
Adeseye said the fire was contained and prevented from spreading beyond the studio section through collaborative efforts with partners.
She said the cause of the fire was not known yet, but investigations were underway.
The House of Representatives has passed the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework & Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025-2027.
In passing the MTEF, the Committees on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, and Petroleum Downstream were tasked to investigate reports from the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Responsibility Commission alleging that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s withheld ₦8.48 trillion as claimed subsidies for petrol.
Additionally, the investigation will address the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s report stating that NNPC failed to remit ₦3.6 trillion in taxes to the Federal Government.
The committees were further directed to verify the total cumulative amount of unremitted revenue (under-recovery) from the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the NNPCL between 2020 and 2023.
Some of the recommendations in the MTEF as adopted by the house include: projected oil benchmark prices of 75, 76.2 and 75.3 US dollars per barrel for 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively.
The house adopted domestic crude oil production projection of 2.06 million barrels per day, 2.10 million and 2.35 million for the years of 2025, 2026 and 2027, while the exchange rate was pegged at N1,400 per dollar, but to be reviewed in early 2025.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has spent over N8.8 billion in 11 months to repair transmission towers vandalised across the country.
Sule Abdulaziz, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the TCN, spoke at the quarterly power sector working group meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Abdulaziz, who was represented by the executive director of transmission service provider at TCN, Olugbenga Ajiboye said from January 13 to date, 128 transmission towers have been destroyed — either by vandals or bandits — across the country.
The TCN CEO lamented that when the vandals were apprehended and handed over to police for prosecution, they were bailed and they would return and continue with the vandalism.
The Federal High Court Abuja has struck down Section 2 (10) (b) of the National Broadcasting Code, 6th Edition, which required broadcasters to pay 2.5% of their “Gross Annual Income” as an Annual Operating Levy.
Justice James Omotosho gave the judgment in a suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd and Details Nigeria Limited (GO TV) against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Delivering judgement on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho, ordered that the provision be struck down and replaced with ‘Net Annual Income’ instead of the existing ‘Gross Annual Income.’
The court also barred the NBC from demanding the plaintiffs’ VAT remittance, FIRS reports, bank statements, audit adjustment journals, trial balances, and general ledgers for the purpose of computing the plaintiffs’ annual income, other than the annual audited accounts of the companies as stipulated in the NBC Code.
The judge stated that the NBC can only access the other financial documents of MultiChoice through sister agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Vote counting is underway in Namibia after what was widely seen as the most fiercely contested elections in decades.
There were long queues outside polling stations throughout the day on Wednesday as the country’s youthful population cast their ballot for a new president and parliament.
Voting closed at nine in the evening local time and initial figures suggest there was a high voter turnout.
The South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), which has ruled Namibia since leading it to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, has faced a tough election.
But if it wins, its presidential candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will become the country’s first female leader.
In the run-up to the polls, however, analysts said there was a strong possibility that SWAPO could be ousted by young people who make up 64 per cent of registered voters.
They are fed up with high levels of unemployment, inequality and corruption allegations, and want change.
Results are expected by the weekend.
Liverpool finally ended their Real Madrid curse as they maintained their perfect start to this season's Champions League with a dramatic but deserved 2-0 win over the reigning champions at Anfield.
Liverpool had failed to beat Real Madrid in eight previous meetings in the tournament, but they broke the jinx on Wednesday night.
Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and substitute Cody Gakpo reflected the Reds' dominance with Caoimhin Kelleher's penalty save from Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah's spot-kick miss providing the drama in between.
Liverpool dominated Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have now lost three of their five games and must fight for a play-off place in the tournament's new format.
The Anambra state police command has confirmed the arrest of two members of a criminal gang in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, specifically in the 3- 3 area.
They were arrested on Monday by a joint security team comprising policemen and Vigilante operatives.
In a statement on Tuesday, the state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said their arrested followed a chase triggered by an alarm raised by a victim, who was robbed of his iPhone and other personal items by the suspects at gunpoint.
According to the police, an English-made pistol and other incriminating items were recovered from them.
Ikenga said the police has declared the gang leader, popularly known as Akada wanted over armed robbery, illegal possession of firearm, and enforcement of illegal sit-at-home.
The Catholic Diocese of Aba has blamed the stampede that led to the death of some worshippers during the annual Christ the King Feast on overcrowding during the procession.
A statement signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Reverend Augustine Echema, described the incident as unprecedented.
The bishop, who regretted the sad incident, assured that investigations were ongoing to uncover the full details of the tragedy, including the identities of the victims and the exact cause.
He condoled with the families of the deceased and sympathised with those injured in the incident, who are still receiving treatment in the hospital.
Report says the crowd “was too much that there was little or no breathing space.
The Imo State Government has approved the implementation of the ₦70,000 new minimum wage.
Governor Hope Uzodimma disclosed this at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday afternoon shortly after a meeting with labour leaders in the state.
Uzodimma stated that the new minimum wage was a product of extensive consultations with labour leaders in the state.
He added that the government also approved payment of pensions and gratuity arrears for retirees in the state.
Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah, has presented a record ₦971 billion Naira budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the Enugu State House of Assembly.
This topples the record-holding 2024 budget of ₦521.5bn.
Mbah presented the appropriation bill titled’ “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity” on the floor of the House on Tuesday.
He said the proposed estimates comprised ₦837.9bn capital expenditure, representing 86 per cent of the budget estimates, and a recurrent expenditure component of ₦133.1bn, representing only 14 per cent of the budget.
In the 2025 budget, the Education sector got a lion-share of ₦320.6bn, representing over 33 per cent of the total budget.
The governor equally announced a growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, from ₦37.4bn at the end of 2023 to ₦144.7bn in September 2024.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has advised Nigerians to concentrate on the enormous progress made in bringing the Port Harcourt refinery back to life and steer clear of “malicious claims” that it is not producing refined products.
The NNPC Ltd gave the advice in a statement by its spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, on Tuesday, hours after announcing the commencement of production operation.
Soneye said the malicious attacks on the clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by the oil company.
He explained that the 60,000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery is operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%.
The spokesperson listed the refinery’s daily products to include: Straight-Run Gasoline blended into 1.4 million liters of petrol, 900,000 liters of Kerosene, 1.5 million liters of Diesel, 2.1 million liters of low Pour Fuel Oil and additional volumes of liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG):
He also revealed that the new Port Harcourt refinery would commence operations soon, without prior announcements.
Meanwhile, the presidency on Tuesday said that 200 trucks were set to load petroleum products daily from the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation to the President, Sunday Dare, said this on his X handle.
According to him, the refinery’s Old Wing can process 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The commencement of production at the Port Harcourt refinery comes after a series of failed deadlines.
In 2021, the Federal Government approved $1.5 billion dollars to repair the plant.
President Bola Tinubu will this Wednesday depart Abuja to France for a three-day state visit.
The Special Adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the visit is “in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.
According to Onanugua, the president’s three-day visit, will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition.
The President would be travelling with his wife and other senior government officials.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has come into effect hours after United States President Joe Biden said a proposal to end the “devastating” conflict had been reached.
The ceasefire began at 4am local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday amid concerns as to whether the truce would hold and lead to the permanent end of fighting between Israel’s military and Hezbollah forces.
While announcing the agreement on Tuesday night, Biden said the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end, adding that the ceasefire agreement was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.
He added that civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes, their schools, their farms, their businesses and their very lives.
Hezbollah, which did not participate in any direct talks on the ceasefire was yet to formally comment.
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that they will strike if Hezbollah violates the agreement and attempts to rearm.
The nearly 14 months of cross-border fighting has killed thousands of people, with Lebanon health ministry reporting 3,823 deaths and Israeli authorities reporting that they have lost at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians in the hostilities.
Manchester City's woes continued on Tuesday as they surrendered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord and make it six games without a win for Pep Guardiola's side.
Guardiola, enduring his worst run as a coach, seemed on course to see his side cruise to victory in this Champions League tie with three goals from Erling Haaland and Ilkay Gundogan.
But despite being down three goals in the 74th minute, the Dutch side were able to rally back to erase the deficit, thanks in part to some blatant defensive errors from the City backline.
Anis Hadj Moussa seized upon a defensive error by Josko Gvardiol to pull the first goal back on 75 minutes before substitute Santiago Gimenez converted from close range to set nerves jangling and David Hancko headed in the equaliser to leave City bereft.
Though the draw ended City’s five-game losing streak, it will feel like a defeat given the remarkable circumstances.
In some other champions league matches played last night, Arsenal picked up 5-1 win away at Sporting Lisbon, Sparta Prague fell 6-0 to Atletico Madrid at home, Barcelona won 3-0 against Brest, Bayern Leverkusen walloped RB Salzburg 5-0, Atlanta won 6-1 against Young Boys, AC Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2, Inter Milan Pipped RB Leipzig 1-0 while Bayern Munich managed a 1-0 win over PSG.
The Anambra Innovation Week 2024 has officially kicked off with a grand opening ceremony at the Anambra International Conference Centre, Awka.
The event kicked off on Monday, with the theme “Creating the Future of Africa Now”.
In her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, said innovation and technology are very important in building a prosperous Africa.
The five-day event will feature activities like discussions on demystifying innovation, digital ecosystem, and emerging tech trends, exhibitions, high-level ministerial panels, Startup Conference and Tradenovation Fair and the official launch of transformative initiatives such as the One Million Anambra Digital Tribe.
The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo was represented by the Deputy Governor, Onyekachi Ibezim.
The absence of Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja has stalled a N50 billion suit filed by leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, against the Federal Government.
The matter, which was fixed for Monday, could not proceed because Justice Ekwo was on official engagement.
The judge was said to be sitting in another division of the court.
The case was subsequently fixed for February 11, 2025, for further mention.
Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney- General of the Federation as 1st and 2nd defendants over allegations bordering on violation of his rights, alleging that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial.
He wants the court to determine “whether the way in which he was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws”.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday inaugurated some appointees into his government at Government House, Benin.
Those inaugurated were Emmanuel Okoebor as Commissioner for Finance, Paddy Iyamu, as Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and a retired Commissioner of Police, Friday Ibadin, as Coordinator, Edo Security Network.
The governor urged the appointees to use their positions to uplift the state, improve education, strengthen security, and enhance financial management to foster Edo’s development.
He vowed to chase criminals out of Edo State and restore total peace in the Heartbeat of the Nation.
The 24 members of the Edo House of Assembly, had at last Monday’s plenary, cleared the appointees after the adoption of the report of its committee on rules and business.
Katsina governor Dikko Radda on Monday presented the State’s 2025 Budget Proposal to the state House of Assembly for approval.
He presented a budget of N682.2 billion Naira.
The breakdown shows that N157.9 billion, representing 23.15% is earmarked for Recurrent Expenditure, while Capital Expenditure stands at N524.2 billion Naira, representing 76.85%.
The Governor announced that the budget when compared with that of the 2024, has an increase of N200.535 billion Naira, representing 40% increase.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed excitement at the Nigeria economy’s third-quarter growth statistics as revealed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
According to the report Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.46 per cent in real terms in the third quarter of 2024 on a year-on-year basis.
Reacting to the development on Monday, the president in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare said the growth was a welcome development and an indication that his reforms are beginning to bear fruits.
He said his administration’s quest for a more robust boost in the economy and, by extension, a better standard of living for all Nigerians is on course and will not rest until Nigerians feel the positive impacts in their pockets and experience a better living standard.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2024.
In a report released on Monday, the NBS said the unemployment rate decreased compared to the 5.3 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2024.
The NBS defined the unemployment rate as the share of the labour force (the combination of unemployed and employed people) who are not employed but actively searching and are available for work.
A breakdown of the report showed that the labour force participation rate among the working-age population increased to 79.5 per cent in second quarter of 2024 from 77.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2024.
The acting chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election to fill “vacant” seats in the Rivers state house of assembly.
Damagum’s demand is contained in a letter dated 13th November, 2024 and addressed to INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
In the letter, he drew the Commission’s attention to the “unlawful” defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 11, 2023.
Damugum described the defection of the lawmakers as a “gross violation” of section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.
According to him, going by provisions of the Constitution, the lawmakers are no longer members of Assembly, hence INEC needs to perform its constitutional duties and begin the process of conducting fresh elections to fill the vacancies created in the 27 state constituencies.
US president-elect, Donald Trump says he will hit China, Mexico and Canada with new tariffs on day one of his presidency, in an effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the US.
Trump said that immediately after his inauguration on 20 January 2025, he will sign an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Mexico and Canada.
He also said an additional 10% tariff will be levied on China until the government there blocks smuggling of the synthetic opioid fentanyl from the country.
Trump said this in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The Joe Biden administration has been calling on Beijing to do more to stop the production of ingredients used in fentanyl, which Washington estimates killed almost 75,000 Americans last year.
The President-elect said the tariffs on Mexico and Canada would remain in place until the two countries clamp down on drugs, particularly fentanyl, and migrants crossing the border illegally.
Super Falcons interim head coach, Justine Madugu, has cleared the air on Asisat Oshoala’s future with the team.
Oshoala has not been involved with the nine-time African champions since the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The six- time African Women’s Footballer of the Year was excluded from the Super Falcons squad for the double header friendlies against the Green Ladies of Algeria last month.
The gaffer raised further eye brow by excluding the former Barcelona Ladies star from the 20-player roaster released on Sunday for the friendly against Les Bleues of France, which will hold on Saturday.
Speaking on the omission, Madugu said Oshoala is still an integral member of the Super Falcons.
According to him, the 30 year old player has some documentation problems in the US and that was the reason she wasn’t invited for the friendly match with France.
He said Oshoala was working on renewing her visa and work permit and cannot leave the US pending when the documents are done.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe.
Tinubu also approved the removal of the newly appointed Vice- Chancellor, Professor Bernard Odoh, and the new registrar, Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday.
According Onanuga, the sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.
He stated that the government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.
The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State, Eric Odo, has defended his decision to appoint Senior Special Assistants on Agriculture with specific focuses on yam, garden egg, and pepper.
Speaking on the appointments on Wednesday at the council headquarters in Ogbede, Odo dismissed the wave of online criticism as unfounded.
He said the appointment of SSAs on Garden Egg, Yam and Pepper was a strategic move to boost food production.
According to him, the appointment was meant to boost production of these crops in large quantity to satisfy local demands and for export.
The chairman said the local government area is good in growing these crops and has great comparative advantage, hence the need to engage individuals who have the competence to develop that aspect of agriculture.
Gunmen attack continued in Abia state on Wednesday as two policemen were reportedly shot dead at Asaga Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state, bringing to three the number of police personnel cut down in the last 72 hours.
The attack occurred just two days after gunmen killed a policeman attached to the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South federal constituency, Ginger Onwusibe, during an incident in Umuahia on Sunday night.
According to eye witnesses, the gunmen targeted the checkpoint, shooting one policeman whose identity is yet to be confirmed.
Another officer involved in the attack is also feared dead.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented a certificate of return to the winner of the Ondo State governorship election, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ceremonytook place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The electoral umpire described the just concluded Ondo State governorship election as a true reflection of the will of the people of Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa was declared winner of the election which took place on Saturday with 366,781 votes to defeat a former deputy governor of the state, Ajayi Agboola, who flew the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag.
The Senate has invoked Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to recommend the removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, from office.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele during plenary on Wednesday.
Opeyemi in his motion argued that the conduct of Danladi Umar fell short of the expectations of his office, which include maintaining high moral standards in government business and ensuring public officials adhere to principles of accountability and integrity.
According to the Senate Leader, key allegations against the embattled Chairman, included corruption and misconduct, with multiple petitions alleging corruption and misappropriation of funds.
He said the lawmakers invited Umar for questioning but he refused to appear.
When the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put the motion to a vote, 84 senators who were present in the chamber voted in support.
Akpabio directed the Clerk of the Senate, Ben Akabueze, to communicate the Senate’s resolution to President Bola Tinubu for immediate action.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has announced the official unveiling of its latest crude oil grade, the Utapate crude oil blend, before the international crude oil market.
The NNPCL said the launch was a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and economic growth efforts.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the new product was unveiled before a packed audience of European crude oil marketers at the ongoing Argus European Crude Conference taking place in London, England.
It would be recalled that in July 2024, NNPC Ltd. and its partner, the Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) Ltd. introduced the Utapate crude oil blend, following the lifting of the first cargo of 950,000 barrels which headed for Spain.
The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has filed a suit against a former senator representing Anambra south, Andy Uba, over allegations of fraud.
Uba is facing a two-count charge alongside two others – Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu.
The charge, dated October 8, was filed before Inyang Ekwo, judge of a federal high court in Abuja.
In count one, Uba, Crystal, Etu and one Hajiya Fatima (now at large), were alleged to have conspired amongst themselves to commit the offence in 2022.
They were charged with deceiving George Uboh by allegedly claiming they could secure the appointment of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone willing to pay N400 million.
Justice Ekwo fixed February 18, 2025, to take the plea of the defendant.
Another Serbian minister, Tomislav Momirovic has resigned following the widespread outrage over a train station accident that killed 15.
The trade minister, who resigned on Wednesday, was the second cabinet member to step down as the government faces criticisms.
The station roof collapse on November 1 in the northern city of Novi Sad — which followed lengthy renovation work.
It has fuelled nationwide anger, with many blaming the deaths on rampant corruption and lax oversight of construction projects.
Protesters have demanded the resignation of the prime minister and the mayor of Novi Sad along with the prosecution of officials responsible for the tragedy, with construction minister Goran Vesic resigning shortly afterwards.
Momirovic, who is leaving his position as Minister of Trade, served as Vesic’s predecessor from 2020 to 2022, the period in which the renovations began.
Momirovic’s resignation on Wednesday was swiftly followed by that of Serbia Railway Infrastructure’s acting general director Jelena Tanaskovic.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the nominees for the women’s categories at the #CAFAwards 2024, with Nigeria leading the pack across various categories.
CAF released the 10-player shortlist on Wednesday.
Super Falcons duo Chiamaka Nnadozie and Rasheedat Ajibade were included in the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
Nnadozie is also nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, alongside Monle Oyono of Edo Queens.
Other players who made the list for Women’s Player of the Year award are Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji of Zambia, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa, Sanaa Mssoudy of Morocco, Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga and Sandrine Niyonkuru of Burundi.
Emem Essien of Edo Queens and Monle Oyono are also contenders for the Interclub Player of the Year award, while the Young Player of the Year category features two Nigerian representatives: Chiamaka Okuchukwu of Rivers Angels and Flourish Sabastine.
The coach of Nigeria U-17 female team, Bankole Olowookere, Chris Danjuma (Nigeria U-20), and Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens) were nominated for the Coach of the Year award.
Nigeria’s national teams have also received recognition, with the senior team, U-17, and U-20 teams all nominated for the National Team of the Year award.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for 16 December in Marrakech, Morocco.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has presented a budget proposal of N606.9 billion Naira for the 2025 fiscal year.
Soludo made the presentation at the hallowed chamber of the State House of Assembly in Awka, on Tuesday.
The budget tagged “Changing Gears 2.0” represents a 48% increase compared to the state’s 2024 budget of N410 billion Naira.
He explained that the 2025 appropriation bill has a recurrent expenditures of N140 billion Naira, representing about 23% of the total budget, while the capital expenditures of N468 billion Naira represents 77% of the total budget.
The governor stated that the budget deficit projection for the 2025 fiscal year is about N148.3 billion Naira and it is expected to be funded through revenue growth or borrowing from financial institutions.
The education sector has the highest percentage increase in the 2025 budget, with over 101.4% when compared with the allocations of the 2024 budget.
The Anambra State Government has suspended the activities of a waste management company, Salitz International Ventures, over an alleged assault on a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Akaneme Okechukwu.
The suspension was conveyed in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Environment, Tochukwu Obodogha, on behalf of the Commissioner, Felix Odumegwu.
The ministry said the suspension was to allow for a full investigation to be carried out on the alleged assault on Akaneme, which reportedly took place at the victim’s residence in Onitsha on October 11, 2024.
It directed the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) to temporarily suspend the company’s waste management operating licence, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The letter dated November 18, said the suspension is with immediate effect pending the full investigation’s outcome.
The senate suspended the house rules on Tuesday to admit family members and close relatives of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah for a valedictory session in his honour.
The casket bearing the remains of Ubah laid in state at the foyer of the White House wing, directly in front of the Senate Chamber.
In a show of respect, the seat of the late senator was draped with the Nigerian flag and four symbolic candles.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, noted that the day was been dedicated to the senator, who represented Anambra south senatorial district.
Leading the tributes, Akpabio, described Ubah as a visionary with extraordinary empathy for all and a champion for economic empowerment and community development.
Other senators, who spoke, praised the late Senator as a great philanthropist and great leader.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, led a delegation of House leaders in a solemn procession around the late senator’s casket.
Among those in attendance were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Anambra State governor, Chris Ngige, the widow of the deceased, Uchenna Ubah, and the director General of southeast governors Forum, Uche Ekwunife.
Ifeanyi Ubah died on the 26th of July, 2024 at the age of 52.
His body departed Abuja yesterday for Anambra state for other funeral activities.
The Abia State Government has approved the State Health Insurance Scheme, aimed at providing comprehensive health coverage for civil servants in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu said the approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Umuahia.
Kanu said that the government has provided N500 million as a counterpart fund for the scheme to further strengthen its drive to improve workers’ welfare.
He said that “by this development, all the state civil servants are supposed to enrol in the scheme”.
According to him, every civil servant would be required to contribute five per cent of their basic salary as a prerequisite for enrollment in the scheme.
He added that the government would provide 2.5 per cent of the monthly contribution for Abia State workers for the first three months to boost their morale.
The Chairman of Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Eric Ogbonna Odo has come under fire for appointing a Senior Special Assistant on Garden Egg and Pepper.
This followed the surfacing of the letter of appointment on social media.
The Chairman also appointed a Senior Special Assistant Yam and Pepper.
While some persons see the appointments as a caricature, some social media users think that the appointments were aimed at promoting agriculture, by paying special attention to certain crops.
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed a surprise attack by Boko haram /ISWAP terrorists on troops deployed at stabilisation operations pro-force and defence site in Gubio LGA of Borno State.
The attack happened over the weekend, leading to the death of some soldiers.
But in a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations Edward Buba, a Major General, said five soldiers were killed in the coordinated attack.
Buba said ten were wounded, and four missing while troops eliminated several terrorists and recovered weapons.
He noted that some equipment including one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator were burnt by the enemy forces.
The Defence Headquarters said such an attack will not deter the troops and armed forces of Nigeria from seeing the end of terrorism.
Four Nigerian students have been jailed in the United Kingdom over a violent street brawl in Leicester City centre.
Destiny Ojo, Joshua Davies-Ero, Ridwanulahi Raheem, and Habib Lawal, all aged 21, used knives, a baseball bat, and a crutch as weapons during the fight that took place at about 03:00 GMT on November 4, 2021.
The defendants were found guilty of various offences at the Leicester Crown court on Thursday after a six-week trial.
Leicestershire police said a man suffered stab wound injuries in the incident requiring hospital treatment.
The court sentenced Ojo and Lawal to seven and five years in prison respectively for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The court also sentenced Raheem to a three-year prison sentence for violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
South Africa has taken over the leadership of the G20 during a handover ceremony at the Rio de Janeiro summit in Brazil.
Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva handed over the reins of leadership to South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, at the close of the Group of 20 summit on Tuesday.
South Africa is the only African country in the G20 and will be the host of the 2025 summit.
The South African president said his administration would prioritise inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and inequality.
The document released after the summit, includes calls for a global pact to combat hunger, more aid for Gaza and the end of the war in Ukraine.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), Chikelue Iloenyosi has called on the Zone 13 of the Nigeria Police in Ukpo to carry out more investigations into the embarrassing arrest of Nigeria women’s football legend, Maureen Mmadu.
Iloenyosi made the call following the invasion of the Maureen Mmadu Kiddies Academy in Ozubulu, her arrest and the beating up of her players by officers from the Anti-Cult unit in Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA of the State.
He stated that DCP Umar Muhammad who is in charge of investigations in the zone established that the arrest of the former Super Falcons star striker was lacking and lambasted the officers for not investigating before embarking on the embarrassing arrest and tarnishing of Mmadu’s image.
The Anambra State FA chairman said there is the need for more investigations and subsequent punishment of the officers and the petitioner, who sent a petition filled with falsehood.
Madu, who is seeking justice over alleged dehumanisation which she suffered in the hands of the police, said her ordeal started when a man, who abandoned his daughter he handed over to her for the summer football coaching at her Kiddies camp, wrote a petition to the police and falsely accused her of armed Gangsterism, Cultism, attempted murder, Child Trafficking and Threat to Life.
The Anambra State Police Command says it will do everything possible to ensure that the gunmen, who attacked some communities in the state on Monday are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.
The command said this in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu.
The gunmen, who operated between 8:30 and 9:30am on Monday, stormed Ekeagu Market in Abatete and Ukpo Roundabout and killed some members of the Anambra State Vigilante Group.
The gunmen also set ablaze some patrol vehicles belonging to the vigilante operatives in Ukpo, in Dunukofia local government area of the state.
Ikenga confirmed that four members of the vigilante operatives were killed during the attacks, while two other persons were seriously injured.
He assured that the command led by Nnaghe Itam will leave no stone unturned until those behind the barbaric act are arrested and justice served.
In Abia state, the police have confirmed the killing of two police officers assigned to the member representing Isiala-Ngwa North/South Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ginger Onwusibe.
The policemen were killed following an attack on them at Ubakala in Umuahia South council area of the State on Sunday around 8:30.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, who confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday, said the policemen in a Police Toyota Hilux vehicle were ambushed after dropping off the lawmaker.
According to her, their vehicle was intercepted by armed men dressed in black attire, operating in a Toyota Corolla with tinted windows.
Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the release of its abducted officers.
The command’s spokesperson, John Kennedy said the officers were released on Sunday night unhurt after sustained pressure from the agency and other security agencies.
The NDLEA officers were abducted on Thursday night at the close of work at around 8:00 pm, by hoodlums who ambushed them near the NDLEA headquarters off Isah-Ogwashi-Uku road in Aniocha South Local Council, Delta State.
Kennedy commended the efforts of other sister agencies to secure the officers’ release but remained silent on whether any ransom was paid.
