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Tinubu intervenes in UAE visa ban, Emirate Airlines crisis President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for an immediate resolution to the disagreements between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates which has affected emirate airlines and issuance of visas to Nigeria. Tinubu also said African countries have a better chance of overcoming economic and security challenges by looking inward for solutions and walking the talk on all of its pledges and agreements. President Tinubu stated this while receiving Letters of Credence from three envoys at the State House: Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mr. Awall Wagris Mohammed; Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero, and Ambassador of United Arab Emirate, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi. In a side meeting with the Ambassador of Ethiopia, the President assured the envoy that Nigeria will continue to strengthen its ties with African countries in the areas of trade, security, and economic growth. “Africans need to wo...

LAGOS, FRSC SEEKS COOPERATION ON ACCIDENT-FREE TRAFFIC ALONG NATION’S HIGHWAYS Lagos State Government has assured the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) of its cooperation and support in terms of database collection to enhance good security in the country, especially in the area of traffic management. The Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat gave the assurance today while receiving on behalf of the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Marshal Daudu Ali Biu who was on a courtesy visit to the Office of the Deputy Governor at the Round House, Alausa, Ikeja. According to him, whatever support the corps needs they will get from the state because it is to save the lives of the citizens and make the road a safe place for drivers and passersby. He stated that the corps members should educate Nigerians on driving rules, road signs, and testing, among others, before getting their driver's license, saying “Let there be a pamph...

The five BRICS developing nations have rejected Nigeria's application to join, announcing it will admit Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates, a move aimed at growing the strength of the bloc as it pushes to rebalance the world order dominated by the US and western countries. The expansion announced on Thursday, August 24, could also pave the way for other countries to seek admission. BRICS - whose acronym was originally coined by an economist at Goldman Sachs, currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. BRICS has pledged to address the grievances of member countries over a world order they feel favours the US more than other emerging economies. Economic sanctions imposed by the West on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and China's declining relations with the United States are spurring the bloc to turn BRICS into a strong counterweight to the West economically and politically. "BRICS has embarked on a new cha...

Former US president, Donald Trump revealed he will be arrested at 7:30pm in Atlanta as he prepares to surrender. The Republican politician posted on his social media platform Truth Social that his "arrest time" will be a 7.30pm EST, while also repeating false claims about the 2020 election.  He also took aim at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, calling her a "radical left, lowlife".  She was the person who brought the charges against him and earlier today proposed to start the trial on 23 October. He is expected to surrender at the Fulton County jail and then pose for a mugshot over charges he tried to overturn the election results in Georgia with the help of 18 co-defendants. 'But please excuse me, I have to start getting ready to head down to Atlanta, Georgia, where Murder and other Violent Crimes have reached levels never seen before, to get ARRESTED by a Radical Left, Lowlife District Attorney, Fani Willis, for A PERFECT PHONE CALL, and having the...

I'm Not Practising Law, 'Baddest Lawyer' Ifunnaya Clarifies Controversy Surrounding Professional Status Controversial lawyer and social media personality, Ifunanya Excel Grant, has clarified the controversy surrounding her current professional status.   In a video posted on her Facebook account on Wednesday, she said that she was not a practising lawyer at the moment but may consider practising in future.  She said her career path was focused on entertainment, ranging from modelling, acting and making rap music.  She stated that her lifestyle on social media is just for entertainment purposes and not for the sake of disregarding the legal profession. Ifunanya said, "I'm not a practising lawyer. I am a lawyer by book, but I am not practising. At least for now. I don't have any interest to practise law, maybe someday in the future.  "At the moment, I am a model, I am an actress, and I am an upcoming musician, a rapper to be precise."  — Ifunnaya Baddest...

Two married men allegedly gang-r@pe 11-year-old girl in Abia Two married men allegedly gang raped an 11-year-old girl at Ndiolumbe Nvosi village in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.   The incident happened on Sunday, August 20, 2023, when the victim's mother, a widow, sent her on an errand.     The Abia State coordinator of Behind Bars Human Rights Defenders, Ochiegbu Marvelous, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, August 22, said one of the suspects identified simply as Ezigbo, has been arrested while efforts are being made to apprehend the other.    He also revealed that certain persons want the victim's mother to ‘settle’ the case out of court.    "We are a group of human rights activists and lawyers that hate injustice. I felt bad today receiving these complaints from a poor widow in Nvosi Isiala Ngwa. In her words “Nwam biko come and help me ooo. They raped my 11year old girl ooo and they are talking about settlement,” ...

Domestic A_buse: Woman Who Be_at Her 75 Year Old Mother Apologizes To The Public, Seeks For Pardon By Chidinma Ikeanyionwu  Ukamaka Udugbo from Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state who was committed to prison custody Onitsha for allegedly beating her 75-year-old mother under her care has apologized to the public and is seeking for pardon.  The apology took place at the office of the Honorable Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare Anambra.  Mrs Udugbo, who was granted bail by the court, after meeting up with her bail conditions, has apologized to the public for abusing her aged mother, who is now in the care of her brother.  While in tears at the office of the women Affairs Commissioner, she pleaded with everyone to forgive her, promising to be of good behavior going forward.  Responding, Hon Ify Obinabo adviced her to stay away from anything that will cause her further damage even as she urged the children to properly look after her and not to...

Their Majesties will visit Paris and Bordeaux, celebrating the shared history, culture and values of the United Kingdom and France. The visit will celebrate the shared history, culture and values of the United Kingdom and France. The State Visit will mark His Majesty’s 35th official visit to France, and Her Majesty’s 9th official visit. Further details on the State Visit programme will be confirmed in due course.  

Solid Star was ready to sacrifice everything for my success - Tonto Dikeh  Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh, has asked for help in reaching troubled Nigerian singer, Joshua Iniyezo popularly known as Solid Star.  News surfaced on Monday that the 'Omotena' crooner was in need of help with some mental health issues he was dealing with.  The singer's brother, Sunday, took to social media to inform the singer's fans of his brother's condition.  Also, a video surfaced on Instagram on Monday, where the singer was seen roaming the streets barefooted.  This has since sparked reactions from netizens, decrying the singer's sorry state.  Reacting to the sad news, Dikeh took to Instagram Thursday to ask for help in reaching any member of the singer's family.  Dikeh also revealed that Iniyezo was ready to sacrifice everything for her to succeed in the music business.  She wrote, "How can I get through to Solidstar's family or management? That's my street blood ...

Appeal Court sacks LP’s Abure, recognises Apapa as National Chairman The Court of Appeal in Imo State, on Thursday, sacked Julius Abure and reaffirmed Lamido Apapa as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. The court also directed the electoral commission, INEC, to recognise and publish the names of all governorship candidates presented by the Apapa-led national working committee in the states of Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi, the PUNCH reported on Thursday. The court further rejected the gubernatorial candidate of Athan Achonu of Imo state and others from the Abure-led faction. In the past, the two party leaders have engaged in a lengthy legal and leadership battle, with both approaching different courts around the country to decide who is the legal chairman.  

Tinubu celebrates Zulum at 54 President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, as he marks his 54th birthday. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu said Zulum has redefined leadership in the country, citing his handling of the security of his people. The statement read: “While rejoicing with family, friends, and associates of the beloved political leader, whose vision and selfless diligence continue to inspire, President Tinubu affirms that the Borno State Governor has redefined leadership in Nigeria by fully committing to the welfare and security of his constituents above all considerations, driving a message of renewed hope in both the young and the old, even as he rebuilds institutions and infrastructure that were torn apart by many years of insurgency. “President Tinubu notes the courageous zeal of the young Administrative Icon in bringing comprehensive change, which dates back to h...

COMMUNITY POLICING: Ag. IGP EGBETOKUN PAYS COURTESY VISIT ON OBA OF LAGOS, ONIRU OF IRU KINGDOM  Charges Traditional Rulers on Safer Society  In continuation of his duty tour to Lagos State, the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, Ph.D., on Thursday 24th August, 2023, paid a courtesy visit on the esteemed Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Aremu, Osuolale Akiolu, at his palace in Iga Idunganran. During the visit, the IGP extended his heartfelt appreciation to the royal father, who once served as an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in the Police Force prior to his retirement. The IGP commended Oba Rilwan Aremu for his unwavering support and dedication in ensuring the Police reaches and maintains its esteemed position in Nigeria's security architecture. In turn, the Oba of Lagos expressed his admiration for the Acting IGP's remarkable achievements thus far. He assured the IGP of the full cooperation of Lagos State's obas, chiefs, and the entire community...

Kano government approves N854m for mass wedding Kano state's government has approved the release of N854 million for the Auren Zaurawa Mass Wedding Initiative. The state's Executive Council also approved N700m as payment of school fees for 7,000 indigenes of the state studying at Bayero University Kano (BUK). Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who made the announcement on his official X handle, wrote;  “As part of our efforts to cushion the biting effects of our current economic reality; The Kano State Executive Council under my leadership has today, approved the release of the sum of Seven Hundred Million Naira to settle tuition fees for 7000 students of Bayero University Kano (BUK). “Further details of the initiative will be made available in due course."  

If I Catch You – Funke Akindele Replies Eniola Badmus Over Birthday Message Popular Nollywood Actress, Funke Akindele has quelled rumours of a feud between herself and friend Eniola Badmus after responding to a birthday message. both actresses, who were long time friends, at some point fell apart for reasons unknown to their fans and followers. However, in a new development, Eniola Badmus posted a picture of Funke Akindele earlier today to wish her a happy birthday. Eniola, who tagged Funke in a message on Instagram with a picture of the filmmaker, prayed that she would continue to live in good health. She wrote, “Happy birthday Lafunky continue to live long momma in good health and in wealth @funkejenifaakindele.”. Funke, in response to Eniola Badmus’ goodwill message, described the actress as the first daughter of Nigeria, a reference to the actress’s role in the victory of President Bola Tinubu at the 2023 presidential election. “First Daughter Nigeria, Badosky!!! Ode!!! First Daugh...

Indian Authorities Arrest Two Nigerians For Allegedly Posing As Europeans To Dupe Women No fewer than two Nigerian nationals have been reportedly arrested for fraud by the Rachakonda cybercrime team in Hyderabad, India The duo were arrested for allegedly posing as European citizens to defraud people, mostly women, in the guise of sending expensive gift parcels. The suspects were identified as Omenonye Sylvester and Alimeke Endurance Chukwuka. India Herald reports that the suspects who entered India on student visas, were taken into custody by the cybercrime police at their rented home in Tilaknagar, Delhi. They admitted during the test that they had come from Nigeria separately on a student visa to defraud people online, according to Rachakonda police commissioner D.S. Chauhan. "The pair made up online personas, pretended to be European citizens, struck up a friendship, managed to become friends with the victim and complainant Divya through their fake Instagram ID 'Alex Willia...

VIDEO CLIP PORTRAYING CAPTURE OF NIGERIAN ARMY ARMOURED VEHICLE BY INSURGENTS IS FALSE The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral unsubstantiated  and apparently fabricated video clip circulating on the social media, portraying stage managed capture of Nigerian Army Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) by Turji Bello, one of the infamous terrorists leaders in North West Nigeria.  The NA wishes to emphatically state that there was no such incident that involved the capture of any of its APCs within the theatre of operations in the North West, as mischievously and falsely portrayed in the video.  Analysis  of the video clip reveals that the video was doctored, as NA vehicles including APCs have NA inscribed on the number plates, which is  conspicuously missing on the reportedly captured APC in the video.  Additionally, on our record the entire events captured in the footage was not an occurrence that took place at any point in time within the sh...

ANTI OIL THEFT OPERATIONS: TROOPS DESTROY MASSIVE ILLEGAL REFINERY IN DELTA STATE Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army have continued to crack down on  saboteurs of Nigeria's oil sector in South South Nigeria.  On 23 August 2023, troops conducting anti oil theft operations, responding to actionable intelligence swooped on an illegal oil refinery site in the general area of Ogbokoko and Atu in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. During the operations, troops destroyed 8 active Ovens used for illegal refining of stolen crude oil,  14 storage reservoirs containing stolen crude oil estimated  at 200,000 litres and 90,000 litres of locally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).  The oil thieves fled the scene, on sighting the advancement of troops. The Illegal refining site was destroyed in-situ in line with extant guidelines of Operation Delta Safe. Investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing criminals. Members of the public are please implored to report a...

You can’t be great in life without big trials--- RMD Veteran movie star, Richard Mofe-Damijo has shared his challenges while shooting a movie, saying that to accomplish great things, one must necessarily encounter great hurdles. He said that third day into the shoot, he was involved in a terrible accident which put a halt to the movie for a while.  He noted that he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital where he was being treated.  The actor admitted to have been shown genuine care by the cast and crew members but had to make a crucial decision to endure the pain for them to continue their shoot.  He described that phase as one big trial he needed to overcome and that he braced up for it. According to him, while they shot even in that state, the pain further helped in adding substance to his character. Narrating the events, the renowned actor stated: “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them” – Job ...

Subsidy removal: FG has no clear direction, palliative plan fraudulent – Obaseki Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, said the Federal Government has no clear direction about plans to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, describing its palliative concept as fraudulent. Speaking in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the Governor said the country’s situation was taking a turn for the worse due to bad policies of the Government. “I have always warned. I warned Nigerians during the last May Day this year. I told them that we have come to the end of the road and that the old economic order in Nigeria is gone and we have to come up with a new economic order and stop deceiving ourselves as a nation. “Now the subsidy is gone; the exchange rate is being aligned. The era of free money has almost come to an end. The consequence is that the weakest and most vulnerable in our society, unfortunately, will carry a huge part of the burden of these policies. “I am shocked that peop...

18 fighter jets to boost NAF fleet •Air Force boss visits families of crashed chopper pilots The military will rev up the campaign against insurgents and kidnappers with the purchase of 18 fighter jets by the Federal Government. They are made up of 12 Zulu Cobra from United States (U.S.) and six T129 Helicopters are from Turkeye. Two of the T129 will arrive next month. Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Hassan Abubakar made this public yesterday during his tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) units and formations in Rivers State. SuperCobra is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed on behalf of and primarily operated by, the US Marine Corps. T129 is also a twin-engine, NATO-interoperable helicopter optimised for attack, armed reconnaissance, precision strike and deep strike missions,  Nigeria in October 2021 took delivery of the final batch of the 12 A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets from the U.S. Super Tucano aircraft is used for light attack, combat and reconnaissance.  Air Marshal Ab...

Gov Nwifuru approves payment of 25 years pension arrears in Ebonyi Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, has given his approval for the payment of pension arrears owed to retirees in the state from 1996 to 2021. During the state Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, this was decided. The Council also set up a committee to work out these pensions and gratuities for immediate payment. The committee will be chaired by Prof.(Mrs.) Adeline Idike. Recall that the governor, had last month approved a N10,000 salary increment for all civil servants in Ebonyi and the employment of 1,454 people into the state civil service.  

Kumuyi’s voice stronger, louder than Obi’s tiny voice, Omokri blasts critic Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has replied to a social media critic who said Kumuyi’s speech sounds like someone who is sleeping. The Nation had reported that the General Overseer of Deeper Life Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi charged Nigerians to be hopeful that God would rebuild the country through President Bola Tinubu. However, many social media users, especially ‘Obidients’ criticised the renowned man of God for his optimism in Tinubu’s government. A social media user Malachy said: “His speech sounds like someone that’s sleeping.” adding a laughing emoji to his post. But Reno Omokri in a reply to Malachy, said Pastor Kumuyi’s voice is stronger, more robust and louder than Peter Obi’s voice, for which we thank God. He said: “Thank you for your feedback. You really ought to be careful who you insult. Pastor William Kumuyi is eighty-two years old, yet he still stands...

Construction of road better than palliatives - Yahaya Bello Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has said that construction of roads and provision of other critical infrastructure is better than giving out palliatives to Nigerians. Mr Bello stated this while inspecting works on the Abuja-Lokoja road in the company of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. He said: “By fixing roads across the country, it will alleviate poverty and that is better than giving out palliatives.”

Nigeria now ranked 11th globally in internet penetration--- Danbatta Nigeria now ranked eleventh in the world in terms of Internet penetration and seventh in terms of mobile phone usage, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta disclosed on Thursday, August 24. Danbatta described Nigeria as an African continent telecommunications powerhouse with 82 percent of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29 percent of internet consumption. Addressing stakeholders at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the Emerging Technology Workshop and Forum for the telecom industry, Danbatta, however, lamented that the ranking of Nigeria globally in relation to Network Readiness Index (NRI) not impressive. Danbatta, who was represented at the event by the Director of Spectrum Administration at the NCC, Abraham Osadami said Nigeria would need to expand its telecommunications infrastructures to attain appropriate rankin...