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Sultan Directs Muslims To Look Out For New Moon Of Jumada Ula The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar has directed the Muslims in the country to start looking for the new crescent of Jumada Ula 1445 AH, today the 13 of November 2023, equivalent to Islamic Calendar 29th of Rabi'ul Assani 1445 AH. This was made known in a statement signed by the chairman advisory Committee on Religious Affairs Sultanate Council Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu. He said if sighted, the information should be reported to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan   

WAEC Introduces CBT for WASSC The Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has concluded plans to migrate its WASSCE for Private Candidates Examination Diets from Paper and Pencil Test to Computer Based Examination (CBE). WAEC said this was in line with global best practices. It said the innovation will commence with WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2024 – First Series, which is slated to hold in February 2024. A statement by the WAEC Ag. Head, Public Affairs, Mrs Moyosola Adesina in Lagos said the Objective Tests will be fully Computer Based, the Essay and Test of Practical papers will be hybrid, in which the examination questions will be delivered on screen and candidates required to write answers on the answer booklets given to them. She said the examination will be conducted in urban centres/cities and candidates with special needs have been factored into the plan. According to her, the registration for the examination will commence on Monday, December ...

Taraba: Over 20 People Die In Boat Mishap No fewer than twenty (20) people have died as a boat en route from the Ibi local government area of Taraba State to Kwara State capsized in the River Benue at Anyeci area of Benue State. The Chairman of Transportation, Taraba State chapter, Alhaji Jidda Suleiman said that the boat capsized in between Chinkai of Benue State and the Anyeci area of Wukari LGA of Taraba State. The boat was conveying fishermen comprising people from Ibi, and Wukari local government areas of Taraba State. According to him, "When I enquired, I was told that the fishermen converged and boarded the boat to Kwara state in search of grinerpasture, and along the way they had an accident and about twenty people have died.  He revealed that twelve people out of the dead bodies were from Ibi LGA, and some Gareji of Gindin Doruwa all from Wukari LGA of Taraba State. "They all know how to swim but you know if you did your best but become tired, there is nothing you ca...

Doctors, patients bemoan diabetes epidemic, 200% spike on treatment • Over 11.2 million Nigerians living with type 2 diabetes, 560,000 with type 1 • Patients lament increase in cost of insulin, drugs, tests, others As the global community marks the World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2023 today, the high morbidity, mortality and soaring cost of treating the killer disease have continued to worry both patients and caregivers alike. By official records of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN), no fewer than 11.2 million Nigerians are in various stages of diabetes ailment. Among them, over 132,500 die yearly due to complications of stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, blindness and limb amputations. Along with the epidemic proportion of the disease comes the heavy burden of treatment cost in a country where care is largely out-of-pocket. Already, oral medications that used to cost N9,000 per month has climbed to between N21,000 and N27,000, depending ...

Queue Resurfaces In Abuja As Petrol Sells For N640 Vehicle owners in Abuja have begun to throng filling stations even as fuel stations have hiked the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), checks by Daily Trust have shown. Daily Trust reports that the price of PMS, popularly known as petroleum has been jacked up to N640 in some private filling stations in the capital city, up from the N617 it was formerly sold. Our reporter who visited some filling stations observed long queues, especially in NNPC retail stations who still maintain the old price. The queue led to traffic gridlock along Olusegun Obasanjo Way at Wuse as the two NNPC stations along the route had long queues of cars waiting to fill their tanks. Abuja Investment Summit seeks to connect investors, government agencies to increase economic potential of FCT – Chief Abiodun Already missing the unbeatable Governor Yahaya Bello While Total Energies’ station at Wuse Zone 6 was closed when our reporter visited, the one at Wuse Zone 2...

Barr Paul Duru recounts his survival of Assassination .  Today, November 12, 2023 marks exactly 2  years that I survived an assassination attempt. Although I am still in the hospital overseas while  celebrating my survival after the gory incident, I am grateful to God for saving my life. A living dog is indeed better than a dead lion! I actually read my obituary but God said that it is not my time yet. My attackers shot me in the face with a gun at close range, locked me  up in the booth of my car and set  the car set on fire with the aim of burning me inside the car. Till now, those who tried to kill me cannot say what wrong I did to them. It is my prayer for God to forgive my attackers for they didn't know what they were doing. I thank my immediate  family and  my friends and well wishers who have been with me in all these trying times. In a special way, I thank my Okwudor kinsmen for the brotherly love they showed to me. I thank my old school mates ...

 Dubai Police discusses Seaports Strategic Plan "2024-2033" Under the directives of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Major General Pilot Ahmad Mohammed Bin Thani, Assistant Commander for Seaports & Airports Affairs, attended a workshop that aims to generate ideas, innovations, proposals, and future visions to support Dubai Police strategic plan 2024-2033.  This was in the presence of Major General Ali Atiq bin Lahej, Director of the General Department of Airports Security, Brigadier Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Mualla, Director of the General Department of Excellence and Pioneering, in addition to directors of general departments and police stations in the Seaports Sector.  Maj Gen Pilot bin Thani emphasized the importance of the workshop for the seaports sector in discussing proposals and visions that aims at developing work mechanisms in this vital sector at across Dubai. He stressed the need to provide ...

Court Jails Eight Internet Fraudsters in Benin The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on November 6, 2023 secured the conviction and sentencing of eight internet fraudsters to various jail terms by Justice Efe Isoken Ikponmwonba of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State. The convicts are  Pele Osai Wisdom,  Olise Godspower Iknna, Okeke Benjamin Chinazor, Macdonald Iriaremhen Onajasike, Prince Joshua, Jethro Saapila, Gilbert Nelson Onyeka and Ojo Osatohhanmwen Favour. They were jailed after pleading guilty to one- count separate charge bordering on obtaining under false pretense and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents.  One of the charges reads:  “That you Pele Ossai Wisdom ( a.k.a Dickson Orakh ) sometimes between 19th February 2020 and 10th June 2020 in Ekpoma within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud  did obtain the aggregate sum of N3, 374,96.53 from one Dawn Aschenbrenn...

 Saudi Arabia authorities cancelled the visa of all the 264 passengers who travelled from Nigeria to Jeddah. The Air Peace flight took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, via the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Sunday night, Nov. 12, and arrived in Saudi Arabia’s major city, Jeddah, today, Nov. 13. However, on landing, the Saudi Arabian authorities announced that all the passengers’ visas were cancelled and they should return to Nigeria. A source told Vanguard that all the passengers and the airline personnel were shocked at the cancellation of the visas because during check the passengers went through the Advanced Passengers Prescreening System, APPS, which was also monitored by the Saudi Arabia authorities before the flight left Nigeria. The source wondered whether what happened was a strategy to discourage the airline from operating to the destination because since it started the operation it has been recording a high load factor and even the fl...

Nigerian graduate burns academic certificates after 13 years of unemployment A frustrated Nigerian graduate of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, identified as Olutimain Alvin has burnt all his academic certificates. Alvin set all his certificates from primary school to university ablaze following his inability to secure a job after 13 years of graduation. In a viral video on social media, Alvin said: “I graduated in 2010, did my NYSC in 2011. Over 13 years, I have not used these certificates to do anything. It is better to even be illiterate than to have useless certificates. “What is the essence of a certificate when I have to drag jobs with illiterates ever since I graduated”, he asked. He, however, advised parents to ensure their children learn skills that can enhance their productivity without relying on a white-collar job. Watch video below. 

NBA Commends EFCC on Rule of Law The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on its adherence to the rule of law in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. It gave this commendation on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 when a delegation of the Association led by the Chairperson, Human Right Committee of the NBA, Benin Branch, Edo State, Ebehitale Osarumwense paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC. According to Osarumwense, the dedication of the Commission in keeping faith with the rule of law in combating economic and financial crimes is commendable, urging it to intensify efforts in responding to petitions from the public.   "We appreciate you for accepting to engage with us in this meaningful dialogue. The relationship between our organization and yours has come a long way, I felt this was an opportunity to familiarize and further strengthen the existing cordial relation...

My family eager to see me play for Super Eagles — Tella Bayer Leverkusen winger, Nathan Tella says his family can’t wait to see him play for the Super Eagles. Tella was born in England to Nigerian parents and despite being eligible to play for the Three Lions, has opted to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The 24-year-old has been handed his maiden invitation for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. The former Arsenal manager revealed that his family would be “over the moon” when he eventually made his debut for Nigeria. “It’s always been about representing Nigeria,” Tella told BBC Sport Africa. “My family will be over the moon to watch me fulfil that dream. “I am proud of my British and Nigerian sides and lucky to have both backgrounds. Of course, we have both worlds, but ours is a proper Nigerian home [with] culture, food and tradition.”  

Why I turned down marriage proposals of three actresses – Bovi Popular comedian, Bovi Ugboma, has surprisingly disclosed why he turned down three actresses proposing marriage to him. The stand-up comedian revealed that three women offered their hands in marriage to him, despite the fact that he was married with kids. He said that the women had walked up to him at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) to make the marriage proposals but he had to turn them down because the offer came with responsibilities. Bovi said: “Last night @afriff 3 actresses offered me marriage for a year. I turned them down because the offers came with responsibility.”  

Portable wins first international music award Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has won the Best New Artist at the 2023 African Entertainment Awards, USA (AEUSA). This is Portable’s first international music award. Portable beat the likes of Blaq Bones, Odumodublvk and Seyi Vibez among others to emerge as winner. A renowned charts recorder, ChartsAfrica, announced this on Monday in a post on its official X. “Congratulations #Portable on winning the Best New Artist Award at the 2023 African Entertainment Awards, USA (AEUSA),” the post read. Expressing his excitement, Portable reposted it on his official Instagram page, thanking his fans for their unwavering dedication.  

IVD just my client, we didn’t date – Blessing CEO Controversial relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO has clarified her relationship status with Ikechukwu Ogbonna aka IVD. Taking to her Instagram page, Blessing reiterated for the umpteenth time that she never dated or had an affair with the auto dealer. She stressed that they were just friends and he is her client. The self-styled therapist revealed that she met IVD for the first time during his trial that arose after his wife’s death as he had reached out to her after her interview with Daddy Freeze, which was misunderstood by many. Blessing recounted how she reached out to him after he kept a suicidal note and had offered to be his friend and therapist. Speaking on his tattoo, she stated that it was to appreciate her for being by his side. “I am officially going to be addressing the matter between I and Ikechukwu Ogbonna a.k.a IVD. I have never done this before because I didn’t feel the need to do it...

 Halima Abubakar steps out for first time in two years Actress Halima Abubakar has made a public appearance two years after her battle with an unknown ailment. The screen goddess arrived Kogi State for the just concluded Governorship election. Sharing photos and clips online, she expressed how honored she was to be back in her State as she noted how it was her first outing in 2 years. Expressing gratitude to her creator, she thanked Him for showing up for her. “It was an honor Kogi State. Nothing like home. Kogi State election. My first outing in 2 years. God showed up for me. Amb Halima Abubakar,” she wrote.  

Terrorists kill 100 in Burkina Faso attack The European Union has called for an investigation into the reported killing of around 100 people in Burkina Faso last week.  ”Around 100 civilians, including women and children, were believed killed in a massacre,” said EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell in a statement.  The United States has also condemned the attack.  It is not clear who was behind the November 6 attack in the village of Zaongo.  Borrell called on Burkina Faso’s military junta to shed light on the circumstances of the deaths. It has not yet responded.  Burkina Faso is trying to contain a jihadist insurgency that spread from neighbouring Mali.  The military government has been forcing civilians to join the fight against the Islamist groups, who are said to control about 40% of the country.  About a quarter of Burkina Faso’s schools have been forced to close because of the insurgency, according to aid agencies.  One resident told the ...

Most of successful Nigerian female artistes managed by boyfriends - Rapper Magnito Popular rapper, Mohammed Usman Adamu,popularly known as Magnito, has noted that the majority of successful female artistes in Nigeria are being managed by their boyfriends. According to Magnito, this has become a prevailing trend in the Nigerian music industry, but fans remain unaware due to these artists keeping their relationships private. The ‘Canada’ crooner made these statements during the latest episode of the Terms And Conditions podcast. Magnito emphasized that despite not being publicized, many of these female artistes are indeed managed by their boyfriends, inviting listeners to verify by calling out any name. “Most of the successful female artistes you see, the person managing them is their boyfriend. They might not put it in the public. But most of them… Call any name.” His assertion sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some agreeing while others criticized him for making genera...

CHALLENGING RESULTS IN COURT A WASTE OF TIME - KOGI SDP CANDIDATE 13th November, 2023 The gubernatorial candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka has said he would not be personally challenging the results of the Saturday polls in court if he loses. Ajaka, who won in seven out of the 21 local government areas of the state in the official announcement of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said the election was rigged and should not be allowed to stand by the electoral umpire. Ajaka said he won’t challenge the outcome of the poll in court if he loses as it will be a waste of time. “What am I going to court to do when the same INEC that did this is going to come as a witness to defend what they did? So, it is a waste of time. Except the party people because I’m hugely disappointed. If the INEC chairman allows this to stand, they are looking for trouble in Nigeria,” he said. Speaking on a Channels TV programme on Sunday, he said “...

POLICE ARREST BENUE WOMAN FOR KILLING 11-MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER 13th November, 2023  A woman has been arrested by the police for allegedly killiing 11-month daughter. The woman has been identified as Sughshater Ushahemba from Mbadyur council ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. It was gathered from the community that the woman allegedly fed the baby with a substance believed to be a chemical in the early hours of Saturday. Another source quoted the woman as saying that the baby developed a high temperature in the early hours of Saturday and died. The woman was said to have been caught when she tried to bury the baby. But the Information Officer, Logo LGA, Paul Pevikyaa, who spoke to journalists on Monday, said  the woman had earlier told people that the baby took ill around 12:31am and died after two hours. He said, “When the woman was interviewed, she (the woman) said when they were asleep, around 12.31am, the baby started having high fever and that the body was so ...

Cherubim and Seraphim church leader, Baba Aladura, dies at 103. Spiritual Father and Chairman, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Prophet Samuel Adefila Abidoye, is dead. The spiritual leader popularly called Baba Aladura died on Sunday morning, Nov. 12, at about 10:00 am in his Ilorin home, the Kwara state capital. He was 103 years old. The Secretariat of the church headed by the Secretary-General, Special Apostle Ademola Odetundun, confirmed the development. Special Apostle Odetundun said that the late spiritual father had his breakfast and was almost dressing up to prepare for service when he said that he wanted to rest for a while. “He passed on peacefully, thereafter”, he said, adding that burial arrangements would be announced later. It was also gathered that the remains of the spiritual leader had been taken to a mortuary in the state capital.  

I’m In Charge Of My Father's Account, Mr Ibu's Son Debunks Actor's Wife’s Claims Daniel Okafor, the second son to actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has debunked claims by Stella Okafor, the actor's wife, that Jasmine, Mr. Ibu's adopted child, hijacked his bank account.  Stella took to her Instagram page on Sunday to allege that Jasmine hijacked the bank account where money was donated for the ailing actor by well-meaning Nigerians.  Her post partly read, "I do not have access to the main Access bank account where people make donations. It is being secretly controlled by Jazmine yet she is cooking up all kinds of lies and propaganda against me to keep absolute control of that account. How she manipulated her way and took control of that account is a story for another day."  PUNCH Online contacted Jasmine, who stated that she had no comment.  “I do not want to be involved with the online drama, at least not yet. I am more concerned for Daddy...

Traditional Worshipper Wears JESUS T-Shirt. A traditional worshipper was spotted today wearing Jesus T-shirt with the tag "Jesus is the answer" at the ongoing Omerelu Festival in Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State. More photos below. 

 The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterparts, have resolved to commence the planned nationwide strike from midnight today, November 13. The labour unions agreed to embark on strike is to protest the assault of the NLC President and others in Owerri, Imo State on November 1, as well of the pending labour issues in Imo State. They had on November 7, resolved to declare a nationwide strike by Tuesday, November 14, if their demands were not met. Recall that suspected agents of the state and security operatives had descended on Ajaero alongside other Labour leaders smashing their vehicles, inflicting injuries on them and dispossessing handsets, money, ATM cards among other valuables from the Labour leaders and others who had gathered at the NLC State secretariat to begin a scheduled protest on November 1, over pending Labour issues. The NLC President, other national leaders of NLC and their TUC, counterparts, were at the NLC state Secreta...

Nigerians in Diaspora Support Olukoyede in Bringing Back Stolen Funds The National Association of Nigerian Diaspora Organization, NADA, has expressed its wholehearted support to the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his appointment and commitment to properly focus the anti-corruption mandate of the Commission, especially in bringing back stolen funds stashed away abroad.  NADA expressed this support through a Press Release signed by its President, Dr. Dotun Aliu in the United States of America, USA.  According to the organization, Olukoyede’s appointment is timely and strategic in the quest to rid Nigeria of the menace of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.  “NADA, the prominent diaspora organization representing the African community in the United States, is pleased to extend its wholehearted support to the newly appointed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, M...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES GOVERNORS HOPE UZODINMA, DOUYE DIRI, AND GOVERNOR-ELECT USMAN ODODO ON ELECTION VICTORY   President Bola Tinubu congratulates Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and Governor-elect Usman Ododo of Kogi State, on their victory in the November 11 governorship elections.   The President commends the electorate in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa for their participation in the electoral process, affirming the resilience of democratic institutions and the power of the people in shaping the nation's political landscape.   President Tinubu says the outcome of the elections reflects the wishes of the people, emphasizing that democracy thrives when voters reward competence, transparency, and good governance.   While expressing gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for working assiduously to create a level playing field for all contestants and the natio...