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LASG SEALS QUILOX NIGHT CLUB, WARNS OTHERS OVER ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY INFRACTIONS Lagos State Government today sealed Quilox Night Club, just as it warned Sol Beach, The Good Beach and Landmark Beach over Environmental and Safety infractions. The Quilox Club was sealed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) in contravention of environmental and safety infractions.  Recall that LASEPA and LSC had in an earlier issued release, warned social centres to ensure that their operations do not affect the safety and well-being of other citizens and vowed to sanction any erring facility.  Similarly, the Agencies also implored the operators of the Sol, the Good, Landmark beaches and other social centres across the State to ensure that adequate considerations are made towards the safety and wellbeing of their neighbours and citizens of the State during the Yuletide.

SANWO-OLU PREACHES PEACE, COMPASSION AT CHRISTMAS  ...Urges residents not to lose hope Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with residents of the state, particularly Christian faithful as they celebrate this year’s Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Christmas message issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, implored Nigerians, especially Christians to embrace peace, harmony and tolerance in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Sanwo-Olu also urged Lagos residents not to lose hope due to the challenging times in the state and the country at large, charging them to continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the current administration. The Governor, urged Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ by making tolerance, meekness, sacrifice and humility their virtues, in line with the teachings and practice of Jesus Christ during his lifetime. He said: “As we celebrate...

DRC opens major financial centre built by Turkish firm DRC has opened a major financial centre in the capital Kinshasa built by Turkish firm, Milvest. In an effort to promote the country's economy, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a major financial centre in the capital Kinshasa. The Kinshasa Financial Center is strategically located in Gombe district, western DRC. The construction of 11 buildings in a165,000-square metre area started in February 2022, and was completed in December 2023. The design and construction of the modern building has been done by Turkish construction company Milvest, a subsidiary of Miller Holding. Record time The foundation stone was laid in June 2022. It has taken Turkish engineers one-and-a-half years to complete the major project. At least 3,000 workers, including 1,500 Congolese and 1,500 Turks, have worked on the construction. If it was one of the dreams of President Felix Tshisekedi to build DRC, and place it in a unique position g...

TROOPS OF 1 DIVISION NEUTRALIZE 14 INSURGENTS, RESCUE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, RECOVER WEAPONS IN NIGER, KADUNA STATES In continuation of the  operations by troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army(NA) to rid the area of responsibility of violent extremists, insurgents and  criminal element. The highly motivated troops in coordinated offensives in Kaduna and Niger States  cleared insurgents and violent extremists from several hideouts neutralizing many and  making significant recoveries.  In Niger State, on 23 December 2023, troops set out to clear the remnant of insurgent elements in the State. Troops made contact at Madawaki of Shiroro Local Government Area of the state and neutralized 2 insurgents with others fleeing with gunshot wounds. Troops recoverd 2 AK rifles, 2 AK rifle magazines and 1 motorcycle in this encounter. Troops proceeded to the camp of eliminated insurgents leader, Ali Kachalla where his foot soldiers cowardly absconded on troops' approach. Search of th...

Eagles need to rebuild confidence to triumph – Siasia Former Super Eagles striker and coach, Samson Siasia, has said the three-time African champions need to build their confidence back to get a chance at winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast,. Siasia commended the current squad for its individual talents but stressed that team confidence was key to a fourth continental success in Ivory Coast. “The team has good players, but they have to play as a team. If they start playing as a team, then we might have a chance to do whatever, but time is not our friend. The time is short. “If they can up their game, we never know. But we’ve got to get the right players. And let’s see. We’re not going to say they can win it or not. They can win it all. But let’s see how they improve from now on, moving forward. “That will give us the kind of idea if they can win it. It depends on how they play in the next game. But now they are there. Everybody (other teams) is afraid. But they need to bui...

Wike Warns Against Getting Involved In Politicians’ Fight Uninformed The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has warned residents of Rivers State against getting involved in any political conflict without knowing the cause of such a fight. The minister made this known on Sunday while addressing the congregation during a thanksgiving ceremony for George Kelly Alabo, the immediate past Commissioner for Works at the Kings’ Assembly in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. “Don’t get involved in any fight between two politicians without knowing the real cause of the quarrel,” Wike said. “In any facet of life, there are rules and they must be obeyed. As a pastor, there are rules you must follow, so also as politicians, we must follow rules. While I was governor I followed those rules, and that’s why I was able to succeed.” Going on, the minister appeared to criticise the Rivers Elders position saying, “When I was running for governor, I was invited that some elders want to see me, when I got ther...

SERAP Sues NNPC Over Failure To Account For Nigeria’s Daily Oil Production, Revenues The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over Nigeria’s daily oil production as well as revenues raked in since the removal of the fuel subsidy. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1719/2023 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP claimed the national oil company failed “to disclose details of Nigeria’s daily oil production, exportation and the total amounts of revenues generated from oil since the removal of subsidy on petrol in May 2023.” It wants the court “to compel the NNPC to disclose how much of the revenues generated from the production and exportation of oil have been remitted to the public treasury since the removal of subsidy on petrol.” This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, saying the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sa...

YULETIDE SEASON: SAFETY COMMISSION, LASEPA COMMENCE JOINT ENFORCEMENT  The Lagos State Government is committed to putting adequate measures in place to ensure that residents and holidaymakers have a safe, fun-filled and memorable experience during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola and the General Manager of  The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi on Friday.  The statement notified the general public that in a bid to facilitate a hazard and accident-free yuletide and ensure strict compliance with extant safety and environment laws, regulations and guidelines, the Commission in conjunction with LASEPA will be carrying out joint monitoring and enforcement operations across the State, especially at social centres including bars and lounges, event centres, night clubs, parks, gardens and childr...

Stop using my office to issue fake appointments — SGF Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has warned against the use of his office to issue fake appointments to members of the public. Akume gave the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the Head of Information, Office of the SGF, Mr Segun Imohiosen, in Abuja. He said the warning was because of the purported fake appointments emanating from the SGF office by unscrupulous elements to swindle unsuspecting individuals. Akume debunked the information circulating on social media, emails, text messages, and other outlets, luring members of the public to submit their Curriculum Vitae at a fee to a non-existent desk in his office. “The culprit has been using the name of the former Director Information, Willie Bassey, and these fraudulent contacts, Aliyu Isah; +234 9168487156, +234 8035557865, and email; draliyu95@gmail.com, among others, to ...

History will judge me, I served Nigeria best way I could – Babangida Former Nigerian military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, has said history will judge him for his service to Nigeria, stressing that he served the country to the best of his ability. Babangida said his greatest achievement was to know more about the country and make friends across the board. Addressing journalists at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State, the former Nigerian leader, however, admitted to adopting coercion and dialogue as leadership styles. When asked about his achievements during his time as Head of State, he said, “Number one is that I served the country the best I could. “It may not be to your satisfaction but to the best that I could; I leave that to history to judge. “I related fairly well with the people of the country. I had no problem with them and I got to know the country more as I was well travelled. “I made friends all over the country and I thought that was one of the greates...

African Council Of Ancestral Kings And Royalties Disapproves Same Sex Marriage By The Catholic Vatican. ...Warns Africans To Be Mindful Of Abominable Acts That Are Against African Culture. The Supreme Commander For The Supreme Council Of African Ancestral Kings and Royalties (SCOAAKAR) His Royal Excellency, Eminent King Prof. Amb. ONYECHE PROMISE OBINNA (OSC, JP) United Nations Royal Emperor of Peace and Global Diplomat have challenge the decision by The Roman Catholic Vatican (Pope Francis) on the approval of marriage blessings for Homosexual Couples and his advice for such act not to be criminalized as the pope went further to encourage Catholic priests globally to bless Same Sex Marriage as a Civil Union, also that transgenders should be baptized and serve as godparents as they can be witnesses at church wedding. This is coming on this hills of publication of 17 December, 2023 from the Vatican City of Rome.  In an exclusive interview with The Supreme Commander (SCOAAKAR) while r...

"It is Biblical to be a Ritualist”— Nigerian Pastor, Francisca Emmanuel, tells her members. “I’m a ritualist I don’t know how you want to think about it because if you try me I would put an RIP for you rather than putting it for me,” she said. “As a Christian you need to be a ritualist so that when your enemy do any bad to you it will bounce back to them. When they throw something at you it goes back to them. “There are battles you need rituals to defeat. It doesn’t just require kneeling, sitting and speaking. Whatever you do is what your enemy do in opposite. You need rituals to defeat your enemy and get rest.” “Let nobody deceive you. Rituals is biblical. Being a ritualist is biblical.”She said.  

ARMY CHIEF LIEUTENANT GENERAL TAOREED LAGBAJA SENDS CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR MESSAGES TO TROOPS  ... Commends troops' courage and resilience The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has expressed heartfelt commendations for the sacrifices and efforts of Nigerian Army (NA)troops for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The Army Chief saluted the troops’ undying faith in the Nigerian State in the face of adversity.  In the message personally signed by the COAS on Sunday 24 December 2023, the Army Chief congratulated troops for making it this far into the year and for weathering every storm that came their way. He noted that over fifty thousand troops of the Nigerian Army would miss wishing their families and loved ones Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in person, during this yuletide. He expatiated that it is not because they did not want to, but because they would be on duty acros...

El-Rufai Visits Obasanjo In Ogun The former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, on Sunday, visited former president Olusegun Obasanjo at his Abeokuta home in Ogun State. A media aide to the former governor, Muyiwa Adekeye, revealed this in photos shared on his X handle on Sunday. His caption read, “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo today welcomed Malam Nasir #elrufai to his Abeokuta home.”. More photos below. 

Officer accidentally shot Nollywood actor, Azeez Ijaduade — Police Contrary to a report that the Nollywood actor and director, Azeez Ijaduade, was shot in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, the state police command said the victim was hit by a shot that was mistakenly discharged by a police officer on Sunday. Recall that the news of Ijaduade being shot by a trigger-happy policeman was disclosed by his colleague, Abiodun Adebanjo, via his Instagram handle, @iamabiodunadebanjo, on Sunday. The actor wrote, “Please we need help in Iperu. My director, Azeez Ijaduade, @kingzeez1, was shot by Nigerian police personnel. “He is presently at Babcock University Teaching Hospital. “Anybody with the contacts of the Police IG or Commissioner should reach out.” However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said in an exclusive chat with PUNCH Online, Sunday morning, that one of its officers attached to the executives of Bramajaj Company Limited, Ogere Remo, “accidentally discharged a shot...

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR.   Fellow Nigerians,    Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christ’s life.    For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.     This is also a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short.    In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the...

Gunmen kill at least 20 people in Burundi Unknown gunmen have killed at least 20 people in western Burundi, near the country's border with DRC Unidentified gunmen killed at least 20 people and wounded nine others in a village near Burundi's western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the government said on Saturday. The attack occurred on Friday evening in the Gatumba village in Burundi's Bujumbura province, "targeting mostly women and children," Jerome Niyonzima, spokesperson of the Burundian government, said in a statement. Nine households were targeted by the attackers, he said. Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the victims. Rebel group claims responsibility Red Tabara, a Burundi rebel group based in eastern Congo, claimed responsibility for the attack. The rebel group, which has been battling Burundi's government since 2015, claimed it killed nine soldiers and one police...

AIR FORCE COUNCIL ELEVATES 38 TO AIR RANK  The Air Force Council (AFC) has approved the promotion of 38 senior officers to the next higher ranks in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Out of the 38 senior officers promoted, 22 were elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, while 16 were elevated to the rank of Air Commodore. Those elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal include the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF), Edward Gabkwet, Abubakar Sule, Olayinka Oyesola, Abubakar Bukar, Razaq Olanrewaju, Olanrewaju Oyename, Ahmed Idris, Abdulrasheed Kotun, Chidiebere Obiabaka, Gambo Mbaka, Felix Uwakara, John Ukeh, Emeka Ashiegbu, Zayyan Usman, Mohammed Ibrahim, Babatunde Ajayi, David Dickson, Muhammed Sulaiman, Rasaq Shittu, Friday Ogohi, Henry Yurkusi and Suleiman Usman. Those promoted to the rank of Air Commodore include Valentine Oraeki, Dogari Apyeyak, Ali Idris, Mohammed Ahmed, Shehu Chindo, Abubakar Mohammed, Logomfa Nansoh, Abraham Sule, Idris Sule...

*NDLEA intercepts 7.5m tramadol pills, 95,400 codeine bottles Christmas consignments* *. Arrests 70-year-old grandma, her son for drug trafficking as Agencys sniffer dogs uncover cocaine in India-bound shipment* Desperate attempts by transnational criminal organisations to flood Nigerian communities with large quantities of assorted illicit drugs during the yuletide season have been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, who intercepted millions of tramadol 225mg pills, thousands of codeine syrup bottles and bags of Canadian Loud in consignments arriving the country ahead of the Christmas celebration. At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos, all tricks employed by the drug syndicates to smuggle into the country seven million five hundred thousand (7,500,000) pills of tramadol 225mg through the NAHCO import shed of the airport were frustrated by NDLEA officers with the cooperation of men of the Nigeria Customs and other stakeh...

Yuletide: FG To Allow Nigerians With Expired Passports Return Home The Federal Government has instructed that Nigerians with expired passports who are planning to return to the country to celebrate the yuletide be allowed in without any hindrance. In a letter dated 22nd December 2023 by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Wura-Ola Adepoju, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, through the Office of Assistant Comptroller General, Border Management, the NIS asked that Nigerians “be admitted into the country with their expired Nigerian passports”. “l am directed to refer to the above subject matter and to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria in her efforts to make life easy for Nigerians in the diaspora has approved that all Nigerians returning home can be admitted into the country with their expired Nigerian passports. “I am further directed to inform airlines coming to Nigeria to allow holders of Nigeria expired passports to board w...

Joshua gets third straight win with Wallin KO Anthony Joshua has won his third fight of 2023 with a TKO victory over Otto Wallin in the main event of the “Day of Reckoning” card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After securing consecutive victories over Jermaine Franklin in April and Robert Helenius with a seventh-round knockout in August, Joshua cruised to a fifth-round technical knockout win over Wallin, who had been expected to be a formidable opponent, especially with his southpaw stance. The only defeat on Wallin’s record before Joshua came in 2019 against Tyson Fury, in between the Gypsy King’s first and second meetings with Wilder. Fury won by unanimous decision but the Swedish heavyweight certainly made it a harder night than expected for the lineal champ. Joshua now holds an impressive record of 27 victories and three losses, with 24 knockout wins. Deontay Wilder lost to former WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker by unanimous decision in the fight before Joshua’s. Wallin’s coa...

Shock as 21-year-old undergraduate commits suicide over failed relationship LINUS OOTA reports the sad tale of a university student who allegedly took her own life in Nasarawa State because she was jilted by her lover. It all came like a bolt from the blue. Not even the closest confidant of Miss Sarah Maikefi thought she could end her own life in such a sudden and gruesome manner at her young age. But that was exactly what the 100 level student of Microbiology at Nasarawa State University did in reaction to a failed relationship. For years, her parents reveled in her academic progress, holding her up as their source of pride as they plotted her path to a sustainable future. But Sara kept her unwholesome plans to her chest until she took the plunge after her second semester examination on December 8. She left no space for her rescue as she bid the world farewell in the tragic event that occurred at an off campus lodge near Family and Friends Hotel, opposite the university campus. Sarah,...