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Gunmen abduct council chairman in Nasarawa state The Council Chairman Of Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa Mr. Safiyanu Isa Andaha has been kidnapped by gunmen. Confirming the incident, Special Adviser to the Nasarawa State Governor on Local G noovernment and Chieftaincy Affairs Mr Haruna Kassimu said Mr Safiyanu Isa was abducted at Ningo village on the Akwanga – Andaha road in the Akwanga Local government area of the state along with one Alhaji Adamu Custom  He noted that security agencies had responded swiftly by chasing after the gunmen who forcefully fled with the council chairman to an unknown destination. In a telephone interview, the State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ramhan Nansel said the police in collaboration with other security agencies were on the trail of the kidnappers to ensure the release of the council chairman and the other victim.  

Solid mineral sector reforms to diversify economy - Alake The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake says the mining sector will experience a major leap in 2024 to contribute substantially to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Dr Alake who stated this in his New Year message reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s vision of diversifying the economy through solid minerals, as reforms in the sector will yield tremendous results in the new year. ” In the solid minerals development ministry, we will be consolidating on reforms that commenced with our ambitious 7-point agenda, on assumption of office, four months ago. Nigerians can rest assured that an efficient governance structure that will transform the opaque nature of the mining sector will crystallise in the new year. ” It will be recalled that we had revoked 1,633 mining licenses of those that defaulted in the payment of annual service fees last year. More revocation is in the offing for other categories of default...

Governor Mutfwang declares one-week mourning in Plateau The Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared one-week of mourning in Plateau over the recent killings in the state. Governor Mutfwang in a broadcast on his X handle said the mourning period which is from January 1 to January 8 will have the flag flown at half-mast. He urged Muslim clerics to dedicate Friday, January 5th, 2024, and Christian Clergy to use Sunday, January 7th, 2024 as a special prayer day for lasting peace to return to the Plateau. Gunmen had attacked several communities in the Plateau State Local Government Areas of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi, killing many residents.  

NIDCOM cautions MDAs, embassies on fake diaspora groups The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has warned Ministries, Agencies, Embassies and other Diaspora groups to beware of fake diaspora groups with ulterior motives. A statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun identified a group known as Nigeria Diaspora Forum, (NDF) claiming to have be working to improve welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora with an office in Abuja as one of such phoney groups. According to the statement the said NDF which is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission is an arm of Labour Party, masquerading as a diaspora group. The statement said NIDCOM is aware that all registered Political parties including the ruling party, APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP, LP and others have diaspora chapters and support groups outside the country and do work to promote and champion their party ideals. The statement also querie...

NAHCON Extends 2024 Hajj Registration The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has extended the 2024 deadline for hajj registration by intending pilgrims to January 31, 2024. In a statement by the Assistant Director, of Public Affairs, NAHCOM, Mrs Fatima Usara, the extension was in response to a request by religious communities to provide more muslim the opportunity to participate in the sacred pilgrimage “NAHCON seizes this chance to remind intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has slated 25th February as the end date for signing all contracts, signaling the end of payments into IBAN accounts. With this extension, NAHCON has barely a month to finalize payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 Hajj.” the statement adds. The commission urged new and old registrants to use the window provided by the extension to balance payments.  

NORTH CENTRAL GOVERNORS DONATE N100M TO VICTIMS OF PLATEAU ATTACK  One hundred Million naira has been donated by Governors of the North Central states to Internally Displaced person's IDPs who are victims of the Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State. The Governors also promised to safeguard their states from being turned into a hub for bandits and criminals. The Governors made the pledge while on a condolence visit to Plateau state Governor Caleb Mutfwang over the unfortunate attacks of some communities in the State on Christmas Eve. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Leader of team and Governor of Nasarawa state, Engineer Abdullahi Sule said the Governors took the decision following the negative impression created about their states by the activities of terrorists, adding that they can no longer fold their hands and watch such acts. Governors of Niger state Umaru Bago and that of Benue state, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia who also spoke during the visit, stressed the i...

Babies Of the Year Receive Gifts From Plateau Government  Wife of the Governor of Plateau state Helen Mutfwang has presented gift items to babies born on the first of January. The first lady in company of the commissioner of women affairs visited some hospitals in the state. The visit which started from the plateau state specialist hospital saw three babies with the first a boy born at about three  twenty in the morning and was followed closely by a baby girl born at four minutes  past seven. In her submission,the wife of the Governor donated gift items to the families of the babies of the year and reiterated governments commitments in supporting its citizens. The commissioner of women affairs Caroline Dafur afterwards went on to represent the governors wife at Ola Maternity Hospital,the Jos University teaching hospital,Ola hospital at Zawan and a primary health care center at Dadin Kowa and represented same gift items to the families of the new year babies. Caroline didn...

Kano Fire Service Saves 417 Lives, N1.2bn Property Last Year  Kano State Fire Service says it has saved 417 lives and properties worth N1.2 billion, from January to December, 2023 659 fire incidents recorded in the state. The Public Relations Officer,Kano state fire service, Saminu Abdullahi made the disclosure in Kano. According to him, 100 persons lost their lives, while property worth N451 million were destroyed by fire during the period under review. “The state recorded 659 fire incidents, the service responded to 299 rescue calls and 95 false alarms in 2023" Saminu explained that, the service attended to 184 road accidents, while two trapped animals were also rescued. The public relations officer, attributed the fire incidents to careless handling of cooking gas, and the use of inferior electrical appliances. He advised the public to avoid storing petrol at home or any unsafe place due to fuel scarcity. Saminu advised people, who warm up themselves at the market place or...

SANWO-OLU APPROVES BONUS FOR LAWMA SWEEPERS Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has spread festive cheer among the city's street sweepers and waste handlers, by approving an End of the Year bonus for them in appreciation of their critical role in keeping Lagos clean. The announcement, made through the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, was received with much appreciation by the hard-working heroes and heroines of the city's waste management system. He said, "Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledges the tireless efforts of our street sweepers and waste handlers in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for Lagosians. This bonus is a gesture of gratitude for their dedication and commitment, especially during this festive season." Gbadegesin stated that the bonus would impact the lives of the recipients and their families, bringing joy and relief during the season.  The news was met with jubilation among sa...

Jake, a loyal German shepherd, is able to lead a woman to his deceased owner after attempting to get someone's attention for a week. Catherine FeFazio of Sacramento, California had noticed a German Shepherd walking alone near her property for the last few days. Recognizing the strange behavior from an unknown dog, Catherine decided to investigate. She walked out to the dog and he started down the street as if he had been waiting on her all along. After a short while, Jake veered of the road and into some nearby woods. After briefly walking in the woods, Jake walked over to a sad scene and looked Catherine in the eyes and let out a short yelp. (I'm not crying, you're crying.) Sure enough it was the body of Jake's owner who authorities determined to have passed within the last week. Jake had been loyally trying to help the entire time.  After completing his mission, Jake slinked away and it took Catherine another 2 weeks to capture him. Jake is now being kept in foster ca...

Lokoja residents protest epileptic power supply in Kogi Residents of the Lokoja Local Government Area in the Kogi State capital have marched to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, area office to present their complaints on the constant power outage and epileptic power supply in the State. The aggrieved residents asked the company to expedite action on poor supply, as the lack of power was crippling businesses in the state. The protesters, who were led by the chairman of a pressure group under the aegis of ‘Light up Movement’ Mallam Illiasu Zakari, lamented that they had been experiencing outages before the celebration of Christmas and New Year to the present time, and AEDC did nothing about it. The group also demanded an end to outrageous billing by the AEDC in the State. The group added, “Failure to correct the abnormalities or complaints enumerated will leave us with no choice but to mobilize for the next phase of these demands. Enough of AEDC surcharging us and putting...

Man raises alarm over suspected ‘kidnapping’ after sighting a lady struggling to get out of a car in Lagos One Bishop Khale has raised alarm over a suspected kidnap of an unknown woman on New Year Day in Victoria Island, Lagos.  He posted videos he filmed on X two hours ago, alleging that the woman was struggling to get out of a black pathfinder car on Ahmadu Bello Way.  “Happening now on New year’s Day. A lady was struggling to get out of this Black pathfinder on Ahmadu Bello way. Lagos. I believe she’s been kidnapped I got the face of the driver & the plates,” he wrote.  “For the record : I raised the alarm. Called on area boys, but most of them hesitated. The driver got back in the car & drove off. I followed the car around V.I, hoping I’d see a police man to report to, but none was on the route they followed. They later started driving back Towards 3rd mainland bridge “I even flagged down cars behind me & kept screaming that someone is being kidnapped. Eve...

The moment camera zoomed in on James Brown while Evang. Ebuka Obi was about to pray for ‘all the people with Ogbanje spirit’. James Brown was singled out by the media team at a cross over service when the minister prayed for “people with Ogbanje spirit.” The crossdresser visited the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach with actress Destiny Etiko. During deliverance session, Evangelist Ebuka Obi said, “All the people with Ogbanje spirit, you are set free today.” As he said this, the camera panned to James Brown’s face and the crossdresser is seen saying, “Amen.” The church erupted in laughter, causing Evang. Obi to ask: “What is the issue?” At this point, James Brown waves as the camera remains on him. Ebuke Obi then says as the camera leaves James and focuses on him: “Zion is a prayer ground for everybody.” The camera returns to James Brown again and he blows a kiss before Obi continued his deliverance prayer. “Deliverance upon any man or woman here. Be set free,” Obi prayed. Watch video belo...

“Things women go through sha” — Netizens react as lady blocks her boyfriend and his mother who expected her to sweep their home. Lady shares story of how she blocked her boyfriend and his mother who expected her to sweep their home the first time she visited. The video which she shared to her Tiktok platform, @theladyelohor, has gathered many controversial views and comments. The lady shared how her boyfriend pleaded with her to accompany him home as his mother wanted to see the woman he was dating. She indulged him and on getting to their house, in less than an hour, his mom brought out a broom to sweep. She raised her leg when the mother got to her location but it seems she failed the test at that point as the mother expected her to take the broom from her to sweep. According to the lady, she had not even been offered anything to eat or drink but was expected to sweep. After leaving, she blocked both the mother and the son.  

“I don’t show off my body because Nigerians don’t deserve me” – Davido’s baby mama, Sophia Momodu. Popular singer Davido’s baby mama, Sophia Momodu opens up as fan asks why she doesn’t flaunt her body like others. The mother of one shared a question she received from her fan on her social media page. The unknown fan asked to know why she doesn’t show off her body on social media like other ladies despite the fact that she has an attractive body. In response to this, Sophia Momodu noted to the curious fan that the Nigerian social media space doesn’t deserve to see it. The fan wrote: “Why don’t you show off your body like the rest, you’ve got banging body you know”  

Burna Boy allegedly buys $3.5 million Bugatti. Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy, has allegedly spent $3.5 million on a brand new Bugatti. In a couple of posts available on X (formerly Twitter), it was reported that the singer had fully paid for the car and was expecting it to be shipped to Nigeria. However, at the time of writing this report, Burna Boy has not yet announced or hinted at the purchase of the said car. Despite the singer’s silence, many social media users took to the comment section of the posts to wish him well, while others questioned the alleged purchase.  

Sanwo-Olu orders arrest of a soldier of the Nigerian Army   Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ordered the arrest a lance corporal of the Nigerian Army , for allegedly driving against traffic along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Tuesday. The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Wale Ajetunmobi, revealed this in videos shared on his Twitter handle on Tuesday. His caption read, “This Morning: Lawless okada riders plying one-way along Lagos-Badagry Expressway left their motorcycles and passengers upon sighting the convoy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. “One of the offenders — a lance corporal in the Army — was arrested with his bike.” One of the videos revealed the moment, some motorcyclists drove away with their passengers to escape being arrested by the governor’s security officers. Some of them absconded on foot, abandoning their motorcycles and the passengers. In another video, Governor Sanwo-Olu ordered the officers to put one of the motorcyclists who claimed to...

Obi Pays Condolence Visit To Akeredolu’s Family  Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.  Obi visited the residence of the late governor, in the company of a political economist, Prof Pat Utomi.  The former Anambra State governor made this known via his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, describing Akeredolu as an individual who was committed to building a better Nigeria.  Obi's tweet read, "Today, together with my very dear elder brother, Prof Pat Utomi, I arrived Ibadan, Oyo State, to commiserate with the bereaved wife of Late Gov Rotimi Akeredolu, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and the entire Akeredolu Family, as we all mourn the death of Gov Akeredolu.  "While Gov Akeredolu was the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and subsequently as a governor, he stayed consistent on how to build a b...

On the 31st of December 2023, Ian Ziering, 59-years-old, was surrounded by a group of individuals on many bikes. Ian got out of his vehicle to speak to them because his children were scared and he was attacked immediately. After receiving many strikes in his face, Ian was able to turn around and face his attackers and fight them off as he fled to safety across the street. He is going to be okay. He was seen comforting his children after the fact.  If you are not familiar with Ian, he starred in the teen series Beverly hills 90210 as well as the Sharknado movies.  

FG Halts Accreditation Of University Certificates From Benin, Togo Federal Government has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics. This is pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps. A statement from the Federal Ministry of Education explains that the suspension is coming on the heels of a recent publication online of how an undercover reporter bagged a degree at a Cotonou university in 6 weeks and participated in the NYSC scheme. It says the Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and has commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff for which appropriate Public Service Rules will be applied. According to the statement, the ministry will continue to review its strategy to block any loopholes, processe...

Nigerian passport struggles end as automation takes flight January 8 The long wait for streamlined passport applications in Nigeria is ending. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo confirmed that the much-anticipated online system will go live on January 8, 2024, marking a significant leap forward in efficiency and transparency. This development follows months of anticipation after the Minister announced in December that a full automation project was nearing completion. Touted as “99% done” at the time, the system promised to eliminate the need for manual document submission and physical visits to immigration offices. On Monday, after inspecting facilities with Comptroller General Wura-Ola Adepoju, Ojo reiterated the promise of a digital future. Nigerians, he declared, will be able to initiate and complete their entire passport application journey online, sans human interaction. “We are good to go live,” the Minister announced. “The training process has commenced, and come January 8,...

“2023 Dealt With Me In The Most Catastrophic Ways” – May Edochie Reveals In An Emotional Note She wrote: “Dear 2023, you were pregnant on the very first day of Jan unknown to anyone what you would deliver. You dealt with me in the most catastrophic ways…. Too many adversities | misfortunes and the worst of it you stole my own flesh and blood leaving me in the most devastating, miserable and confused state that I could never have imagined. I lost all hopes and nearly gave up, I had too many questions eating me all up but I kept hearing that voice echoing, “who am I to question God”? I struggled so hard and stood on God’s words commanding us to give Him praise in every situation despite how difficult it is. Truly, I appreciate all the good people you made me cross paths with (my family, friends, strangers turned friends and my online fam). I cannot begin to list names cos it is endless but I want y’all to know that I will forever remain thankful for the incredible level of love and suppo...

Japan plane catches fire at Tokyo airport A Japan Airlines plane was in flames on the runway of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Tuesday after apparently colliding with a coast guard aircraft, television reports said. The images on broadcaster NHK showed the plane moving along the runway before an explosion of orange flames burst from beneath and behind it. All 367 passengers on board the Airbus plane were evacuated, broadcaster NHK reported. The cause of the incident was not immediately clear, but television reports said that the Airbus collided with a Coast Guard aircraft. Reports said that the plane had just arrived from Sapporo airport on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. A coast guard official at Haneda Airport, one of the world’s busiest, said they were “checking details”. “It’s not clear if there was a collision. But it is certain that our plane is involved,” he told  

Ethiopia signs deal with breakaway Somaliland on Red Sea port access Somaliland plans to lease a 20-km (12.4-mile) stretch of land along its coastline to Ethiopia to establish a marine force base, while Ethiopia would recognise Somaliland as an independent country. Landlocked Ethiopia has signed an initial agreement with Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland to use its Red Sea port of Berbera. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi on Monday. As part of the deal, Somaliland plans to lease a 20km (12.4-mile) stretch of land along its coastline to Ethiopia to establish a marine force base, Abdi said at the signing. The pact prompted an emergency meeting of Somalia's cabinet on Tuesday morning to decide on a response, the Somali National News Agency (SONNA) said.  

 Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty to national security crimes Hong Kong (AFP) – Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty Tuesday to "sedition" and "collusion" charges in a high-profile national security trial that could see him jailed for life. The charges against Lai –- founder of the now-shuttered popular Chinese-language tabloid Apple Daily –- revolve around the newspaper's publications, which supported pro-democracy protests and criticised Beijing's leadership. The 76-year-old is accused of two counts of colluding with foreign forces by calling for international sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials. "Not guilty," Lai said in English for each of the three charges read out.

Russia Accidentally Bombs Own Village Near Ukraine Russia said it had accidentally bombed a village in its southern Voronezh region near Ukraine on Tuesday but stressed there were no casualties. The accident occurred the same day as Russia hit Ukraine with a large-scale missile attack. It is not the first such incident during Moscow's almost two-year-long Ukraine offensive. "On January 2, 2024, at around 9 am Moscow time (GMT), during a flight of the Aerospace Forces, an abnormal discharge of aircraft ammunition occurred over the village of Petropavlovka in the Voronezh region," the Russian army said in a statement quoted by Russian news agencies. "There are no casualties," it added. Petropavlovka lies some 150 kilometres (93 miles) east of the Ukraine border. The ministry said six private houses were damaged in the accident, Russian news agencies reported. "An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway. A commission is working on the ...

Gaza war will continue throughout 2024, says Israeli Army Israel’s war in Gaza will continue throughout 2024, a military spokesman said in a New Year’s message, insisting that tens of thousands of reservists would be needed for fighting.   “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year,” Daniel Hagari told reporters. “The objectives of the war require prolonged fighting and we are preparing accordingly.” The war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, erupted after Hamas fighters carried out a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7. The attack left around 1,140 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Some 250 people were also taken hostage by militants. The Israeli army says 129 people still remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s retaliatory land, sea and air assault on Gaza ...

100,000 Residents ‘Displaced’ As Earthquake Hits Japan A strong earthquake hit central Japan on Monday resulting in the death of at least two people, the destruction of structures, loss of electricity to thousands of homes, and the evacuation of some coastal residents to higher ground. According to Daily Mail, the preliminary magnitude 7.6 quake caused waves of around 1 metre along Japan’s west coast and bordering South Korea. Following the quake, a bright yellow message reading “Tsunami! Evacuate!” flashed across television screens advising residents in specific areas of the coast to immediately evacuate. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued a significant tsunami warning. It’s first since the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed almost 20,000 people in northeast Japan. War on Gaza: Israeli protesters demand Netanyahu’s resignation Gaza war will continue throughout 2024, says Israeli army According to the US Geological Survey, it was the greatest earthquake in the ...