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Rivers State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, screened and confirmed nine former commissioners who resigned from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet in the wake of the political crisis that engulfed the state in last quarter of 2023. The commissioner nominees, who appeared before the lawmakers led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, at the Assembly quarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, the state capital, were given a clean bill of health after they briefly introduced themselves. This followed a motion moved by the House Leader, Major Jack, who said since the nominees had been screened previously, it was needless to do so a second time and craved the indulgence of his colleagues to allow them to ‘take a bow and go.’ The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi, to forward the names of the commissioners’ designate to the governor for action. Amaewhule disclosed that Fubara had written a letter to the House requesting the screening of the nine nominees. The commissioners desi...

Ubah’s chieftaincy title saga: Your govt belittling monarchs – Obi of Onitsha attacks Soludo The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has expressed unhappiness about the controversy trailing the conferment of chieftaincy title on the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, acting on the order of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, had last week issued a letter suspending the traditional ruler of Neni Community, Igwe Damian Ezeani for conferring a title on Ubah. Nwabunwanne in the letter alleged that some traditional rulers were conferring titles on unscrupulous personalities, while also describing Ubah as unknown. This led to apologies by two other monarchs who also conferred titles on Ubah. Achebe, who was apparently angered by the way Ezeani was suspended by the state government, in a letter to the commissioner, accused the Soludo government of not ha...

Nigerian OAP Debs Ohamarah is dead  39-year-old Debs Ohamarah, a presenter with Nigeria Info FM Abuja left her home and while plying Airport Road, Abuja on her daily routine, a lone passenger rammed into her from the back and caused her to plunge under a trailer.  She died before help could come her way.  Sadly, the driver of the vehicle that hit her escaped.  One more photo below. 

Abiodun Condoles Oyo State Over Ibadan Explosion  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described Tuesday's explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a monumental tragedy. In a condolence message to his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of the state, Prince Abiodun regretted that the wanton loss of lives and the destruction of properties was due to neglect and criminality. The governor praised the swift response of the Oyo State government, which promptly dispatched first responders to the scene, thereby saving more lives. This was just as he expressed absolute confidence that the Oyo State government would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were apprehended and prosecuted, saying that the government is on top of the situation. He said: "I extend my deepest condolences to the government and the people of Oyo State following the tragic explosion that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday.  "Our hearts go out to the families...

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISERATES WITH OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, VICTIMS OVER IBADAN EXPLOSION President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The explosion killed two persons and wounded about 80 others. It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.  "It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners. Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished," the President said. President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State and called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity. The President has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and compr...

Ibadan Explosion Unfortunate - Speaker Abbas Laments Tragedy The Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, has described as unfortunate, the explosion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday night.   The Speaker, in statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Musa Abdullahi Krishi, called for proper investigation of the incident and possible arrest and prosecution of those suspected to have caused the explosion.  The Speaker said it was terrifying for an explosion in a peaceful and populated ancient city like Ibadan. According to the Speaker It is more worrisome that it happened at a time when the government is tackling various security issues and threats to lives and property Dr. Tajudeen while praying to God to comfort the victims and their families, extended his condolences to the government and the people of Oyo State,   

Offa Bank Robbery ;- Court Fixes Thursday For Hearing Kwara state High Court sitting in Ilorin, presided over by Justice Halimat Salman has fixed Thursday, ,18th January ,2024 for continuation of hearing  in the April 5, 2018 Offa bank armed robbery.  some suspected armed robbers attacked five commercial banks in the ancient Offa town in the Offa local government area of Kwara state, killing over 30 persons in the process. The five suspects, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham and two others were charged to court by the Police for criminal conspiracy to rob the banks, murder of nine policemen and other citizens, as well as  illegal possession of firearms.  Michael Adikwu died in police custody while the remaining five pleaded not guilty. At the resumed hearing today Wednesday, the third  defendant, Adeola Abraham , during cross-examination by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob SAN, said he can not remember when he was taken to Abuja by the p...

 Customs Hands Over Tones Of Unregistered Drugs  To NAFDAC The Nigeria Custom Services, Sokoto, Zamfara Area Command  has  handover consignments of unregistered pharmaceutical drugs to  NAFDAC in Sokoto state. In a joint news briefing held in the State , Comptroller of Customs in the Area,Musa Omale said the handing over  was in line with the Collaboration Policy thrust aimed at safeguarding the life and Health of the citizenry. The Area comptroller said more than one million and one hundred cartons and over three thousand packets of unregistered pharmaceutical were seized by the command. Musa Omale underscored the danger of counterfeit and unregistered Drugs Poses to the country stressing that drugs trafficking is a Global challenge which the whole world is grappling with.   He assured NAFDAC of the Command"s unflinching support to its fight against counterfeit drugs and warned smugglers to desist from the act as the Command was battle ready to f...

INCIDENT OF ACCIDENTAL FIRING BY A PERSONNEL OF 35 ARTILLERY BRIGADE ABEOKUTA The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army ( NA) has been drawn to  insinuations making the rounds on social media alleging that a soldier of 35 Artillery Brigade terminated his life   due to non payment of Ration Cash Allowance (RCA).  Having lost one of its soldiers, the authorities of the Division feel deeply concerned that some mischief makers under whatever guise would employ such sad occurrence to malign the image of the Division and the NA in general.  Nevertheless, for the sake of posterity, it needs be mentioned that the late soldier was deployed at the Brigade Standby Force on Monday 15 January 24 alongside his colleagues for daily cantonment duty and they were adequately fed in line with NA's standard for  troops' on duties. However, investigation into  the immediate cause of the incident, indicated that the deceased soldier reportedly handled his pers...

  WOMEN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER, OBINABO SUMMONS WIDOWS BROTHER IN LAW OVER ENCROACHMENT INTO THE PROPERTY OF THE LATE BROTHER  By Chidinma Ikeanyionwu Anambra State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon Ify Obinabo has summoned one Mr Innocent Okechi a native of Awkuzu in Oyi local government area of the state over encroachment of late brothers property. The report which was made by wife of the deceased Mrs Onyinye Ogugua stated that barely one month after her mourning period, her late husband's brought Mr Okechi vowed to deal with her until she leaves the compound. According to the widow, she and her son has been suffering silently from the hands of her brother inlaw but with the recent event can't take it anymore. When asked what the event is, Mrs Ogugua explained that the brother Inlaw has refused to share any landed property to her son and also is currently erecting structure on her entrance space thereby inconveniencing her and her son from entering their compound. The...

Tear gas, arrests amid protests over Comoros presidential elections Protesters tried to block roads in the capital following the re-election of President Azali Assoumani. Comoros security forces responded with tear gas and arrests on Wednesday after groups, angered by the re-election of President Azali Assoumani, tried to block roads in the capital. Debris and burning tyres were scattered in several streets of Moroni and the Indian Ocean archipelago's largest street market lay deserted on the morning after the election results were announced. Government spokesman Houmed Msaidie, speaking to AFP news agency, accused the opposition -- which has denounced Assoumani's election win - of organising the protests. "There have been arrests, but I can't give you the figure for the moment. It's totally normal when there are people out there who want to disturb public order," Msaidie said.

“Y’all Need To Let Your Firstborns Breathe” — Simi Appeals To Parents She wrote: “Y’all need to let your first borns breathe. They came first does not mean they should carry everybody’s load. Many of them don’t even like you anymore , because when you text them na so so panic attack. They’re just not allowed to say it. Let them breathe. Also, first born sef learn how to say no and set boundaries. You deserve peace too.”  

Renan Lodi has signed in as new Al Hilal player on deal until June 2027  Olympique Marseille to receive fee in excess of €20m, Atlético Madrid had 30% sell-on clause for left back. Renan Lodi will play next to Neymar, Malcom, Bono, Milinković-Savic, Ruben Neves, Koulibaly and more. 

AFCON 2023: Nigeria's Osimhen dreams of title ahead of Cote d’Ivoire clash Victor Osimhen says he is looking forward to winning something with the Super Eagles. Victor Osimhen won the Serie A title with Napoli last season and ended 2023 by being named African footballer of the year, but the striker reckons lifting the Cup of Nations with Nigeria might just top the lot. "It would be one of the best moments of my life," the 25-year-old told AFP in Abidjan, where the Super Eagles are preparing to face hosts Cote d’Ivoire in their second group game at this edition of the AFCON on Thursday. "I have done that with Napoli, I have made history, but no matter what I do, no matter how many goals I have scored, to be able to win the AFCON, I would go a long way in my life but probably when I do that I am done," he admitted. "I am really looking forward to winning something with the Super Eagles."

Femi Otedola visits Dangote refinery, congratulates ‘bestie’ on tremendous feat The executive chairman of Geregu Power PLC and business mogul, Femi Otedola, has visited the Dangote refinery as production starts in the new refinery. He also congratulated his ‘bestie’ Aliko Dangote on his achievement in building the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery. The billionaire disclosed this on Wednesday, January 17, on his official X page. Read Also: Femi Otedola donates N1bn to Lagos Security Trust fund He wrote: “Today I visited the 8th wonder of the world: the Dangote Oil Refinery, which just started production. Femi Otedola donates N1bn to Lagos security trust fund “Congratulations to my bestie @AlikoDangote on this tremendous feat! Guinness Book of Records for the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery in the world. History is made. F.Ote”  

MUSAWA PROPOSES ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, THEATRE IN ABUJA   The Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy is to establish a National Museum and a National Theatre in a Creative City to be located in Abuja.   The Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa made this known when she presented the 2024 Appropriation Budget draft to the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy on Thursday at the National Assembly.   Musawa stated that the establishment of the two edifices were top on the list of projects of the Ministry which is intended to create employment, not only for creatives but also for Nigerians in general.   The achievement of this, she said, will be subject to the approval of 2024 Appropriation Budget by the Senate. The Minister also noted that the Ministry has been grossly underfunded and appealed to the Senate Committee to upscale its allocation in the 2024 budget.     “The Ministry has been grossly underfunded and we...

 PRESS RELEASE  WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTRY TO PARTNER SMEDAN FOR INCLUSIVE  GROWTH OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN THE COUNTRY The Ministry of Women Affairs has expressed its readiness to partner with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), with a view to ensuring inclusive growth of   female enterprenuers in the country The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye made the disclosure during the Launching of a Desk for Women and Youth Empowerment by SMEDAN for targeted programmes and inclusive measures aimed at empowering women for the socio-economic development of the country The Minister stated that launching a Desk equipped with modern tools for women empowerment is apt, as it will not only ensure that the gender gets first-hand attention in the area of skill acquisition but also make room for the emergence of more female enterprenuers thus leading to self reliance and employability She added that on i...

PRESS RELEASE  SPORTS MINISTER APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU'S APPROVAL OF N12 BILLION  OWED ATHLETES, OTHER OFFICIALS The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent approval of a substantial N12 billion disbursement to address the outstanding backlog owed to Nigeria's National Teams, Coaches and other officials. The Minister stated that the approval will boost the mood of the Super Eagles, ahead of the African Cup of Nations and other international competitions. Senator Owan Enoh explained  that the payment encompasses the settlement of senior national team coaches' salaries spanning 15 months, as well as the disbursement of bonuses owed to both senior and junior national teams (male and female).  He informed that the financial injection was timely as it arrived just when the preparations of the Super Eagles for the AFCON struck top gear. The Minister thanked M...

Kano Taskforce Vows to Curtail Drug Abuse The Newly Constituted Taskforce Committee on Drug and phone snatching abuse in Kano has reiterates its commitment in curtailing the menace of drug abuse in the state.  Chairman of the Taskforce Brigadier General Gambo Mai Aduwa (rtd) disclosed this during a media parley held in Kano. He said the Taskforce was constituted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf with the mandate of addressing the challenge of illegal usage of drugs in the state. Brigadier General Gambo Mai Aduwa rtd explained that the Taskforce has mapped out modalities on how to ensure that drug abuse and it allieds were being reduced to the minimum level in the state. "It is also among our mandates to rehabilitate drug abuse addicts, we will ensure that youths who have turned to nuisance due to drug abuse were being taken to rehabilitation centers with the aim of rehabilitating them to become better people in the society "he said. The Chairman of the Taskforce maintained that t...

Hunters And Forest Security Receives 163 Complaints In One Year  The Kano Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), says it has  received 163 complaints from January to December.  The Commander Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Kano State Command, Abdullahi Al-ameen made the disclosure  in Kano. According to him, out of the total complaints received 154 had been treated, while nine were  still pending. He explained that,the service is working ascidiously  to meet up to  it's mandate of  preventing and  detecting crimes and illegal activities perpetrated in the forests. “Most of the cases were on animal theft, car and tricycle theft, debt, phone snatching, farmer  herder clash among others"he said. The commander pointed out that,NHFSS would  partner with relevant stakeholders on community policing to achieve the desired objectives.  Al-ameen further explained that this year, the service  would...

COVID-19: REPS COMMENCES INVESTIGATIVE HEARING ON ALLEGED MISMANAGEMENT OF INTERVENTION FUNDS The House of Representatives is set to commence an investigative hearing on the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 Intervention Funds expended between 2020 and 2022.   In a statement by the spokesman of the House of Representatives notes that the series of hearings is organised by the House Public Accounts Committee. According to the statement the Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts Committee Bamidele Salam, highlighted fifty-nine, (59) Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Parastatals of Government issued notices to appear before the Committee based on a schedule of appearance previously made public. These MDAs grouped into eight (8) include the Accountant-General of the Federation, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the Rural Electrification Agenc...

2 Confirmed Dead In Ibadan Explosion National Emergency Management, NEMA says rescue operations are on at Adeyi Estate, Bodija, Ibadan following Tuesday’s night explosion that rocked the area. According to NEMA, the situation has been brought under control while operations continue to ensure smooth rescue of casualties. Similarly, the Oyo State Government has appealed to residents to stay away from the site of the incident to enable emergency responders to continue at the site without interference. Also, Governor Seyi Makinde on X revealed that over 77 victims were injured, while two lost their lives. ”Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book” Governor noted. ‘‘We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assis...

 US to return $8.9m looted under Jonathan to Nigeria A Royal Court in Jersey, United States, has reportedly ruled that stolen assets worth £6.9m ($8.9m) be repatriated to Nigeria.   The said assets were allegedly diverted by Nigerian government officials in 2014 under the guise of purchasing arms to fight Boko Haram terrorists. According to BBC, the court ruled that the money, deposited in a Jersey bank account, was likely stolen by officials in the Nigerian Government in 2014. Controversies had surrounded the purchase of weapons in the fight against insurgency with the then National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, being accused of diverting funds meant for security equipment during Jonathan’s administration. Also in late 2014, a private jet was arrested in South Africa with $10m cash, which was allegedly meant for the purchase of military weapons. However, the order of the Royal Court in Jersey followed a forfeiture notice to the court by Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Templ...

Bill Gates is now predicting that AI technology will be transformative for everyone within the next five years.   The rise of AI raises fears that the technology will eliminate millions of jobs around the world with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reporting this week that about 40% of jobs around the world could be affected by the rise of AI. But Gates believes history shows that with every new technology comes fear and then new opportunity.     “As we had [with] agricultural productivity in 1900, people were like ‘Hey, what are people going to do?’ In fact, a lot of new things, a lot of new job categories were created and we’re way better off than when everybody was doing farm work,” Gates said in an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on Tuesday.           “This will be like that.”  

They tried to k!ll me and my daughter last year” Actress Mariam Akande cries out for help over threat to life Nollywood actress, Mariam Akande Muftaudeen has left many in the dark as she cries out for help over an alleged threat to life. The Yoruba star, via her Instagram page, revealed that she and her daughter narrowly escaped death last year. Sending a message to Nigerians, she stated that she is ready to speak up and grant interviews as she has evidence, videos, and voice notes. Though not disclosing further, she only said these people, whose identity remains unknown destroyed her car and phones and are currently after her life and that of her daughter. She added that if she does today, they are the ones who killed her. “Hello Nigerians It’s time for me to speak up 💯 I am ready to grant every interview These people are after me and my daughter’s life If I die today na them kill me I have evidence, videos, and voice notes These people tried to kill me and my daughter last year but ...

My ears are still ringing from the effect” Aisha Lawal recounts near death experience at Ibadan explosion. Nollywood actress, Aisha Lawal has expressed gratitude to her creator after cheating death. Reported on Tuesday night that there was an explosion in the city of Ibadan, Oyo State which left residents in panic. At the time of reporting, the cause of the explosions is yet to be ascertained, but the unfortunate incident has been confirmed by the government and investigations have begun. According to reports, properties were destroyed as a result of the explosion, and the UCH School of Nursing hostel glass windows were shattered during the quake. Aisha Lawal revealed that she was in Bodija when the explosion happened and her ears are still hurting from the effect. Appreciating God for her life, Aisha narrated her experience, disclosing that she had parked her car to buy suya opposite an estate, but later moved it to the location where the incident happened. The movie star said she saw...

 Gov. Buni awards N90.4m scholarship to 221 Yobe State law students Story from Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has offered N90.423,000 million scholarship to 221 state’s law graduates attending Nigerian law school across the various campuses in the country.  While presenting the award cheaque at the banquet hall government house Damaturu, the Governor reassured the law students that the present administration in the state will continue to be consistent in awarding scholarships to qualified Yobe indigenes in tertiary institutions both at home and in foreign institutions across the world.  He stated that the state has sustained a top spot with an unbeaten record in the Northeast sub-region, and among the states in Nigeria, providing such opportunities to students to pursue professional certificates with ease.  He noted that his administration places premium priority on quality education from the basic foundation through the tertiary, and p...