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PRESS RELEASE POLICE FOIL ASSASSINATION PLOT, ARRESTS LG CHAIRMAN FOR PLANS TO ELIMINATE BENUE SPEAKER Reaffirms Commitment to Prevention of Crimes  The Nigeria Police Force, through the diligent efforts of its operatives, has successfully apprehended two suspects involved in an alleged assassination plot. The arrested suspects include a Chairman of one of the Local Government Areas of Benue State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Local Government Chairman allegedly contracted a militia with the sinister intention of eliminating the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Hycenth Dajoh. The operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) swiftly swung into action upon receiving credible intelligence regarding the planned assassination.  Both suspects are currently in police custody and are actively cooperating with investigators in the ongoing inquiry. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitm...

Abia CP, govt officials discover schools, tunnel used for kidnappings Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has lauded Governor Alex Otti for his support to security agencies in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality witnessed in parts of the state. The Commissioner of Police said this at the weekend when he led a team of “Operation Crush” men and some Abia State government officials to two schools taken over by kidnappers in Lekwesi community, Umunneochi LGA. During the Umunneochi visit, a tunnel suspectedly used by kidnappers to ferry victims into the bush, was discovered. He said the schools visited have been dilapidated for a long time, adding that reconstruction of the schools would make it difficult for criminals to make use of them as dens. CP Onwuemelie further said that the entire area is vast and the culverts seen in the bushy areas could be used to hide victims. “Because, if you are not aware that those culverts are there and you a...

IGR To Contribute N240bn To Ogun's N703bn 2024 Budget-Commissioner Ogun State intends to rake in N240 billion as Internally Generated Revenue in 2024. The Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo disclosed this during a comprehensive budget breakdown and media parley held in Abeokuta on Monday. The state's overall budget for the year is N703 billion, which has already been signed into law by Governor Dapo Abiodun. Okubadejo said that the budget reflects the determined vision of Governor Abiodun's administration to foster best-in-class governance, create a conducive environment for public-private partnerships, and achieve sustainable economic development while enhancing individual prosperity among its citizen. He emphasized that the administration's focal points which includes the facilitation of ease of doing business, institutional reforms, development of fiscal policy thrust, and the promotion of public-private partnerships was geared at...

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS EXPANSION OF STUDENT-LOAN PROGRAMME TO INCLUDE SKILL DEVELOPMENT  President Bola Tinubu has directed the management of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to expand its focus area by extending interest-free loans to Nigerian students interested in skill-development programmes. The President issued this directive at the State House on Monday after a briefing from Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Executive Secretary of NELFUND, on the build-up to the launch of the programme later in the month. The President said it is important for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue university education, noting that skill acquisition is as important as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications. "This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas. This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for t...

Liberian President Boakai suffers heat stroke during inauguration In a turn of events at Liberia’s recent inauguration ceremony, President Joseph Boakai experienced a heat stroke while delivering his inauguration speech. The incident, which occurred on Monday, led to the ceremony’s abrupt conclusion, as the 79-year-old leader was assisted off the podium. President Boakai, who emerged victorious in a runoff election against George Weah in November, took the oath of office during an outdoor ceremony in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. The sweltering heat during the event became a significant challenge, leading to the president’s health concerns. While details of the situation were reported by local media and Reuters, President Boakai’s spokesman, Mohammed Ali, assured the public that the leader had been stabilized. He attributed the incident to the high temperatures, stating, “It is the heat. The heat was high. They should have had some fan or something around there. At his age, the exh...

Rivers police return $3000 extorted by arrested officers Police in Rivers State said that three of its officers who kidnapped and extorted the sum of $3,000 from two men will face an orderly room trial and query, respectively. The Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday, said the action is part of internal disciplinary measures taken against operatives involved in unlawful activities. Iringe-Koko, who is a superintendent of police, also said the money equivalent to N4.2 million have been recovered and handed over to the owners. The policemen, including two Assistant Superintendents of Police and an Inspector, had whisked their unsuspecting victims to three states before dispossessing them of the said amount, equivalent to N4.2 million. According to her, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the public that it has taken decisive action in response to a distressing incident involving t...

You will overcome” Ronke Oshodi assures MC Oluomo amid alleged betrayal from Koko Zaria Nigeria Nollywood Actress Ronke Oshodi Oke has sent encouraging words to NURTW boss, Musiliu Akinsanya better known as MC Oluomo. According to reports, the former Lagos NURTW boss has fallen out with his right-hand man, Koko Zaria following his replacement. Koko has now pitched a tent with the new NURTW boss, Mustafa Sago while MC Oluomo has been transferred to Abuja. Taking to her Instagram page to share photos of him, Ronke sent encouraging words to him, assuring him that he would overcome. “You will overcome”. The movie star, however, locked her comment section to avoid negative comments from netizens. At the time of reporting, the likes of Fausat Balogun, Bose Aregbesola, Semilore Pweety, Yomi Dash Lanso, Adekola Tijani, Kemi Korede, Ibrahim Chatta, and even MC Oluomo himself had liked the post.  

They were up to 40, they broke my leg” Portable recounts his ordeal after being attacked Controversial singer Portable has shared more insights into his attack earlier this morning. Taking to his Instagram page, he shared a video of himself as he detailed exactly what happened and how he landed in the hospital. He expressed that he had been attacked by about 40 people and that they had injured him so badly and even broken his leg. He also revealed the reason for the attack, stating that it was all because of a contract that went wrong. He disclosed that he had initially been booked last year December for an event and by two black Americans and with the new year, things got more expensive. He revealed how he had expressed this particular expenses to them and had even gone ahead to do a video. However, they asked for a refund as they were not satisfied with what he pushed out to them.  

West Ham approached Man City to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan deal  Negotiations ongoing between the two clubs to find an agreement on structure of the deal and also player side. Barcelona have not approached City so far despite reports as loan understood to be still too expensive. Kalvin still plans to leave City and go on loan…  

Canada to reduce admission slots for Nigerian students, others.   The Canadian Government is set to impose a national cap to reduce the intake of international students into the country. According to the country’s immigration minister, Marc Miller, during an interview on Sunday with CTV’s Question Period, the Canadian government will need to have a meeting with provincial governments “to make sure that the provinces that have not been doing their jobs actually rein in those numbers on a pure volume basis.” “That volume is disconcerting,” Miller said, in reference to the number of international students in Canada. “It’s really a system that has gotten out of control.”  

 Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old mother, Oluwabunmi Ajayi, for allegedly throwing her five-month-old baby, Imole Anifowose, into a river at Sagamu.  The woman allegedly dumped the baby in the river in what the police tagged premeditated drowning.  Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident said the mother was arrested following an attempted murder case which occurred on Sunday, January 21, 2024, when a humanitarian saw the suspect dropping her little child into the River “The person who saw her dropping the child into the river raced to the river and rescued the baby from drowning,” the PPRO said.  “The baby was rushed to OOUTH for immediate medical attention, and examination, and was reported to have survived the trauma,” Odutola said. She said the woman had been apprehended and was under observation to ascertain her mental health. “Efforts have been made to contact relatives or the husband to hand o...

Court nullifies Rivers budget, bars Fubara from ‘frustrating legislature’ A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, nullified and set aside the presentation and passage of the Rivers State 2024 Budget by a four-member state assembly. Justice James Omotoso also ordered Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Justice Omotoso also held that the Governor has no power to withhold funds belonging to the Rivers State House of Assembly. The judge restrained Governor Fubara from frustrating the sitting of the House of Assembly under Amaewhule or interfering in its affairs. The judge further declared null and void the Governor’s redeployment of the clerk and deputy clerk. The redeployment of the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk done by the Governor was declared null and void and was set aside. The Inspector General of Police was also ordered to immediately give adequate security to the Speaker and legisla...

‘Daddy, please don’t allow them to kill us’ — father of abducted girls narrates how his daughters pleaded     Mansur Al-Kadriyar, the father of six girls abducted in the Bwari area council of the federal capital territory (FCT), has recounted his ordeal while in captivity. Al-Kadriyar narrated his experience during an interview with Arise TV on Monday. The father of six girls was abducted alongside his daughters when bandits attacked his residence in Zuma 1, Bwari area of Abuja on January 2. During the attack, Abdulfatai Al-Kadriyar, Mansur’s younger brother, who led a team of police officers to the location of the attack was killed during a gun battle with the bandits. Two police officers who engaged the bandits in a shootout were also injured. The bandits later released the father of the girls to look for the ransom to release his daughters. Members of the family took to social media to solicit financial support from Nigerians to raise N60 million. After about two weeks in c...

AFCON: Don’t underrate Guinea Bissau, fans tell Super Eagles Some football enthusiasts have expressed the hope that the Super Eagles will win their last group match against Guinea Bissau in the ongoing Total Energies African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. The fans expressed their optimism ahead of the Monday encounter in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu. They, however, warned the senior national team not to underrate their Guinea Bissau as such could be dangerous. A fan, Johnpaul Okolo, said he was optimistic that the Super Eagles would win by a wide margin, “if they put their act together”. “I am not afraid of Guinea Bissau because I know the Eagles will beat them even with a wide margin. “My advice to the team is that they should go all out from the blast of the whistle and get quick goals and never to underrate their opponent,” Okolo said. Also, Chidinma Ibezim, said she was not disturbed about the match, adding that the Super Eagles just needed a draw ...

Lionel Messi picked up FIFA's The Best prize last week and many were surprised he won it over the Treble-winning Erling Haaland. The Argentine superstar also won the Ballon d'Or after his World Cup triumph but FIFA's prize was awarded over a period that did not include that. Speaking after winning three prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo, hinted that his arch-rival Messi was not a deserving winner. 'I think that, in a way, these awards are losing credibility,' he said. 'We have to analyse the entire season. It's not to say that Messi didn't deserve it, or Haaland or even Mbappe. I simply no longer believe in these awards. And it's not because I won at Globe Soccer. But there are facts, there are numbers. And the numbers don't deceive. They can't take this trophy away from me because it's a reality. So it makes me even happier because the numbers are facts.' Ronaldo added he was unlikely to be in the running for the major award...

FINAL FAREWELL NIGERIA 🇳🇬  A year ago I left my apartment in Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria then proceeded to leave the country after 11 years wasted.  I officially retire from Journalism after 30 yrs on February 9th 2024. This is my last post in NEWS. A short documentary will be launched that day. I will be busy building my wellness brand Kemified Africa and writing my book “A Decade of IJ” depicting my investigations during my 11 yrs in Nigeria and my arrest by David Ibiyeomie. Remember if you want to send me a gift, use only the portals in my featured post ABOVE 👆🏽 or the comments BELOW 👇🏽 Be aware of scammers. I’m not crowdfunding for a media house. I have not authorized such. I’m just moving on with my life. I’m no longer on WhatsApp nor have a phone number. My email is public in my bio. Pls leave a review of my page as it turns 11 years this week January 25th.  Take care everyone. Thank you for the memories ❤️ Farewell. Journalist Kemi Olunloyo 🇳🇬 Sunday January 21st ...

Lt. Baljafla's Journey to Becoming Dubai Police's First Vet Lieutenant Mariam Abdullah Baljafla is the first veterinary officer within Dubai Police. Her expertise lies in the healthcare and rehabilitation of police dogs, essential for their routine duties in event security and other police operations, including narcotics detection, explosives handling, and tracking.  Baljafla's journey with Dubai Police began in 2021 following her graduation from the United Arab Emirates University's veterinary program in 2020. She currently serves in the K9 Inspection Department, a sub-department of the General Department of Organisation Protective Security and Emergency. Reflecting on her experience, she states, "Since the outset of my role in the K9 Clinic's monitoring section, I've been immensely supported by my colleagues, aiding in my professional development and pursuit of my ambitions and interests. Gradually, I've become deeply involved in the dogs' direct ...

 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OKO HOLDS 19TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY By  Charity Okechukwu/Chioma Ezeiru The Federal Polytechnic Oko on January 19, held her 19th Convocation ceremony for award of Higher National Diploma, conferment of fellowship awards and presentation of prizes at the polytechnic convocation arena. The ceremony, which attracted a good number of well meaning Nigerians from all nooks and crannies was presided over  by the first female Rector of the polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo. In her address, the rector noted that the convocation covered the period from 2010/2011 to 2020/2021 graduating sessions.  "It is a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. "Today is a day of triumph not just for the graduands but for the entire community that has played a pivotal role in their academic success, grooming these young men and women in learning as well as in character. "It's no doubt a big task. I re...

 Oduigbo Modern Market Ochanja Under Construction To Be Ready In 4 Months By Obianuju Azukaego/Patricia Osegbue The Transition Chairman, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Mr. Emeka Orji has said that the Oduigbo section of Ochanja Market under construction will be ready for use within four months. Mr. Orji said this in an interview with Information officers shortly after he and his team inspected the market. He said that the on-going  market project was in line with Prof. Chukwuma Soludo's effort to stop unplanned markets in the State. "Gov. Soludo wants to change the narrative of building unplanned markets in the state, so he started with Oduigbo Market, one at a time," he added. The Chairman, who described the market as a-state-of-the-art  project said that the construction was barely two weeks old. According to Him, it was also in line with Gov. Soludo's manifesto to put Anambra State among the first eleven best states in Nigeria. He described the...

Burna Boy will perform at The Grammys for the second time. He has performed at The Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, BRIT Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards. He shared the information on his status as seen above and below.  One more photo below. 

DJ Chicken tenders apology to Wizkid as he loses second TikTok page Controversial TikToker, DJ Chicken bows to pressure as he tenders an apology to the Grammy Award winner, Wizkid after losing his TikTok page twice. It all started when DJ Chicken insensitively stated that Wizkid would soon join his late mother in the afterlife, making it a widely discussed topic online. Referring to Wizkid as a “finished artist,” he rubbished the “Essence” crooner as a lost glory in the music industry and accused him of non-payment. However, DJ Chicken, after facing heavy backlash, particularly from Wizkid FC, issued an apology in a turnaround, urging the singer to forgive him, emphasizing that it’s all love from his side. His apology came after losing his main TikTok page and the new one he opened afterwards which was equally suspended under a few hours. In his words, “Machala, no vex; na love dey there. My fans, you’re ruining my mood, you all will be unfortunate. I am not fighting with Wizkid; can I...

1 Dead, 10 Injured In Kaduna Explosion  Kaduna State government has confirmed an explosion in Giwa Local government of area of the state which led to the death of one person while about ten others injured. In a statement by the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, the State Government has received reports from security agencies of an explosion in the Kidandan area of Giwa Local government. The statement explains that preliminary reports from the traditional institution and security agencies indicate that one of the pupils learning under a local cleric picked up an object from the bush, which later exploded amidst his fellow pupils. It states that Governor Uba Sani received the report with shock and sadness, and also commiserates with the victims and their families. While praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, and a quick recovery for the wounded. He further appealed to parents and community leaders to increase their vigilance o...

FG unveils plan against Zoonotic Disease federal government has cautioned Nigerians against the risk posed by zoonotic disease and to embrace a healthy lifestyle for the sustainable development of the country. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this in Abuja when he met with members of the National One Health Steering Committee in Abuja. According to the Minister, the increasing interest in capturing and consuming bats, particularly people from Benue and neighbouring states, portends a danger to the health of other Nigerians. The Minister said the meeting and joint risk assessment provided leadership for early prevention and resolution of the public health crisis using a One Health approach. Mr. Pate stressed the need for the steering committee to tighten its mandates on the potential spread of zoonotic diseases from fruit bats and other sources and efforts to safeguard Nigerians’ health and welfare. The committee should also off...

Tuggar Advocates UN Security Council Seat For Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar says Nigeria with its population, economic size and strategic role in Africa has earned the right to be part of the United Nations Security Council UNSC. He therefore stressed the need to democratise the United Nations (UN) Security Council to accommodate Nigeria. A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister says he made the call while speaking on a panel with the theme “Securing an Insecure World” in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the just concluded World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting. The panel discussants dwelled on persistent conflicts the intensifying climate crises, the fragile global economies and the potential risks of new technologies that were creating a complex global security environment. Ambassador Tuggar said the values of democracy – such as the rule of law – should be replicated in the world’s highest decision orga...