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 Oyo to rename two tertiary institutions Oyo Government has approved the renaming of two state-owned tertiary institutions. The decision forms part of resolutions at the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday. The institutions include: Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery and the Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki. The government said the legislative requirement to effect the name change has been transmitted to the House of Assembly.  Speaking during a briefing, the Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said while the request for the renaming of the College of Nursing and Midwifery was made by the regulatory body, the need to rename the Saki based Polytechnic was to honour a former Secretary to the State Government,  Chief Micheal Adeniyi Koleoso.  Aikomo said: “Council considers the renaming of the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwery. This was necessitated by the request of the Nursing and Midwery Council that the name of the institution be changed. It wa...

 Hanifa Abubakar: Gov Yusuf vows to carry out death sentence on killer teacher Five months after a school teacher, Abdulmalik Tanko was sentenced to death for the killing of a five-year-old pupil, Hanifa Abubakar, in Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf has vowed to ensure the execution of the convict. The governor said the sentence prescribed by the court must be carried out. Yusuf spoke during an event to commemorate the 2024 International Children’s Day Celebration in Kano. A Kano State High Court had sentenced Tanko and his accomplice, Hashimu Ishyaku, to death by hanging after finding them guilty of Hanifa’s murder. Yusuf said ensuring that the convicted murderers get the “desired justice they deserve would in no small measure serve as a deterrent to those who are planning evil against children”. According to him, the state is on the verge of declaring a ‘state of emergency on education’ to ensure quality education for children in the state. “When we say state of emergency, we mean holis...

 Charly Boy under fire for questioning Wole Soyinka's mental health Criticism has arisen against Charly Boy, the unconventional singer, after advising Nigerians to approach the statements and actions of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka with caution. In a statement on Instagram, Charly Boy expressed concerns about Soyinka’s age, suggesting that at nearly 90 years old, brain loss might be expected. He stated that this could be influencing Soyinka’s recent rhetoric and behaviours. The 73-year-old singer stated worries about how Soyinka’s family and close associates seem unable to shield him from the influence of opportunistic politicians exploiting his health condition for their gain. Charly Boy shared these views on his Instagram page, noting the need for vigilance among well-meaning Nigerians regarding the exploitation of Soyinka’s situation for political purposes. Charly Boy wrote: “Prof. Wole Soyinka is aged over 80yrs, even tending towards 90yrs. For his age, some level of brain deter...

 Actress Aolat escapes death, praises God for divine intervention Actress Aolat Ayonimofe has expressed deep gratitude to God after surviving a near-death experience that severely impacted her business, leading to significant losses. She shared a video of a car that crashed into her shop at the spot where she, her children, and her sales representative usually sat. Ayonimofe revealed that just a day before the incident, she sat at that same spot with her children. She also mentioned how she almost called her sales representative to come in early for a sales event but decided against it, trusting her instincts. She wrote on Instagram: “All I have to say is thank you, Lord. Because this is the same spot my sales representative used to sit. I wanted to call my sales rep to resume early because we are running sales but my instinct was against it so I didn’t call her, 15minutes later a fan called me that a car ran into my store…thereby destroying my store. No life was lost thank God. As...

 Ukraine's Zelenskyy is expected in Normandy for commemorations of 80 years since D-Day, Macron says French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday he will greet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy along with other world leaders in Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day. President Joe Biden is also scheduled to attend this year’s commemorations of the landings that led to the liberation of France and Europe from Nazi Germany’s occupation. Dozens of World War II veterans are expected to return, many perhaps for the last time, to Normandy's beaches. An international ceremony at Omaha Beach will honor the nearly 160,000 troops from Britain, the United States, Canada and other nations that landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944. Macron said during a visit to Meseberg, Germany, on Tuesday that he will elaborate on Paris’ support for Ukraine next week, when Zelenskyy visits for the D-Day events. France will "do whatever is necessary for as long as it is necessa...

 Haiti Names New Prime Minister to Try to Lead Country Out of Crisis Garry Conille is taking on the office just ahead of the arrival of a Kenyan-led international police force charged with helping restore order to the violence-torn nation. Garry Conille was named Haiti's new prime minister Tuesday evening, nearly a month after a coalition within a fractured transitional council had chosen someone else for the position. The long-awaited move comes as gangs continue to terrorize the capital of Port-au-Prince, opening fire in once-peaceful neighborhoods and using heavy machinery to demolish several police stations and prisons. Council member Louis Gérald Gilles told The Associated Press that six out of seven council members with voting power chose Conille earlier Tuesday. He said one member, Laurent St. Cyr, was not in Haiti and therefore did not vote. Conille is UNICEF's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean and previously served as Haiti's prime minister from...

 POPE APOLOGISES OVER GAY SLUR Pope Francis issued an extraordinary apology on Tuesday over his reported use of a gay slur in a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops last week. “The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms and he extends his apologies to those who felt offended by the use of a term, reported by others,” the Vatican said in a statement. During a meeting with more than 250 bishops last week, the 87-year-old pontiff was said to have used an offensive term while expressing his opposition to openly homosexual men joining training colleges for priests, even if they committed to celibacy. INITIAL REPORT: #ZBSNews Pope Francis is reported to have used extremely derogatory language in an incident that could have a profound impact on the way his attitude towards gay people is perceived. When asked at the Italian Bishops’ Conference if gay men should now be allowed to train for the priesthood as long as they remained celibate, Pope Francis said ...

 Wale Edun: Economic instability, FX paucity forced 800 companies to shut down   Wale Edun, minister of finance, says economic instability forced 800 companies to shut down operations. Edun made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the sectoral report of President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office. The minister said the departure of these companies was not sudden. He said issues such as market instability, unfulfilled promises, and contract breaches drove them away, but these issues have now been resolved. “Government did inherit an unstable economy,” Edun said. “The 800 companies or so did not make up their minds overnight. They stayed until they could stay no more. “The conditions which sent them packing are no more. Those conditions were a foreign exchange market that was in no way fit for purpose. “There was no liquidity. They were a general economic regime marked by instability, broken promises, lack of adherence to contracts.” Edun said the new environment for investors ...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP APPOINTS AIG YETUNDE LONGE AS FORSEC, AIG IDOWU OWOHUNWA AS INTERPOL HEAD The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, has approved the posting of two senior police officers to strategic positions within the Nigeria Police Force as part of ongoing efforts to bolster the efficiency of the Force and multinational approach to tackling crimes. AIG Yetunde Longe has been appointed as the Force Secretary. In this capacity, AIG Longe will be responsible for overseeing the secretarial functions of the Force Headquarters, ensuring that policies and directives of the IGP are implemented effectively, as well as coordinate the affairs of senior police officers. Similarly, AIG Idowu Owohunwa has been assigned to the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja. He is tasked with enhancing international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria fulfills its obligations within the global INT...

 PRESS STATEMENT ONE YEAR OF TINUBU ADMINISTRATION: EX-PRESIDENT BUHARI CONVEYS GOOD WISHES TO PRESIDENT TINUBU Former President Muhammadu Buhari extends his best wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the completion of his first year in office. The former president appealed to all citizens to continue to strengthen the thread of national unity and goodwill. He also appealed to them to give their blessings and support to the Tinubu administration, so that it can succeed in its efforts to build the Nigeria of our dreams. President Buhari expressed his wishes for a successful tenure in office by the Tinubu administration. Signed: Garba Shehu 28 May 2024

 Sextortion: FBI’s Witness Revealed How Defendant Demanded $200 From Late Victim Ayotunde Solademi, a Foreign Service National Investigator with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI and  second prosecution witness, PW2, in the ongoing trial of Muideen Olamilekan Teslim,  on Monday, May 27, 2024, told Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos,  how the defendant threatened to release the unclad pictures of his late victim, if he did not pay him the sum of $200( Two Hundred Dollars only). Teslim is standing trial on a six-count charge bordering on possession of child pornography and sextortion brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. One of the counts reads: “That you, Muideen Teslim Olamilekan (a.k.a joyamanda), on or about the 18th of April, 2022 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, intentionally had in your possession child pornography of a minor in your account joyamandan645...

 Lack of fund stalling ambassadors’ appointments – Minister The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has attributed the delay in appointing ambassadors to financial and economic challenges being faced by the current administration. Tuggar disclosed this during the ministerial sectoral briefing on Tuesday in Abuja. Nigeria has 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions and 11 consulates globally. “The whole idea was to stop subsidising consumption and focus on subsidising production. “However, the government has faced various other challenges. When the microeconomic reforms began showing benefits, platforms like Binance and the rise of cryptocurrencies began undermining those gains,” Tuggar stated. According to the minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not been receiving the necessary funding to operate effectively. He noted that it was pointless to appoint ambassadors without the financial resources to support their travel and the effective running of missions ab...

 SGF decorates newly appointed FRSC boss The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, officially decorated Shehu Mohammed as the new Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps on Tuesday. The FRSC disclosed this in a post and pictures shared on X.com on Tuesday, stating that Akume represented President Bola Tinubu. The caption read, “The newly appointed Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, was decorated today by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. #SGFAkume CON, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu.” Recall last Wednesday that Tinubu appointed Shehu as the new Corps Marshal of the FRSC to replace Dauda Biu, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022. Mohammed’s appointment was reported to be for an initial period of four years, as it took effect on May 20.

It’s part of our tradition, Ghanaians explain why lady interrupted couple’s dance A video clip of a wedding in Northern Ghana has gone viral on social media showing a lady interrupting the groom's dance.  However, in a surprising twist, Ghanaians from the region have clarified that it is actually a traditional practice in their culture. The video, which went viral on Monday, May 27, showed a lady taking over the dance floor, keeping the groom to herself despite efforts to allow him to dance with his bride.  The bride, appearing calm, danced and smiled alone, as the lady had "taken possession" of the groom. According to the groom, #Salmaanfaris1, this was not a scene of marital discord but a playful tradition known as "Da'chahili".  He wrote: "It’s our culture … she’s my wife from my family.. before I marry another woman, I need to pay her." Another X User, #KDagbon, said: "No. The groom is our son, Salmaan. This is neither Islamic nor attribut...

 Senator Jimoh Ibrahim withdraws suit against APC, Aiyedatiwa Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) on Tuesday said he has withdrawn his suit against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Senator Ibrahim approached the Federal High Court Abuja where he challenged the gubernatorial primary election of the APC held recently in Ondo state. Ibrahim claimed that there was no voting  in his Senatorial district and a larger part of the State. Following the suit, the executives of the APC in Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State, suspended Ibrahim from the party over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination. However, Ibrahim at a briefing at the Senate on Tuesday, said he withdrew the suit in deference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who waded in the issue. Ibrahim in his statement in Abuja titled: “Presidential intervention and notice of withdrawal suit No. “The President called me, had a meeting with me, and assured me that...

 Royal family suspends rebellious Duke for betrayal The rift between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, over the return of stolen artefacts and balkanisation of Benin Kingdom deepened yesterday, with the Benin Royal Family suspending one of the  rebellious Enigie (Dukes), Prof. Gregeory Akenzua. Akenzua  and one other were earlier suspended by Benin Traditional Council (BTC). Prof. Akenzua, an ex-Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), is a younger brother to Oba Erediauwa, father of the reigning Oba of Benin. Members of the Benin royal family, consisting of the descendants of Oba Ovonramwen, Oba Eweka, Oba Akenzua II, Oba Erediauwa and others, while addressing a news conference yesterday in Benin, reiterated that Prof. Akenzua, against all entreaties, chose to challenge the Benin traditional institution in court, contrary to Benin customs and tradition, as well as the core values of the Benin royal family. The leader, ...

 Lagos CBD arrests, prosecutes 882 drivers The Lagos Central Business District (CBD), has arrested and prosecuted a total of 833 vehicle drivers and 49 tricycles drivers in one year for flouting traffic rules. This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on Central Business Districts, Bola Lawal on Monday at a ministerial press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre Alausa, Ikeja. “A total of 833 vehicle drivers and 49 tricycle drivers were arrested and prosecuted accordingly for various traffic offences ranging from illegal parking, illegal U-turn, obstruction, one-way and obstruction of traffic” she said. Lawal revealed that two CBD operatives were disciplined for extortion from motorists by outright dismissal. She sympathized with victims of the fire outbreak at a section of the Idumota market area and assured that the government is at work and not sleeping on the incident. “Again, I want to express my deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. The...

 I’m sorry for accusing you of sleeping with Junior Pope’s wife, blogger begs E-Money An upcoming blogger, Stanley Okoruwa, has apologised to businessman and singer, E-Money for accusing him with having an affair with the wife of late actor, Junior Pope, Jennifer Awele. Days ago, E-Money initiated a search for two women and a man who claimed he had an affair with the wife of the later actor. Consequently, the blogger was arrested by the operatives of the Lagos State Police Command after a petition by E-Money. After his arrest, Stanley made another U-turn by retracting his statements and expressing regret for his actions, admitting the allegations were merely an attempt to gain followers on his Facebook page. He said: “I did a video about E-Money. I said a lot of things that are not true in that video, that is why the police arrested me. “I said something regarding a video I saw online about a woman – saying that Sir E-Money is responsible for the things that happened to Nollywood a...

 I’m not aware of Asake, Seyi Vibez ‘rivalry’, says Ayra Starr Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr has stated she is oblivious of the ‘rivalry’ between colleagues, Asake and Seyi Vibez. Over time, fans of Asake and Seyi Vibez have always argued on who is better between the duo, though they haven’t had any public spat. In a recent interview with The Beat FM Lagos, Ayra Starr was asked whether her decision to work with both men on her sophomore album, ‘The Year I Turned 21,’ was intentional because of their rivalry.  According to her, she decided to work with them because she loves their sonic prowess. She said: “I didn’t put Asake and Seyi Vibez on my album because of their rivalry. I didn’t know about the rivalry between Asake and Seyi Vibez. I just love both of them as artists. “I’m really big on sonics; what would sound good sonically. My team is always thinking of the business side but I’m just thinking of who would be sonically compatible with me. And I’ve been listening to...

 I was prevented from performing at shows because of outfits – Tiwa Savage Award-winning singer Tiwa Savage has recalled how she used to be stopped from performing at concerts when she returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom because of her ‘revealing’ outfits. She disclosed some of her earlier music videos were not aired because they were considered indecent. The ‘Stamina’ crooner disclosed this in a recent interview with BET. Savage said: “When I first moved back, I would turn up at a show and they would say I can’t perform because my outfit was too risqué. “It was a cultural issue. Even some of my first music videos were not played on the television because they were considered indecent. I wasn’t even wearing bikinis.  “Despite the setbacks, I was still stubborn. My dresses were getting more revealing. It was just getting worse. They were bashing me online. “It was funny because the females were secretly falling in love with me and my style. They couldn’t deny it. My fan...

 Do2dtun thanks Davido for helping locate children custody Media personality Do2dtun has expressed gratitude to superstar singer Davido for helping him locate his children, Fife and Fiore. The on-air personality has been in a prolonged custody battle with his ex-wife, Omotayo, without much progress. In honour of Children’s Day, Do2dtun shared a collage of photos of him and his daughters over the years on his Instagram page. Describing them as the “goofiest bunch,” he mentioned that he has a treasure trove of memories with his girls that will last him a lifetime. He made them know that he is doing good and will continue to pray for them while also expressing hope that his kids are fine wherever they are, as he stated that till he meets them again. “They are the goofiest bunch…. I have a truckload of memories with you guys that will last me a century. Till we meet. Daddy is doing good, I’ll continue to pray for you and I hope you are fine wherever you might be. Happy Children’s Day t...

 Senate pardons, recalls suspended Senator Abdul Ningi The Senate has pardoned and recalled Bauchi Central Senator, Abdul Ahmed Ningi. Ningi was suspended for three months on March 12, 2024, fr accusing the Senate of budget padding. The recall process was initiated after a motion moved by Deputy Minority Leader Sen. Abba Moro, who expressed regret on behalf of the suspended senator. Sen. Abba Moro pledged to assume full responsibility for Sen. Ningi’s actions, acknowledging the gravity of the suspension. The senator’s conduct during the period of suspension has been a matter of scrutiny and debate within the legislative body. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, emphasised the senator’s resourcefulness and described him as a valued member of the Senate, adding that the decision to recall Sen. Ningi transcends religious and ethnic divides.

 Labour rejects Nigerian Govt’s fresh N60,000 minimum wage offer The Organised Labour has rejected a fresh minimum wage proposal by the Nigerian Government. Channels Television reports that the Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, rejected the offer of the Federal Government to pay N60,000 as new minimum wage,. It was also gathered that labour had shifted grounds from its N497,000 proposal to N494,000. Channels Television said a prominent member of the Tripartite Committee for the negotiation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers revealed that the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector side of the talks proposed a N60,000 monthly minimum wage as against the N57,000 they tabled last week when the committee resumed negotiations. DAILY POST recalls that the government had initially proposed N48,000 and N54,000, which were also rejected by Organised Labour. However, Labour had also presented N615,000 as the ...

 Court restrains Police, SSS, Military from evicting Emir Sanusi Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of Kano High Court sitting on Miller Road has restrained the police, the State Security Service (SSS) and Nigerian military from evicting the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The case was filed by the emir alongside the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta. Granting the order, Justice Aliyu also retrained the security agencies from arresting or harassing the emir and his kingmakers. The judge held “that an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the Respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, representative, and assigns from further harassing, intimidating.inviting, arresting and or invading the personal or official residence of the Applicants (Gidan Rumfa), his servants and or any of the Kano Emirate kingmakers of doing such acts that...

 The Senate has passed the National Anthem Bill 2024 to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”. The decision of the senate was sequel to a bill by chair of the committee on judiciary, Tahir Monguno, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The Borneo lawmaker disagreed with Nigeria’s attorney-general, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for more consideration before the national anthem  is changed. Monguno described the bill as important and timely considering how divided the country has become in recent times. About a week ago, the House of Representatives passed a similar bill. Most lawmakers in both chambers of the national assembly spoke in favour of the bill when they debated on its general principles. While debating the bill last week, Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, said an anthem is supposed to be motivational, adding that the current one is anything but emotive. “The old one we are seeking to bring back is one that evokes emotions,” Umeh said. “A national an...

 Umahi walks out on journalists in Abuja The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Tuesday, walked out on journalists covering the activities of the works ministry in Abuja. The minister abruptly exited the ministry’s conference room where the correspondents were gathered, asserting that the press was nonexistent. The invited journalists, who had been waiting for over 50 minutes, were taken aback by the minister’s sudden departure The invited reporters received the press invite two hours before the event. Umahi arrived at 2:50 pm and after reciting the national anthem and pledge, quickly ended the meeting, saying, “There is no press here. The press conference is not held again. When the press is ready. “The permanent secretary and other directors should follow me to my office. The press is not existent.” Invited reporters present at the event included those from The Nation, The Guardian, Vanguard, Blueprint, Arise TV, Channels TV and NTA, among others. Umahi, accompanied by other dire...

 Embattled boxer offers to replace Mike Tyson in bout against Jake Paul following medical scare Boxing great Mike Tyson suffered a health scare on a flight over the weekend, raising concerns about the status of this summer’s heavily anticipated match up against the sport’s newest sensation, Jake Paul.  The news prompted embattled boxer Ryan Garcia to offer himself as a potential replacement, despite recent calls for him to quit the sport after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in his fight against Devin Haney.  News broke on Monday that Tyson was recovering after the 58-year-old suffered nausea and dizziness on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles just a day before.  According to a statement from his reps, the incident was "due to an ulcer flare up 30 minutes before landing."  "Thankfully Mr. Tyson is doing great," the statement, via The Associated Press, read. "He is appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him." In additio...

 Top South African rabbi critical of govt's 'support' of Hamas, says US needs to stop 'bad actors' on continent Iran, Russia and China are sweeping across Africa, with the U.S. facing a crisis of influence. In South Africa, the government has aligned itself with the "bad actors" Russia, China and Iran. These are the main takeaways from an exclusive interview with South Africa’s chief rabbi, Dr. Warren Goldstein.  Goldstein spoke with Fox News Digital in Johannesburg on Monday, on the eve of what promises to be a watershed presidential election in South Africa this week. Thirty years ago, the African National Congress (ANC) Party swept into power, carrying Nelson Mandela to become the country’s first democratic president. There have been remarkable achievements, but corruption, nepotism, failed government promises and catastrophic fraud-linked power blackouts have left democracy critically strained and many voters disillusioned. In Wednesday’s polls, for th...

 Biden missing upcoming Ukraine talks would be 'applauded' by Putin, Zelenskyy says Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that if U.S. President Joe Biden missed a peace summit organized by Kyiv in Switzerland next month, Russian President Vladimir Putin would applaud his absence. Ukraine hopes to host as many countries as possible in an attempt to unite opinions on how to halt the war and pile pressure on Russia, which has seized almost a fifth of Ukraine's territory. Washington has signaled support but has not said whether Biden will attend. "I know that the U.S. supports the summit, but we don't know at what level," the Ukrainian president said in Brussels on Tuesday at a joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. "(The) peace summit needs President Biden and so do the other leaders who look at the reaction of the United States. Putin will only applaud his absence, personally applaud it - and standing, at that....

 Polish man cleared of espionage charges, released from Congolese prison following diplomatic efforts Congolese authorities have released a Polish man who was sentenced to life in prison on espionage charges, Poland's top diplomat said Tuesday. Mariusz Majewski is back in Europe, Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said on X. Sikorski posted a brief video of himself apparently talking to Majewski over the phone to welcome him back. He didn't say where exactly Majewski was. The 52-year-old Majewski was detained in Congo in February and later faced a military court in the Central African nation, accused of spying. Last week, he received a life sentence in prison. No details were released as to where he was held. The allegations against him said that he had "approached the front line with Mobondo militiamen," moved along the front line without authorization and "took photos of sensitive and strategic places and secretly observed military activities." The Mobondo is...

 Georgia Snapchat stalker gets life in prison for attack that almost killed 15-year-old girl A Georgia man convicted of stalking a 15-year-old girl on Snapchat before brutally attacking her in her family's home has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty, court records show. Zachary Iona, 22, met the victim on the smartphone app in 2022 and groomed her until she invited him over. He arrived with duct tape, rope and a knife, then gagged her and sexually assaulted her before stabbing her 86 times all over her body, including her face, according to local reports. Iona left the severely injured girl for dead. However, she had the strength to call 911. She survived the horror and spoke at Iona's sentencing, telling the court she considers it a blessing to be alive, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The app Iona used to find his victim is also how police tracked him down, according to authorities. They found a picture of him on her phone. Then they found evidence in his car,...

 Poland signs $735M deal with US for supply of missiles, defense minister says Poland has signed a $735 million contract with the U.S. for the supply of JASSM-ER missiles, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Tuesday. The country is spending heavily to bolster its armed forces since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Warsaw is spending around 4% of its gross domestic product on defense this year and last week announced an agreement with the U.S. This is for the delivery of a $960 million airspace reconnaissance system to monitor the northeastern borders. "Today we have signed a contract worth $735 million, another multi-million dollar contract, for the purchase of air-to-surface missiles," Kosiniak-Kamysz told a news conference on Tuesday. The missiles have a range of around 621 miles, according to the defense ministry.

 FG Explains Rationale For Single-Digit Interest-Rate Financing for Media Houses  Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said President Tinubu’s desire to support the media to thrive informed his decision to extend a single-digit interest-rate financing to media organizations in the country. Idris stated this in Abuja on Monday at the ongoing Ministerial Sectoral Update to mark the first year of the Tinubu Administration. “We are also creating an enabling environment for all players and stakeholders in the media and information ecosystem to thrive. One highlight here is the recent directive by Mr. President to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, through the Bank of Industry (BOI), to extend its single-digit interest-rate financing to media organizations in the country. “It is now incumbent upon media practitioners to develop bankable proposals to access this financing facility being offered by the Federal Government, and I hop...