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 _Press Release_ NEW REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR MINING TO RECOMMENCE IN ANAMBRA STATE To enable Mining activities to recommence at different sites in Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, Governor of Anambra State has approved new registration and certification procedures before prospective Miners can resume operations.  The procedures are as follows: 1. Registration and documentation will be done at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. 2. Verification of documents will be done by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company and Ministry of Environment. 3. Screening will be done by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Justice.   4. Confirmation will be done by Anambra State Mining Reforms Committee. 5. Approval will be given by the *Governor of Anambra State*   6. Clearance to operate will th

 Alleged killings: God’s vengeance can visit for generations – Pat Utomi warns police Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi has warned the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force to stop reducing everything to racketeering. Utomi reminded them that God’s vengeance can visit generations, urging them to fear for the future of their children. The statement comes amid allegations of killings of protesters by police during the nationwide protests across the country. Police have denied the allegations. However, in a post on his X handle on Sunday, the political economist said he prayed for the police to realise that the blood of innocent people slaughtered in cold blood and disposed of can cry to heaven for vengeance. Utomi posted: “I have spoken now to one person who was arrested and has been released. I want to plead with the police to stop reducing everything to racketeering and to pray that they realize that the blood of innocents slaughtered in cold blood and disposed of can

 Soyinka Criticises Tinubu's Address For Ignoring State’s Brutal Crackdown On #EndBadGovernance Protesters  Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has said that President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address on Sunday failed to address the attacks on #EndBadGovernance protesters by security agencies. Soyinka made the observation in a statement on Sunday following Tinubu’s address to the nation. The #EndBadGovernance protests continued on Sunday, marking their fourth day, as demonstrators voiced their frustrations over the country's deepening economic hardship, escalating poverty, and ineffective governance.

 Tinubu’s Son, Seyi, Reveals How President’s Speech Was Leaked Hours Before Broadcast Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed outrage over the leak of his father’s speech online hours before it was delivered to the nation. The speech, which addressed the ongoing protests against the government’s leadership, was meant to be a live broadcast, but copies of it were released online beforehand. Seyi Tinubu took to social media to vent his frustration, revealing that providing the media with an embargoed copy of a president’s address before the live broadcast is standard practice globally. However, he accused a member of the media of violating journalistic ethics and professionalism by leaking the speech before it was delivered. “It is standard global practice anywhere in the world to provide an embargoed copy of a President’s address to the media prior to him going live,” Seyi Tinubu said on his Instagram story. “Someone in the media (outside the villa) broke the code

 Protest: Hoodlums invade Katsina Churches, Cart Away equipment  No fewer than 205 chairs, musical instruments and other equipment worth millions of naira were reported stolen by hoodlums in Katsina State on the first day of the ongoing nationwide planned peaceful protest against hardship. Hoodlums invaded a Living Faith Church in the Daura Local Government Area of the state, looting 205 chairs, musical instruments, and other valuable items worth millions of naira. The Pastor in charge of the church, David Sarki, told our correspondent in Katsina on Sunday that the church service could not be held due to the incident. He said, “Because the hoodlums took everything inside the church on the first day of the protest, they decided to worship at their various home cells.

 𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝟏𝟒𝟎 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 The celebrations opened with the awarding of medals yesterday (02/08/24) and ended today with a beehive of activities and entertainment. The event was graced by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.  The President bestowed medals on deserving police officers of different ranks. The medals included Botswana Police Long Service and Good Conduct which is awarded at 18 years of service; Botswana Police Service Jubilee given at 25years and Botswana Police Distinguished Service Order for 30 years. His Excellency also inspected the Guard of Honour and Ceremonial Parades on the two days respectively mounted by BPS in his honour. He was amongst the multitudes who celebrated this magnificent event first hand. The event was broadcast live on Botswana Television, various government Facebook pages including BWgovernment and BPS.  On t

 ‘Stockpile food ahead of prolonged protests’ - Sowore calls for ‘nationwide shutdown’ in reaction to Tinubu’s speech Journalist and Convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has called for a total shutdown in Nigeria following President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday morning address amidst  the#EndBadGovernance protests. Speaking on Sunday, on News Central TV, Sowore berated the speech delivered by President Bola Tinubu saying the President did not address any of the demands of the protesters and as a result, the public demonstrations would continue. “They (referring to the government) have nothing to offer you. Sometimes we ask for too much when we know that they have nothing or little to give. What you saw happened in the speech which I did not bother to listen to, there is nothing in it. “There is no desire on their part to connect with the issues. We have 15 demands, but none of them was addressed. Tinubu merely reaffirmed his position that no matter what you do, he is not going

  Venezuela Opposition Leader Emerges Despite Arrest Threat Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has emerged despite threats of arrest .  Here are some key points about the situation: Defying Government Calls: Machado addressed a mass rally in Caracas, defying government calls for her arrest . Accusations of Election Fraud: Machado has accused President Nicolás Maduro of defrauding the opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, of a clear victory in the presidential election . Government Crackdown: The government has responded with force, with at least 11 people killed in clashes with police and over 2,000 prisoners detained since the election.  International Pressure: The government is facing increasing international pressure, with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that there is "overwhelming evidence" that Gonzalez won the election .  Opposition Leader's Courage: Machado's emergence despite threats of arrest is seen as a courageous move, wit

 *Canada Covid Protestors Cleared of Plotting to Kill Police* Not Guilty Verdict*: Two Canadian men, Anthony Olienick and Chris Carbert, were found not guilty of conspiring to murder police during protests over Covid-19 measures . Charges and Convictions: Although they were cleared of the murder plot charges, they were convicted of other charges, including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose ¹. Mr. Olienick was also convicted of possessing a pipe bomb .  Coutts Blockade*: The charges were related to the blockade in the village of Coutts, which was part of the "Freedom Convoy" protests that broke out in Canada in early 2022 .  Freedom Convoy Protests*: The protests were a series of demonstrations inspired by the Freedom Convoy truck protest in Ottawa over Covid-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates . 

 Far-right rioters attack hotel housing asylum seekers in UK Days of unrest continue in the United Kingdom as its prime minister warns that rioters will be ‘brought to justice’.  Far-right demonstrators have vandalised a hotel housing asylum seekers in the northern England town of Rotherham, as the United Kingdom grapples with its worst riots in 13 years.. On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered by a Holiday Inn Express hotel used to house asylum seekers near Rotherham, before throwing bricks at police and breaking several hotel windows, and then setting bins on fire..

 Two young girls and their mother are all found deceased in Maine after a suspected M/S.  Officers in Mechanic Falls, Maine, were called to a home in response to the report of a stolen U-Haul. Once on the scene, officers were shocked to find a scene of the unimaginable. 11-year-old Harmony West and 7-year-old Hope West were both deceased. It appears they passed away as a result of multiple puncture wounds inflicted by their own mom.  Their mother, 37-year-old Jennifer Barney was also found deceased.  Police have ruled her death as self inflicted. There were several pets that witnessed the heartbreaking incident that were rescued from the home and taken to a local shelter. Neighbors reported "having not seen the girls playing outside in a couple weeks". The motive is unknown but we will update.  Our thoughts are with the family, friends and the community as they deal with these unimaginable losses. Photographed above, Hope and Harmony few weeks ago

 5-year-old loses their life when bounce house goes airborne at a Friday night baseball game. Fans at the Regency Furniture Stadium in Maryland were enjoying a game between the Blue Crabs and the York Revolution when a wind gust changed everything. Around 9:21 p.m. a wind gust picked up a bounce house that had been set up for children and carried it out into the field. According to eyewitness reports, the bounce house was lifted approximately 20 feet in the air and dumped children out of its opening as it was blown into the field.  Everyone from EMS to trainers and players rushed to help the children in distress. Sadly, a 5-year-old boy had suffered the worst injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased. A second child was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The Southern Maryland Bluecrabs have cancelled their weekend games and are offering free counseling as well as sending their condolences to the victim's family. We also would like to exte

 How we shared N570bn to state Governors – FG The Federal government says that ₦573 billion shared among state governments was shared among the 36 state governors and the FCT Ministry, contrary to reports that ₦570 billion was shared to each state, under the World Bank-supported NG-Cares programme. The explanation was offered by the Federal government through a statement made available by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. The Minister clarified that the state Chief Executives did not get ₦570 billion each from the federal government, adding that the federal government shared ₦573 billion between the 36 state governors and the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory from the end of 2023 to July 2024. According to to him, the money was a reimbursement under the World Bank-supported NG-Cares programme. The Minister’s caution against fake followed a report by an online medium that each state received N570 billion each from the federal government. The sta

 Ukraine orders evacuations from Donetsk towns as Russia claims advance Evacuation comes as President Zelenskyy says F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine.  Ukraine has announced the mandatory evacuation of children and their guardians from areas in the eastern region of Donetsk, where Russia has been claiming advances.. Hours earlier on Sunday, Russia said its forces had seized a nearby village after claiming a string of villages had fallen to its forces in recent weeks – many consisting of a few streets. “The enemy is bombing the towns and villages of these communities every day, so it was decided to evacuate children with their parents or other legal representatives,” Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin said.. Filashkin cited the town of Novogrodovka, about 20km (12 miles) from the village of Novoselivka Persha, which Russia’s Ministry of Defence said it captured on Sunday.. The Russian news agency TASS quoted the ministry as saying Russian units defeated four Ukrainian brigades and “th

 "Donald Trump hand-picked three members of the Supreme Court who would overturn the protections of Roe v. Wade. As he intended, they did—and now he wants to pass a nationwide abortion ban.  I will not let that happen".

 LG Autonomy: Oyo Council Chairmen break from ALGON, back Governor Makinde In a significant and controversial shift, the 33 local government chairmen in Oyo State have announced their decision to sever ties with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). Instead, they have opted to form a new association that supports Governor Seyi Makinde’s position against local government autonomy. This development has stirred a vigorous debate among citizens, raising questions about the implications for the state’s governance and financial transparency. The decision to break away from ALGON is a bold and unprecedented move by the Oyo State local government chairmen. Historically, ALGON has served as the collective voice for local governments across Nigeria, advocating for their autonomy and ensuring that their interests are represented at the national level. By forming a new association aligned with Governor Makinde’s stance, the chairmen are charting a new course that directly challe

 Only candidates 16-years at time of admission will be considered eligible – JAMB insists The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has raised alarm over an upsurge in the number of doctored and upwardly adjusted age declarations on NIN slips being submitted by candidates. The exam body expressed worry that the trend of underage candidates falsifying their age to gain admission into the university has become dangerous, inimical and unnecessary. JAMB has now insisted that only candidates who will be at least sixteen years old at the time of admission will be considered eligible for admittance into the university. A statement by the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, said the directive came from the Chairman of the 2024 tertiary admission policy meeting and Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman. He said the extant 6-3-3-4 on education will be enforced only from the 2025 academic session. The statement partly read, ”This position is informed by the discovery of widespread

 Protest: Tinubu’s speech hollow, fails to address hardship among Nigerians – Atiku Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast to the nation on Sunday morning a hollow speech devoid of solutions to the hardship facing Nigerians. Atiku who spoke through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in a statement in Abuja, said the broadcast intended to quell the fervour of public protests against his administration’s poor governance, utterly missed the mark. He said, “His (Tinubu’s) speech neglects the pressing economic hardships that have besieged Nigerian families since the very beginning of his tenure. “This address lacks credibility and fails to offer any immediate, tangible solutions to the Nigerian people. “Given the extensive publicity surrounding the protests and the threats issued by government officials against demonstrators, one would have expected President Tinubu to present groundbrea

 Sudanese Military Leader, al-Burhan Offered To Resign, Says Armed Forces Assistant Commander-in-Chief In a surprise move, Sudan's military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has offered to hand over power to his deputy commander, according to Yasir Al-Atta in statement on state television Saturday.  Al-Atta is the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan Armed Forces and a member of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council since August 21, 2019.   This gesture underscores the military's reluctance to retain power after the conflict ends.  Al-Atta disclosed that Burhan had expressed his willingness to step down several days ago, but Al-Atta advised him to wait until the war's conclusion, according to Sudan Tribune.  This announcement comes amidst criticism of Burhan's leadership during the ongoing clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). “Three or four days ago, I was talking to al-Burhan, and he said to me: ‘I’ve reached my limit. Agree with (Shams al-Din) Kabb

THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING Association has pledged to award prize money to Italy's Angela Carini, whose 46-second Olympics defeat to an Algerian boxer at the centre of a gender eligibility row has left the sport on the ropes. Carini stopped her fight against Algeria's Imane Khelif after receiving two strong punches to the face, refused to shake hands with her opponent and then collapsed to the canvas sobbing. But the bout sparked controversy as Khelif had been disqualified by the IBA during last year's world championship after failing unspecified gender eligibility tests. There is no suggestion that Khelif, who has fought on the women's circuit for years, including in the Tokyo Olympics, identifies as anything other than a woman.

 Popular Yoruba Video Blogger, Afobaje Is Dëäd The tragic death of prominent Yoruba vlogger and entrepreneur Afobaje on Saturday, August 3, 2024, has shocked his large fan. Afobaje allegedly collapsed while playing football at Ikeja Cement in Lagos, leaving a legacy of cultural conservation and entertainment. Many people connected with his unique storytelling style, which highlighted Yoruba culture in everyday life.

Death toll in new Bangladesh anti-government protests rises to 24.  Thousands of Bangladeshi protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign clashed with pro-government supporters Sunday, with at least 24 people killed in confrontations using sticks, knives and guns.. Protesters danced on the roof of an armoured car and, unlike the past month of rallies that repeatedly ended in deadly crackdowns, soldiers and police in several cases did not intervene.. A respected former army chief, Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan, also demanded the government withdraw troops and allow protests in a hugely symbolic rebuke of Hasina.. Demonstrators in Dhaka, surrounded by a tightly packed and cheering crowd, waved a Bangladeshi flag on top of an armoured car as soldiers watched, according to videos on social media verified by AFP..

 PRESS RELEASE 04:08:2024 Arrest of Prime Suspect Linked to Armed Robbery, Criminal Conspiracy, and Trespass in Giade LGA The Giade Divisional Police Headquarters detectives have apprehended a 20-year-old, Usama Mohammed, from Jalo Village in Giade LGA, Bauchi State, on charges of criminal conspiracy, trespass, and armed robbery. The arrest came after a distress call from a victim on August 2, 2024, reported a home invasion by four armed robbers carrying knives and cutlasses around 9:40 PM. The robbers stole an Itel A70 mobile phone value ₦75,000 and a Huawei phone value ₦30,000. Upon receiving the call, a team of detectives led by DPO Giade rushed to the scene, Arrest Usama Mohammed while the other members of his gang remain at large. Intensive efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining suspects and bring them to justice. In line with the constitutional duties to safeguard lives and property, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, psc, Anipr, the Commissioner of Police, has ordered the transfer of

 Ukraine foreign minister heads to Africa to win support in war against Russia Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will visit three African countries this week in an effort to drum up support for Kyiv's position in its war with Russia, his ministry said on Sunday, Reuters reported. Kuleba, on his fourth diplomatic tour to Africa in the last two years, will visit Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius on Aug. 4-8, the ministry said in a statement. "All meetings will focus on the development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and interests. Among the key topics will be the participation of African states in global efforts to restore a just peace for Ukraine and the world," it said. A number of African countries took part in a conference on Ukraine hosted by Switzerland in June but they have mostly been reluctant to join Western efforts to isolate Russia, an important supplier of energy and commodities. The ministry said Kuleba would also discuss during his tour the s

 “I woke up to a beautiful message my husband wrote on his page for me “--Ekene Umenwa  husband wrote 👇🏾 To that one and only woman I love so much @ekene_umenwa Every day with you feels like a beautiful dream. Your love and grace light up my world in ways I never imagined. Your kindness and strength not only make you remarkable but also make me fall deeper in love with you every single day. You are my heart's greatest treasure, and I am endlessly grateful to share this life with you. You are truly a virtuous wife, strong and very coordinated, just know it that I will love you forever... don't worry I will tell our kids about your endless sacrifices. One more photo below.

 In a statement on Telegram, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said the Kilo-class submarine Rostov-on-Don was hit in the port of Sevastopol. "The boat sank on the spot," the General Staff said. "The destruction of the Rostov-on-Don proves once again that there is no safe place for the Russian fleet in the Ukrainian territorial waters of the Black Sea," it added. Business Insider was unable to independently verify the claim. The Russian Defense Ministry has not yet commented. The Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, posted on Telegram on Sunday morning but did not reference Ukraine's announcement. "Everything is quiet in the city," he wrote, while also warning of an upcoming training exercise. Ukraine's military said the B-237 Rostov-on-Don "is one of four Kilo-class submarines capable of using 'Kalibr' missiles." It is not the first time that sub, which Ukraine says cost Russia $300 million

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES D'TIGRESS ON HISTORIC FEAT AT 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS  President Bola Tinubu warmly congratulates Nigeria's D’Tigress on qualifying for the quarter-final of the women’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics.  D’Tigress will be the first African team in basketball to play in the quarter-finals at the Olympics. The President commends the team for their uncommon demonstration of resilience, teamwork, and diligence. President Tinubu also commends the coach and managers of the team for their dutifulness and dedication. The President enjoins the brave Tigress not to rest on their oars until the final victory is won. President Tinubu assures the team and the entire Nigerian contingent at the 2024 Olympics of his support as they fly the nation’s flag at the global sports event. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) August 4, 2024

 IBA gender tests on two Olympic boxers flawed and illegitimate, says IOC The International Olympic Committee stands with the two Olympic boxers in gender test debate, cites flawed IBA testing.. The gender tests conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA) on two female fighters at last year’s world championships that led to their disqualification were illegitimate and lacked credibility, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said.. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s double world champion Lin Yu-ting were cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics despite having been disqualified during the 2023 World Championships after the IBA said they had failed a gender eligibility test..

  Olympics Basketball: Nigeria’s D’Tigress beat Canada 79-70, qualify for historic quarter-final Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress have qualified for a first-ever Olympics Basketball quarter-final after outscoring Canada 79-70 on Sunday. Nigeria lost the second and fourth quarters 23-19, 24-19 respectively, and won the third 23-5 which proved to be the difference. The first quarter was tied at 18 points each. More photos below. 

 “No lesbianism/homosexuality allowed here” - Gay Ugandan man shares new notice from his landlord. 

 Governor Soludo’s daughter, Adaora weds in London Adaora, the first daughter of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, and her man, Arinze, exchanged vows at a civil wedding held in London.  The fashion entrepreneur took to Instagram to share lovely photos from the intimate ceremony held on July 26, 2024 “Married my best friend in the intimate wedding of my dreams, surrounded by family,” she captioned the post. The couple got engaged on August 25, 2023. More photos below.