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 Moments to remember at the 64th Independence Anniversary celebration in Abuja on Tuesday. Photo credit: Nosa Asemota, State House.  More photos below. 

 Members of Operation Vala Umgodi arrested a 56-year-old female immigration officer stationed at Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina during a sting operation on Sunday morning, September 29, 2024. It is reported that around 06:30 hours, the team was conducting an operation aimed at fighting corruption and the complainant saw a female officer receiving R3100.00 which she was able to substantiate and they also found six passports belonging to foreign nationals. The owners of these passports were traced and were on buses coming from Malawi and were waiting to be cleared at the port of entry. All the individuals, aged between 27 and 43, were questioned and were unable to give satisfactory explanations about their passports and the cash found in the officer’s possession. The Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit was alerted and both the cash and passports were confiscated and registered as evidence. All the accused are scheduled to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday,...

Big brother star 'Karen Igho' is really going through a lot as she post this messages today on social media.  "I'm going through a divorce with my husband,I have been homeless for a year and I have been hurt sexually and physically so if anything happens ask or hold the man who brought me to a country where and I know no one,he is trying to take children away by saying I'm mentally sick.  God Almighty bless Nigeria and  Africa my heart pray for your daughter of the soil,I have been through so much this past year,please African pray for my children and I In case you don't  you hear from me again know that I have been killed, am not sick mentally and don't do drugs"

  Police Fire Tear Gas to Disperse #FearlessInOctober Protesters at Utako Market in Abuja Officers of the Nigeria Police Force have fired tear gas at #FearlessInOctober protesters gathered at Utako Market in Abuja on October 1, 2024. The demonstration, which began early in the morning, aimed to address the economic hardships faced by Nigerians due to government policies. However, police swiftly intervened around 8:54 a.m., dispersing the crowd and causing chaos as demonstrators fled from the tear gas fumes. The protest is a continuation of the earlier #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August, reflecting widespread discontent over rising living costs and government inefficiencies. Organizers, including civil society groups like the Take It Back Movement, expressed their determination to voice grievances despite the police's aggressive response. Eyewitnesses reported that protesters chanted slogans and displayed placards demanding action on issues such as high electricity tari...

 Urban Renewal: Governor Sule Inspects Ongoing 5.6km Akwanga Bypass, Underpass Projects  By Ali Abare, Akwanga  *** As part of the urban renewal drive of his administration, Governor Abdullahi Sule paid an on-the-spot assessment visits to the ongoing 5.6km Akwanga bypass, as well as the Akwanga underpass. Governor Sule who is barely returning to the state from his two-weeks trip to the United States, stopped over in Akwanga to inspect the ongoing projects.  The Governor traversed a section of the 5.6km bypass that will link the Akwanga-Keffi expressway to the Akwanga-Jos Road, starting from the Nsakpe by Alushi Junction to burst at the Mada Hills Bridge. He also inspected a culvert under construction as part of the Akwanga road dualization project, where he expressed concern about possible disruption in the free flow of traffic but was assured by the contractor handling the project that vehicles have free access coming into and going out of Akwanga. Governor Sule equ...

NIGERIA AT 64: BENUE WILL BECOME A MODEL OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA - ALIA ... Congratulates Benue and Nigerians* Tuesday, October 1st, 2024. Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has stated that with the continued support of everyone in the state, his administration is on course to build a Benue that is peaceful, prosperous, and serves as a model of good governance in Nigeria. The Governor also congratulated the people of the state and all Nigerians for their resilience and for living peacefully together. Governor Alia made these remarks on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, during a live broadcast at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, commemorating Nigeria's 64th Independence Day Anniversary. According to the Governor, his administration has aligned this year's celebration with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where the government has already made strides in areas such as poverty reduction, zero hunger, quality education, and decent work. All...

 If you want to Japa, Japa. I am not going to japa – Funke Akindele declares as she counts her blessings in Nigeria Veteran multiple award winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele made her opinion known about the ongoing japa issues in the country. As today, the 1st of October 2024, marks the 64th year that Nigeria gained her independence, the actress took to her Instagram to celebrate the country’s new year. Funke Akindele appreciated and praised every Nigerian for their perseverance in this period of trial in the country The mother of two boys expressed her utmost belief that Nigeria will be great again and therefore she will not be relocating to another country for greener pastures. The highest grossing producer counted the blessings and achievements that she attainted in Nigeria which include being able to empower the youtha, ability to shoot a movie with over one hundred and seventy five (175) crew members, the selling out of her movie release. Akindele Acknowledge that Ni...

 Today, during the Independence Day Parade Celebration at Lagos House Marina, I called for a reflection on the core values that bind us as Lagosians and Nigerians: hard work, resilience and hope for a better tomorrow. Today is a call to action for all of us to recommit ourselves to one another. When we come together to work together, we can make Lagos a true model for Nigeria. I envision a Lagos where every citizen feels valued and secure. Building that requires transparency and open communication. We must invest in not just infrastructure, but also in our people; their futures and those of their children. Despite the challenges we face, I urge us once again not to lose hope.  To the youth; your energy and passion are essential; you are not just the future, but the present, and we need your ideas.  And to our elders; I am grateful for your sacrifices, and I promise to honor them by ensuring that Lagos remains a land of opportunity for generations to come.  Let’s embr...

 LASG IMPOUNDS 241 UNLICENSED VEHICLES, WARNS AGAINST USE OF UNREGISTERED VEHICLES In accordance with Sections 15 and 16 of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018, the Lagos State Government has impounded 241 vehicles during a recent enforcement exercise conducted by the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS). The vehicles were found to be unlicensed and in violation of the state’s transportation regulations. The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, cautioned motorists to avoid driving unregistered vehicles, emphasising that such practices undermine law enforcement efforts, particularly in identifying and tracking stolen vehicles or those involved in criminal activities. Quoting Section 16 of the TSRL 2018, Mr. Osiyemi reiterated that driving a vehicle without proper registration or affixed identification marks constitutes a legal offence. He further revealed that a fake dealer number plate was discovered on one of the impounded vehicles, n...

 Independence: We're Emerging Economic Powerhouse of Nigeria - Gov. Abiodun Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared that his state is emerging as the powerhouse in Nigeria through deliberate policies aimed at implementing local initiatives to transform the lives of the people, as well as supporting federal government policies for national development. The Governor made this known on Tuesday in his address to mark the 64th Independence Anniversary held at the Arcade Ground, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, stressing the need for Nigerians to recommit themselves to building an egalitarian society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. He noted that Nigerians, over the years, have triumphed over countless obstacles and have remained steadfast in their commitment to building a land where peace, progress, and prosperity define national identity. Governor Abiodun said: "On this 64th Independence Day, let us draw strength from the labors ...

  Oct 1, 2024, 9:32 AM Hezbollah says it has launched an artillery attack against Israeli military forces in the northern occupied Palestine. In a statement early on Tuesday, Hezbollah said it targeted the enemy’s soldiers with artillery at the Shtula settlement. The Hezbollah attack was carried out in line with supporting the Palestinian nation in Gaza and defending the Lebanese people, the statement said. During the operation, the resistance fighters directly and definitely targeted the enemy’s forces, it added. Also, Hezbollah targeted with missiles a group of Zionist military forces at Metula base in north of the occupied Palestine, the Palestinian Samaa news agency reported. In response, the Zionists bombarded some areas in southern Lebanon. According to some media outlets, eight Lebanese were killed during Israel’s airstrike against Beqaa, eastern Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The Israeli army also attacked Dahiyeh in southern Beirut several times. On September 23, the army...

 ‘I didn’t steal as governor, I’m ready to swear with Quran’ -El-Rufai The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has insisted that he did not embezzle public funds while in office, saying he is ready to swear with Qur’an. The former governor said he joined politics solely to serve the people, not to seek money or steal public funds. El-Rufai made this statement during a Hausa program aired on Freedom Radio station in Kaduna on Tuesday morning. He stressed that he was content with what he had even before becoming governor. Recall that the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted El-Rufai’s administration for allegedly misappropriating over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure. However, the ex-governor and his allies have denied the allegations, claiming they are being witch-hunted by the Assembly and the state government. El-Rufai added that he is prepared to swear on the Quran whenever former state governors and current leaders do the same to affirm they neve...

 Osimhen free to leave Napoli for N167 billion in January Nigeria International striker  Victor Osimhen can now leave  Napoli permanently  in the forthcoming January Transfer Windows after the Italian Serie A side  reportedly backed down  on  his release clause to €90m (about N167,699,629,800.00). Osimhen missed moving to top European clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester  United as the English Premier League sides  refused to meet the humongous €130m (about N242,076,133,390.00) release  clause by Napoli. The 25-year-old striker  is now  on  loan to Galatasaray until the end of the 2024–25 season after negotiations with Al-Ahli, Chelsea, and PSG  reportedly collapsed during the summer transfer window. Galatasaray’s  vice-president Ibrahim Hatipoglu said recently that  Osimhen was happy  in Turkey, hence  he won’t leave to any club in January . Osimhen extended his Napoli contract until Ju...

 Again, troops arrest 8 Boko Haram terrorists, female kidnappers’ informants in Taraba Ten suspects, comprising 8 Boko Haram terrorists, and 2 high-profile female kidnappers’ informants, have been arrested by the men of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Taraba State. The feat, according to a press statement issued to journalists in Jalingo in the early hours of Tuesday by the Brigade Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Oni Olubodunde, was made possible by the troops who acted on “reliable intelligence”. The operation resulted in the arrest of Abdul-Kareem and 7 additional suspects who had traveled from various states to join the terror cell. It was carried out on 29 September, 2024, when the troops conducted a raid on the residence of one of the terrorists’ leaders, Tukura Abdul-Kareem in Sunkani Ward of Ardo-Kola local government council of the state. “Investigation revealed that the 8 Boko Haram Terrorists were planning t...

 #October1protest: Sowore joins protesters in Lagos Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has joined the ongoing protest in Lagos State. Sowore who is one of the key organisers of the protest arrived at the protest ground at the Ikeja Underbridge at exactly 8:50am. Addressing newsmen, Sowore said the protest was a crucial step towards taking Nigeria to the “promised land”. He emphasised that the action symbolised the people’s rejection of the government’s Independence Day celebration Sowore also questioned whether Nigerians had not given the government enough chances, citing how former President Muhammadu Buhari allegedly misused the additional time given to him. He said, “This is one of the actions that will take us to the promised land. We did it in August and today is a symbolic day to reject their own independence as we want our independence.” “Have we not tried enough? We have no time left. We gave more time, look at what Buhari did with...

 Imo Police nab 4 child traffickers, rescue 3 victims sold for N1m Imo State Police command has arrested three people suspected to be involved in abduction of children with the intention of selling them for criminal gains. The operation that led to their apprehension was carried out by the detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri. In a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye disclosed that the detectives through intelligent gathering swung into action that led to the smashing of the syndicate that specialized in child trafficking between Imo – Abia axis. “The syndicate involved in the abduction of children from unsuspecting parents. The operation led to the rescue of three children, who were abducted on July 4, 2024, in Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA. “The suspects arrested include: Ifeoma Anyanwu, age, 41 from Oloko Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, Chibuzor Lucky, age 42, from Umuezeala Umuerim, Ubakala, Umua...

 Frank Fritz, the beloved star of ‘American Pickers,’ has passed away at the age of 60. His longtime friend and co-star, Mike Wolfe, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, stating that Fritz died on the evening of September 30, 2024. Wolfe expressed his sorrow, reminiscing about their deep friendship that spanned more than half of his life, and how Fritz remained the same off-camera as he was on—a sensitive, funny, and dream-driven individual.  Though Wolfe didn’t disclose the cause of death, Fritz had suffered a stroke two years earlier. Wolfe’s emotional tribute included memories of their countless road trips together before the show, driven by a mutual love for discovery and history. Fritz co-hosted ‘American Pickers’ for over a decade, gaining fame for his charm and passion for vintage motorcycles and rare finds. His passing prompted a heartfelt statement from the History Channel and ‘American Pickers’ production team, who honored him as a cherished part of their f...

 Independence Celebration:  Olukoyede Charges Nigerians on Renewed Commitment in Fight against Corruption   As Nigerians are basking in the euphoria of the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary,  Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called for more commitment to  the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He made the call in Abuja on Tuesday,  October 1,  2024  in an Independence Anniversary Message to Nigerians.   According to him,  the EFCC is more resolute in its drive to make Nigeria corruption-free and charges every Nigerian to collaborate more  with the Commission in pursuit of reform, progress and enduring development. “At the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  we are resolute in our fight against corruption in line with the Renew...

 Libya preparing to restart oil output as central bank crisis eases Libya was preparing to restart oil production that has been shut since late of August after an agreement on a new head of the central bank was reached, two oilfield engineers told Reuters on Tuesday. "We are now waiting for orders from the Corporation (the state oil firm) to resume production at its normal levels after a month-long stoppage," said an engineer from the Jalu 59 oilfield. An engineer from the Elfeel oilfield said they took advantage of the almost one-month closure to carry out maintenance. National production and export operations were stopped in August when the parallel government in eastern Libya declared the closure of oil facilities in a protest of the ousting of veteran Central Bank of Libya (CBL) governor Sadiq Kabir by the Presidential Council in Tripoli. A new CBL governor, Naji Mohamed Issa Belgasem, and his deputy, Mari Muftah Rahil Barrasi were approved on Monday by the two legislativ...

 SAMUEL ETO’O BANNED FROM ATTENDING CAMEROON MATCHES FOR SIX MONTHS OVER MISCONDUCT The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a six-month ban on Samuel Eto'o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), preventing him from attending matches involving the Cameroon national teams. Eto'o's suspension is due to violations of Articles 13 ("Offensive conduct and violations of fair play principles") and 14 ("Misconduct by players and officials") of FIFA's Disciplinary Code. These violations are linked to Cameroon's last-16 game against Brazil, which the South Americans won 3-1 after extra time. Eto'o and the Cameroon delegation saw red over a penalty that led to Brazil's equaliser at the match in Bogota, Colombia on September 11. Eto'o is suspended from attending any Cameroon matches, men or women and of any age category, but the sanction does not effect his role as president of Fecafoot, Cameroon's football federatio...

 POLICE ARREST TWO WOMEN FOR KIDNAPPING AND SELLING A 5-YEAR-OLD BOY   The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two women for kidnapping and selling a 5-year-old-boy.  The suspects, Blessing Elijah Sylvester,35, from Ikot Enua in Ibesikpo Asutan, and 50 year-old Ofonime Etim Essien from Ikot Abiyan in Nsit Atai, sold the child at N600,000.  The State Police Commissioner, CP Joseph Eribo, disclosed this on Monday, September 30, 2024, in Uyo while parading the suspects and other criminals arrested for various crimes.  "There is also a case of child stealing where children are taken from this state and sold outside for various amounts including a child sold for N400,000 and another sold for N600,000. We have two women and other suspects with us,” the CP stated.

 ANTHONY JOSHUA DROPS TO 7TH POSITION IN NEW HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING RANKINGS Anthony Joshua is now 7th in a new ranking of boxing heavyweight released by Ring Magazine after his devastating loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21. Before the fight, Joshua was third in the Ring Magazine rankings and was looking to cement his status as a top contender with a win over Dubois but was dropped four times enroute to a devastating defeat. As a result, the former two-time world champion has now dropped significantly to seventh position, with Dubois overtaking him. Dubois now sits in second position, only behind Tyson Fury who sits in first position and current unified champion Oleksandr Usyk who is the Ring Magazine champion. Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang sit in third and fourth respectively, with Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole in fifth and sixth all ranked above the declined Joshua. Parker and Zhang have both recently picked up wins over Deontay Wilder to boost their position...