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  Princess Diana's Lookalike Nieces Made a Rare Appearance Supporting Prince William Last night, Prince William had another royal event on his calendar: the Centrepoint Awards at the British Museum. The organization is near and dear to his heart—and his late mother Princess Diana's—as it works to help homeless youth in the United Kingdom. William serves as patron for the charity and last night's big gala had some very special guests. His cousins, Lady Kitty Spencer, Lady Amelia Spencer, and Lady Eliza Spencer arrived to support William and celebrate young people who changed their lives after experiencing homelessness. Kitty, who is 33, and her twin sisters, Amelia and Eliza, who are 32, are the children of Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, and his first wife, Victoria Lockwood. Kitty serves as a Centrepoint ambassador and People notes that it was a very rare occurrence that all three siblings came out to a public event together. According to Tatler, fellow royals Prince...

 NAFDAC workers vow to continue strike The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control branch, has vowed to continue its ongoing strike action till their demands are met. In an interview with NAN on Saturday in Kaduna, the Chairman of the Chapter, Adetoboye Ayodeji, said it was left for the agency’s management to call the union for negotiation in order to see actionable evidence that things would be done appropriately. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that workers of the agency began an indefinite strike on October 7, to demand the review of the 2024 promotion examinations. The strike was also to address the allegations that the majority of the staff were not promoted as a result of the purported “vacancy slot” from the Head of Service, even when they all qualified to be promoted. Ayodeji also claimed that some statutory arrears and other benefits were not paid to some of the staff employed by the agency in 2022. He ex...

 Nigeria has become burial ground for policies, says Obasanjo Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday declared Nigeria has become a burial ground for policies, making the nation to take two steps forward and three steps backward.  The former President insisted that Nigeria is not short on policies to achieve greatness but regretted that the country has over time became a “burial ground of policies as a result of unimplemented and unexecuted policies “. Obasanjo said:” It is not enough for leaders to have policies or make statements. We are not short of policies in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Nigeria has become a burial ground of policies that are either unimplemented or unexecuted.  Those who make progress achieved progress, not on the basis of wishing to make progress, but on taking actions. They do not take two steps forward and three steps backward.  “Regrettably this is what we are doing in every aspect of our national life. And as long as we are doing things ...

 Gov Abdulrazaq directed implementation of N70,000 new minimum wage from this month In a significant move to enhance the welfare of workers in Kwara State, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved the new minimum wage of N70,000 as announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria, according to a state government's statement at the weekend. Signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the statement said the approved wage will be implemented across the Kwara State public service, with immediate effect from October 2024.  This decision, which includes consequential adjustments to the relevant salary structures, was made after a successful tripartite meeting between government representatives, the leadership of the Organised Labour in Kwara State, — Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) — and representatives from the organized private sector. Dr. Nuru, who is the co-chairman of the m...

 Murder, rape and torture allegations hit Ivory Coast student union All student unions in Ivory Coast are being shut down, the government has announced, after the killing of two students which is being blamed on the powerful Student and School Federation (Fesci). Several Fesci members have been arrested in connection with the murders of Khalifa Diomandé and Zigui Mars Aubin Déagoué, which took place in August and September.  An underground tunnel used for torturing people and a brothel were found during investigations at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny University in the main city of Abidjan, the authorities say. Students tell the BBC it was an open secret that Fesci ran both illicit sites but that everybody was too afraid to speak out. "You wouldn't have believed you were in an university in an organised country," said a former student who has asked to remain anonymous. "I was threatened by Fesci many times, they tried to rape me," she tells the BBC. "My boyfriend t...

  Drone 'launched towards' Israeli PM Netanyahu's home A drone has been "launched towards" the private residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the coastal town of Caesarea, his office has said.  "The prime minister and his wife were not at the location, and there were no injuries in the incident," a statement said.  It comes after the Israeli military said three drones were launched from Lebanon into Israel early on Saturday morning, with one hitting a building in Caesarea.  The Israeli government has not said whether the building was part of the Prime Minister's residence nor the extent of any damage. At 08:19 local time (06:19 BST), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said: "In the last hour, three unmanned aerial vehicles crossed into the country from Lebanon.  "Two of the aircraft were intercepted. Another aircraft hit a building in Caesarea, no injuries." Netanyahu makes use of two private homes, in Caesarea and Jeru...

 Jigawa Governor Suspends Commissioner Nabbed With Married Woman Governor Umar A. Namadi of Jigawa State has approved the immediate suspension of Auwalu Dalladi Sankara as Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Special Duties and member of the State Executive Council pending an investigation into allegations made by the Kano State Hisbah. This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State Malam Bala Ibrahim He said the decision was in light of recent claims that necessitate a thorough examination to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the State Administration. The SSG emphasized the commitment to accountability and adherence to ethical standards in governance by Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi. “The suspension is a precautionary measure intended to facilitate a fair investigation,” said the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim. “We take all allegations seriously and are dedicated to upholding the trust of Jigawa citiz...

 A woman in Sikkim endured 12 years of health complications after medical equipment was accidentally left in her abdomen during surgery at STNM Hospital in 2012. The incident occurred during an appendectomy, where doctors unknowingly left a pair of forceps inside her body. Despite repeated complaints over the years, her symptoms were initially dismissed as gastric issues by doctors. It wasn’t until October 2024 that an X-ray revealed the presence of the foreign object in her abdomen. Following the discovery, the woman underwent surgery to have the forceps successfully removed. She is now recovering from the procedure after years of enduring discomfort. Hospital authorities have announced a high-level meeting to address the situation. Further details on the outcome of the investigation are expected to follow. 

 Ryuta Watanabe, a 36-year-old resident of Hokkaido, Japan, has been unemployed for the past decade and aspires to become the “God of Marriage.” He currently has four wives and two girlfriends, relying entirely on their incomes to support his lifestyle. Watanabe also aims to father 54 children, seeking to create a unique family dynamic. Watanabe’s wives are not legally married to him but are considered “common-law” partners. They live together and share responsibilities without formal registration. He resides with three of his wives and two children, taking on the role of househusband by managing household chores, cooking, and childcare. Their monthly expenses total approximately 914,000 yen (about Rs. 5 lakh), which is covered by his wives and girlfriends. Watanabe met his girlfriends through social media and began using dating apps after a breakup six years ago, which left him feeling depressed. During a recent appearance on the Japanese TV show *Abema Prime*, he reflected on his...

 Customs Operation Whirlwind Intercepts 12,025 litres of PMS, Auctions to Citizens at Subsidised Rates The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under its Operation Whirlwind, has intensified its efforts to curb fuel smuggling in the northern border regions, resulting in the seizure of 12,025 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa axis. In a statement issued on 17 October 2024 by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Katsina Command, Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Isah Bello, disclosed that the operation seized 8,625 litres of PMS from the Katsina axis and 3,400 litres from the Kano/Jigawa axis. According to the statement, the Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, represented, revealed that in a strategic move to ease the economic challenges currently facing the country, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, authorised the auction of the seized petrol to citizens at subsidised rates. "This aligns with Secti...

 LAGOS COMMEMORATES WORLD TRAUMA DAY, CALLS FOR ENHANCED EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS  … As LASAEC Celebrates Lifesaving Efforts  On October 17, 2024, the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre (LASAEC) hosted a significant event to commemorate World Trauma Day, bringing together healthcare professionals, government officials, and community stakeholders.  The event underscored the crucial role of trauma care in saving lives and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance emergency medical services in Lagos State. At the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, addressed the audience, reflecting on the importance of LASAEC and its staff in responding to traumatic incidents. “Your work here is a matter of life and death,” he emphasised, acknowledging the high stakes involved when victims of road traffic accidents arrive at the centre. He praised LASAEC for its strategic location and the expertise of its staff, particularly the Medical Director, Dr. A...

 EFCC Arraigns Man  for Alleged N8.1million Land Fraud in Enugu The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  has arraigned one Paulinus Ani before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N8, 130, 000. 00 (Eight Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira). The lone count charge reads: “That you, Paulinus Ani sometime between October, 2015 and June, 2018 at Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, induced one Severus Ifeanyi Odoziobodo to deliver to you the sum of N8, 130, 000. 00 (Eight Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) under the pretence that you would sell to him (7) plots of land: three (3) plots at Emene Industrial/Residential Layout and four (4) plots at Independence Layout Phase II, Enugu, which pretence you knew to be false a...

 Why is it that all the artists Don Jazzy signed after they leave, their career goes downhill” – Portable makes observation as he toots his horns Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has made an observation about music executive Don Jazzy and his former label artists In a video on his Instagram page, he noted how many of the artists Don Jazzy signs go downhill after he leaves them. He mentioned names like Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Dija, and others whose careers are no longer as big as they used to be. He also noted how it is the same for Olamide, as many of his artists, after leaving, go downhill. Bragging, Portable noted how he doesn’t have a big record label backing him, yet, he continues to win and top charts.

 Jide Kosoko beams with joy as he reunites with Pete Edochie after 12 years  It was a joyous moment for veteran actor Jide Kosoko as he reunited with legendary actor, Pete Edochie.    Taking to his official Instagram page, he shared a video of the adorable moment he reunited with Pete after 12 years. “After about 12 years I am seeing High Chief Pete again. Old reliables”.

 This time last year I was fighting for my life” – Tania Omotayo recounts near-death experience as she opens up on being misdiagnosed Tania Omotayo, the ex-girlfriend of music star Wizkid, has opened up about being misdiagnosed. In a post on her Snapchat page, she revealed that this time last year, she was fighting for her life and it took almost 2 months to recover. According to her, this stemmed from her being misdiagnosed, but in all things, she is grateful as she asserted that God is good.

 President Tinubu returns to Abuja after his two-week vacation abroad.  APC chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Sanwo-Olu, ministers and the National Security Adviser were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International AirPort to welcome him home. Photo: Semiu Okanlawon

 Bola Tinubu: A President ready to risk it all for future generations By Michael Chibuzo This man called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is painstakingly doing an architectural redesign of Nigeria's economic foundations. He has chosen to be the scapegoat and anyone who understands Nigeria's structural problems should be grateful that a Bola Tinubu is President of Nigeria today. This is a President who appears not to be bothered about re-election politics and moves like one ready to sacrifice his immediate personal political interests for the long-term health and survival of his dear country. At the moment and in the foreseeable future, his attempt to solidify the foundation of this federalist state called Nigeria would bring about pains - a lot of it actually. It took us long to enter into the ditch, we must not expect to get of the ditch overnight or in four years. To cure this pain, we must finish the treatment. We must not stop halfway. The World Bank, an institution we love to ...

 TEMPORARY GRID DISTURBANCE AT 08:15HRS OF TODAY, SUPPLY FULLY RESTORED  The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the national grid experienced a temporary disturbance at about 815am, today, 19th Oct. 2024. According to the report from the NcC, the bus section of a current transformer exploded at 330kV Jebba Transmission Substation and as expected, the protection system was activated, and this promptly opened the busbars to curtail the explosion, thereby preventing outbreak of fire and further damage to adjacent equipment. The action of the protection system led to a temporary disturbance on the grid. Our engineers at Jebba have successfully carried out switchings. isolating the faulty current transformer. They have equally reconfigured the busbar arrangement, restoring power supply to the station, and other parts of the grid.  Ndidi Mbah GM, Public Affairs  19/10/24

 The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission notes with concern the recent escalating incidence of grid disturbances often leading to marked outage in several states thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability. Initial reports on the grid disturbance that occurred this morning indicate that today’s outage was triggered by an explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at 0815hrs and associated cascade of power plants shutdown arising from the loss of load. However, efforts to restore supply have advanced with power significantly restored, as at 1300hrs, in 33 states and the FCT. In line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the unbundling of the System Operator function (ISO) out of Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc is ongoing with the expectation that an independent SO would engender more discipline in grid management and optimised investment in infrastructure. In pursui...

 GOV. ODODO UPGRADES TER TIV OF KOGI STATE TO THIRD-CLASS CHIEF 19th October, 2024      Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the upgrading of the Ter Tiv Kogi State, Chief Moses Vor, to third-class status in a move to strengthen the relationship between Kogi and Benue states. This development was announced during a visit by stakeholders, youths, and women groups from the Tiv community to the Government House in Lokoja on Thursday. Governor Ododo expressed appreciation for the Tiv community’s unwavering support and peaceful coexistence, acknowledging their impressive turnout during the last election in support of the All Progressives Congress. He pledged to appoint Tiv indigenes to his cabinet, fostering confidence that Kogi is home to all The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aliyu Umar, praised the governor for granting the audience, emphasizing the Tiv people’s peaceful nature and contributions to the state’s socio-economic ...

 Kaduna PDP Dismisses Election Boycott Claims, Urges Members To Vote The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Kaduna State has strongly refuted rumours asking party faithful to boycott today’s council elections in the 23 local government areas of the state. The state chairman of the party, Edward Masha, said this in an interview with newsmen in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area, noting that the call for a boycott was neither made nor endorsed by his office. He said, “while PDP agents at the SIECOM office in Kaduna were inspecting sensitive materials before distribution, it was noticed that one of the most sensitive materials, the result sheets, was not included, which was an anomaly.” He further disclosed that two weeks ago, he had raised the alarm over plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to manipulate the elections by sneaking in a clause into the SIECOM election guidelines that would alter the process of announcing election results. Masha ins...

 Amala parfait” – BBNaija Saga laments over the ‘mini amala’ he was served at a wedding party; netizens react Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem’s former housemate Saga Adeolu has lamented over the mini amala he was served at a wedding Taking to the micro-blogging platform Twitter, now known as X, he shared a photo of the food that was served as a parfait as he noted how the economic hardship was responsible for it. Calling out the President, he noted how he is the cause of this. “They just served me “Mini Amala” at a wedding now.

 Nigeria Records Decrease In Female Students Performance In Examinations — Mamman The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman noted that the country has recorded a drop in the performance of female students in examination.  Mamman gave the expression at the end of a technical and vocational education training camp for girls in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital. Although he did not state the reason for the decrease in performance, however, the minister further noted that the camp would trigger female students’ interest in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. Mamman urged female students to show commitment to their studies. According to him, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was determined to produce students with both certificates and skills. He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment towards providing knowledge and skill-based education for Nigerian youths. According to him, implementing knowledge and skill-based education would promote rapid economic a...

 Drama as Davido and Wizkid snub each other at a club in London; netizens react Nigerian music stars Davido and Wizkid are currently the talk of the moment after attending the same club last night in the UK, London According to reports online, the music stars ran into each other at a club in London but snubbed each other. Sources said Davido was at the club relaxing when Wizkid walked in with his crew, but they didn’t exchange pleasantries. To the surprise of many, the ‘Ojuelegba’ crooner left almost immediately, leaving Davido and his crew at the club. Videos online captured the moment Wizkid and his crew walked into the club while Davido and his gang were relaxing.

 The long-standing rivalry between Indian rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah seems to be reigniting.  Recently, Yo Yo Honey Singh took a dig at Badshah’s rapping abilities on social media, hinting that their feud might not be over. The two artists had reportedly ended their 15-year-long beef last year, but a recent Instagram post by Honey Singh suggests otherwise. He shared a promo video from Indian Idol, where Badshah was freestyle rapping, and mocked the lyrics with a sarcastic comment, adding a laughing emoji. In the video, Badshah rapped, “Dilli ka golgappa, Mumbai se bhelpuri, Chandigarh ki lassi ko gadd gadd pi jaate hai.” Honey Singh, sharing the clip on his Instagram Stories, wrote, “Such lyrics will make my fortune,” making fun of Badshah’s lines. Badshah has not yet responded to this public jab. The rivalry between the two rappers dates back to their time together in the rap group Mafia Mundeer, which also included artists like Raftaar, Ikka, and Lil Golu. The gro...

 AU officials underline China's crucial role in boosting food security in Africa China is playing an important role in fighting food insecurity in Africa by sharing its experience and agricultural technology innovations, African Union (AU) Commission officials have said. They made the remarks during a recent international symposium on perennial rice at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, AU commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment, said China and Africa have been partnering in agricultural science and technology, paving the way for the adoption of advanced agricultural practices and innovations in AU members. "The collaboration between China and Africa is not only transferring of technologies but also strengthening research and development, advancing crops genetics and productivity and enhancing the resilience of Africa's agricultural system," Sacko said. The commiss...

 Kwara Govt Distributes Cheques for Solar-Powered Boreholes, Toilets in 20 Communities As part of the recommendations from the Kwara Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) summit, organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Community Project Management Committees (CPMCs) have received cheques for the construction of 20 solar-powered motorized boreholes and 20 toilets across the state. This was shared via the social media pages of Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, the SSA on Community Development to the Governor, and was obtained by Just Event Online TV on Friday. The 20 benefiting communities, spanning all 16 Local Government Areas, include Makebe, Idi-Ose, Aribidesi, Gaa-Mudi, Taiwo, Aboki, Balogun, Osunte, Apado, Ganmo, Areyi, Oke-Oyi Isin, Idi-Ogede, Illofa, Etan, Onisapa, Rokogi, Pakata, Oke-Suna, Kulende, and Idofin-Igbanna. The projects were initiated in partnership with the Kwara State Community and Social Developme...

 Borno Gov Appoints NUJ Chair, Dauda Iliya as Special Adviser Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has appointed Alhaji Dauda Iliya as his official spokesperson and Special Adviser on Media, following the passing of Mallam Isa Gusau, who served in that role until his death in February 2024. The governor’s decision was announced in a statement on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi. Dauda Iliya is currently the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Borno State Chapter, and he hails from Kwaya-Kusar Local Government Area in southern Borno State. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Linguistics and a master’s degree in Mass Communications, both from the University of Maiduguri, the latter of which he obtained in 2024. Iliya has participated in numerous professional courses and trainings and is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.

 Abia FA slams indefinite suspension on chairman of Referees Association The chairman of Abia State Referees Council, Matador Ogunta, and secretary of the council, Iheanacho Chukwuemeka, have been slammed with indefinite suspension by the chairman of Abia State Football Association, Rev. Obioma Onyeaghala. The two referees were suspended from all football activities in a letter dated October 5, 2024, and signed by the chairman of Abia State FA, Rev. Obioma Onyeaghala. The letter alleged: “For refusal to recognise constituted authority (Abia State Football Association Referees Committee) comprising of former referees, in line with FIFA guidelines and disrespect as well as acts of insubordination severally to Football Association leadership, which includes severally the act of changing the appointment of referees duly appointed for matches by the referee’s committee. This suspension is with immediate effect and indefinite.” Also, a letter signed by Mohammed Ameenu, Special Assistant ...

 Despite initial misgivings, resistance from Nigerian youths NYSC survived – Gowon Founder of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, General Dr Yakubu Gowon, Rtd, despite resistance, the scheme survived and is now above 50 years Gowon said this as the NYSC management, led by Director General YD Ahmed, paid him a visit to mark his 90th birthday on Friday. Gowon expressed gratitude to God for “sparing my life thus far, and I appreciate Nigerians for their goodwill towards me. ” He also thanked the Director General and the entire NYSC family for the goodwill visit. He further expressed appreciation “for the dogged commitment shown by successive batches of Nigerian graduate youths for ensuring that the Scheme lived up to the ideals of nation building, unity, and integration.” Going down memory lane, General Gowon recalled that “initially there was resistance from the youth at the inception of the NYSC.” He noted that “despite the initial misgivings, the scheme has grown to become a hu...

 Funsho Adeoti showers love on children as she snubs husband’s rants Funsho Adeoti has channelled her love towards her children as she snubs her husband, Kazim Adeoti’s rants on social media about his absence at her birthday party. The proud mother shared a photo of herself and her four children, three girls and one boy, on her Instagram page. The photo captures the second outfit her children wore for the birthday party. Sharing the photo as a video, Funsho Adeoti especially thanked her children and declared her forever love towards them.