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 PhD student could not write his name properly – National teachers DG Kaduna -The Director General of the National Teachers Institute (NTI), Professor Garba Maitafsir, has said that as a lecturer at the University, he came across a PhD Student who could not write his name properly. He said that the falling standard of education was not as a result of systemic failure, but as a result of teaching, insisting that teachers’ quality must be properly checked if Nigeria must get its education system right. Also, the Chairman of Teachers Service Board (TSB), in Kaduna State, Adamu Makadi said that teachers earn about 27% higher than their peers in the other sectors of the state government civil service. The NTI boss and Adamu Makadi spoke at a One-Day Workshop on Teachers Issues In Conflict and Protracted Crisis Settings: Documenting the Effectiveness of the Kaduna Teacher Reforms. According to Makadi, before the education reforms in Kaduna, it was discovered that. nothing really was wrong wi

  Oprah Winfrey Denies She Was Paid $1 Million By Harris Campaign Oprah Winfrey was never “paid a personal fee” by Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, according to her production banner Harpo Productions.  The statement comes as a denial of a rumor that Winfrey was paid $1 million by the campaign, which had been reported by some outlets. “The campaign paid for the production costs of ‘Unite for America,’ a live-streaming event that took place Sept. 19 outside Detroit, Mich.,” a spokesperson for Harpo shared in a statement. “Oprah Winfrey was at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee, nor did she receive a fee from Harpo.” In a report published by the Washington Examiner on Nov. 8, three days after the presidential election, the story looked to illuminate financial decision-making inside the Harris campaign, which raised north of $1 billion within a brief three-month span and vastly outspent Trump’s campaign. The Examiner reported that the campaign “paid more than $15 millio

 Oshimhole’s son, two others make Okpebholo’s fresh appointments Newly sworn-in governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Barrister Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SGG). The appointment, alongside others, was the first to be made by the governor hours after assumption of office on Tuesday. Also, a former federal lawmaker, Dr Samson Osagie, has been nominated as the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, while Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole was nominated as Health Commissioner. Dr Cyril is the son of the former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who is the incumbent Senator representing Edo North senatorial district of the State in the National Assembly. The appointments were contained in a press statement endorsed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Fred Itua, which said the nomination of Osagie and Oshiomhole will be confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly when their names are forwarded by Governor Okpebholo. Dr. Samson Os

 New photos of stranded Boeing Starliner astronauts raise concerns about their health: report Concerns for the health of the NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station have grown after recent images showing one of them looking severely drawn surfaced. Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been stuck on the ISS for 6 months (since June 6), when their Boeing Starliner broke down due to technical malfunctions. The two Americans, who were only slated to be at the space station for eight days, have now spent 153 days among the stars — and doctors are raising concerns about their health after a new photo shows Williams, 59, appearing jarringly gaunt. The two astronauts are seen chowing down on an ad hoc dinner consisting of uncooked pizza, ketchup, mustard and various sundries. Though she is smiling and seems to be in good spirits, Williams looks remarkably hollow-cheeked than when she first boarded the orbiting workplace. “What you’re seeing there in that picture is somebo

 MORE NIGERIANS WIN ELECTIVE POSTS ABROAD Four more Nigerians have won elections into various elective positions abroad. A United States-born Nigerian, Dr Oye Owolewa, District of Columbia, Chiaka Barry, Ginninderra District, Australia, Segun Adeyina, Georgia, USA and Yemi Mobolade, Colorado Springs, USA. In a congratulatory message signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun,  the NIDCOM Chairman/ CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa applauded applauded them for breaking such records in the political arena of their different places of residence and setting standards. The statement lists as follows; Dr Oye Owolewa re-elected as the Shadow Representative for the District of Columbia under the Democratic Party,  Chiaka Barry got elected into the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly covering the Ginninderra District under the Liberal Party, Segun Adeyina was re-elected as State Representative of district 110, Georgia, USA and Adeyemi Mobolad

 35 people killed as driver rams into crowd at a sports center in China Thirty-five people were killed and another 43 were injured when a driver deliberately rammed his car into a crowd outside a sports center in southern China,police said Tuesday. A 62-year-old man was detained at the scene after he drove his small off-road vehicle into people exercising at Zhuhai Sports Center late Monday, the Zhuhai Public Security Bureau said in a statement,calling the incident “serious and vicious.” Police identified the man by his last name, Fan. He was in a coma after harming himself with a knife in his car, police said, adding that he was still being treated and couldn’t be questioned. Police said that Fan was dissatisfied with the division of property after his divorce, according to an initial investigation. Fan is now under criminal detention. The 43 people injured in the incident are now in non life-threatening situation, police said. In a relatively rare move, Chinese President Xi Jinping c

 The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cracked down on pilots working for multiple airlines, a practice known as "pilot sharing."  In a directive addressed to aircraft operators and signed by the Acting Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, the regulatory body has prohibited licensed flight crew members from conducting cross-crew operations for different airlines. The directive, effective from November 11, 2024, stems from concerns about potential safety risks arising from differing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training requirements across various airlines. 

 CAS HOSTS AERO VODOCHODY VP, EXPLORES SUPPORT OPTIONS FOR L-39 FLEET OPTIMISATION  The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, today, 12 November 2024, hosted the Vice President Defence and MRO of Aero Vodochody, Mr Jan Stechr, and his team at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters, Abuja. The visit centred on enhancing technical support and sustainability for the NAF’s L-39 aircraft fleet. Air Marshal Abubakar lauded Aero Vodochody’s 4 decades of partnership with the NAF and affirmed the Service’s commitment to exploring options for fleet optimisation. He assured the delegation that their proposals, including reactivation, upgrades, and potential acquisition of the L-39 Next Generation (NG), would be thoroughly evaluated.  Mr Stechr highlighted how these initiatives would boost fleet readiness and operational effectiveness. The engagement with Aero Vodochody aligns with the CAS' Command Philosophy which is driving the NAF's transformation into an agile an

 Experts have called for more inclusion of women’s leadership in biodiversity to strengthen sustainable and effective conservation strategies. This was the focus of a roundtable on Women and Biodiversity Leadership, held under the Scientific Diplomacy Programme organized by the Embassy of Spain and the Spanish Cooperation Office in Nigeria, with support from the European Union. The roundtable on women’s leadership in biodiversity highlighted the crucial role of women in biodiversity conservation and discussed strategies to close the gender gap in biodiversity science.  It also explored innovative approaches to integrating gender considerations into biodiversity policies. More photos below. 

 As the dry season begins, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has advised state governments, individuals and health professionals to take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of Lassa Fever and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM). The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, who gave the advice in Abuja while giving an update on the spread of Lassa Fever and cerebrospinal meningitis, said these diseases pose a significant public health risk, become more during the dry season, due to bush burning and heat.  Dr. Idris expressed concern over the rising cases of Lassa Fever nationwide and stated that as of October 13, 2024, 1,035 cases have been confirmed out of 8,569 suspected cases, with 174 deaths recorded across 28 states.  The NCDC DG said the Agency was ramping up efforts to combat the spread of Lassa fever, stressed the need for patients to report themselves early to health facilities as soon as they noticed symptoms such as general body weakness, coug

 Arizona man facing attempted murder charges after livestreaming himself choking a DCS worker for nearly 3 minutes.  The DCS worker fought for his life but eventually went unconscious during the video. The Arizona father then looks into his phone during his Facebook live and states that the DCS worker was a "dead man walking," seemingly justifying his actions.  32-year-old De'Andre Johnson has been charged with felony assault and attempted murder after a November 5th meeting with a DCS worker regarding a grievance. Johnson became upset after learning a DCS worker had a closed door meeting with his 9-year-old daughter (concerning her safety) and he wasn't told about it.  In a video he posted to social media the day before the nearly fatal attack, Johnson voiced his frustration with the DCS worker stating, "You damn right I'm mad, Somebody that didn't work at the school took a 9-year-old girl into a room and there ain't no video or audio recording."

  Trump Hush Money Case—Including Sentencing—Paused After Presidential Win Judge Juan Merchan paused proceedings in President-elect Donald Trump’s New York criminal case Tuesday, pushing back an anticipated ruling on whether his conviction can move forward, as well as his sentencing, in light of his presidential win. Merchan paused deadlines in the case in response to a request from both prosecutors and Trump’s lawyers. His ruling came on the day the judge was scheduled to issue a ruling on whether the guilty verdict against Trump should be thrown out, as Trump asked for the conviction to be dismissed based on the Supreme Court’s ruling giving him some immunity from criminal charges for official acts in office. Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records based on hush money payments made before the 2016 election, and while his charges largely concerned activities from before he took office, Trump’s lawyers claim some evidence is covered by the Supreme Court’s imm

  Amsterdam Police Warn of New Calls for Violence After Tram Set on Fire Police in Amsterdam have warned of new calls for violence in the Netherlands' capital city after a tram was set on fire this week. The tram caught fire at the '40-'45 Square in western Amsterdam, according to a police spokesman. The windows of the tram were also shattered. The spokesman said that no one was injured in the incident, as the tram had been empty. Police said the fire was quickly extinguished and riot officers cleared the square, making several arrests. Footage on local broadcaster AT5 showed people in the square throwing fireworks, poles and wooden pallets. Police told people to stay away from the square, adding that riot squads would remain there. Olivier Dutilh, an Amsterdam police spokesperson, told a court that authorities have "signals that there are calls for similar" disturbances in the city's western areas. Police reported that Monday's blaze was swiftly contained

 Awka Court Jails 36 Internet Fraudsters A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, presided over by Justice Evelyn Anyadike, has convicted and sentenced thirty-six (36) internet fraudsters to eight months imprisonment each. The convicts were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents. The convicts are; Eze Sampson Chukwuebuka, Omeke Chibuzo Emmanuel, Igwebuike Joseph, Ogbu Emmanuel, Kelvin Ngozi, Nkwegu Jideofor, Obinna Okafor, Francis Destiny, Chisom Okorie, Ugo Kingsley Obinna, Aleke Sunday, Oga Elochukwu, Chinagorom Obeta Calistus, Eze Chinedu, Nworgu Thankgod, Ogi Gideon Chidubem, Ibina Monday Ernest, Onyedikachi Ugo, Nwadozie Cyrian Chibueze, Chukwu Matthias, Emmanuel Ezembu, and Eze Chibueze Kingsley. Others are, Obinna Anozie, Okpala Chidera, Wisdom Chibueze, Gabriel Leonard Chinemerem, Orji Igwe Precious, Ifeanyi Ezeogu, Christian Egbu, Ede Chukwu, Moses Cle

 GOV. ALIA REINSTATES SUSPENDED ATTORNEY GENERAL 12th November, 2024  Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has lifted the suspension of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim. Alia announced the reinstatement on Monday in Makurdi during the State Executive Council meeting, which he presided over. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the AG was suspended on October 23. Mnyim was suspended for his unilateral decision to include Benue as a party in the suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, briefed newsmen after the meeting. Kula said that Mnyim was recalled from his suspension after he withdrew the state from the list of states seeking the constitutionality of the laws establishing the two anti-graft agencies. He said the commissioner met the requirements

 US imposes sanctions on Sudanese paramilitary commander The U.S. on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a commander of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, accusing him of being involved in human rights abuses in West Darfur, as Washington increases pressure over the war in the African nation, Reuters reported. The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement said Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla led the RSF's campaign in West Darfur, which the department said was marked by credible claims of serious human rights abuses, including the targeting of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence and ethnically-motivated violence. The action follows sanctions imposed on Barkalla by a United Nations Security Council committee last week and marks the latest action by Washington over the war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 from a power struggle between the Sudanese army and RSF ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule. "Today's action underscores our commitment to hold account

 Iraq is preparing to amend its marriage law, allowing men to marry girls as young as nine, sparking significant controversy. The proposed changes to the Personal Status Law would grant religious authorities the right to decide the age of marriage for girls. If enacted, the amendment would bring the legal marriage age down from 18 to as young as nine for girls, according to the interpretations of some religious scholars. The amendment, supported by some conservative lawmakers, is being criticized by human rights activists and civil society groups. Opponents argue that such a law violates the rights of young girls, exposing them to risks related to early marriage, education deprivation, and health complications. Critics also worry it could lead to increased domestic violence, as young girls may lack the maturity needed to handle the responsibilities of marriage. Women’s rights groups in Iraq and around the world have condemned the proposal, calling it a setback for children’s rights. In

Switzerland’s ban on facial coverings in public, often called the “burqa ban,” will officially take effect on January 1, 2025.  Announced by the Swiss Federal Council, the law will impose fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs (about $1,144) for those who break the rule. The ban, passed in a 2021 referendum, has stirred debate and criticism, particularly from Muslim organizations, and is seen as a controversial change in Swiss policy. The government clarified that there will be several exceptions to the rule. Face coverings will still be allowed in specific situations, such as on airplanes, in diplomatic buildings, and in places of worship. Practical exceptions will also permit face coverings for health reasons, traditional customs, or protection from weather. Additionally, coverings for artistic, entertainment, and advertising purposes, as well as certain public safety scenarios, will be allowed with prior approval. The ban originated from a public proposal that gathered enough support to

 Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, Jose Bamoquina Zau has called on Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in its booming economy, as it commemorates 49 years of independence from Portugal. At the Independence Day celebration in Abuja, Ambassador Jose Bamoquina Zau, highlighted the role of strengthening economic, political, and military cooperation between both nations.  He announced plans to establish the Angola-Nigeria Bilateral Joint Commission and invited Nigerian investors to participate in key projects across Angola, including investments in the Lobito Refinery, Luanda International Airport, Barra do Dande Free Trade Zone, and a 1,300-kilometer highway project.

 The Kebbi State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the actions of a group called Lakurawa, accused of terrorizing communities in Sokoto and Kebbi States.  These criminals recently killed 15 local security volunteers (Yansakai) in Mera Town, Augie Local Government Area, Kebbi State. MACBAN also condemned a reprisal attack by the Yansakai on local Fulani people, says the group is accused of terrorizing pastoralists by demanding forced taxes (zakkat) and seizing livestock.  The Association urged authorities to provide immediate support to those affected by the recent reprisals and to hold the criminals accountable.  It clarified that MACBAN have no connection to Lakurawa and suffer from the group’s actions as well.

 FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, says the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme is a cornerstone of national integration and development since its inception in 1973.  Mahmoud made this known at the NYSC pre-mobilization workshop held in  Abuja.  The minister called for support for the young graduates and ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute positively to society.  The NYSC Director General, Brig Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, spoke on the importance of effective service delivery in a successful mobilization process and promised to ensure the right things are done at all times throughout the process.

 The USAID - US Agency for International Development, has pledged $2.3 million to procure 4.8 million malaria prevention tablets from Nigerian pharmaceutical company. A statement by the US consulate in Lagos indicates that the procurement is part of the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, highlighting America’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially in providing life-saving treatments to vulnerable communities.  It explains that the USAID’s commitment is set to strengthen access to affordable, high-quality malaria medication across Nigeria and West Africa. The statement says in a milestone development, Nigerian Phamaceutical company (Swipha) recently earned WHO prequalification for its sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine tablets, becoming the first pharmaceutical company in West Africa to do so.

 I’m grateful for the strong woman you raised me to be, Continue rest in perfect peace maami - Nollywood Actress Funke Akindele send tribute to her late mom Boxoffice Actress Funke Akindele Jennifer send tribute message to her late mom in remembrance of her mom. The actress via her verified social media handle   wrote Missing you mum Continue resting in the bosom of Christ. I’m grateful for the strong woman you raised me to be. Eyin yin ti da Iya mi ❤️

 Thank God for the reconciliation, It's worth a celebration Fans rejoice as Davido And Eniola Badmos finally reconcile  Fans of Nollywood Actress Eniola Badmos have been rejoice on the video of her and the Nigeria Singer Davido surface on social media. The attention of Eniola Badmos fans drawn to the video of the event Pastor Tobi Adegboyega organize in UK which Eniola Badmos present at the events. Eniola Badmos posted the video on her verified social media handle in appreciation to pastor Tobi also to show her adorable fans.  Reaction to this video fans notice that Eniola Badmos and Davido where in the same seat, they both hand shakes themself.  More photos below. 

 How Bandits Set Farms On Fire In Kaduna, Destroyed Harvested Maize Suspected bandits have set fire to harvested maize on six farms in Kwaga village and Unguwar Zako in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The villagers, especially the owners of the affected farms, were left in shock, lamenting the loss caused by the attack. It was reported that the incident occurred on Sunday night when the bandits stormed the farms and set fire to all the harvested maize. Daily Trust also obtained a video clip showing the charred remains of the affected farms, with the owners consoling one another. The affected farm owners include Kabiru Halilu Kwaga, who had harvested over 160 bags of maize last year and was hoping for an even larger harvest this year. However, all of his crops were set ablaze by the attackers. Surajo Kwaga, who had harvested 40 bags of maize from his farm last year, also lost his entire crop to the fire. Similarly, Malam Dan Gido, who had harvested 50 bags last year

 SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES NEW ONIGBONGBO LCDA CHAIRMAN   •Governor urges unity, continuity in council  •‘I accept the task with determination to serve’ — New LG Boss Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sworn in vice chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) as the council’s substantive chairman, days after the passing of the former chairman, Hon. Oladotun Olakanle.  Barr. Rekiya Olufunke Hassan, 44, took the oath of office to succeed the late Olakanle at the low-key ceremony held in the precinct of the State House, Alausa.  The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and key officials of the LCDA. Hassan, the council’s former supervisor for the Department of Agriculture and Social Services, was picked as Vice Chairman, following the death of the former chairman of the council, Hon. Babatunde Oke, in August 2020, which paved the way for the emergence of the late Olakanle as chairman. O

 THRIVING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT DEPENDS ON STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE - SANWO-OLU Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that his administration has made significant progress in road construction, public transport, and digital connectivity because it understands that a thriving business environment depends on strong infrastructure. Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this at the Lagos State Day/Closing Ceremony of the Lagos International Trade Fair, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos on Sunday. According to him, the intermodal transport system has transformed urban mobility, connecting rail, road, and waterways to streamline movement and enhance business efficiency. His words: “The Blue and Red Rail Lines stand out among these projects, redefining public transportation in Lagos. Before the end of the year, we will also be commencing work on another line to further integrate and connect different parts of the State. “Our extensive Fiber O