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 Imported low-quality sugar can cause blindness, other health implications — FCCPC warns The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning about the health risks associated with the importation of low-quality sugar into Nigeria. The commission revealed that consuming substandard sugar can lead to severe health consequences, including vision impairment and other serious medical conditions. This warning comes as the FCCPC discovered the presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in the Nigerian market. According to a report released on Wednesday via the commission’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, the affected sugar brands were smuggled into Nigeria from Brazil, including products from Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI, Joano Avean, and Arapora Bionergia. These products, the FCCPC stated, failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, posing significant health risks to consumers, particularly by undermining the credibility...

 NPFL Postpones Kano Pillars, Enyimba Clash The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced the postponement of Kano Pillars match day 14 home clash against Enyimba International of Aba, BSNSports.com.ng reports. The match, initially slated for Sunday, December 1, 2024, has been postponed to an unconfirmed date due to Enyimba's engagement in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage fixtures. In a statement issued by the league organizers, the NPFL assured fans of both clubs that a new date and time for the iconic encounter, popularly referred to as the "Zobia Clasico," will be communicated in due course. In a related development, the Kano Pillars Matchday 13 away fixture against Lobi Stars has been brought forward to Saturday, November 23, 2024. The match will now take place at the Lafia City Stadium, a change necessitated by adjustments to the league calendar.

 Dayo Amusa leaves colleagues gushing as she shares first photo of her adorable newborn baby, reveals his name Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has melted the hearts of her colleagues and fans with her photo of her newborn son We reported on Monday that Nollywood film blog Nollywood Citadel had announced that the actress had her baby in the United States. Confirming the news, Dayo Amusa expressed gratitude to her Maker as she expressed how excited she was to be a mum. She later shared a glimpse of her newborn son and stated that her treasure had arrived. Now taking to her Instagram page, Dayo shared a full photo of him as she revealed his name, Oluwafirewamiri which could be shortened to Olu fire. She revealed that her son is growing, exploring, and having a good time.

 America is 46 minutes away from heaven – Israel DMW says as he appreciates Davido over his 5-years US visa Personal logistics manager to music star Davido, Israel DMW has for the umpteenth time appreciated his boss over his US visa We reported early this month that Israel had received his United States visa. He announced how he got his American visa, thanking his boss, Davido, for his help and also Ubi Franklin, for his contribution. Israel assured Davido that he was forever grateful to him. Taking to his Instagram page on Tuesday night, he once again appreciated Davido as he compared America to Heaven, stating that America is 46 minutes from Heaven. Israel also appreciated his trībe, Edo, and Nigerians.

All marriage is a scam – Nollywood Actress, Abimbola Craig Nollywood actress, Abimbola Craig, has asserted that ‘marriage is a scam’. We reports that the movie star made this known in an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, on the ‘WithChude’ podcast The actress critiqued traditional marital roles where women are often burdened with home management and catering to their partners, referring to the title “Mrs” as the acronym for “Master’s in Residential Servicing”. Abimbola Craig stated that her decision to remain single is not because she opposes marriage but because she values a partner with self-awareness and purpose. She said, “All marriage is a scam. When I was small, my mum always told me marriage is an institution. She said when they call you ‘Mrs,’ it stands for ‘Master’s in Residential Servicing’. “I am not married, not because I do not want to be married, but if you are a man who does not know who he is, you cannot be with me.” Abimbola Craig is popularly known for...

 Press release Anambra State Commenced Payment of New Minimum Wage Since October 2024 The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to some media reports that have excluded Anambra State from the states in Nigeria that have paid the new minimum wage of N70,000. Some media outlets merely managed to capture Anambra State only among the states whose governors have indicated interest in paying the new minimum wage. To put the record straight, the promise by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR to pay the new minimum wage was made good since the month of October, when the new minimum wage payment commenced in Anambra State with the payment of October salaries. To add to it, the state has also adjusted pensions upward to give pensioners in Anambra State higher take-home. Professor Chukwuma Soludo remains a labour-friendly governor as the workers in Anambra State have not only received the new minimum wage but also continue to receive salary ...

 Uganda opposition figure Besigye appears in military court Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye appeared in a military court in Kampala on Wednesday after his reported "abduction" in neighbouring Kenya, AFP reported. The manner of Besigye's detention has caused an uproar, with concerns over Kenya's role and the heightened crackdown on the opposition in Uganda. Besigye, 68, was brought to the General Court Martial in handcuffs and under a heavily armed military escort, his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, told AFP. "Besigye has objected to his trial before the General Court Martial and informed the court chairman that he is a civilian who should not be tried in a military court," said Lukwago, adding that the charges against him were not known. An ally-turned-foe of veteran President Yoweri Museveni, Besigye has run unsuccessfully against him in presidential elections four times since 2001. His wife Winnie Byanyima, who is head of UNAIDS, the United Nations Program...

 Southern African leaders discuss regional security Heads of state and government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are meeting in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, to discuss regional security and post-election violence in Mozambique. The extraordinary meeting of the regional bloc is expected to receive an update on the security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to a statement, Anadolu Agency reported. There are several rebel groups operating in the eastern DR Congo, where conflict has been ongoing for many years with recent renewed clashes between Congolese armed forces and the M23 rebels. Last month, the UN migration agency said about 7 million people remain internally displaced in the country due to ongoing conflict and disasters. Review mission mandate The representatives will also review the mandate and future of the SADC mission in Congo (SAMIDRC), a regional peacekeeping mission whose term expires on Dec. 14, 2024. The ...

 Genoa Appoints Arsenal Legend Vieira as Head Coach Italian Serie A club Genoa FC has announced the appointment of former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder, Patrick Vieira as its new head coach.  The club made this announcement in a statement published on its website on Wednesday. Vieira, who enjoyed a stellar playing career, now faces the challenge of reviving Genoa's fortunes in Italy’s top tier.

 UK Annual Inflation Jumps on Higher Energy Bills Britain's inflation rate took an unexpected jump in October, surpassing the Bank of England’s target as energy bills put pressure on households and businesses alike.  Official data showed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 2.3% from a low of 1.7% in September, marking a sharp rebound.

 ACTING COAS ORDERS INVESTIGATION OF VIRAL AUDIO-VISUAL REPORT ON ALLEGATION OF BRUTALITY BY NIGERIAN ARMY PERSONNEL The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a viral audio-visual recording circulating on social media platforms, purportedly showing a senior Army officer and 2 other soldiers in an altercation with a man and woman within the Abuja metropolis. The circumstances leading to this incident are not clear at the moment. However, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the true circumstances surrounding this altercation. The NA remains committed to serving and protecting all law-abiding Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Therefore, we urge the public to be rest assured that due diligence will be applied to reach a logical conclusion on this matter. ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Major General Director Army Public Relations 19 November 2024

 FCCPC Exposes Fake Sugar Products in Nigerian Markets The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered a significant presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, particularly in the Southwest and Northeast regions.  FCCPC spokesperson Ondaje Ijagwu made the revelation in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting that the fake products include smuggled brands from Brazil, such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia. These products are primarily smuggled through Nigeria’s porous borders, notably from neighboring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic. The Commission warned that these counterfeit products fail to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, posing serious health risks to Nigerian consumers. "The substandard products not only threaten public health but also undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry and contribute to price manipulation, which harms the m...

 EFCC Arrests 35 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abia State The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, arrested thirty five (35) suspected internet fraudsters comprising thirty-four male and one female suspects. They were arrested in an early morning sting operation in Aba, Abia State. The arrested suspects are: Emmanuel James, Ukaomo Jefferson, Felix Onyema, Daniel Chimaobi, Chukwuemeka John, Prince Ogbonna, Charles Daniel, Emmanuel Igboanugo, Eric Uke, Emmanuel Ogechukwu, Chibuike Prosper, Obi Victor, Emmanuel Onwuchekwa, Price Kingsley, Uchechi Awo, Chinonso Callistus, Edward Wisdom, Ejiogu Justice, Precious Edward, Moses Meshael and Kalu Victor. Others are: Ujoatu Goodluck, Ikeh Sochima, Obinna Prosper, Onyekachi Christian, Christopher Chris, Precious Smart, Clinton Ifeanyi, Daniel Obuzoma, Chukwuebuka Promise, Cjay Ekeamaka, Ejiogu Price, David Favour, Okechukwu Emmanuel and Nwigwe Joy. Items recovered from...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU SACKS NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL, VC AND REGISTRAR,REMOVES PRO-CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES IN OTUKPO   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the new Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.   The council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.   The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.   After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university's Senate and the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.    The g...

 PRESS STATEMENT NPF MOURNS PASSING OF RETIRED AIG NJANGOR EGBE  The Nigeria Police Force regrets to announce the passing of a distinguished officer, Assistant Inspector General of Police Njangor Egbe Njom (Rtd.), who departed this world on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the age of 82. AIG Njangor Egbe Njom (Rtd.), who passed away peacefully in his sleep, was born on March 15, 1942, in Etomi Village, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force and rose to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police, earning a reputation for integrity, commitment, and selflessness throughout his career. He was also a one-time commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano.  Beyond his professional achievements, AIG Njom was a devoted pastor with the Deeper Life Bible Church, where he continued to serve diligently even after his retirement. He was a role model and mentor, impacting countless lives with his staunch principles and compassion. AIG ...

 This is a tragic story. A Las Vegas police officer is being investigated for taking the life of a man who called 911 while fighting off an armed intruder. On the night of November 12th, 43-year-old Brandon Durham (pictured below) was home with his 15-year-old daughter when an armed intruder entered his home. The intruder was 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux a woman who Brandon had been involved with romantically in the past. She attempted to hide her identity by putting a hoodie over her face. Brandon only knew he was fighting off an armed intruder at his home when he called 911 for help.  Body cam footage shows Las Vegas PD officer, Alexander Bookman, arriving on scene and the tragic incident that follows. As officer Bookman enters the home you see Brandon Durham who is shirtless struggling with Boudreaux who was wearing a red hoodie. Brandon got the knife away from the intruder and tried to hold her in place while telling the officer that she was the intruder. He is literall...

 A 97-year-old Michigan woman who helped create a high-school cheer squad in her youth gets to run it back one more time thanks to the current squad! Ilagene Doehring was recently reminiscing of her days as a cheerleader to the staff of Candlestone Assisted Living. She told them how she had helped create the first cheer squad at Merrill High School and had even made the school's first cheer uniform herself! She confided with staff her wishes to wear the Merrill High cheer uniform one last time. When a staff member posted the tale on Facebook, Merrill high cheer coach, Jena Glazier, wasted no time in making it happen. The whole squad came to the assisted living facility to visit Ilagene and bring her a cheer uniform, which Ilagene promptly tried on. The squad then performed some cheers with Ilagene culminating in a lift that she insisted on. You go Ilagene! You rock!!

 Abia Govt begins massive demolition of Shanties and Illegal Motor Parks along Enugu-PortHarcourt Expressway The Abia State government has commenced the massive removal and demolition of shanties, as well as the dismantling of illegal motor parks along the Abia Tower axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and the Amachara axis. Speaking during the exercise, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, stated that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing the aesthetics of the state and ensuring orderliness in public activities. He explained that the owners of the illegal motor parks and shanties had been informed in advance and given notices to remove their structures and relocate to the Ohiya Trailer and Bus Terminal for their operations. Mr. Agomoh emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate the existence of illegal motor parks or the erection of shanties, which detract from the aesthetics o...

 Gunmen Attack Patrol Team, kill One Officer, Injure Two In Abia A police officer was reportedly killed on Wednesday when gunmen attacked a patrol team along Asaga road in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. The ugly incident, which left two others injured, was said to have occurred around 7.30 am. According to eyewitnesses, the police officers were on patrol when a group of Young men numbering about six double-crossed them, killing one, while two injured ones managed to escape to the bush. “The area was immediately combed by officers from Ohafia Division and Soldiers from 14 Brigade as a comprehensive search operation was launched to locate the fleeing suspects. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, Maureen Chinaka, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said, “The picture is not very clear at the moment, I will give you feedback on the above.”

  VDM meets Don Jazzy after N100m donation to his NGO Controversial social media critic, Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has finally met Mavin Records boss, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy.  VDM had on October 17, confirmed that Don Jazzy was the one who donated N100 million to his NGO. VDM had raised concerns after receiving an anonymous N100 million donation to his NGO account, which brought the total balance to N170 million. A few weeks later, VDM had the chance to meet Don Jazzy in person for the first time.  He shared the moment on his official Instagram, posting a video of their encounter.  In the clip, VeryDarkMan expressed his surprise and gratitude for the N100 million donation from Don Jazzy.  He offered prayers for the Mavin Records boss and bowed in appreciation.

 Italian Village Offers $1 Homes to Americans Seeking Escape from Trump’s Re-election The village of Ollolai on the Italian island of Sardinia is offering Americans disillusioned by the recent US presidential election—where Donald Trump was re-elected—the chance to start anew by selling dilapidated homes for as little as one euro (approximately $1.05). The village, which has struggled with depopulation over the years, aims to attract new residents to revitalize its community. Ollolai’s mayor, Francesco Columbu, shared with CNN that a new website has been launched to specifically target American expats. The website advertises a variety of housing options, from homes in need of renovation for just one euro, to ready-to-move-in properties priced up to $105,000. The website’s message appeals to potential buyers with the following invitation: "Are you tired of global politics? Seeking a more balanced lifestyle and new opportunities? Begin your European escape in Sardinia’s beautiful pa...

 Senate Holds Closed-Door Session on Possible Removal of CCT Chairman Danladi Umar The Nigerian Senate has entered a closed-door session to discuss the potential removal of Justice Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The motion for the discussion was introduced by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, citing Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Bamidele emphasized the numerous petitions against Umar and urged the Senate to act on the constitutional provision.  Sources within the Senate revealed that the closed-door session was necessary to resolve certain issues before proceeding with a public debate. According to the Constitution, a two-thirds majority in both Chambers is required for the removal of a CCT Chairman. If Umar is removed, Abdullahi Usman Bello would be appointed as the new Chairman, as outlined in the motion.

  Sweden, Finland Urge Residents To Be Ready For War Sweden and Finland have ramped up efforts to prepare their citizens for potential conflict as concerns about security in the region grow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sweden on Monday began sending some five million pamphlets to residents urging them to prepare for the possibility of war, as neighbouring Finland launched a new preparedness website. Sweden has begun distributing a 32-page pamphlet, If Crisis or War Comes, to 5.2 million households, providing guidance on how to handle emergencies such as war, natural disasters, cyberattacks, or terror incidents. This follows years of bolstered defence measures, including increased spending, reopened military garrisons, and the establishment of a Psychological Defence Agency to combat disinformation. Since the start of the war, Stockholm has repeatedly urged Swedes to prepare both mentally and logistically for the possibility of war, citing the serious security situation i...

 Mozambique opposition leader demands vote recount Mozambique's opposition leader called his supporters to three days of mourning from Wednesday for 50 people he said were killed by security forces in protests after disputed elections last month, AFP reported. In a Facebook address watched by tens of thousands of people, Venancio Mondlane again demanded a recount of the October 9 vote which the electoral commission said was won by a landslide by the Frelimo party in power for nearly 50 years. "We lost 50 people shot by the authorities who were supposed to protect these people," said Mondlane, whose whereabouts are unknown. "They died as martyrs of a revolution, of change." Neither the police nor the government have confirmed a death toll. Wearing black for three days Announcing a new wave of protests against a vote he called fraudulent, Mondlane urged his supporters to wear black for the three days of mourning. They should not return to the streets where they ri...

 Botswana president vows to fight corruption Botswana's new President Duma Boko has said his government will put up a spirited fight against corruption, with all those cited culpable to be sternly brought to book. "We must protect public resources at all costs for the benefit of the Botswana people," Boko said in his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the diamond rich nation's parliament in Gaborone, the capital. Boko, 54, a lawyer, won October's election on the Umbrella for Democratic Change party ticket, defeating former President Mokgweetsi Masisi and ending the 58 year rule of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). He recently concluded the swearing-in of 18 cabinet ministers, with Vice-President Ndaba Gaolathe also being allotted the role of finance minister. 'Dynamic and trustworthy civil service' Boko warned that he would not tolerate lethargy in his administration, making a clarion call for collaboration to see to it that the first 100 days...

  Norwegian Royal arrested for rape as Crown Princess’ son Marius Borg Hoiby held by cops in latest shock for family THE son of Norway's crown princess had been arrested on suspicion of rape. Marius Borg Hoiby, 27, was detained by police on Monday evening in the latest scandal to rock the royal family. Hoiby - the son of Norwegian crown princess Mette-Marit - is accused of sexually assaulting "someone who is unconscious or for other reasons unable to resist the act", police said. He was previously detained in August after allegedly attacking his former girlfriend. The royal was initially charged with bodily harm and damage to her apartment before the charge was expanded to include another case of bodily harm and Police arrested Hoiby again in September for violating a restraining order. Officers then detained Hoiby on Monday evening after fresh information came to light during an ongoing investigation. Prosecutor Andreas Kruszewski alleges Hoiby sexually assaulted a woman...

 Mom Sentenced for Killing Her Kids by Putting Them in Oven, Then Calling Their Dad to Show Him Last Thursday, Williams learned she would spend the rest of her life in prison without parole plus 35 years, according to court documents from the Fulton County Superior Court.  Court records show Williams was found guilty on all charges, including murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the first degree, concealing the death of another, cruelty to children in the second degree and false statements. The arrest warrant for Williams said that in 2017, she placed 1-year-old Ja'Karter Penn and 2-year-old Ke'Yaunte Penn inside an oven and turned it on. After committing the murders, Williams called the boys' father through video chat. The father of the boys, Jameel Penn, previously told WSB-TV, "It was like a real horror movie. It was Friday the 13th." He added, "When I saw my kid, how I saw my kid, that's when I knew what was going on....

 Paraguay President Santiago Pena Falls Ill At G20 Summit In Brazil, Hospitalised Paraguay’s President, Santiago Pena was taken to a Rio hospital in Brazil on Monday after falling ill while attending the G20 summit, officials have disclosed. “We inform that the President of the Republic, Santiago Pena, was treated today at the Samaritano Hospital (Botafogo) in Rio de Janeiro due to an indisposition,” Paraguayan authorities said in a statement. In a medical bulletin, the hospital later indicated that Pena had “a malaise in the afternoon” and was taken to a health center for diagnostic tests. Pena, 46, was taken by ambulance from the summit venue, witnesses said. Some Latin American media reported that he had suffered chest pains. “The head of state is doing well and his current state of health is stable,” it added in a note. Witnesses said Pena was taken by ambulance from the summit venue, some Latin American media also reported that he had suffered chest pains. “I spoke with Presid...

 Court Jails Internet Fraudster in Kaduna   Justice R.M Aikawa of Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced one Tisan Shedrack Jerry (a.k.a. Alice Dante)  for fraud. He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-ount charge bordering on impersonation and cybercrime.   The charge against him reads: “That you, Tisan Shedrack Jerry (A.K.A. Alice Dante) on or about the 7th of September, 2024 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, fraudulently impersonated one Alice Dante (a white woman) via Facebook platform, wherein you obtained the total sum of $90 USD and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention E.t.c) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (3) of the same Act.”   He pleaded “guilty” when the charge was read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A.I Asemebo to urge the court t...

 Libya blames Nigeria for failure to qualify for AFCON tournament The Libyan national team has singled out the Nigerian team for blame following their failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco. The Mediterranean Knights, who required a victory in their final AFCON qualification fixture, were held to a  draw by the Republic of Benin on their home turf. The 1982 AFCON champions had kicked off their qualification campaign on a positive note with a draw against Rwanda, but things took a dramatic turn when they became embroiled in what many have described as a "hostage saga" involving the Nigerian team. Media outlet, Libya Akhbar, has now pointed accusing fingers at the Nigerian team, detailing that aside from their failure to defeat Benin, the Super Eagles intentionally lost to Rwanda to ensure Libya did not qualify for The AFCON. Libyan media blames Super Eagles The outlet described the match between Nigeria and Rwanda as a shock to Libyan fa...

 Trump Picks Dr. Oz To Run Medicare And Medicaid U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he had chosen television personality and surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a wide-reaching agency with annual spending of $2.6 trillion. Trump, who endorsed Oz in his unsuccessful run in Pennsylvania for the U.S. Senate in 2022, said he would work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Oz said in a post on social media he was looking forward "to serving my country to Make America Healthy Again under" Kennedy's leadership. Trump said the pair would take on "the illness industrial complex, and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake" as well as cutting what he called waste and fraud. "Our broken Healthcare System harms everyday Americans, and crushes our Country's budget," Trump said in a statement. The age...

  Cape Town residents in shock as city transports dead humpback whale through the suburbs Some in Cape Town awoke on Sunday morning to an extraordinary and surreal spectacle: a massive humpback whale embarking on an unlikely and final journey, as it was transported from Hout Bay through the leafy avenues of Constantia. The creature had met its end off the Kommetjie coastline on Saturday morning, per News24, and then towed with great effort to the Hout Bay Harbour, where it was loaded on a truck for its final journey. Officials intervened not out of awe for the creature’s grandeur but out of necessity—to ensure the massive creature wouldn’t land on the shore and create a problem. They acted swiftly to stave off the menace of prowling sharks and the inevitable stench that would soon haunt the popular coastline. Apparently, it took Cape Town authorities 36 hours to successfully dispose of a humpback whale’s carcass, which is said to have been 14.8 metres long, weighing around 35 tonne...

 AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Full Results of Tuesday's Matches Here are the results from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying matches played on Tuesday, November 19, 2024: - Tanzania 1-0 Guinea - Kenya 0-0 Namibia - Cameroon 2-1 Zimbabwe - Mauritania 1-0 Cape Verde - Egypt 1-1 Botswana - Tunisia 0-1 Gambia - Guinea-Bissau 1-2 Mozambique - DR Congo 1-2 Ethiopia - South Africa 3-0 Sudan - Sierra Leone 0-2 Zambia - Mali 6-0 Eswatini - Ivory Coast 4-0 Chad - Congo 0-1 Uganda - Senegal 2-0 Burundi Additionally, Nigeria is among the 24 teams that have secured their spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.

 Nadal Reflects on His Legacy as He Retires from Tennis Rafael Nadal expressed that he has left both a sporting and personal legacy after announcing his retirement from professional tennis on Tuesday at the Davis Cup. The 38-year-old was defeated in the opening singles match of the quarter-finals, as the Netherlands triumphed 2-1 over Spain, eliminating them from the tournament. With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, Nadal bid farewell to his remarkable 23-year career in front of fans in Malaga, sharing an emotional speech during a tribute ceremony.  “I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I believe is not only a sporting one but a personal one,” Nadal said. “The love I’ve received is not solely because of what I achieved on the court.” Nadal expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way, particularly his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him throughout much of his career. "The titles and numbers are there, but I want to be remembered as a g...

  Ndume Urges Senate to Appoint Ifeanyi Ubah’s Widow as His Successor Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has called on the Nigerian Senate to allow the widow of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to replace him as the representative for Anambra South Senatorial District. Ndume made this appeal during a valedictory session held on Tuesday to honor the late senator, who passed away in July at the age of 52. Ndume emphasized that Ubah’s wife should succeed him in the Senate to preserve his legacy and aspirations. He cited several examples of family members continuing the political legacies of their loved ones, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who served in the National Assembly following the legacy of her husband, former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu. Ndume also referenced the late Chuba Okadigbo, whose wife Margery continued his work in the Senate, and other instances where family members, such as Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Ede Dafinone, carried on their fathers' ...

 Civil Society Groups Threaten Protest Over NNPCL’s PMS Importation Decision The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NICOSO) has warned of nationwide protests in response to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) plan to import over 1.6 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The group criticized the move as not only a policy blunder but also a calculated effort to undermine Nigeria’s local refining capacity, worsen the economy, and increase the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.  NICOSO's spokesperson, Mr. Tabuko Kennedy, argued that the decision would place unnecessary strain on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, worsening the already struggling Naira and contributing to rising inflation. He further emphasized that importing such a large volume of fuel undermines Nigeria's push for energy independence and wastes resources that could have supported local refineries. Kennedy also expressed concern over the reported poor quality of the import...

HURIWA Demands Transparency in Rivers LGAs Arson Inquiry HURIWA has commended the Rivers State Government for establishing a Judicial Commission to investigate arson attacks on Local Government Secretariats. The group stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the inquiry, as the attacks following local elections threatened the democratic process.  HURIWA criticized security lapses, including the withdrawal of police protection, which facilitated the violence. The group called for a detailed, impartial report and justice for both property damage and loss of life, expressing confidence in the Commission’s ability to uncover the truth.  

 NDLEA Secures 9,034 Convictions, Arrests 52 Barons in Three Years The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced it secured 9,034 convictions over the past three years. This was revealed by the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, during the Island Club Business Luncheon in Lagos on Tuesday. Marwa also reported that 52,901 drug traffickers, including 52 barons, were arrested during the same period. He emphasized that many of the individuals apprehended were high-profile figures, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of drug trafficking in society. During this time, the NDLEA seized 8.6 million kilograms of various illicit drugs and destroyed 1,572 hectares of cannabis farms. Marwa described the large number of arrests and prosecutions as a significant achievement, demonstrating the agency's commitment to fighting drug trafficking. Rotimi Olasode Martins, Chairman of the Island Club, praised Marwa for his dedication and effective leadership in the battle agai...

 US to Hold Talks with Israel Over Civilian Casualties in Gaza Senior officials from the US and Israel are set to meet in early December to discuss concerns over the impact of military operations on civilians in Gaza, according to the State Department.  The United States has frequently raised concerns with its ally Israel regarding the use of American-supplied weapons in strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties in Gaza.  However, the US has only once resorted to its strongest leverage — withholding some of the billions of dollars in military aid to Israel.