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 Presentation of Ogun 2025 Appropration Bill to OGHA Postponed The presentation of thebOgun State 2025 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, earlier scheduled for Friday, 29th November 2024 has been postponed to a later date. A statement signed by the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin stated that a new date for the presentation of the annual budget would be announced later. The Clerk said the Assembly regretted any inconveniencies arising from the postponement.

 Musk's Starlink ordered to cease operations in Namibia The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia said on Thursday it has issued a cease-and-desist order to Elon Musk's satellite internet provider Starlink for operating in the country without a license, according to Reuters. Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, operates in several African countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others and resistance from state telecom monopolies. Starlink has submitted an application for a telecommunications service license in Namibia, however the regulator has not issued the license as the application is under review. The regulator also advised the public not to purchase Starlink terminal equipment or subscribe to its services, as such activities are illegal in Namibia. Its investigators have already confiscated illegal terminals from consumers and have opened criminal cases with the Namibian police in this regard, it added. Earlier this year, Cameroon ordered the seizure ...

 Chad cuts military ties with France to 'assert full sovereignty' Chad has ended an agreement with France aimed at strengthening cooperation in security and defence between the two nations, Anadolu Agency reported. “The Government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to terminate the defence cooperation agreement signed with the French Republic,” a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Thursday said. The statement, signed by Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, said that after decades of independence, it is time for the country to “assert its full sovereignty and to redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities.” It said the decision to terminate the agreement, which was revised in September 2019, was in no way indicative of a deterioration of the historical relations and bonds of friendship between the two nations. Official talks Chad “remains determined to maintain constructive relations with France...

  PRESS RELEASE DEATH OF PRISCILLA OCHEME: POLICE COMMITTED TO THOROUGH, UNBIASED INVESTIGATION. As IGP Orders SIU to Take Over Case. The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the thorough investigation of the recent tragic case involving the death of Priscilla Ocheme, a young woman who went missing after visiting her boyfriend, one Ekhousuehi Elvis, at his home in Goshen Estate, Pyakasa, FCT, on September 22, 2024.  Priscilla's lifeless body was subsequently discovered, raising significant concerns. The case was promptly reported to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General Zone 7 Abuja, and Elvis, as a primary suspect, was invited to provide his account of the events leading to Priscilla's sudden disappearance. However, instead of reporting as requested, Elvis proceeded to another police formation in Lagos State to file a counter-petition. In light of this development, and to maintain clarity and avoid duplication in the ongoing investigations, the Inspector-G...

 Measuring national progress, NBS data, and scepticism By Bayo Onanuga Recent reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have become a focal point of criticism and scepticism, especially by the political opposition and perpetual doubters of any positive report about our country. In its Q2 labour survey report, the NBS says the unemployment rate fell from 5.3 % in Q1 to 4.3% in Q2. Compared to the unemployment rate of 5.3% in Q4 2022, the report shows some progress, as it also indicates a lower level of youth unemployment. The NBS also reported that GDP growth in the third quarter rose to 3.46% year-on-year in real terms, higher than the 2.54% recorded in Q3 2023 and above the second quarter growth of 3.19%. The report stated that the GDP's performance in the third quarter of 2024 was driven mainly by the services sector, which recorded a growth of 5.19% and contributed 53.58% to the aggregate GDP. The agriculture sector grew by 1.14%, from the growth of 1.30% recorded in ...

 Senate Passes Tax Reform Bills For Second Reading The Senate on Thursday passed the four tax bills for second reading through voice votes. President Tinubu Bola transmitted the four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration on October 3. The move generated controversy with the Northern governors and other stakeholders kicking against the tax reforms. Worried by the situation, the Presidency explained that the bills were not targeted at any particular region but to develop the country. The Senate passed through second reading a Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombud as part of Tinubu’s comprehensive tax reform package. The proposed legislation seeks to harmonize, coordinate, and resolve disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria. The session saw lawmakers deliberating on the general principles of the tax reform bills. Earlier, the Senate had gone into a closed-door session to disc...

 House Of Reps Confirms Oluyede’s Appointment As Chief Of Army Staff The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).  While the constitution does not make provision for confirmation of appointments by the House of Representatives, the lawmaker adopted a report of its ad–hoc committee on the confirmation/screening of the Acting Chief of Army Staff and confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff. Chairman of the committee Babajimi Benson in presenting the report, said Lt. Gen. Oluyede had satisfied all requirements.

 Fubara Begins Payment Of ₦85,000 Minimum Wage In Rivers Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara says his administration has begun payment of ₦85,000 minimum wage for state workers, despite attempts by those he described as “enemies of the state” to deprive his administration of funds. Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Fubara said his administration’s ability to implement the new wage policy has brought relief to civil servants in the state. He said the greatest achievement in governance is the ability to put smiles on people’s faces by improving their welfare, noting that workers who previously earned between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 now receive between ₦120,000 and ₦140,000 under the new wage structure. Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to governing the state with the guidance of God, stating that “only God gives power.” He also commended security agencies for their cooperati...

  ‘It Could’ve Been Fatal,’ Bishop TD Jakes Expresses Gratitude Following Health Scare Bishop TD Jakes of the Potter’s House in Dallas, US, has thanked family members, friends, his congregation, and well-wishers for their support after he suffered a health scare. The 67-year-old Jakes had lowered his microphone and was spotted shaking while sitting on a stool where he delivered a sermon during the church’s service last Sunday. Days after the incident which saw church officials rushing to the stage to prevent him from falling from the stool, the cleric was full of gratitude to those ” who were concerned and sent love and sent notes”. “It didn’t have to end this good. I’m so grateful,” Bishop Jakes said in a video post on his Instagram handle on Wednesday. “I’m grateful to y’all, all the people who prayed, all the people who texted, all the people who had prayer vigils, all the people who were concerned and sent love and sent notes. I’m just grateful.”. Watch video below. 

 FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles Drop To 44th Following their defeat to Rwanda in the final round of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier, Super Eagles of Nigeria has dropped to 44th position in the latest FIFA rankings. The Nigerian side failed to secure maximum points in the final round of the qualifiers playing a 1-1 draw with Benin in Abidjan before suffering a 1-2 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo. The ranking released on Thursday afternoon saw Super Eagles dropped to 44th position from 36th position where they were ranked in October. They also dropped to the 5th position in Africa behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria. African Top 10: 1.Morocco   2.Senegal  3.Egypt   4 Algeria  5.Nigeria  6 CIV  7 Cameroon  8 Mali 9 Tunisia  10South Africa

Anambra Govt Urges Hoteliers To Pay Taxes Regularly, Maintain International Standard By Ifeyinwa Ogwo The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, has urged hoteliers in the state to stay current with their tax payments as required by law, emphasizing that any hotel operating without a proper operational license is doing so illegally. Additionally, he encouraged hotel owners to ensure their establishments meet international standards to attract patronage, especially with the construction of the Solution Fun City that will attract tourists to the state. The Commissioner made this statement during his meeting with the executive members of the Anambra State Hotel Owners Association at the UHBET Center in Awka. He announced that the ministry is planning to organize a workshop for the association in first week of December. "We want you to uphold standards and ensure security, by government regulations so that together we can build a livable, prosper...

 Private Blessing Akpan of the Nigerian Army made history for 🇳🇬Nigeria at the ongoing Africa Military Games by becoming the country's first GOLD medallist in Track and Field at the event, coming from behind to win GOLD in the 100m Hurdles.  She clocked 15.51s to finish ahead of Ghana's Stephanie Abu (15.54s). Another personnel Private Stella Ogu took the Bronze. #AMGA2024 #Nigeria .  More photos below. 

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PARIS: PRESIDENT TINUBU URGES MORE INVESTMENTS IN FOOD SECURITY, SOLID MINERALS, ENERGY AND EDUCATION   President Bola Tinubu affirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defense during a high-profile meeting with President Emmanuel Macron at the prestigious Palais des L'Élysée on Thursday.   At a joint press conference, President Tinubu highlighted the vast, yet largely untapped potential within Nigeria's agricultural sector and beckoned international investors to capitalize on the nation's welcoming investment climate.   "The French- Nigeria Business Forum  is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another's country.”   He emphasised Nigeria's flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises, as part of the drive to bolster food...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMITS TO RETURNING OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN TO CLASSROOMS WHILE EQUIPPING THEM FOR THE FUTURE   In a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysée, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to prioritizing education for Nigerian children.    He outlined plans to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through innovative return-to-class initiatives and skills development programs.   President Tinubu highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to create a supportive framework that ensures school-age children re-enter classrooms, emphasizing the role of motivation and skill acquisition in this initiative.   "In order to bridge the gap for some who are of age, and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development," the President added.   Accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President stressed to Pres...

 Gombe Court Jails Police,  Immigration Officers for N1.6m Employment Fraud   Justice  T.G. Ringin of the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe State on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 convicted and sentenced two police officers: Yusuf AbdulKarim Bature and Musa Philip and an Immigration officer, Nasiru Mohammed to seven years imprisonment each for employment fraud to the tune of N1,640,000 (One Million Six Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira) only.    Bature and Philip were arraigned on two  count - charges of obtaining by false pretences and intent to defraud while Mohammed was arraigned on one- count charge of obtaining by false pretences by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.   Count one of the charges against Yusuf AbdulKarim Bature and Musa Philip reads  : “That you Yusuf Abdul karim Bature and Musa Philip while being public officers with the Nigerian Police Force sometime in 2022 in Gombe wit...

 Biafra: Southeast Stakeholders Call for Ekpa's Sentencing and Nnamdi Kanu's Release Reactions continue to pour in following the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, with some Southeast leaders demanding his sentencing in Finland. Ekpa was apprehended by Finnish authorities on November 27, 2024, along with four others, and detained by the Päijät-Häme district court for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda on social media. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that Ekpa, who holds dual citizenship in Finland and Nigeria, is under investigation for inciting terrorist acts and financing terrorism. Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, stated that Ekpa used his social media platforms to provoke violence against both civilians and public authorities in Southeast Nigeria. "His actions from Finland have fueled violence and other criminal activities in the region," Hiltunen said. Ekpa’s arrest comes ...

 Akwa Ibom declares Friday work-free day to honour late First Lady The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared Friday, November 29, 2024, a work-free day in honour of the late First Lady, Patience Eno. A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, in Uyo, the state capital, on Wednesday, noted that the decision is to enable Akwa Ibomites and other well-wishers to pay their last respects to the departed First Lady. “Further to the final home-going programme of our departed First Lady, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Government, in consultation with the bereaved family, has declared Friday, November 29, 2024, a work-free day in honour of our dear mother,” the statement read. “This is to enable Akwa-Ibomites to pay their last respect to our mother at her obsequies in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsik Ubuim Local Government Area of the state on that day. “May the gentle soul of our departed First Lady find repose in the bosom of our Lord and...

 Osinbajo: Political Action Must Lead to Tangible Results, Not Just Protests Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has emphasized the importance of political action extending beyond protests, urging for measurable and tangible outcomes, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Speaking at the Technology, New Media, Citizens, and Governance Conference (TNCG) in Lagos on Thursday, Osinbajo pointed out the socio-economic impact of protests on informal workers and traders who rely on daily earnings. "Political action must go beyond the euphoria of protests. It needs to yield real, measurable results, or it risks being counterproductive," he stated. He also highlighted the critical role of the elite in driving effective change, stressing their responsibility in setting clear objectives and forming coalitions to advocate for structural reforms. "The elite, including us in civil society, are key in shaping the goals of political action, articulating grievances, and p...

 Former Bank of China chairman sentenced to death on corruption charges Liu Liange, former Party chief and chairman of Bank of China, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve in a first-instance trial on Tuesday for accepting large sums in bribes. The sentence was delivered by the Jinan Intermediate People's Court in East China's Shandong Province, according to China Central Television (CCTV). During his tenure from 2010 to 2023, Liu took bribes of 121 million yuan ($16.7 million) to assist with loans, projects, and personnel arrangements. He approved illegal loans amounting to 3.32 billion yuan from 2017 to 2020, causing losses of over 190.7 million yuan. Liu was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, stripped of his political rights for life and had all personal assets seized. He also received a 10-year prison term and a 150,000 yuan fine for illegal loan issuance. His illicit gains and their proceeds will be seized and handed over to the state treasury, accordin...

 Liberian ex-warlord Prince Yormie Johnson dies at 72 Former Liberian warlord, Prince Yormie Johnson, a key player in the 1989-2003 back-to-back civil wars, died Thursday aged 72. Officials from his party and the Senate told AFP. Johnson, who was seen sipping beer in a video as fighters loyal to him tortured then president Samuel Doe to death in 1990, was an influential senator. He served as a senator for Nimba County since 2006. A former rebel leader played a prominent role in the First Liberian Civil War. “Senator Johnson was the longest-serving senator,” said Siaffa Jallah, deputy director of press at the Senate. According to reports, the former warlord collapsed in his bathroom during a shower and went into a coma. He was later confirmed dead upon arrival at a local health facility. “Yes, we lost him this morning. He passed away at Hope for Women (health centre)”, Wilfred Bangura, a senior official in Prince Johnson’s Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction party, told AFP. ...

 UK Woman Accidentally Throws Away Ex Boyfriend's Bitcoin Key Worth £589 Million A woman has revealed how she accidentally threw away the 'key' to her boyfriend's £569million Bitcoin fortune, as he fights for the right to search a huge landfill in an attempt to find it.  Halfina Eddy-Evans, speaking for the first time about her ex-boyfriend James Howells' cyber nightmare, admitted taking the hard drive to the tip in Wales but claims she did so at his request. Howells claims he mined the Bitcoin himself in 2009 and then forgot about it. But after discovering the 8,000 coins are now worth around £569m he is fighting for the right to search the landfill run by Newport Council.  She added: 'I'd love nothing more than him to find it. I'm sick and tired of hearing about it.'. More photos below. 

 PRESS RELEASE FORCE REORGANIZATION: IGP ORDERS RESTRUCTURING, SANITIZATION OF SCID KEBBI. •Harps on Specialization of Investigative Units, Commitment to Rule-of-Law. In furtherance of the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to establish specialized investigative units within the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP has ordered the immediate sanitization and restructuring of the Kebbi State Command Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in a strategic move aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of police officers attached to the section in the State.  The IGP has directed that all officers currently occupying positions within the Kebbi State CID be reassigned to other commands, formations, and units, including training schools. This decision is part of a broader initiative to inject expertise into the Department, ensuring the most capable hands are in place to emplace modern policing ideals through standardised inve...

 Indian wrestler and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia has been suspended for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).  The suspension comes after Bajrang refused to provide a doping sample during the national team selection trials on March 10, 2024. This decision follows an initial provisional suspension on April 23, which was later upheld by NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) after a series of hearings. The panel found Bajrang guilty under Article 10.3.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules and ruled that his four-year ineligibility would begin from April 23, 2024, the date of the initial suspension notification. The panel also clarified that a brief period when the provisional suspension was lifted, from May 31 to June 21, would not count toward the four years. This ban means Bajrang cannot compete in wrestling or take up international coaching opportunities during the suspension period. Bajrang has contested the charges, claiming he faced unfair treat...

 In a tragic incident, Maya Gogoi, a Vlogger from Assam, was found dead in a service apartment in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar area on Tuesday, Police suspect she was stabbed to death by her acquaintance, Aarav Harni, who is currently on the run. The accused, who is from Kerala, had reportedly been staying with Gogoi at the apartment since November 23. According to police, CCTV footage from the apartment confirmed that both Gogoi and Harni checked in together three days before the incident. Harni allegedly stabbed Gogoi multiple times in the chest, killing her instantly. Reports also suggest that Harni stayed with the victim’s body for an entire day before fleeing the scene. A murder case has been registered, and police teams are working to track down the suspect. Investigators are gathering evidence from the crime scene and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby areas to locate Harni. The police are also questioning people who may have been in contact with either Gogoi or Harni in ...

 Mumbai police have arrested the boyfriend of a 25-year-old Air India pilot, Srishti Tuli, who was found hanging in her flat in Marol.  The incident occurred on Tuesday, prompting authorities to take Aditya Pandit, 27, into custody on charges of abetment to suicide. According to an official from the Powai police station, Tuli was originally from Uttar Pradesh and had been living in Mumbai for work since June last year. Tuli and Pandit had been in a relationship since they met during a commercial pilot training course in Delhi two years ago. On the day of the incident, Pandit received a call from Tuli while he was en route to Delhi. She reportedly told him about her intention to take her own life. Rushing back to Mumbai, Pandit found her flat locked from the inside. With the help of a key maker, he entered and discovered her hanging with a data cable. The young pilot was immediately taken to Seven Hills Hospital, where she was declared dead. No suicide note was found at the sce...

 You are nothing more than a social media lawyer – Paulo Okoye slams Deji Adeyanju for dragging Burna Boy Music executive Paulo Okoye has slammed activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju for dragging singer, Samini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy’s name over the arrest of Speed Darlington Earlier today, Deji Adeyanju bashed Burna Boy for singing legendary Fela Kuti’s lines of activism while oppressing people. In response, Paulo took to his Instagram story to slam Deji Adeyanju for attacking Burna Boy. He identified the human rights lawyer as a social media lawyer who doesn’t have the right to malign the singer’s name. He asked him to get his facts right and call his client to order. He urged him to put some respect on Burna Boy’s name. “Deji Adeyanju or whatever they call you!!!! Can you put respect on Burna Boy’s name. Why are you even calling Burna Boy’s name?? Smh You are nothing more than a social media lawyer. Lawyer my a$$$.

 DJ Cuppy comes under fire as she searches for husband on LinkedIn Nigerian disc jockey Florence Otedola, better known by her stage name, DJ Cuppy, has come under heavy criticism for taking her hunt for a husband to the professional social media platform LinkedIn. The daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, via her LinkedIn page, shared a crying face of herself as she revealed that she is looking for a finance man who is 6 foot with brown eyes. “LinkedIn. I’m looking for a finance man: 6 foot, Brown eyes Her post didn’t sit well with many who dragged her on Twitter for going overboard with her desperation for a man.

 Thank You God for the Life of ZEE - Nollywood Actress Aisha Lawal given thanks to hear creator as her daughter clock 6 Years Nigeria actress Aisha Lawal have given thanks to her creator as her daughter ZEE she his celebrating 6 years today. The proud mother who took to her verified social media to give thanks to her creator and pray for her daughter on her new birthday Aisha Lawal posted the picture of her daughter and make some caption to celebrate her daughter. WE ARE 6 TODAYYYY 💃💃💃BIG 6 💃💃💃💃💃❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️THANK YOU GOD FOR THE LIFE OF ZEE, I AM SUPER GRATEFUL FOR HER LIFE 🙏 AND I PRAY ZEE WILL CONTINUE TO BE A SOURCE OF JOY,LIGHT AND HAPPINESS TO US ALL.HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BABY GIRL MAY YOU CONTINUE TO INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, WISDOM AND GOOD HEALTH 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️ PLEASE PRAY FOR HER🙏NO EVIL EYE WILL CAST ON HER. NB 🤣🤣🤣CONTINUE TO MANAGE OUR OLD PICTURES OOOO.  More photos below. 

 U.S. lawmakers slam State Department for denying Nigerians, Ghanaians visas at higher rates than Asian applicants Three U.S. lawmakers flayed the State Department under Anthony Blinken for rejecting a huge chunk of student visa applications filed by Nigerians, Ghanaians and Kenyans while approving those of their Asian counterparts by a margin so wide that the lawmakers requested a briefing. Gwen Moore, Sheila Jackson Lee and Sara Jacobs sent a scathing letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on January 24 to explain the wide disparity between the 54 per cent study visa denials of African students and 10 per cent rejection rate for the same demographic in Europe and less than 35 per cent in other regions across the world. The letter validated concerns that the State Department deliberately discriminated against African students and favoured their Asian counterparts whose native countries, like Bangladesh and Honduras, did not fare economically better than the marginalised Afric...

 Lionel Messi launches brand new GOAT 10 wine collection We all know Lionel Messi has an eye for goal, with the Argentine icon scoring 856 times in a glittering career. Lionel Messi the best soccer player on the planet, no one can doubt that, but now we also have to talk about the business side of the world champion, as he has just launched his own line of wines, and how could it be otherwise, the alcoholic beverage is called 10 GOAT The high-end Lionel Collection features two unique varieties, Syrah and Primitivo, and both are adorned with the words GOAT 10. Messi's GOAT wine launch "Some of you asked us about these unique wines we made with Mmwinemaker. Here you have a special limited edition: two premium wines with collectible bottles that you can't miss. Have you tried them yet?" Messi posted on Instagram. The wine has two different labels, one, the 'white' varietal Syrah and Indicazione Geografica Tipica (I.G.T.) from Sicily; and the other, the black, Ind...