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 Political elements, military personnel benefiting from insurgency in Borno — Gov. Zulum Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has revealed that certain individuals are benefiting from the ongoing insurgency in the state. Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, Zulum disclosed that the sponsors of insurgency have no interest in seeing the crisis come to an end. The governor further explained that these beneficiaries are not just limited to Borno State but are spread across different parts of the country, cutting across all levels of society, from civilians to military personnel. “Among the population. I cannot say who; we still have some people who don’t want to see the end of this crisis. They are benefiting from it, not only civilians; it cuts across all strata. “Many times informants were arrested within the community; many times military personnel were arrested for trying to provide ammunition to the insurgents,” he said. Zulum added that there is a high l...

 ‘I have 14 presidents’ phone numbers’ – Davido Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, aka Davido, has boasted about his rich contact list. Speaking at the ‘Elevate Africa’ programme, the singer claimed that he has 14 presidents’ phone numbers. He explained that his music has opened so many doors for his family. He said, “Aside from my dad’s businesses and wealth, I know how many doors my music has opened for my family. Yes o, forget the money. I have 14 presidents’ phone numbers. I can call them directly. “In every country we go to, the president wants to meet us. That’s also promoting our culture. It’s an amazing feeling.”

 Donald Trump Taps Charles Kushner, Dad of Jared, As The Incoming Ambassador To France President-elect Donald Trump nominated his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s father, Charles Kushner, for a key diplomatic role as he prepares to take office.  Trump, 78, announced on Saturday afternoon that barring his confirmation in the Senate, Charles will serve as the US Ambassador of France.  ‘He is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, [and] dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests,’ the businessman wrote on Truth Social.  ‘Congratulations to Charlie, his wonderful wife Seryl, their 4 children, & 14 grandchildren,’ the family-first politician wrote. ‘Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest Ally, & one of our greatest!’  Jared had previously worked for the former Trump Administration, working on Operation Warp Speed, criminal justice reform and the Abraham Accords.  Jared and hi...

 Davido shutdown 17000 Capacity Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam with electrifying performance The renowned Afrobeats star held a sold-out concert in Amsterdam which was attended by dignitaries . On Saturday night, November 30, 2024, the DMW boss made his debut at the iconic venue, thrilling fans with a dynamic show alongside guest artists like Zlatan Ibile, Frenna, Darkoo, Logos Olori, and Ir-Sais. With this feat, Davido joins the ranks of Nigerian stars who have shut down the Ziggo Dome, following Burna Boy in April 2022 and Wizkid in November 2022.

 Trump picks daughter Tiffany's father-in-law Massad Boulos as senior Mideast adviser It was the second straight day Trump picked a family member for his team. President-elect Donald Trump has opted to keep it in the family again with some of his latest administrative picks-- this time, with the senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Trump has appointed Lebanon billionaire Massad Boulos to take on the role. His son, Michael, is married to Tiffany Trump, the president’s youngest daughter.  “Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene,“ Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. ”He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my Campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community." He also called Boulos an “unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East.”  Trump’s youngest daughter m...

 Dozens of female troops have become pregnant while serving in Falklands with at least 50 evacuated since 2008 At least 50 military personnel have had to be flown home from the South Atlantic islands since 2008 because they were expecting. Ministry of Defence figures also show that up to 31 of them were serving in the RAF at the time. The Falklands deployment is regarded as being one of the dullest postings in the Armed Forces. The islands, including capital Port Stanley, are battered by violent storms, especially during the winter when temperatures can drop as low as -10C. One source last night said the figures released by the MoD suggested that “troops were making their own entertainment”. The MoD figures also show that since 2008, 182 pregnant servicewomen have been medically evacuated from foreign postings and war zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and the peacekeeping mission in Cyprus. They also revealed that since 2017, almost 200 female recruits have become pregnant after ...

 LASG ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSION ON MARINE BRIDGE FOR EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE WORK The Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversion on Marine Bridge for repair work from Wednesday, 4th December, 2024 to Tuesday, 25th February, 2025. During the repair works, Motorists are enjoined to use alternative routes as follows: 1.      Motorists from Apapa inward Lagos Island are advised to go through Costain Roundabout to link Eko Bridge and connect Lagos Island for their desired destinations. Or From Apapa, Motorists may link Ijora 7up through Marine Bridge to access the ramp to connect Ijora Causeway Access Road through Ijora Oloye to Ijora Causeway to link Eko Bridge to connect Lagos Island for their desired destinations. 2.      Motorists from Apapa inward Ijora Causeway/Iddo are advised to link Costain Roundabout to access Eko Bridge and connect Ijora Causeway to access the ramp through the U-turn to link Iddo for their desired destinations. Or Fro...

 WE HAVE MADE REMARKABLE STRIDES IN FIGHT AGAINST HIV - LSACA The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun said Lagos State has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV. She stated this recently at a press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Ikeja, organised in commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day, themed: "The Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children in Nigeria by 2030" Her words, "In Lagos State, we have made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV. Through the combined efforts of government agencies, implementing partners, community stakeholders, and the resilient people of Lagos, we have significantly advanced toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. These milestones reflect our commitment to a robust and inclusive HIV and AIDS response, giving us hope for a future free of HIV". The commemoration, she said, is a global movement and a moment of collective refle...

 Nigerians living fake good life before fuel subsidy removal –Tinubu President Bola Tinubu has said Nigerians were living a good life that was fake and capable of leading the country into a total economic collapse before his administration came on board to remove the fuel subsidy. Tinubu had on May 29, 2023, on the day of his inauguration into office, announced the removal of the fuel subsidy. The President explained that the need to salvage the future of the country and rescue it from the brink of collapse necessitated the strategic decisions to remove the controversial fuel subsidy and unify the exchange rates. He spoke at the weekend during the 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State. The President, represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, said that his administration was not unaware of the consequences of the tough decision to remove the subsidy “As you are ...

 New Belgium law gives labour rights to sex workers, allowing them to have pensions and paid maternity leave. Sex workers in Belgium can now have job contracts that allows them to be entitled to health insurance, pensions, sick leave, and maternity leave. Belgium is the first country in the world to pass a law to give labour rights to s£x workers. The move follows the country’s 2022 decision to decriminalize s£x work. Under the new regulations, s£x workers will have access to health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment support and pensions. The legislation also establishes rules on working hours, pay and safety measures, addressing a long-standing gap in legal protections for those in the industry. “This is an incredible step forward,” said Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of Espace P, an advocacy group involved in drafting the legislation. “It means their profession can finally be recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state.” “From the employer’s perspective, t...

 UN aid chief calls for urgent action on Sudan The United Nations humanitarian chief has called for immediate international action to address Sudan's deepening crisis, highlighting the suffering of millions displaced by conflict, AFP reported. Tom Fletcher spoke with refugees during a nine-day visit to Sudan and Chad, vowing to amplify their plight and urge the world to provide greater support. "We are not invisible," he said, relaying a message from those affected. Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, pitting the regular army, led by Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The violence has killed thousands and displaced more than 11 million people, creating what the United Nations describes as the worst humanitarian crisis in recent history. During a visit on Friday to El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, Fletcher met the region's governor and heard "heart-rending stories" fro...

 Swiss cement maker Holcim exits Nigeria, sells business to Chinese firm Swiss cement maker Holcim will exit its Nigerian business through the sale of its nearly 84% stake in Lafarge Africa to China’s Huaxin Cement, it was announced on Sunday. The sale price is $1 billion for a 100% stake. The sale aligns with Holcim’s strategy to streamline its portfolio and focus on high-growth regions, including the upcoming spin-off of its North American business, which remains on track for a U.S. listing in the first half of 2025. The transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to regulatory approval, according to Holcim’s statement, which did not provide further details on the reason for this specific sale. In November 2023, Holcim said it had signed deals to sell its businesses in Uganda and Tanzania, further advancing its strategy to consolidate leadership in core markets as the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. According to Reuters, The deal marks the la...

 Tinubu heads to South Africa for bilateral talks with Ramaphosa President Bola Tinubu will depart France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa, to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa. The presidential Bi-National Commission scheduled for Tuesday, December 3 will follow a ministerial meeting planned for December 2 2024 at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement released on Sunday, said Tinubu and Ramaphosa would hold substantive discussions on bilateral, regional, and international matters of mutual interest. “Building on the commitments from their meeting on June 20, 2024, in Johannesburg, shortly after President Ramaphosa’s inauguration for a second term in office, the two leaders will review the progress made since the 10th session of the BNC held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, 2021. “The 11th session of the BNC will feature delib...

 Ododo mourns Kogi boat accident victims, seeks enhanced waterway safety Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has called for inter-agency collaboration to prevent waterways accidents. The governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah, made this known while sympathising with victims of the recent boat accident that claimed the lives of some passengers who are indigenes of Kogi State. Ododo who expressed sadness over the accident said he was concerned that most of the victims were women, petty traders and artisans who are involved in legitimate business activities to earn a living and contribute to the economy of the state. He expressed concern about the dangers on the waterway linking Kogi with Niger State. “The waterway linking Kogi and Niger state was becoming increasingly dangerous as a result of frequent boat accidents,” he said. He called on relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures are put in place to minimise risks associated with water transport...

 LAGOS HOS CHARGES GOVERNOR’S AIDES TO ALIGN WITH STRUCTURE, ETHICAL STANDARDS OF STATE PUBLIC SERVICE Lagos State Government has charged all Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) to Mr. Governor to ensure they play very crucial roles in supporting the administration's policies and programmes and align with the structure and ethical standards of the State Public Service for effective performance. The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, gave the charge during the onboarding session organised for the Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants by the Office of the Head of Service on Friday at the State Treasury Office Resource Centre, ASSBIFI Road, Ikeja. Agoro stated that the onboarding is crucial in ensuring that these Aides to Mr. Governor understand their roles and responsibilities within the Government's framework. According to him, the onboarding also underscores the need to sensitise them to adhere to the highest ethical standards and imbibe a cul...

 Trump picks loyalist Kash Patel for FBI director President-elect Donald Trump has picked MAGA loyalist Kash Patel as FBI director, signaling his intention to overhaul the intelligence agency he has long criticized. Patel is expected to face an uphill battle for Senate confirmation. “Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People,” Trump said in a statement on Saturday evening. “He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution.” Patel is known as a diehard Trump loyalist who has echoed the president-elect’s grievances — and threats — against the intelligence community. During Trump’s first term, Patel served on the National Security Council and as chief of staff to the acting defense secretary. Patel had a remarkable rise under the first Trump administration, going fr...

 Abacha: ‘I Did Not Know You Wrote A Letter For My Release From Prison’ – Obasanjo Replies Gowon Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to a revelation by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), that he pleaded with the late General Sani Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life during Abacha’s regime. The Abacha government imprisoned Obasanjo over an alleged coup plot to overthrow the regime. Over the weekend, at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South LGA, Gowon disclosed his behind-the-scenes efforts to save Obasanjo. Gowon expressed joy that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal after spending three years in prison but also became Nigeria’s president in 1999, following Abacha’s death in June 1998. In his reaction, Obasanjo acknowledged that many people had worked for his release then and said he made efforts to thank them afterwards. However, he was not aware of Gowon’s invo...

  Peter Obi Carries 2Face Dibia’s Bag At The Airport  Legendary singer Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Baba or 2Face, shared a heartwarming video of his encounter with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. 2baba shares video of him carrying Peter Obi’s bag as he meets him at the airport, recounts their meeting In the video posted on his Instagram page, 2Baba was seen carrying Peter Obi’s bag as they walked through the airport. At one point, the former governor took his bag back, and the two posed for pictures together. Reflecting on their meeting, 2Baba described their brief conversation as impactful, noting that he gained significant insights. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and praised Obi’s vision for the country. Expressing optimism, 2Baba acknowledged that while change won’t happen overnight, Nigeria is on the path to progress. “Earlier today with His Excellency Mr Peter Obi�Brief convo but plenty of impactful and massive knowledge�Dem no de...

  Dwayne Johnson dances with mom Ata at 'Moana 2' world premiere Dwayne Johnson shared a sweet moment with his mother Ata Johnson at the world premiere of "Moana 2" in Hawaii on Thursday. A video shared to Instagram by Disney shows the "Black Adam" actor standing with his family -- including wife Lauren Hashian and daughters Jasmine and Tiana -- while watching his mom Ata Johnson gracefully performing a traditional Polynesian dance. As she motions for him to join her, Johnson takes off his suit jacket, kisses his daughters on their heads and gets right into the groove without missing a beat. The two dance for a bit before the song ends ... and Dwayne walks over to pull his mother into a hug and lightly kisses her on the cheek. Dwayne and his mom definitely stole the show at the action-packed premiere ... attended by WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes, Dwayne's costar Auliʻi Cravalho, and Mickey Mouse himself. Dwayne Johnson says his daughters 'see themselves...

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE REPEL TERROR ATTACKS, TAKE FIGHT TO ARMED BANDITS, CRIMINAL DENS Scores of Recoveries Made, As IGP Commends Officers For Gallantry, Commitment. In furtherance of the redoubled effort of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D  NPM, to sustaining the fight against all forms of crime and criminality across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has  remained steadfast and unyielding in its efforts to neutralize every threat to national security, and this has led to several successes.  In one instance, police operatives attached to the Borno State Command repelled a group of armed and dreaded terrorists on the 28th of November, 2024. The group of unknown armed individuals attacked the Jakana Divisional Police Headquarters, Borno State, at about 01:00 AM. Fortunately, the group was met with strong resistance from gallant operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, who successfully repelled the attack and left...

 BILLE, BURAIMOH, ABOLURIN EMERGE MEMBERS OF INSTITUTE OF SECURITY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES IN ABUJA. The former Commandant, NSCDC Command and Staff College, Lamingo, Jos, Assistant Commandant General David Bille rtd, Superintendents of Corps Luqman Buraimoh, Personal Assistant to the Head of Insurance Unit, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), National Headquarters, Abuja and  Oluwaseun Abolurin, Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command emerge Member, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, MIS, at the Investiture, Awards and Induction ceremony held, today, Saturday, 30th November, 2024, at the Sehu Musa Yar'adua Centre, Abuja. The event was graced, by  Major General Garba Audi, rtd, Chairman Governing Council, General Christopher Musa, OFR, Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria Armed Forces ( Grand  Fellowship awardee ), ably represented, HE, Sen., Engr David Umahi ( recipient of the award of outstanding Minister of the year ), Honoura...

 " The increasing number of abandoned babies in the FCT is alarming. Just yesterday, two new cases were reported. This troubling trend is largely due to men abandoning women after impregnating them. If you are not prepared to take responsibility for fatherhood, avoid unprotected sex or abstain from it".

 PRESS RELEASE   NIGERIA, FRANCE SIGN MOU ON CRITICAL MINERALS  Nigeria and France have agreed to develop joint projects to promote and diversify the critical minerals value chain in the solid minerals sector of both countries. Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies. In the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both countries on the sidelines of the official visit to France by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently, both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training and Franco-Nigerian students exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer. A key component of the MOU is the promotion of sustainable mining activities by executing projects and programmes that reduce the environmental impact of mining on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change. It also includes the establishment of joint excrative and processing projects through co-financing by public and private ...

 Organised labour in Nasarawa State is gearing up for an indefinite strike after a state government’s delay in implementing the new national minimum wage. Comrade Ismaila Okoh, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, disclosed this in a telephone interview with Radio Nigeria. He said despite numerous meetings, including those chaired by Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, no formal agreement had been reached. According to Comrade Okoh, the government verbally committed to N70,500 minimum wage but failed to provide a written agreement specifying payment terms. He stressed that all affiliate unions have been alerted and instructed to prepare for strike action if the government does not implement the new wage by December 1, 2024. “The workers are resolute. We are ready to take all necessary steps to ensure the full implementation of the minimum wage signed into law by President Bola Tinubu,” Comrade Okoh insisted. Deputy Governor Akabe, in his response, reassur...

 It was like a movie – Patience Ozokwo emotional as she bags Honorary Doctorate Degree from UK University Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo has been left emotional after bagging an Honorary Doctorate Degree The veteran actress, alongside Yoruba veteran actors Adebayo Salami and Jide Kosoko, was honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Theatre and Media Arts from Achievers Networks Academy, UK. This was to celebrate their illustrious careers and contributions to the entertainment industry. On Saturday, the actors were conferred with the degree at the Aderinokun Lecture Theatre, University of Lagos, Akoka. The ceremony had in attendance lots of dignitaries, celebrities, and family and friends of the honoree.  The veterans were lauded for their enduring legacy, having shaped the Nollywood industry into the powerhouse it is today through their unforgettable roles, mentoring of younger talents, and commitment to promoting African culture.

 Congratulatory messages pour in as veterans Jide Kosoko and Adebayo Salami bag Honorary Doctorate Degrees from UK University; family and friends storm event Congratulatory messages are pouring for veterans Adebayo Salami and Jide Kosoko as they bag an Honorary Doctorate Degree. The veterans were honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Theatre and Media Arts from Achievers Networks Academy, UK.  This was to celebrate their illustrious careers and contributions to the entertainment industry On Saturday, the actors were conferred with the degree at the Aderinokun Lecture Theatre, University of Lagos, Akoka.  The ceremony had in attendance lots of dignitaries, celebrities, and family and friends of the honoree.  The likes of Laide Bakare, Yemi Solade, Yinka Quadri, Shola Kosoko, Bidemi Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Mr. Latin, Rose Odika, Doyin Amodu, and more were in attendance. The veterans were lauded for their enduring legacy, having shaped the Nollywood industry into t...

 My joy is complete – Wofai Fada and her husband welcome first child, a baby girl; shares photos of her newborn Nigerian actress Wofai Fada and her husband, Taiwo Cole have welcomed their first child, a baby girl We reported last month that Wofai Fada had announced that she was expecting her first child.  The entertainer, via her Instagram page, revealed the good news as she showed off her baby bump. In her caption, she cautioned her fans that there was a baby bump ahead as she noted how her family is becoming a family of three. The movie star and her husband have welcomed their bundle of joy, a baby girl Taking to her Instagram page to share photos of the newborn, Wofai stated that they are forever grateful to God for their precious gift as their joy is complete. “We are Forever grateful to God for this precious gift. Our princess is here. My joy is complete”.

 Namibia opposition leader says he will not recognise vote Namibia's top opposition presidential candidate, Panduleni Itula, has said that his party would not recognise the results of a controversially extended election marred by chaos and allegations of foul play, AFP reported. Speaking just before the close of polls on the final day of voting, Itula, whose Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) is hoping to end 34 years of rule by the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), said that no matter the result, "the IPC shall not recognise the outcome of that election." "The rule of law has been grossly violated and we cannot call these elections by any means or measure as free, fair and legitimate," said Itula, who came second in the 2019 vote. Electoral authorities decided to prolong voting in the presidential and legislative polls, after the original election day – Wednesday – was marred by logistical and technical failures that led to hours-long queu...

 Nobody will gather to cry in the remaining of this year - Nigeria Music Waka Singer Queen Salawa Abeni Pray  Nigeria Waka Singer Queen Salawa Abeni have send a prayer to her fans and love one as we step into the new month and last month of the year 2024. The Waka Singer via her verified social media pray and make a Wish as she pray that Nobody will gather in house to cry in the remaining of this year by the grace of God Almighty. Happy favourable new month & new week....QSA CARES

 13-year-old Boy Deported To Africa Sues UK Based Parents The boy’s legal team argued that his parents “physically and emotionally abandoned” him due to concerns over his potential involvement in gangs in London, an accusation the teenager vehemently denied. A 13-year-old boy has taken legal action against his parents, accusing them of “brutally” taking him overseas and enrolling him in a boarding school before abandoning him there. The boy, whose identity is protected, contacted the British Consulate and a child welfare organization after his parents registered him at an African school before returning to the United Kingdom. The boy’s legal team argued that his parents “physically and emotionally abandoned” him due to concerns over his potential involvement in gangs in London, an accusation the teenager vehemently denied. At a hearing that began on Tuesday, the boy’s lawyers requested a judge ordered his return to the UK, where he has lived since birth. However, the boy’s father’s...