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 Anti-French protests break out in Chad Hundreds of people marched in Chad on Friday to call for the withdrawal of French troops from the country, a week after the Central African country ended a military agreement with its former colonial ruler, AP reported. Protesters in the capital, N’Djamena, chanted “Chad for us, France out!” with some holding banners that read, “We do not want to see a single French person in Chad.” Last week, Chad announced in a statement it would end a defense cooperation agreement with France to redefine its strategic partnerships in line with national priorities. France has maintained about 1,000 troops in Chad, and the statement didn’t specify when they have to leave. Some protesters on Friday went to a military airbase where French soldiers are stationed and called for their departure. Others gathered in front of the French embassy where they faced a very strong security belt of the Chadian army securing the embassy. “We no longer want the French presen...

 Kenya denies claims of police resignations in Haiti mission Kenya's police chief has denied media reports that more than a dozen Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti have resigned over unpaid wages for the past three months, Anadolu reported. Citizen TV, a leading Kenyan media outlet which spoke to some of the officers on the ground, reported that those affected are still serving as they await a formal response to their resignations. The officers claimed that delays in receiving their promised salaries had pushed them to take this step. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, however, denied the allegations, stating that all officers had been paid in full. “The officers on the ground are doing quite well,” Kanja said in a statement, while commending the team for their commitment to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. Also speaking to reporters, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo clarified that the responsibility for paying the officers lies w...

 WHO sends experts to diagnose unknown disease in DR Congo The World Health Organization said on Friday it is deploying experts to support health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate an as-yet undiagnosed disease linked to multiple deaths in a remote area of the country, Reuters reported. The WHO experts are on their way to Panzi, a locality in the southwestern Kwango province, where they will deliver essential medicines and diagnostic kits to help analyse the cause of the illness. Laboratory tests are being conducted to determine the cause, the WHO said, adding that it would share more information as soon as it was available. "Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities," said Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa. "All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission and ensure appropriate response as swiftly as possible," she a...

 Mali releases jailed anti-junta leaders A court in Mali has freed 11 opposition leaders who were arrested in June on charges of plotting against the ruling military junta after calling for a return to civilian rule, AP reported. Their provisional release on Friday has been seen as an attempt to calm the country’s political climate in the wake of the controversial appointment of Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga as prime minister. Mali has been ruled by military leaders since the junta seized power in 2020 and staged another coup the following year. The 11 individuals had been arrested on June 20 during an “illegal” meeting held during a period when all political party activities had been banned. They were charged with plotting against the junta after they signed a declaration in March calling for the military to relinquish power. “The 11 comrades of the March 31st Declaration platform of political parties and associations have been free since yesterday,” former Malian minister Djiguiba Keita, ...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES NEW CHAIRMAN FOR THE NORTH WEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, RENOMINATES OTHERS IN NEW LIST   EMEKA ATUMA HEADS THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE SOUTH EAST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded to the Senate for confirmation a modified list of members of the inaugural Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) as he nominated  Hon. Emeka Atuma as chairman of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).   In a list of nominees sent to the Senate late in September 2024, President Tinubu nominated Ambassador Haruna Ginsau as chairman of the NWDC board while also naming  Senator Tijani Yahaya Kaura and Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman as members.   The new list replaced them with  Ja'afar Abubakar Sadeeq and Yahaya Aminu Abdulhadi, while the new chairman is Alh Lawal Samai'la Abdullahi.   Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma'aji retains his position as managing director...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU ANNOUNCES KEY APPOINTMENTS INTO NUC, NERDC, NEPAD, RENEWS THE APPOINTMENT OF FATIMA SHINKAFI IN  SMDF   President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of chief executive officers for the National Universities Commission (NUC),  the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and the  New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).   The President also approved the renewal of the appointment of Fatima  Umaru Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary Of the  Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI).   She was first appointed into the job by President Muhammadu Buhari and is said to be one of the driving forces of the changes in the solid mineral sector.   President Tinubu appointed Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, a visiting professor at the NUC, as the organisation's Executive Secretary.   Prof. Ribadu is an expert in veterinar...

Paris Jackson Engaged to Music Producer Justin Long: ‘I Couldn’t Dream of Anyone More Perfect’ Michael Jackson’s only daughter is set to marry her bandmate, who she sweetly nicknames 'Blue' Wedding bells are ringing for Paris Jackson and her boyfriend Justin Long! In the early hours of Friday, Dec. 6, the singer — who is the only daughter of Michael Jackson— shared the news in a carousel post on Instagram to mark the music producer and engineer's birthday. Among the photos was a snap of her boyfriend, who she sweetly nicknames “Blue," down on one knee while holding a box in a gilded room. Jackson, 26, gushed that she “couldn’t dream of anyone more perfect” for her in the caption of her post. "happy birthday my sweet blue," she wrote. "doing life with you these last years has been an indescribable whirlwind and i couldn’t dream of anyone more perfect for me to do it all with. thank you for letting me be yours. i love you." Jackson also shared a glimp...

 A 13-year-old girl loses balance and slips out of ferris wheel's gondola, left hanging dangerously in air A frightening incident took place at a fair in Uttar Pradesh when a 13-year-old girl was seen hanging dangerously from a high Ferris wheel. The event occurred on Wednesday in Rakehti village, located in the Nighasan area of Lakhimpur Kheri district, around 130 kilometers from Lucknow. As the Ferris wheel started to move, the girl lost her balance and slipped out of her gondola, leaving her hanging by an iron rod,ToI report reported. She hung there for about a minute before the operator was able to stop the Ferris wheel and rescue her safely. Four persons were injured when they fell off a bucket seat of a Ferris wheel at a crowded Durga Puja pandal at Telephone Bhawan here on Friday, police said. The accident took place when the safety bar of the ride malfunctioned, resulting in the fall, they added.

 Bandits attack Taraba governor’s mother and sister Tragedy struck on Thursday along Kente road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba when gunmen suspected to be bandits ambushed the mother of the state governor, Jumai Kefas, and his sister, Atsi Kefas. The incident, confirmed by intelligence sources, turned chaotic when a police officer assigned to escort the family accidentally shot Atsi Kefas while attempting to repel the attackers. The family was travelling through an area increasingly plagued by bandit activities when the incident occurred. Online news outfit, Zagozola, reports that following the attack, troops promptly intervened to rescue the victims. According to the report, Governor Kefas’ mother and sister were airlifted to safety via an air ambulance. Atsi Kefas, who sustained injuries from the accidental shooting, was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Her condition remains undisclosed at the time of reporting. Security forces recovered the family’s vehicle at th...

 Police file fresh cybercrime charges against activist Dele Farotimi in Ekiti The Nigeria Police Force has filed additional charges against prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. The latest filing, submitted on Friday to the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, includes 12 new counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. The new charges reportedly aim to obstruct Farotimi’s bail application and prolong his detention. This development follows earlier charges filed by the police in collaboration with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola, over comments Farotimi made during an interview and press conferences. Among the accusations, Farotimi is alleged to haveknowingly transmitted false information during an online interview on August 28, 2024, claiming that Afe Babalola “corrupted the judiciary.”  Prosecutors argue that the statements were madewith the intent to cause public unrest and bully or harass the senior lawyer. Faroti...

 FCTA Invests in Road Infrastructure to Develop Isolated Communities – Wike Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced the FCTA's commitment to improving road infrastructure to connect and develop previously isolated communities.  At the launch of a three-kilometre access road in Giri District, Wike emphasized that the project would attract development and benefit landowners. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting ongoing infrastructure efforts. This road marks the third major project launched by Wike in recent days, alongside others in Kabusa and Ketti.

 LAGOS UNVEILS DIGITAL SERVICE PLATFORM, EXTOLLING IMPORTANCE OF AI Lagos State Government today unveiled the "Lagos Digital Service Platform", a pivotal transformative tool embodying the state's vision of accessible, transparent, and efficient governance. Speaking at the unveiling during the Art of Technology Lagos 6.0 themed: “AI and The Lagos Digital Economy” held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu said the platform will bridge the gap between government and the people, fostering trust and delivering impactful services and results in the State. The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that his administration is committed to building a Lagos that epitomises modernity, inclusivity, and innovation through the Vision 2052. According to him, “The long-term development plan focuses on a thriving economy powered by innovation, modern infrastructure that supports...

 TESCOM CHARGES PROBATIONARY TEACHERS TO INFUSE CREATIVE THINKING INTO TEACHING METHODOLOGY The Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has charged probationary teachers on Grade Levels 08-09 to infuse creative thinking into their teaching methodology. Chairman of the Commission, Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, gave the charge while declaring open a two-day capacity-building workshop for probationary teachers held recently at the LCCI Centre, Ikeja. Mrs. Peregrino, who was represented at the workshop by Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja, Commissioner I, representing Ikorodu Division on the Board of the Commission, said the training programme was put together by the State Government to encourage and constantly educate teachers to meet the ever-evolving teaching challenges in the 21st educational system. While noting that there is a paradigm shift in the teaching techniques and methodology, she advised teachers to be abreast with new techniques as they evolve if they must succeed in ...

 I am genuinely sorry for the misleading post on Birmingham fake visa travel agent - Nollywood Actress Opeyemi Ayeola apologize to public  Nigeria Actress and now Abroad Base Opeyemi Ayeola has taken to her verified social media handle to deeply apologize to fans and public. Opeyemi Ayeola explain herself that she never new the people who gave her the advert are scammers who dumped people in the name of getting Birmingham working visa to travel abroad.  She said she could have done her research very well to investigate them May be they are legit or not  Opeyemi Ayeola inform the public if there is any one scam through her misleading advert on Birmingham work visa should come forward with proof. The actress also send regard to Karmo of state, Lizz Dasliver and others . We can see from her comment section when some fans said she will be the third celebrities to post this  type of advert. Opeyemi Ayeola wrote I genuinely n sincerely apologise to y’all for the misle...

 This year, I met the most broken version of me and  the most brave version of me - Nollywood Actor Bolanle Ninalowo  Nigeria Actor Bolanle Ninalowo has review his 2024 journey as the year going to an end. The actor via his verified social media handle post his video calmly and write long note about his strength and weaknesses version of 2024. On the note Bolanle Ninalowo wrote With the year coming to an end, I’ve been reflecting on 2024. This year, I met the most broken version of me, the most brave version of me, the most confident version of me, the most resilient version of me and the strongest version of me. Grief obliterated my soul as i became aware of something i had been experiencing for many years without clarity & closure! I was certain that I would never laugh or smile again. Life as I knew it ceased to exist. And… I didn’t want it to exist. I wanted it to fade away into the abyss. I got up. I prayed & fought to find healing. I desperately wanted to be...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE - DECEMBER 6, 2024 Two Arrested for Vandalism and Theft of Government Property In a proactive move, the Bauchi State Police Command has successfully apprehended two individuals linked to the vandalism and theft of government assets worth millions at ongoing project sites. The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Inuwa, a 26-year-old truck driver, and Ukasha Abdulmalik, a 17-year-old resident of Karofin Madaki, were caught red-handed on December 5, 2024, at about 11:00 AM loading a stolen concrete cave belonging to Bauchi state government. This operation was spearheaded by SP David Silas, who oversees the Command’s Works Department and in conjunction with Bauchi State Ministry of Works. During investigation, Ibrahim, the principal suspect, claimed he purchased the stolen concrete caves for an astonishing price of ₦350 each from two unidentified individuals along Emir’s Drive, Bauchi. He used his truck to transport them to his residence....

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: IG ORDERS POSTING OF ZONAL AIGs, AIG FCID ANNEX. Charges Officers to Curb Misconduct, Ensure Professionalism. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has ordered the immediate posting of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) as heads of Police Zonal Commands of Zones 1, 4 and 9, and also a new AIG to head the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos. The order covers the deployment of the AIG Suleiman M. Yusuf as AIG Zone 9, Umuahia; AIG Ahmed Ammani as AIG Zone 1, Kano; AIG Zachariah Fera as AIG Zone 4, Makurdi and AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo as AIG FCID Annex, Lagos This posting comes after the retirement of some of the AIGs who were previous heads of the Zonal Commands and the recent promotion of the former AIG Zone 1, DIG Ari Muhammed Ali and his appointment as the DIG Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.  The IGP urges the new AIGs to ensure, strict supervision, dil...

 EFCC Arrests 24 Suspected Internet Fraudsters Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abuja Zonal Directorate have arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Lokoja, Kogi State following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.  Items recovered from them include 30 phones, 6 laptops and 3 cars. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.  More photos below.

 Lisabi Part 2 not affected by Netflix leaving Nigeria – Adedimeji Lateef Nollywood actor Adedimeji Lateef has said his relationship with Netflix is intact, adding that the second part of his movie Lisabi will hit the streaming platform in January 2025. Nigerians were shocked on Wednesday when news broke that Netflix was leaving the country. The news was sparked after Nollywood director Kunle Afolayan revealed that the platform had stopped funding directors. Afolayan, who spoke during the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, said his own project, Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre, was spared because he was already done shooting the two more seasons approved by the platform. He said other directors who were still shooting projects for Netflix had been left hanging due to the platform’s decision. Shortly after his words, Netflix told newsmen they were not leaving Nigeria but failed to address Afolayan’s claims. The platform then stated that they will continue to support Nigerian stories but did...

 May Allah forgive his sins and grant him the highest place in Aljannah Firdaus - Veteran Nollywood Actor Alhaji Yinka Quadri Pray for Sheikh Muhideen Ajadi Bello  Nigeria Actor Alhaji Yinka Quadri has prayer to the popular Nigeria and Ibadan Sheikh, Alhaji Muhideen Ajadi Bello. Yinka Quadri describes the late Sheikh as a great light which has dimmed today. He also said the Sheikh dedicated his life to the will of God and spread the words of God to people. Alhaji pray that May Almighty Allah forgive Sheikh Muhideen Ajadi Bello sins and grant him the highest place in aljana Friduas which is the high heaven Yinka Quadri wrote A great light has dimmed today. Sheik Muhyideen Ajani Bello dedicated his life to the ummah, never shying away from speaking the truth. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him the highest place in Aljannah Firdaus. Ameen.

 Governor Namadi Presents 2025 Budget to Jigawa Assembly On Friday, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State presented the state’s 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly in Dutse, the state capital. The proposed budget emphasizes key sectors, including agricultural development, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. During the presentation, Governor Namadi outlined the fiscal strategies, priorities, and resource allocations for the upcoming year. He highlighted his administration's commitment to industrialization, noting its potential to create jobs, boost income generation, increase internally generated revenue, and foster overall development and prosperity. Additionally, he underscored the achievements in social protection and welfare programs, which have positively impacted hundreds of thousands of residents. Further details are expected to follow.

 APGA Holds First NEC Meeting After Supreme Court Ruling The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is convening its first meeting after the Supreme Court upheld Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa as the party’s National Chairman. Key figures in attendance include Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South; and Alex Ikwueche, the member for Aba North in the House of Representatives, among others.

 9-Year-Old Sets Father's House on Fire in Kwara A 9-year-old child accidentally set his father’s three-bedroom flat on fire in Ilorin, Kwara State, while playing with matches on Thursday. The fire occurred at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate and nearly destroyed the entire flat. Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the state fire service, confirmed that the fire was ignited when the child played with matches, which set a mattress ablaze and spread the fire. In a statement issued on Friday, Adekunle urged the public to prioritize safety, especially as children spend more time at home during the holidays while parents are at work. He advised parents and guardians to keep matches, lighters, and other flammable items out of children’s reach and educate them on the dangers of fire. The statement also highlighted the risks of firecrackers, also known as "bangers," during the festive season, recalling a tragic incident where a child’s mishandling of firecrackers led to a devastating ...

 ‘Ridiculous, Lacks Merit’, DHQ Rejects Amnesty’s 10,000 Civilian Deaths Allegation The Defence Headquarters has rejected claims by Amnesty International that 10, 000 persons died in its custody since the Boko Haram conflict began in the northeast. The international human rights organisation’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, at a briefing in Maiduguri, accused Boko Haram and the military of many abuses. According to him, military personnel violated rules of engagement while carrying out their assignments in the region. He regretted how the military denied the involvement of its personnel in atrocity after being served with Amnesty’s report before it was made public. Sanusi announced that the human rights body had already filed a case before the International Court of Justice, ICJ, at the Hague over alleged crimes against humanity in the North-east. Reacting, the Defence Headquarters in a statement by Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba on Friday, described Am...