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 When did you enter school and which time did you have to study?” – Fans query Regina Daniels as she bags Bachelor in Psychology Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has received queries from her fans over her recent achievement  Regina revealed that she had added another achievement, a bachelor in Psychology from a University in Mexico.  Regina stated that the degree is a testament to her countless hours of hard work, determination, resilience, and God’s love. The mother of two expressed pride in herself as she asserted that she was God’s favorite. The light-skinned beauty appreciated her husband for his unwavering support, love, and encouragement. She also appreciated her mother for always being her backbone. Storming her comment section, one fan questioned when she had the time to go to school. The fan, identified as Felicy Maj, wrote, “But I wan ask which time una take dey go this school? BLOGGER: dear Felicy maj, people actually build in silence 

 Jay-Z denies allegations he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old in 2000 along with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs According to @NBCNews, Jay-Z has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000 as Diddy allegedly watched.  The Jane Doe accuser says Jay-Z raped her after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards at a house party. The lawsuit was originally filed back in October and only named Diddy as a defendant. It was refiled Sunday Dec 8th, naming Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter. Jay-Z has since denied the accusations against him. In a statement ,Carter called the allegations “so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?” Combs was indicted on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and prostitution related charges. Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges and has denied all wrongdoing in roughly 30 civil lawsuits that have been filed against him. The woman, ...

 Trump threatens to throw Jan 6 committee members in jail Donald Trump threatened to throw members of the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack in jail in a new interview. The now-president-elect's claims of election fraud were weaponized to instigate a mob attack against the US Capitol on January 6 2021, as his supporters attempted to stop Congress from certifying the transfer of power. Trump went on to be prosecuted for those actions in a now-defunct investigation ended by the Justice Department after his 2024 election victory, as well as by Congress in the form of the bipartisan committee to investigate January 6. He told NBC that he believes all members of the January 6 committee should be thrown in jail – though he stopped short of outright threatening to use the Justice Department to do so. “Everybody on that committee … for what they did, yeah, honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said on Sunday’s Meet the Press. He also claimed that former Rep. Liz Cheney and R...

 PERSON OF INTEREST ID'D IN CEO SHOOTING AFTER HE'S STOPPED AT MCDONALD'S IN ALTOONA, PA NYPD names Luigi Mangione as 'strong person of interest' The man was traveling on a Greyhound bus at the time and it was a McDonald's employee who recognized the suspect from the images shared through the media. When Mangione was spotted at the McDonald's, he appeared to be wearing clothing similar to what he was seen wearing in videos obtained by detectives in Manhattan, according to two law enforcement sources. Detectives will now work backwards from Altoona to understand how Mangione got there. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Altoona, Pa., police arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione on firearms charges Monday morning. "At this time, he is believed to be our person of interest in the brazen, targeted murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare last Wednesday in midtown Manhattan," Tisch told reporters during a news conference. Tisch praised the ...

 Ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in 'Wizard of Oz' sell for $32.5 million at auction A pair of Dorothy's ruby slippers, worn by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz” sold Saturday at an auction for $32.5 million, making the sparkling shoes the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction. The slippers are one of four surviving pairs from the 1939 movie and were once stolen from a museum that housed them. The winning bid was $28 million, with the buyer paying an additional $4.5 million in fees to the Dallas-based auction house, the Associated Press reported. Live bidding for the pair of ruby red heels started at $1.55 million, according to Heritage Auctions and were initially estimated to go for $3 million or more.  The auction house said in a news release that the slippers passed that number "within seconds" and that no other pair of ruby slippers has gone for close to that amount. One pair sold in 2000 for $666,000, Heritage Auctions said. In 2012, S...

 Equinor Completes $2 Billion Asset Sale In Nigeria, Ends 30-Year Operations Norwegian Company Equinor Completes $2billion Asset Sale In Nigeria, Ends 30-Year Operations Equinor (EQNR.OL) has finalised the sale of its assets in Nigeria and Azerbaijan for a total of up to $2 billion, marking the conclusion of its 30-year operations in both countries.  The Norwegian oil and gas company announced the completion of the divestments on Monday, a move first disclosed in 2023, Reuter reports.  The divestments, which were finalised in recent weeks, are expected to enhance Equinor’s cash flow in the fourth quarter. They align with the company's strategy to optimise its international portfolio.  "The exits enable investments to deepen further in countries where Equinor can add the most value and build a more focused and robust international portfolio," the company stated, though it did not provide further details. Equinor aims to increase its international output by 100,000 bar...

  UK Prime Minister, London Mayor, Condemn Brutal Attack By 28-Year-Old Nigerian Tributes have been paid to an Elizabeth railway line worker who died after an attack at a railway station in east London. Jorge Ortega, 61, died in hospital after suffering head injuries following the assault at Ilford station. Officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) were called to the station just before 8.50pm on Wednesday after reports of a serious assault. In a tribute released through BTP on Saturday, Ortega’s son said: “Our dad was the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting. Everyone who has met our dad or who has ever worked with him over the years will tell you this. He had a brilliant mind, enjoyed cooking, loved drawing, and was highly skilled in art. “He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first. He loved his grandchildren, and in turn, they adored our dad. “He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words...

 CLO in Enugu Accused of Assaulting Two Female NYSC Members A Corps Liaison Officer (CLO) in Enugu East LGA, Enugu State, has been accused of assaulting two female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members during a meeting on Saturday. The CLO allegedly intimidated the victims and later boasted of being “untouchable” due to his connections with NYSC officials. The incident came to light when a relative of one of the victims shared details on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that law enforcement was pressured to drop the case after officers became involved. In response, the African Women in Public Service (AWiPS) condemned the assault and called for immediate action. AWiPS President Ugo Agwu-Nnachi demanded a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice for the victims, highlighting concerns over the pressure on police to abandon the case. The organization emphasized the need for systemic change within the NYSC and vowed to closely monitor the case to ensure accountabili...

 Five Men Charged with Stealing N25 Million Worth of Milo in Ogun Five men appeared before an Ota Magistrates' Court in Ogun State on Monday, accused of stealing a truckload of Milo products valued at N25 million. The defendants—Temidire Ramon (35), Aminu Yusuf (26), Olusola Opadare (35), Oludayo Adeleye (38), and Amodu Jimoh (51)—are facing charges of theft and conspiracy. According to the prosecutor, Insp. E.O. Adaraloye, the defendants committed the crime on October 13, 2020, at Agbara, Ogun State, by conspiring to steal the Milo products from Nestle Company. The alleged offences violate Sections 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Mr. O.A. Onagoruwa granted them bail of N500,000 each, with two sureties in the same amount. The sureties must be employed and reside within the court's jurisdiction, providing proof of tax payments to Ogun State. The case has been adjourned to December 12 for further...

 Airtel and Google to Bring YouTube to Nigerian TVs Airtel Nigeria has partnered with Google to make YouTube accessible on all television sets across the country, whether they are smart TVs or older, analogue models. The announcement was made on Monday, with the agreement finalized at Airtel's Lagos headquarters. Through this collaboration, YouTube will be integrated into Airtel Nigeria’s Smart Router, a device that combines internet connectivity with the capability to turn regular TVs into smart TVs. This integration allows users to stream YouTube content directly on their TVs, offering easy access to movies, sports, music, educational videos, and more. Femi Oshinlaja, Chief Commercial Officer at Airtel Nigeria, emphasized that this partnership will transform digital entertainment in Nigerian homes, stating, “Our goal at Airtel is to bridge the digital gap by providing affordable entertainment content.” The Airtel Smart Router, which is priced at N25,000 and includes 30 days of un...

 NBA Expresses Concern Over Closure of Appeal Court Divisions in Southeast The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over the closure of Court of Appeal divisions in Awka, Owerri, and Enugu due to security issues in the Southeast. NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, urged the judiciary to consider alternatives like virtual hearings to ensure continued access to justice.  He emphasized that justice must never be compromised by insecurity, calling on regional governors to prioritize the safety of judicial officers. The NBA also marked International Anti-Corruption Day, stressing the need for a united effort, particularly from youth, to combat corruption and uphold transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

 Borno Proposes ₦584.76 Billion Budget for 2025 Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has presented a ₦584.76 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year, aimed at building on the state's developmental progress. Titled the "Budget of Recovery and Continuity," the plan focuses on key sectors such as health, education, and economic recovery, while also prioritizing investments in security, infrastructure, and social services. According to a statement from the Governor's media adviser, Dauda Iliya, the budget includes ₦380.84 billion for capital expenditure and ₦203.92 billion for recurrent expenditure. The budget will be funded through ₦311.70 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), ₦30.09 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR), and ₦237.96 billion in capital receipts, which include grants and aid. Governor Zulum highlighted that the health sector would receive ₦89.97 billion, representing 15.39% of the total budget. He rei...

 Zimbabweans Turn to Herbalists as Health System Struggles Due to the collapse of Zimbabwe's public healthcare system, many people are turning to herbalists for treatment, especially for serious conditions like cancer. Never Chirimo, a 66-year-old faith-inspired herbalist in Harare, claims to treat all types of cancer, and he advocates for collaboration between qualified doctors and herbalists. His clinic, like many others in the capital, has become a refuge for patients frustrated by the lack of care in public hospitals. Agnes Kativhu, a 67-year-old breast cancer patient, shared that after being denied treatment at Harare’s main public hospital, she sought help at a herbal clinic and now feels better. “I was a moving grave, but am now well,” Kativhu said, adding that she was heartbroken by the lack of even basic medication at the hospital. Zimbabwe’s healthcare system is severely underfunded, with essential equipment like mammogram machines unavailable at the country’s largest pub...

 Nigeria and Saudi Arabia Collaborate to Develop Iron Ore into Steel In an effort to boost the potential of Nigeria's solid minerals sector, the country has entered into a partnership with Saudi Arabia to extract and process iron ore into steel. This collaboration was announced following discussions at the Resourcing Tomorrow event during the annual Mines and Money Expo in London. Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Engr. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Musdaifer, explored plans for iron ore extraction and processing within Nigeria. Dr. Alake highlighted the benefits of extracting and beneficiating iron ore locally, noting that value-added exports would command higher prices than raw ores. Engr. Al-Musdaifer expressed interest in sourcing Nigerian iron ore for Saudi Arabia’s steel industry and promised to consider Nigeria's proposal for developing a domestic downstream value chain. A follow-up meet...

 Ajayi Heads to Tribunal to Contest Aiyedatiwa’s Victory in Ondo Election Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, has filed a petition with the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This move comes 24 days after the election, in which Aiyedatiwa, from the All Progressives Congress, was declared the winner with 366,781 votes, defeating Ajayi who secured 117,845 votes. Speaking at the PDP Secretariat in Akure, Ajayi confirmed that his legal team had filed the petition, seeking justice from the court. While he refrained from disclosing the specific grounds of the petition, Ajayi expressed his dissatisfaction with the election result, calling it a "miscarriage of democracy." Ajayi emphasized that his party had refrained from commenting publicly until they had conducted a thorough review of the election day events. He expressed gratitude to the people of On...

 NSCDC Commandant Issues Warning to Kaduna Officers Over Job Racketeering The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Muhammadu Dansadau, has warned that any officer found involved in job racketeering in Kaduna State will face dismissal. Speaking at the NSCDC State Headquarters in Kaduna on Monday, Dansadau, represented by Deputy Commandant Kalu Ndukwe, emphasized the need to address the growing issue of job racketeering and financial scams, which investigations have shown to be particularly concerning in the state. Dansadau urged personnel to take responsibility in confronting these challenges, stating, "It is our collective duty to act as a shield against these threats." He condemned any involvement in racketeering, describing it as a serious violation of the Corps' values. The Commandant reiterated that under his leadership, any form of misconduct or betrayal of public trust would not be tolerated, and those found guilty would face severe co...

  2025 Budget: Edun Highlights Increased Oil Production and Other Factors to Boost Revenue The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has projected a positive economic outlook for Nigeria in 2025, driven by increased revenue and strategies to address past economic challenges. Edun shared this optimistic forecast while presenting the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to the House of Representatives on Monday. Speaking before the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, chaired by Rep. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, Edun highlighted that market reforms, including adjustments in foreign exchange policies, are reducing inefficiencies that had previously hindered economic growth. He noted that such reforms are helping eliminate losses of up to 5% of GDP, which were previously caused by inefficiencies benefiting only a few. He further emphasized that the projected increase in revenue for 2025 would h...

 Fagbemi Advocates for Nigerian Law School’s Inclusion in TETFUND Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has called for a revision of the law establishing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to include the Nigerian Law School as a university and eligible beneficiary of the Fund. Fagbemi made this appeal during the inauguration of the construction of 10 staff quarters and the handover of operational vehicles to the Abuja Campus of the Nigerian Law School in Bwari on Monday. He pointed out that the law school is not currently listed as a TETFUND beneficiary, which complicates its classification as a university or higher institution. He emphasized that the Law School holds a unique status and deserves recognition as a university that should benefit from TETFUND resources. "The time has come to amend the law to include the Nigerian Law School as an institution that can access TETFUND," Fagbemi stated. The Minister also acknowledged the...

 Migration a Key Driver of Global and National Development – VP Shettima Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that migration plays a vital role in driving both global and national development. Speaking at the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue, Shettima highlighted that migration goes beyond geographic movement, fostering economic and social growth. He cited Nigeria's $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances in 2022 as a testament to the positive economic impact of migration. The VP acknowledged the challenges of irregular migration, revealing that 10,000 Nigerians were returned for migration offenses in 2024, but reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing these issues. Shettima also noted the Nigerian government's efforts to enhance migration governance, including the introduction of electronic gates at airports and partnerships with international migration organizations. He called for solutions to celebrate migrants' legacies and protect their rig...

 Russia expands e-visas to three African nations Travellers from Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe can now visit Russia with a convenient electronic visa, according to a recent announcement by the Russian Embassy in Kenya.  “The Government of Russia has expanded the list of countries whose citizens can visit the Russian Federation with a single electronic visa. The list now includes following African countries: Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe,’ the embassy said in a statement on X. The development is expected to facilitate travel between Russia and these countries, promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchange, authorities added. According to Russia’s single eVisa information, the document grants citizens of the three countries the right to a single entry into Russia, allowing them to stay for up to 16 days. Russia-Africa relations The visa is valid for 60 days from the date of registration and can be used for various purposes. The introduction of the eVisa policy is a signific...

 Ghanaian Actor John Dumelo Wins Parliamentary Seat   Ghanaian actor-turned-politician John Dumelo has won a parliamentary seat, representing the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency. Dumelo, running on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket, triumphed in the 2024 Ghana general elections held on Saturday, securing 40,561 votes. He defeated the incumbent, Lydia Alhassan of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who received 27,377 votes. This victory comes after Dumelo's narrow loss to Alhassan in the 2020 elections. Now 40 years old, Dumelo expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters and pledged to fulfill his campaign promises. “The people of Ghana have been calling for change, and they’ve shown that if you don’t perform well or if you’re arrogant, they will vote you out,” Dumelo said. He added, “This is a valuable lesson for everyone. It’s not about money; it’s about the development of the people and addressing their needs.” Dumelo vowed to work tirelessly over the next four ...

  Court Grants Dele Farotimi N50 Million Bail, Afe Babalola Accuses Him of Defamation Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail by the Ekiti State High Court. The court set his bail at N50 million, requiring a surety of the same amount. The surety must own a landed property. The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings. Farotimi was brought to court by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, following his arrest by the Ekiti State Police Command. Babalola, 95, accused Farotimi of defaming him in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with civil society organizations and the Nigerian Bar Association demanding Farotimi’s release.

 Kwara State Announces Mass Burial for Unclaimed Corpses, Gives Two-Week Notice The Kwara State government has announced plans to conduct a mass burial for all unclaimed bodies currently stored at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital in Ilorin.  Due to overcrowding in the hospital's morgue, the state has issued a two-week notice to the public, urging families to claim their deceased relatives. After this period, the hospital will proceed with a mass burial to decongest the facility. The bodies, some of which have been there for over a decade, were primarily brought in from robbery scenes and traffic accidents.

 Funke Akindele Surprises Fans with First On-Screen Kiss in ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ Popular Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele has caused a stir among her fans after sharing her first-ever on-screen kiss in her upcoming film, Everybody Loves Jenifa. The movie was unveiled at an exclusive premiere at Imax Cinema in Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, with the film set to hit cinemas on December 13. Many attendees were left shocked by the unexpected romantic scene, as it marked the first time they had seen Akindele kiss an actor on screen. A fellow Nollywood actor, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed his surprise, admitting he had doubted the scene would happen and even placed a bet with a friend. However, when the kiss occurred in the next scene, he was left astonished. He added, "It was my first time seeing her do that on screen, but the movie itself is very entertaining. You’ll definitely laugh your sorrows away. I encourage everyone to watch it once it's released....

 ASUU-LASU Launches Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salary Increase, Rejects Claims of Normalcy The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Lagos State University (LASU) has declared an indefinite strike starting December 6, 2024, in protest over the federal government's failure to implement the promised 25%/35% salary increase for its members. The union also criticized the salary disparity between LASU and other state universities. ASUU-LASU urged students to ignore claims of resumed normalcy made by the university management and the Students' Union, emphasizing that the strike is a staff welfare issue. The union also reiterated that the strike decision aligns with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of all staff unions.

 Man Arrested for Attempting to Hijack Mexico-Bound Flight to the US A 31-year-old man was arrested on Sunday after attempting to divert a flight from Mexico to the United States. The Airbus A320, which had departed from Leon, Guanajuato, at 7:17 am local time and was headed for Tijuana, made an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport about 45 minutes into the flight. Authorities stated that the man assaulted a flight attendant and tried to enter the cockpit to reroute the plane. The suspect, traveling with family, claimed his relative had been kidnapped and that he was threatened with death if he continued to Tijuana. Despite the situation, the crew managed to restrain him, and the flight continued to Tijuana after the emergency landing. The flight was operated by Volaris, and details on the number of passengers were not disclosed. The incident occurred in Guanajuato, a region severely affected by drug cartel violence, including extortion and kidnapping.

 South Korean President Yoon Banned from Leaving Country Amid Political Crisis South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been banned from leaving the country following a tumultuous week that saw him impose martial law, triggering widespread protests and a failed impeachment motion.  The Justice Ministry confirmed the unprecedented travel ban on Yoon, along with several of his allies involved in the controversial events, including former ministers and military officials. Despite surviving the impeachment vote, Yoon's approval rating has plummeted to a historic low, and opposition leaders are preparing for another push to remove him from office. The situation has sparked accusations of an unconstitutional power grab by Yoon’s ruling party.

 Customs Partners with 23 Banks for Smooth Duty Payments on B’Odogwu Platform To enhance the efficiency of import duty payments, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has integrated 23 banks into its locally developed B’Odogwu Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform. This initiative is designed to improve trade facilitation and transparency at the ports. At the Port Terminal and Multi-purpose Services Limited (PTML) Customs Command in Lagos, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan highlighted the significant impact of the B’Odogwu platform on revenue collection. He acknowledged some initial challenges with the new system but reassured stakeholders of the NCS’s commitment to resolving these issues. Daniyan revealed that the PTML Command, as the pilot site for the platform, recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue of N44.9 billion in November 2024, underscoring the platform’s effectiveness in boosting revenue generation. He urged agents who have not yet registered on the B’Odogwu plat...

 RCCG Donates Food, Clothing to 2,000 Vulnerable Abuja Residents On Sunday, the Everlasting Arms Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Garki, Abuja, distributed food items, clothing, and shoes to 2,000 vulnerable residents as part of their annual "Tabitha Tent" program. Established in 2007, this humanitarian initiative aims to provide essential support to the less fortunate during the holiday season. Beneficiaries of the program expressed their gratitude, highlighting the impact of the donations on their lives. One recipient, Mr. Gonet Jato, thanked the church for providing food supplies, including rice and beans, which would help sustain his family during the Christmas period. He also urged the government to address the struggles of the poor in the country. Ms. Happiness Jacob, another beneficiary, praised the church for the gifts she received, which included clothing and food items. She called on the government to assist the impoverished, especially durin...

 Olubadan Urges Newly Installed Chiefs to Promote Unity and Peace The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has called on the newly appointed chiefs in the region to use their traditional titles to promote unity, peace, and progress in Ibadanland. He made this appeal during a ceremony at the Olubadan’s palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Saturday, where he conferred honorary chieftaincy titles on prominent individuals and their spouses. According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the new titleholders included Sulaiman Ajewole, who was named Aare and Yeye Atunluse of Ibadanland, as well as Abisoye Ayoyimika and Olusola Fagade, who received the titles of Aare and Yeye Asojuoba of Ibadanland, respectively. Oba Olakulehin acknowledged their significant contributions to the unity and development of Ibadanland. Speaking through the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Akeem Adewoyin, the monarch emphasized that the recipients' dedication to Ibadan'...

 Obasanjo: Anti-Corruption Efforts Must Start with Leaders Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption in Nigeria must begin with the nation's leaders in order to foster effective leadership and bring about lasting change. Speaking during an interactive Zoom session titled "Boiling Point Arena" on Sunday, Obasanjo stressed the need for a consistent and ongoing effort to tackle corruption. He described corruption as a deeply entrenched issue in Nigerian society, blaming those in power for perpetuating it. Drawing on a metaphor from the late Sultan of Sokoto, Obasanjo likened corruption to a babariga (a traditional garment), which, when folded on one side, falls apart on the other. He explained that corruption is a continuous, multi-regime issue that requires sustained action. "It’s not a one-day affair or a problem that can be solved by one regime. It must be a consistent, daily effort," Obasanjo concluded.

 ATCON Highlights Multiple Taxes, RoW Issues, and Vandalism as Barriers to Telecom Sector Growth The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised alarms over the persistent challenges threatening the growth and sustainability of the telecom sector. At the association's 31st anniversary event in Lagos, ATCON President Tony Emoekpere stressed that multiple taxation, Right of Way (RoW) hurdles, and infrastructure vandalism are stifling the industry's potential. He emphasized the critical role telecommunications play in Nigeria’s digital transformation yet warned that systemic issues continue to obstruct progress. Emoekpere highlighted the heavy tax burden from federal, state, and local governments, which creates an unfriendly business environment and discourages investment. He also pointed out the complicated and costly process of obtaining permissions for infrastructure rollouts, which delays broadband expansion and network upgrades. Additionally, the...

 ‘I’ve Asked Him Twice’ – Sowunmi Opens Up on Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ambitions Segun Sowunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar's presidential campaign, has disclosed that he has approached the former Vice President twice regarding his plans for the 2027 presidential election. Speaking candidly, Sowunmi explained that Atiku, a veteran politician, remains undecided, taking time to reflect on his next political move. “Atiku Abubakar is a man I deeply admire. His resolve and endurance in the face of political challenges are remarkable,” Sowunmi stated. “I asked him directly, ‘Are you running again? If yes, how do we prepare? If no, how do we restructure the PDP strategy?’ He hasn’t given me an answer yet, and I respect his thought process.” Sowunmi emphasized the weight of the decision Atiku faces, noting his extensive political journey and the betrayals he has encountered over the years. “It’s not a light decision. ...

 Oil Prices Surge Amid China Stimulus and Syria Tensions Oil prices rose on Monday due to China's plans for economic stimulus and growing tensions in Syria. China's announcement of further stimulus efforts boosted investor confidence, leading to gains in commodities like copper and zinc.  Meanwhile, escalating concerns over Syria, with President Bashar al-Assad fleeing as rebels advanced, contributed to market volatility. As a result, Brent crude climbed 1.1% to $71.90 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 1.3% to $68.04 per barrel. The increase in oil prices came alongside positive movement in other markets and gold, which saw a nearly 1% gain.

 Kogi Government Acquires 15 Hectares for New Ultra-Modern Market The Kogi State Government has secured 15 hectares of land for the development of an ultra-modern market, set to replace the old Lokoja International Market. Located along Hassan Katsina Road, Zone 8 in Lokoja, the land was officially handed over to the contractor, SABC, on Monday by the state’s Commissioners for Works and Commerce, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Land and Urban Development, Bayegusi Taiwo, who represented the Director General. During the ceremony, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards, warning the contractor against subpar work. He highlighted the significance of the project to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and assured that all legal issues related to the land had been resolved, with fair compensation given to everyone with an interest in the property. Abdulrazaq Adio, the consultant from SABC, assured that the project woul...

 PDP Presidential Aspirant Commends Tinubu for SEDC Board Appointments Dr. Cosmos Ndukwe, a 2023 presidential aspirant for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his appointments to the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Board of Directors. The former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly described the appointed members as highly competent individuals with proven records of effectiveness. He expressed confidence that their leadership would be instrumental in addressing the infrastructural challenges facing the South East region. Last week, President Tinubu submitted the nominees for Senate confirmation, with the updated list including Chief Emeka Wogu (former Minister of Labour and Productivity) as Chairman, Mark Okoye as Managing Director/CEO, Hon. Toby Okechukwu (former House of Representatives member) as Executive Director of Projects, and Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly) as Ex...

 Group Urges Edo Chief Judge to Maintain Neutrality in Tribunal Proceedings The Ijaw Youth Brigade has called on the Chief Judge of Edo State to remain neutral and impartial in handling the upcoming election tribunal proceedings set to begin on Monday. The appeal comes amidst rising tensions over the results of the September 21 election, with various stakeholders urging the judiciary to uphold fairness and neutrality. In a statement, the leader of the Ijaw Youth Brigade, Mr. Bimode Borowari, also urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) to closely monitor the tribunal proceedings in Edo to ensure the process’s integrity. Recognizing the judiciary's crucial role in safeguarding democratic values, the group emphasized that the public’s trust in the electoral system depends on a transparent and unbiased tribunal. Borowari warned that there were reports suggesting that the PDP and its candidate might be attempting to influence the judiciary for favorab...

 Cole Palmer Breaks Premier League Penalty Record Cole Palmer has made history in the Premier League by becoming the most reliable penalty taker, maintaining a perfect record of 12 successful penalties from 12 attempts. His achievement was highlighted during Chelsea's dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored two penalties. This record surpasses the previous best held by Yaya Toure, who converted all 11 of his penalty attempts for Manchester City. Palmer expressed his pride in breaking the record but emphasized his focus on contributing to Chelsea’s success. Before Palmer, Toure’s record had stood unbeaten since his Premier League debut in 2010. Other players like Ivan Toney came close but fell short when he missed a penalty in 2023. Palmer's perfect penalty record places him ahead of challengers like Raul Jimenez, Bryan Mbeumo, and Chris Wood, who have also maintained flawless records, but with fewer attempts. Beyond his penalty success, Palmer’s performance for...

 62 Students Graduate with First Class as AAUA Confers Degrees on 6,837 A total of 62 students from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, have graduated with first-class honours out of 6,837 students set to receive their first degrees at the university's upcoming convocation ceremony. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbemiga Ige, made the announcement on Monday during a press conference marking the 13th convocation and the university’s 25th anniversary. Professor Ige revealed that the convocation will celebrate graduates from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. The breakdown includes 657 postgraduate students, 46 of whom have earned Ph.D. degrees. Among the 6,182 undergraduate graduates, 62 achieved first-class honours, underscoring the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, 1,941 students earned second-class honours (upper division), 3,486 received second-class honours (lower division), 684 graduated with third-class honours, an...