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 Virginia man passes away after a bear that had been shot, falls from a tree and crushes him. 58-year-old Lester Harvey Jr. passed away on the morning of December 9th due to freak hunting accident. Lester and a group of hunters had chased a bear up a tree. While it was in the tree someone in the hunting party shot the bear. After being struck by the round, the bear fell from the tree and struck Lester. Fellow hunters attempted to render first aid until EMS arrived. Lester was rushed to an area hospital but sadly passed away Friday, December 13th. Officials are not seeking charges in connection with the incident.

 First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Donates N1.9 Billion to Support Elderly Across Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, has made a generous donation of N1.9 billion to improve the welfare of elderly Nigerians. The funds will be distributed to senior citizens across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with the aim of enhancing their quality of life. This initiative highlights her dedication to addressing the challenges faced by the elderly, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support. The donation is part of a broader effort to promote social inclusion and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations nationwide.

 Edo Assembly Suspends Local Council Chairpersons Over Alleged Misconduct The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairpersons and vice chairpersons of all 18 local governments for two months due to alleged insubordination and gross misconduct. The decision, made during a plenary session on Tuesday, followed a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo.  The suspension stems from the council leaders’ failure to submit their financial records as instructed by the governor. On December 3, Governor Okpebholo had given the chairpersons 48 hours to provide their financial statements from September 2023 onward to the Edo State Assets Verification Committee. He described their non-compliance as insubordination and gross misconduct, prompting his request for the House to take action. In the resolution, the House also mandated that the leaders of the legislative arms in the local governments assume control of the councils during the suspension period.  The motion for suspen...

 UK Increases Financial Requirements for Student, Tourist, and Work Visas in 2025 The UK government has raised the financial requirements for student, tourist, and work visa applicants starting in 2025. For students, the required proof of funds has increased to £12,600 (approximately 26.3 million Naira) for living expenses in London, or £9,900 (about 20.6 million Naira) for those living outside London. This is in addition to showing evidence of paying the first year’s tuition fees. Visa fees have also been revised, with the standard student visa now costing £510, while a tourist visa will cost £120. If you plan to study in the UK, make sure you are aware of these updated requirements. Please share this information with others.

 Lagos Court Jails Businesswoman 17 Years for N57.6m Fraud Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, convicted and sentenced a businesswoman, Oluremi Phillips to 17 years imprisonment for N57,690,000 ( Fifty Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety Naira) fraud. Philips was previously standing trial before Justice S.O. Solebo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, following her arraignment on January 27, 2022. However, the trial could not be concluded before the retirement of Justice Solebo in November 2022, a development that resulted in the re-assigning of the case file to Justice Ijelu. She was on May 22, 2023 re-arraigned before Justice Ijelu alongside her company, Omritas Energy Limited, on a five-count charge bordering on stealing and issuance of dud cheques to the tune of N57,690,000. Count one reads: "Oluremi Ebun Philips and Omritas Energy Limited, sometime in 2016, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of...

 𝗡𝗔𝗙𝗗𝗔𝗖 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗮’𝘀 𝗘𝘇𝗶𝘂𝗸𝘄𝘂 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗛𝘂𝗯 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has described Eziukwu Market, also known as Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, as a centre for the mass production and distribution of fake and substandard products, likening the situation to weapons of mass destruction. This revelation came during a lengthy operation led by Martins Iluyomade, Director of NAFDAC’s South-East Zone.  Iluyomade stated that despite previous crackdowns, including a major operation in December 2023, illegal activities persist in the market. He said it was baffling that individuals remained recalcitrant and determined to make money at the expense of the lives of their fellow citizens.  He further explained that during the last operation, the leadership of the market had signed an undertaking with NAFDAC to identify and expose those involved in the...

 GOV. SANWO-OLU AT SIGN-OFF EVENT OF ODONLA-ODODGUNYAN HOUSING ESTATE PROJECT, HELD AT LAGOS HOUSE, IKEJA, ON TUESDAY, 17TH DECEMBER 2024 l-r: Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barr. Barakat Bakare-Odunuga; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna and Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai during the signing off event of the Odonla-Odogunyan housing estate project, facilitated by Lagos government and Access bank, held at the Conference room, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 17 December 2024. l-r: Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna; Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai and Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barr. Barakat Bakare-Odunuga during the signing off event of the Odonla-Odogunyan housing estate project, facilitated b...

 Ethiopia MPs pass law to open doors to foreign banks Ethiopia will partially open its banking sector to foreign banks following a vote by lawmakers on Tuesday, according to local media group FanaBC. Since taking power in 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been a vocal supporter of opening up the heavily state-controlled economy to competition and foreign investment. But internal conflicts - including a devastating civil war in the northern Tigray region between 2020 and 2022 - have led to sanctions by the United States and hampered reforms. The new banking law, passed by a majority in parliament, allows foreign banks to open subsidiaries in Ethiopia, according to FanaBC, which is close to the government, AFP reported. Foreign firms will only be allowed to own 49 percent of shares, according to the Addis Standard. "It is a big step forward, as the opening of the banking sector doesn't only mean more foreign banks in the country, but it is also critical for attracting foreign ...

 PRESS RELEASE YULETIDE SEASON: POLICE INTENSIFIES PATROL, RAIDS BLACKSPOTS TO CURB CRIMINALITY. As Police Arrest 128 Hoodlums With Dangerous Weapons, Foil Car Theft. As the festive season approaches, the Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant and proactive, ramping up its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. In a series of proactive measures, the Force has intensified its operations, leading to numerous successful raids, arrests and recoveries. In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to emplace efficient security measures against crime during this festive season, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in several State Commands across the country have carried out intensive patrols and raids, successfully dislodging and arresting scores of hoodlums and recovering dangerous weapons. Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command on 14th December 2024, carried out several raids of criminal hideouts in ...

Donald Trump Campaign Advisor Alex Bruesewitz, 27, Collapses On Stage During Gala Speech A Trump campaign advisor suffered a scary moment when he collapsed on stage while giving a speech at the New York Young Republicans Club Gala. Alex Bruesewitz, 27, took the stage and spoke for about three minutes before he began to slur his words and froze. Bruesewitz then began swaying before fainting. Political activist Jack Posobiec shared an update soon after the incident. “Just talked to @alexbruesewitz backstage He is getting checked out by medical after having a brief fainting spell onstage. All levels are normal,” Posobiec wrote on X, assuring his followers Bruesewitz would be “fine.” Watch video below. 

  Guinness World Records announces the first song to hit one billion Spotify streams, generating widespread buzz.  GWR made the announcement in a recent social media post. GWR announced that “One Dance” by Drake, featuring WizKid and Kyla, released in 2016, has become the first song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. The tweet reads, “The first song to reach one billion streams on Spotify was One Dance by Drake, Wizkid and Kyla”. Notably, “One Dance” was a massive hit, shattering multiple records and solidifying its place in music history. As a chart-topping sensation, the song demonstrated its immense popularity and enduring influence on the music industry.

 CLARIFICATION ON FALSE CLAIMS OF A FRENCH MILITARY BASE IN MAIDUGURI The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), wishes to address a misleading claim made by social media activist Mahdi Shehu on his X handle. Shehu alleged the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri, North East Nigeria, supporting his unfounded narrative with a video clip that misrepresents the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigerian Army, and a foreign military officer as being part of the French military. We categorically state that there is no French military base in Maiduguri, nor are there any plans to establish one in the North East Theatre of Operation. The video in question depicts the Acting GOC 7 Division, Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, addressing the press alongside a member of the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT). This event occurred on 25 October 2024, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, during the hando...

 Senate Bill to Ban Use of Foreign Currencies in Nigeria Passes First Reading A bill aimed at banning the use of foreign currencies in Nigeria has passed its first reading in the Senate. The bill, titled "A Bill for an Act to Alter the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, No. 7, to Prohibit the Use of Foreign Currencies for Remuneration and Other Related Matters," was introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation. The proposed legislation seeks to mandate that all payments, including salaries and other transactions, be conducted using the local currency, the naira. Senator Nwoko argued that the widespread use of foreign currencies in Nigeria undermines the naira’s value and exacerbates the country's economic challenges. He also described the reliance on currencies such as the Dollar and Pound Sterling as a colonial legacy that continues to hinder Nigeria’s economic independence.

 Kwara NLC Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to Government Over Delayed LG Salaries The Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government regarding the non-payment of November 2024 salaries for local government workers. In a statement released in Ilorin by the union's Secretary, Isiah Elachochi Eugene, it was noted that approximately 75% of the state’s workforce, primarily employed by local government areas, have not received their November salaries. The affected workers include members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM). The NLC is calling on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to immediately intervene and ensure the release of the withheld salaries to prevent industrial unrest. The union emphasized that the November salaries must be paid before the disbursement of December wages. The ...

 Retired Directors in Anambra Threaten Action Over Pension Review Delay Retired directors in Anambra State have issued a warning to the state government over the prolonged delay in the harmonization and upward review of their pensions. At a recent meeting in Awka, the retired directors set a deadline of mid-February 2025 for the government to address their concerns, or they would escalate their actions. In a communiqué signed by the association’s chairman, Sir Fidelis Ezeike, and secretary, Sir Azuka Okeke, they expressed frustration that the state government has yet to sign the newly negotiated minimum wage salary table, which is essential for forming a committee to review the pension table in line with current economic conditions. The communiqué urged the state government and its supporters to expedite the formation of this committee. The retired directors also indicated that if no progress is made by the set deadline, they will begin sending formal letters of complaint to the Ni...

 FG’s Electricity Subsidies Increase by 2.76% to N199.64bn in December – NERC The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced a 2.76% increase in electricity subsidies payable by the Federal Government for December, raising the total from N194.26 billion in November to N199.64 billion. This increase follows adjustments due to factors such as the rising exchange rate, inflation reaching 33.9%, and changes in available generation capacity. The December 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO), posted on NERC's website, retains electricity tariffs for all customer categories. Customers in Bands B to E will continue to pay the same rates as December 2022, while Band-A customers will maintain the rate of N209/kWh. Key beneficiaries of the subsidies include Abuja DisCo, which will receive N29.10 billion (up from N27.86 billion in November), and Ikeja Electric, which will benefit from N26.68 billion in government subsidies. NERC confirmed that the gas-to-power price benchma...

 FEC Approves 2025 Budget Proposal, Tinubu to Present on Wednesday The Federal Government has approved the 2025 budget proposal, with President Bola Tinubu scheduled to present it to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The budget, totaling N47.96tn, was delayed from the original Tuesday presentation to allow final adjustments.  The proposal includes new borrowings of N9.22tn, with a projected revenue of N34.82tn. The budget aligns with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) approved in November, which sets economic targets such as oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day and a $75 oil price benchmark. The presentation follows consultations between the executive and legislative branches.

  Anioma Monarchs Support Creation of Separate State from Delta On December 17, 2024, the Anioma Council of Chiefs expressed their strong support for the movement to create Anioma State from the current Delta State, believing it would address various national grievances. The monarchs emphasized that the proposed state's geographical location is not a concern for them. Speaking after their meeting at the residence of Ndokwa Nation’s chairman, Chief Matthew Udi, the Ezeudo 1 of Abbi, the monarchs declared that the creation of Anioma State, led by Senator Ned Nwoko, is of great importance to them. In a statement made available in Abuja, the council announced plans to send an open letter to relevant authorities advocating for the state's creation and to launch an awareness campaign to achieve their goal. The traditional rulers affirmed their stance, noting that they support the creation of Anioma State regardless of its geopolitical zone, even if it falls within the Yoruba zone. ...

 World Bank Approves $1.65bn in Loans for Nigeria in 2025 The World Bank plans to approve three major loan projects for Nigeria in 2025, totaling $1.65 billion. These loans will focus on addressing critical issues such as internally displaced persons, education, and nutrition.  The projects include the $300 million Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project, the $553.8 million HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All project, and the $800 million Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0. These loans are part of the World Bank’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s development and economic recovery, and the loans are expected to be approved in early 2025. The World Bank has approved $6.95 billion in loans for Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu's administration over the past 18 months.

 Family of Missing Ebonyi Student Appeals to Governors for Intervention The family of David Ogbonnaya, a missing student from Kingdom College, Ozu Abam, Abia State, has appealed to Governors Alex Otti and Francis Nwifuru for assistance in locating their son, who was abducted on March 5, 2024, during a land dispute.  David, from Amagu Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, was one of eight students abducted by youths from the Ndi Okorie community, with seven others eventually rescued by the Nigerian Army. Despite efforts from local authorities and security agencies, David remains missing. The family is seeking help from state governors and security forces to find him, whether alive or dead.

 Father and Stepmother Sentenced to Life for Murder of 10-Year-Old Sara Sharif A UK court has sentenced Urfan Sharif, 43, and Beinash Batool, 30, to life imprisonment for the murder of their 10-year-old daughter, Sara Sharif. The child was subjected to months of severe abuse, including burns, broken bones, and being beaten with a metal pole and cricket bat. Sara was found dead in August 2023, covered in 71 injuries.  The court heard that Sharif and Batool showed no remorse for their actions. Additionally, Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was sentenced to 16 years for causing or allowing her death. The case highlighted failures by social services, as Sara had been withdrawn from school months before her death.

 NSIB Report on Crashed Sikorsky Helicopter Blames NCAA, Highlights DG Tenure Controversy The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has criticized the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in its report on the Sikorsky SK76c helicopter crash on October 24, 2024. The report, released on December 17, 2024, revealed that the helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was not equipped with a required Flight Data Recorder (FDR), violating Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023. The NSIB further pointed out that the crew, though certified, used non-standard communication during the flight. The crash, which occurred off the coast of Calabar, resulted in the deaths of five passengers, while three others, including the flight crew, remain missing. The Bureau has warned the NCAA to ensure compliance with the regulations requiring FDRs on certain helicopters. This report comes amid growing calls for the removal of NCAA Director-General, whose tenure has expired. Industr...

 ‘Return govt vehicles in your possession’, Edo Govt issues 72-hour ultimatum to Ighodalo, others The Edo State Government has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last governorship election in the state, Asue Ighodalo and other supporters of the party, to return government vehicles in their possession. Chairman, Government Assets Recovery Committee of the state, Kelly Okungbowa recently appointed by Governor Monday Okpebholo gave the order on Tuesday. Okpebholo had set up an assets recovery committee to recover government assets including vehicles still in the hands of private individuals. Okungbowa who disclosed this to journalists on Monday said some of the vehicles belonging to the moribund government transport company, Edo Line were allegedly sold and have been discovered in a spare parts market in Benin City, the Edo state capital. He said “We want to use this medium to appeal to those people whose names have been mentioned, to pl...

 CAF Awards: Akpabio Lauds Lookman, Nnadozie, and Super Falcons for Their Achievements Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Ademola Lookman for winning the CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award, Chiamaka Nnadozie for being named Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and the Super Falcons for securing the Women’s National Team of the Year Award.  Akpabio praised Lookman’s talent, Nnadozie’s back-to-back recognition, and the Super Falcons’ resilience. He emphasized that these accolades highlight Nigeria’s sporting excellence and vowed continued support from the National Assembly for sports development in the country.

 Reps Urge CDS to Release Miyetti Allah President, Bodejo, from Unlawful Detention The House of Representatives has called on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, to immediately release Bello Badejo, President of Miyetti Allah, from unlawful detention. Additionally, the House summoned Musa, Oloyede, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on December 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to explain why officers under their command violated constitutional provisions. This resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Mansur Soro at plenary on Tuesday. Soro explained that Badejo was arrested on December 9, 2024, by officers of the 177 Battalion in Maliya town, Nasarawa State, without prior invitation or court order, allegedly due to a dispute involving a retired military general and some community members. Soro raised concerns over the unlawf...

 FG Allocates N30bn for Universities of Agriculture to Begin Mechanized Farming The federal government has approved N30 billion for the country’s 30 universities of agriculture to kickstart mechanized farming. This decision comes with instructions for these specialized institutions to focus solely on their core mandates and discontinue offering programs unrelated to their original objectives. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during a retreat organized for pro-chancellors of federal universities. He emphasized the significance of universities of agriculture adopting mechanized farming practices and revealed that each institution would receive N1 billion as an initial grant to launch the initiative.

 Reps to invite CDS, COAS over alleged unlawful operation of 177 battalion in Nasarawa The House of Representatives has resolved to invite the Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Army staff and the commanding officer of the 177 battalion over an alleged unlawful arrest and detention of a community leader in Nasarawa state. Honourable Mansur Soro who moved the motion during Tuesday’s plenary, explained that on December 9th 2024, the community leader Bello Badejo was arrested in Maliya town, Nassarawa State by officers of the 177 battalion of the Nigerian Army with no prior invitation or court injunction. He further stated that one week after, Badejo is yet to be arraigned, which signifies an unlawful act by the Nigerian Army and a violation of the fundamental human rights as provided in sections 34, 35 and 36 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended. The service chiefs are to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights and Justice on Thursday 20th December 2024.

 A police officer in Rustenburg, South Africa, has been condemned by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for allegedly assaulting a man at the local police station. The incident, which was captured on video, occurred after a disagreement at a barber shop. The officer, identified as Ofentse Raphuti, allegedly chased and assaulted the victim in the police station parking lot. On-duty officers intervened, and both the victim and the officer have filed assault charges against each other. The SAPS has denounced the officer's actions as "totally unacceptable" and is investigating the incident. Watch video below. 

 Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has announced that he will no longer hold concerts in India until the country develops better infrastructure for live shows. This decision came during his concert in Chandigarh on December 14, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the current facilities. Speaking in Punjabi, Diljit said, “Here, we don’t have infrastructure for live shows. This is a source of big revenue and employment for many people. I’ll try next time to have a stage at the center so the audience can be around it. Until this happens, I won’t do shows in India, that’s for sure.” At the Chandigarh concert, Diljit dedicated his Dil-Luminati tour to India’s chess sensation, Gukesh Dommaraju, the newly-crowned International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Champion. Praising Gukesh’s dedication and achievements at a young age, Diljit encouraged the audience to face challenges in life with resilience. Sharing a video on Instagram, he highlighted the importance of perseverance, adding a h...

 NSYC Corp Member Collapses and Dies in Kebbi A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Tayachibiyacha Ebal (Female), with the code KB/24C/918, serving in Dakingari, Kebbi State, has tragically passed away after collapsing. Upon collapsing, she was rushed to the camp clinic at Dakingari and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Birnin-Kebbi, where she unfortunately succumbed despite receiving medical attention. In a statement, Comrade Nurudeen Bala Fingiller, spokesman for the Kebbi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, confirmed that the deceased's body had been sent to her family in Adamawa State. Fingiller also expressed condolences on behalf of the NYSC and the Kebbi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, thanking the Governor of Kebbi State for his financial and logistical support in facilitating the burial arrangements.

 Cyclone Chido: Trail of destruction as 34 killed in Mozambique At least 34 people have been killed by Cyclone Chido in Mozambique since it made landfall there on Sunday, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said on Tuesday, citing figures from the southern African country's disaster agency, Reuters reported. The small French island of Mayotte bore the brunt of the storm, and hundreds or even thousands are believed to have been killed there before it moved on to hit Mozambique on the eastern coast of southern Africa. "As of 17 December 2024, a total of 174,158 people were estimated to be impacted, with 34 people dead and 319 injured," OCHA said in a statement, citing Mozambique's institute for natural disasters.

 Tinubu's Economic Policies Have Led to Unprecedented Poverty in Nigeria - Delta Governor Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has faulted the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as those that have unleashed unprecedented hunger, poverty and mass unemployment on Nigerians and turned Nigeria into the world’s poverty capital. Oborevwori specifically argued that the probable gains of Tinubu’s policies on petroleum subsidy removal and floating of the naira had been swallowed by naira devaluation and galloping inflation. In a statement by the Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr Felix Ofou, on Monday, the Delta governor said it was high time the Tinubu government embraced policies that would stem poverty and suffering. Oborevwori’s comments came against the backdrop of an assertion by the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that the President’s economic policies had led to increased federal allocation to state and local go...