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 It took me 3 whole months to heal” – Gideon Okeke sheds light on his beef with Jim Iyke as he calls on Actors Guild Nollywood actor and media personality Gideon Okeke has explained his beef with Jim Iyke We reported hours ago that Gideon had stirred the internet as he called out his senior colleague, claiming he wants to be a goldfish but has no sense of character. Gideon stated that if only Jim Iyke could act, he would have been an actor but he is a phoney-ass kneegar. Calling Jim a small boy, he called him out for his fake American accent and fake everything. Now taking to his Instagram page, Gideon explained the reason for the beef as he claimed that he got 2 stitches on the set of Jim Iyke’s production. He stated that it took 3 months for him to heal. Reminiscing on the death of Junior Pope, he stated that he is committed to ensuring safety on the Nollywood set as he noted how Jim is unbothered and away in Texas. For the benefit of clarity, for the benefit of my new employers ...

 Now I have marry my  best friend – Nkechi Blessing speaks out as boyfriend, Xxssive proposes to her Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing has reacted following a fake proposal from her boyfriend, Eseoghene Obire better known as Xxssive In a video online, Xxssive was captured proposing to the single mother of one, who he has been dating for over three years.  In the clip, the comedian was seen putting a ring on Nkechi’s finger as he threw a kiss at her Taking to her Instagram story, Nkechi questioned if online in-laws aren’t the ones telling people to marry their best friends. “Abi no be Una say marry your best friend. Abi una don change mouth? Na wah for una oo!!”.

 YULETIDE: LAWMA SEEKS RESPONSIBLE WASTE DISPOSAL  The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced its readiness to tackle the expected surge in waste generation across the metropolis during the Christmas festivities. The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who gave the assurance on Monday in his office at Ijora Olopa, said the Authority had put measures in place to meet the waste management needs of residents during the Yuletide. He said, “We have put adequate measures in place to address the increase in waste generation that comes with the festive season. Our teams are fully mobilised with trucks and personnel to ensure prompt collection and disposal of waste in all parts of Lagos. This is part of our commitment to making Lagos a clean and liveable city during and after the Christmas holidays.” Gbadegesin noted that, as part of its operational strategies, LAWMA would deploy additional waste collection trucks and personnel to high-traffic areas, ...

 PRESS RELEASE FATAL ACCIDENT AT MMURI AXIS IN OHAFIA: ARTSMA INTERVENES The Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) regrets to inform the public about a tragic road accident that occurred earlier today along the Mmuri axis in Ohafia. A trailer loaded with chippings collided with a Sienna bus carrying nine passengers, resulting in a devastating loss of lives and multiple injuries.   ARTSMA officials, led by the General Manager, Col. Ezichi Kalu (Rtd.), promptly responded to the distress call and arrived at the scene to provide critical intervention. The team mobilized resources, including a crane and two towing vans, to rescue victims and manage the situation.   Regrettably, six individuals lost their lives on the spot. One passenger sustained severe injuries, while two others suffered varying degrees of injuries.   “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the affected road transport workers. We ...

 Ibadan Stampede: Abiodun Visits Makinde, Calls for NGOs' Collaboration With Government in Palliative Distribution Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has admonished Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), charitable organizations, and individuals who wish to distribute palliative aid to the people to involve the government to prevent a chaotic situation that could lead to the loss of lives. Governor Abiodun, who spoke when he visited Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, in his office in Ibadan regarding the stampede that occurred in the city last week, said such an incident would not have happened if the state government had been involved. "I am here on behalf of myself, the government, and the good people of Ogun State and the Southern Governors' Forum (SGF) to commiserate with the governor of Oyo State and the people on the unfortunate incident that happened on Wednesday, December 18th, where a good initiative turned sour. "It is most unfortunate that, in res...

 PRESS RELEASE PERSONNEL WELFARE: NPF UNVEILS FORCE INSURANCE COMPANY. As IGP Egbetokun Decorates Newly Promoted AIGs, CPs With New Ranks. The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun., Ph.D., NPM., on Monday the 23rd of December 2024, proudly commissioned the Force Insurance Company, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the welfare and security of police personnel and their families. The ceremony took place today at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, FHQ Abuja, in the presence of key dignitaries, including the Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Sen. Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori; Chairman Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu, mni. (Rtd) and other notable stakeholders. The establishment of the Force Insurance Company marks a significant step in the NPF's commitment to the well-being of its members. The newly formed insurance company will provide comprehensive coverage for police of...

 Christmas Pilgrimage Warning: Christians Advised to Avoid Israel Amid Middle East Conflict Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has urged Christians to avoid traveling to Israel for this year’s pilgrimage, citing ongoing conflict in the region.  Speaking during the 2024 State Christmas Carol, the governor, represented by Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda, described such trips as dangerous, saying it would be "equivalent to signing their death warrants." Rev. Bulus Yohanna of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) supported the caution, suggesting alternative pilgrimage destinations such as Jordan, Turkey, or Rome. The governor highlighted the lack of peace in Israel and called on the faithful to prioritize their safety during this festive season.  With the situation in the Middle East remaining unstable, the advice serves as a vital reminder to plan wisely and consider other spiritually significant locations. Bago said, "Allowing pilgrims to travel there would be equivalen...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE AIRING OF PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA CHAT UPDATED: PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA CHAT… No Regret For Instant Removal Of Petrol Subsidy – Tinubu Says Nigeria was eating its children's future  ....Insists economy on course to recovery ....Declares no going back on tax reforms  .... 'I won't sack any of my ministers' PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA CHAT President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy from the outset, describing it as a necessary reform to safeguard Nigeria’s economic future. During his first presidential media chat on Monday night, Tinubu said: “I have no regrets whatever removing subsidies. It was necessary.” The President explained that the subsidy regime was unsustainable, likening it to mortgaging the country’s future for present consumption. “We were not investing; we were just deceiving ourselves. The reform was necessary. We cannot have expenditures; we don’t have revenue for them,” Tinubu said. He further emph...

 A day before the funfair, I went to inspect the venue to ensure that all the necessary things were in place. Prophetess Naomi was there and she said the place was more spacious than the place they wanted to use. I asked about the security arrangement and she said the security will be there by 8am. I told her and the team that Ibadan is different from the other places they have been using so I promised to give her 200 boys that will be giving out tickets to the children. She didn’t plan to use tickets initially. I arranged how 5500 tickets would be printed. The following day, I got to the venue at about 5:45am. I saw a lot of crowd. All roads were blocked. Mothers have started throwing their kids over the fence. The program was scheduled to start at 10am and security men were expected at 8am. I started begging that everybody should go back home. They refused to listen to me. "Over 2000 mothers threw their kids over the fence as at 5:45am. I was told they have been throwing their k...

  Biden Commutes Death Sentences, Reinforcing Opposition to Capital Punishment President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates, converting their penalties to life imprisonment without parole. This decision excludes high-profile cases such as the Boston Marathon bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and the perpetrator of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, Robert Bowers. Biden's move aligns with his long-standing opposition to the death penalty, reaffirming his belief that it should be abolished at the federal level. The commutation affects those convicted of severe crimes, including murders committed in prison or during robberies, but Biden emphasized that his action was not meant to downplay the victims' suffering. Biden's clemency actions come amid heightened political contrasts with former President Donald Trump, who reinstated federal executions in 2020 and indicated his intention to expand the use of the death penalty. Biden's adm...

 France Awaits New Cabinet as PM Bayrou Delays Announcement to Honor Mayotte Victims France remains on edge as Prime Minister François Bayrou prepares to unveil his new cabinet, initially promised “before Christmas.”  However, the announcement has been postponed until Monday evening to observe a national day of mourning for the victims of the devastating cyclone in Mayotte, France's overseas territory. President Emmanuel Macron, who recently visited cyclone-hit Mayotte and East Africa, emphasized the significance of honoring the victims.  Macron spoke with Bayrou twice on Sunday to finalize preparations for the cabinet announcement. As the clock ticks closer to the deadline, all eyes are on the Prime Minister’s anticipated announcement and the political shifts it will bring.

 "Luigi Mangione and the Murder of CEO Brian Thompson" Luigi Mangione, 26, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and terrorism in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He faces 11 state counts, including first-degree murder, and federal charges that could lead to the death penalty. Mangione, arrested in Pennsylvania, allegedly targeted Thompson due to anger at the healthcare industry. His lawyer has raised concerns about the overlap of state and federal charges and the high-profile nature of the case. The case has sparked public attention, with supporters attending court, and online rhetoric has fueled concerns about rising domestic extremism. Authorities worry that such incidents reflect growing violent sentiments against the U.S. healthcare system and wealthy elites.A suitable topic for this article

 "Starbucks Workers Expand Strike Over Wages and Labor Conditions Amid Holiday Rush" Starbucks baristas have expanded their strike to 12 cities, including Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Portland, demanding better wages and conditions during the busy holiday season. Represented by the union Starbucks Workers United, employees are protesting the lack of progress in collective bargaining talks, particularly over wage increases, which have yet to be resolved despite previous discussions. Starbucks claims the strike has had minimal impact, with most stores remaining open, and says they are ready to resume negotiations. However, tensions persist as the union rejects the company’s proposals, highlighting the ongoing divide over compensation and labor conditions.

 Alleged N13m Fraud: EFCC Presents Second Witness, Closes Case Against Defendant   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has presented its second prosecution witness, Olaniyi Olaleye, an internal Auditor with Sterling Bank Plc, against Oluwole Olutimehin, who is being  prosecuted on a one-count charge bordering on stealing to the tune of N13, 290,000.00 (Thirteen Million, Two Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira), before Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja Lagos. The defendant was previously arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on September 20, 2022. However, the trial could not commence before the retirement of Justice Taiwo, thereby prompting the re-assignment of the case to Justice Oshodi. The count reads: “That you, Oluwole Olutimehin, on or about the 15th day of September, 2021, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently converted to you...

 Over 1,000 North Korean Soldiers Killed Or Wounded In Ukraine War: Seoul More than 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Russia’s war with Ukraine, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has said. The announcement on Monday follows a report by Seoul’s spy agency to parliamentarians last week, which said at least 100 North Korean soldiers had been killed since entering combat in December. Pyongyang has sent thousands of soldiers to reinforce the Russian military, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year. “Through various sources of information and intelligence, we assess that North Korean troops who have recently engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces have suffered around 1,100 casualties,” the JCS said in a statement. Seoul, Washington and Kyiv have said there are approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia. Pyongyang is reportedly “preparing for the rotation or additional deployment of soldie...

  Trump addresses Elon Musk's growing political influence: 'He's not going to be president' President-elect Donald Trump dismissed any suggestion that he’s being usurped by his high-profile billionaire ally Elon Musk, coming off a week in which Musk helped derail an emergency spending measure to avert a government shutdown. Trump said the notion that he has “ceded the presidency” to Musk is a fiction and that even if Musk wanted the job, he couldn’t get it because of the Constitution’s requirement that the U.S. president be a natural-born citizen. Musk was born in South Africa. “No, he’s not going to be president, that I can tell you,” Trump said. “And I’m safe. You know why he can’t be? He wasn’t born in this country.” Trump spoke for more than an hour Sunday at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, with thousands of conservative activists cheering wildly as he took the stage amid a pyrotechnic display. It was his first rally-style event since the elec...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer,’ on Sunday.  The award, presented by the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, recognizes PM Modi’s efforts to strengthen India-Kuwait relations. The ceremony took place at Bayan Palace during his two-day visit to the Gulf nation. The ‘Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer’ is a prestigious knighthood reserved for heads of state, foreign leaders, and royals as a mark of friendship. Notable recipients of this honour include former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, as well as Prince Charles. PM Modi is the latest leader to join this distinguished list. This accolade is the 20th international award received by PM Modi, reflecting his rising global stature. In a post on X, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the award as a symbol of the strong India-Kuwait friendship. PM Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India, th...

 Delhi Police revealed on Sunday that bomb threat emails sent to at least three schools in Delhi were sent by their own students.  Initial investigations by the special cell found that two siblings from one school sent the threats to delay their exams. During counselling, they admitted they got the idea from earlier incidents of bomb threats in schools. The students were later allowed to go home after their parents were warned. In a similar case, two other schools in Rohini and Paschim Vihar also received threatening emails from their own students. According to officials, these students admitted they were not prepared for their exams and wanted them postponed. After being identified, the students were counselled and let off with warnings. The incidents are part of a larger trend of bomb threat emails disrupting school activities in Delhi. Earlier in the week, emails threatening explosions and demanding $100,000 were sent to several schools. Between December 9 and December 14, ...

 A four-year-old boy, Ayush Laxman Kinvade, was killed after being hit by a speeding car in Mumbai, police said.  The accident occurred near Ambedkar College in the Wadala area. Ayush lived on the footpath with his family, and his father works as a laborer. The car, a Hyundai Creta, was driven by 19-year-old Sandeep Gole, a resident of Vile Parle. Police have taken Gole into custody, and an investigation is underway. This tragic incident follows another deadly accident in Mumbai earlier this month when a driver lost control of an electric bus operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). The bus rammed into pedestrians and vehicles in Kurla, killing seven people and injuring 42 others. The crash also damaged over 20 vehicles and was captured on CCTV. According to a recent report by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Maharashtra is among the states with the highest number of road accidents in the last five years. Between 2018 and 2022, the s...

 PRESS RELEASE: APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF ABSU GOVERNING COUNCIL. The Governor of Abia state, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR has approved the appointment of the following people as additional members of the Governing Council, Abia State University, Uturu. 1. Elelenta Nwabuisi Elele, PHD 2. Stanley Onyekachi Okonta 3. Idris Korform Wabara 4. Rt. Rev. Nkechi Udunma Nwosu PHD 5. Eng. Kalu Nto 6. Monday Ubani, SAN 7. Chinyere Juliet Okeziem-Nwoko  These appointees will join other statutory members of the council who had been earlier announced to run the board of the University. These appointments take immediate effect. Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA  Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.  23-12-2024.

  The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) says Nigerians should expect a reduction in the pump price of the product within the week.  Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the Dangote Refinery reduced the ex-depot price of petrol to ₦899 per litre in Lagos. While the pump price of the product has not been reduced in many filling stations, PETROAN said the new cost of the commodity will take effect this week. “But I believe from today when members start loading from both NNPC and Dangote at this new price reduction, it will reflect in the market,” the president of the association Billy Gilly-Harry said on Monday. “But also, I’ll give kudos to some of our members, some of the leaders in PETROAN, you know, that have done so well, especially in Abuja, for even reducing their prices to below ₦1,000 before even this announcement. “So, we don’t encourage our members to try to sell products at a loss because our foc...

  President Bola Tinubu has officially launched the 2024 main Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan. This was disclosed in a statement by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, and published on the Commission’s official X handle, #NGChrisPilgComm, on Monday. The airlift of pilgrims was flagged off on Sunday at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State. According to the statement, Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, urged pilgrims to view their journey as an opportunity to strengthen their faith in God. Akume noted that the theme of the 2024 pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligns with the vision and agenda of his administration. He also reiterated that the theme of the 2024 NCPC main pilgrimage, is apt as it aligns with the vision and agenda of his administration. He urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the progress of Nigeria, Lagos State, and their families. ...

  The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development Nentawe Yilwatda says the Federal Government is targeting 15m households and 75m people in its conditional cash transfer scheme.  According to him, each household will be paid ₦25,000 per month thrice in a year. Yilwatda said the move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s push to cushion the impacts of economic hardship on vulnerable Nigerians. “The president was so specific, there are policies that he brought in to see if that can ease those challenges for people at the lower end of the pyramid,” he said on Monday. “Number one, he said that we should reach out to 15 million beneficiaries under the conditional cash transfer to help ease the pain of Nigerians who are at the bottom level under our social register. That’s households, not individuals. Each household, we assume approximately has about five people. “So, if we are, we’re targeting 15 million households, it means the President is targetin...

 Illegal Taxation: Onitsha South LG Legislature Passes First Reading To Checkmate Revenue   By Juliana Nwachukwu  To checkmate illegal activities in Onitsha South Local Government Area, lawmakers have initiated a bill to streamline revenue collection, tackling multiple taxations and illicit ticketing. The legislation, which has undergone its first reading, aims to bring order to the revenue collection process Rt.Hon.Regina Udeogalanya who presided over the Congress introduced the sponsor of the bill, Mr. Franklin Uchenna Onyeke, who is also the Deputy leader (Councillor Odoakpu Ward 1), to the congress to read out the content of the bill. According to Mr. Onyeke, any state-authorized revenue collectors wishing to operate in Onitsha South will need to register with the local government authority. "This bill will restore normalcy and create a friendly environment which is in line with the vision of the Mayor and Mr. Governor", Onyeke affirmed.   Hon Okoro Emm...

 Ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad 's wife files for divorce, seeks return to UK  Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian President who is currently in Moscow with his family after being granted asylum in Russia, is going through a personal battle after a major political one. As per reports, Bashar al-Assad's wife Asma al-Assad, who is a British national, has filed for divorce and wishes to return to the United Kingdom with her children. Asma is a dual British-Syrian national who was born and raised in London by Syrian parents, the BBC reported Asma al-Assad moved to Syria in 2000 and married Assad in the same year at the age of 25.  The former First Lady of Syria has requested the Russian authorities to allow her to return to the United Kingdom for ‘urgent medical treatment’ along with her children. According to The Jerusalem Post, Asma al-Assad's reason for filing for divorce is that she is unhappy with her life in Moscow ever since she went there with her husband, fol...

 British woman starts speaking Italian after waking up from stroke Althia Bryden, a 58-year-old woman from Highbury, north London, has found herself at the center of a medical mystery after suffering a stroke earlier this year. On May 4, Bryden was discovered unresponsive in her bed, her face noticeably drooping on the right side. After being rushed to the hospital, doctors found she had experienced a stroke that left her unable to speak and without sensation in the upper-right side of her body. Further investigation also showed the cause to be a carotid web, a rare structural abnormality in her neck that disrupts blood flow to the brain. In August, surgeons performed an operation to remove the anomaly. What followed was an extraordinary development. The day after her surgery, while recovering in intensive care, a nurse woke Althia to take her blood pressure. To everyone’s amazement, she started speaking. “Completely out of the blue, I just started speaking. “She looked as shocked ...

  Ayra Starr under attack over her outfit to Abuja show A video of Ayra arriving at an Abuja event has surfaced on social media and gained publicity. In the video, Ayra addressed the crowd while wearing a skimpy dress that exposed a huge part of her body. Another clip shows her using one hand to secure the chest area of her dress to prevent a fashion mishap. Fans were quick to attack Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, aka Ayra Starr, over her outfit for an Abuja show. This did not sit well with fans, who criticized her for stepping out in such an outfit, knowing she would be uncomfortable.

  "Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's Moscow Visit: Energy Concerns and Shifting European Alliances" Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made a surprise visit to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a rare encounter between a Western leader and the Russian leader since the Ukraine war began. Fico, a critic of the European Union's stance on Ukraine, emphasized the discussion about Slovakia's reliance on Russian gas and the upcoming expiration of a key energy deal with Gazprom. He also addressed the broader military situation in Ukraine, suggesting the possibility of a peaceful resolution. Fico noted that he informed EU officials about his trip and the nature of the talks beforehand, positioning the visit as a response to Ukrainian resistance to Russian gas transit through its territory. Fico’s return to the political stage has brought a shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy, with his government ending military support to Ukraine in October 2023...

  Mark Burnett Appointed U.S. Special Envoy to the UK by President-Elect Donald Trump Donald Trump appointed Mark Burnett, the British television executive known for producing The Apprentice, as his special envoy to the United Kingdom, a role distinct from the US ambassador position. In this capacity, Burnett will focus on strengthening US-UK relations, with an emphasis on trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Trump praised Burnett’s vast experience in television production, noting his international recognition and strategic business acumen, which he believes will contribute to advancing diplomatic ties between the two nations. Burnett, 64, who emigrated from the UK to the US in 1982, is best known for creating The Apprentice and producing shows like Survivor and Shark Tank, making him a prominent figure in reality TV. Though Burnett has worked closely with Trump for years, especially as a key figure behind Trump's TV success, he has previously distanced himself from the contro...

 "Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen Hospitalized After Horseback Riding Incident" Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen was hospitalized on Sunday after being thrown from a horse while riding with family. The incident occurred with a new horse, and although Pillen sustained injuries, his office did not provide specific details. He was initially taken to Columbus Community Hospital before being transferred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha as a precautionary measure. Despite the injuries, the Governor is alert and in regular communication with his team, and his office indicated that he is expected to remain in the hospital for several days. Governor Pillen's family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from Nebraskans, especially as they prepare for the holiday season. In a statement, his office thanked well-wishers for their thoughts and prayers, wishing all Nebraskans a Merry Christmas. The Governor's condition is being closely monitored, and furthe...

  Two of Japan's largest automobile manufacturers, Honda and Nissan, announced today that they will begin discussions on a potential merger.  This move is seen as a strategic effort to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. The proposed merger aims to enable Honda and Nissan to pool their resources, expertise, and technologies to better compete with their Chinese rivals and the American electric vehicle giant, Tesla. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲...𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝑱𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒅 𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒕𝒊𝒆-𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚’𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚.  Honda Motor and Nissan Motor, Japan’s second- and third-largest automakers, are discussing ways to deepen their ties, including the possibility of a merger that...

 Doyin Okupe Reveals Why He Respects and Never Criticizes President Tinubu Despite Political Differences Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide and ally of Peter Obi, has shared why he refrains from criticizing President Bola Tinubu.  Okupe explained that their shared commitment to democracy during the NADECO era forged a bond of mutual respect, even as they pursued different political paths. While Okupe defends Tinubu today, it’s worth noting that he previously criticized him in 2013 over policies related to the national conference and SURE-P, calling some remarks “ignorant.”  However, Okupe emphasized that his respect for Tinubu stems from their common fight against military oppression in Nigeria. He said, “We were in the trenches together during the military junta. He was abroad; we were here in Nigeria coordinating.  Running from place to place under severe pressure creates a bond that transcends political differences"  “Go and check all through my time in ...

 SKFEST: How Mother, Daughter Won First, Second Positions In Long-Distance Race An elderly woman and her 17-year-old daughter emerged victorious in the long-distance race held as part of this year’s Southern Kaduna Festival of Arts and Culture (SKFEST). Elizabeth Nuhu Bawa, the elderly woman, clinched first place, while her daughter, Grace, secured second place in the competition. The race, held at the Kafanchan sports ground, saw Elizabeth and her energetic daughter outpace many other participants. Seventeen-year-old Grace expressed her wish to have defeated her mother and claimed the top spot. However, she admitted that her mother displayed greater stamina during the event. Grace said she remains optimistic about surprising her mother in future competitions, aiming to claim first place next time.

 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Governor Francis Nwifuru has directed the chairmen of the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State to pay all outstanding salaries and pensions of workers before 2 pm on Monday, December 23, 2024. Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to newsmen, issued the directive on Sunday during the Elders and Widows’ Party, organised by the state government at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki. The governor expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in paying salaries and pensions to local government staff, describing the situation as worrisome. While emphasising his commitment to delivering good governance anchored on the Chartered Needs Agenda, the governor warned against any sabotage in executing the social contract with the people. “By 2 ...