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 Ohanaeze Jan 10 election: ADF warns against imposition of ex-IGP Okiro as President General Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), a frontline Igbo think tank, has warned against the imposition of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, as the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The warning was coming ahead of the forthcoming national elections of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation. National President of ADF and former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, in a statement, said that the ADF is not against the emergence of any candidate as the President-General of the organisation, but it must be through a clean and accepted process. He said: “Due process must be followed to ensure that Ndigbo worldwide bought into the emerging leadership, just as it opposed the perspective that Chief Okiro who joined the police as a Rivers State man when his brother was Eze in Imo State, may be very serious with Igbo affairs....

 I saw older inmates sodomise young prisoners – Pardoned fowl-theft convict BY ISMAEEL UTHMAN Segun Olowookere, the popular death-for-fowl convict recently pardoned by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, speaks with ISMAEEL UTHMAN about his travail How old were you when they arrested you and your date of birth? I was 17 years old. I was born on January 28, 1993. What were you convicted of aside from stealing of fowl? They said stealing, conspiracy and armed robbery. How did you feel on the day you were sentenced to death? I was heartbroken; no one will hear his/her death’s day and be happy. However, I had hope that I would not be killed. What was the reaction of the people in the courtroom? They felt so bad because of our age and the nature of the crime we were convicted of. They thought the judge should have pardoned us because we were minors. They even wondered why we were sentenced to death because of fowls and eggs. So, many people, including my prosecutor, felt so bad and ...

 NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on fake cancer treatment drugs The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has alerted Nigerians, including healthcare providers, about a counterfeit cancer treatment drug, Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml, labelled with batch number C5290S20. This is contained in a public alert (No. 051/2024) available on the agency’s website. The agency reported that the Marketing Authorization Holder, MAH, Roche, received a complaint from a doctor at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH-NSIA, regarding the suspected counterfeit product. It said that the Phesgo 600mg/600mg, labelled with batch number C5290S20, was reported to have been brought in by a patient for administration. According to the agency, at the time of the report the product had not been administered, but it matched the characteristics of a previously reported counterfeit batch, C3809C51. “Although no physical sample was returned to Roche for investigation, images of parts of t...

 President Tinubu arrives Enugu, commissions multiple projects President Bola Tinubu on Saturday visited Enugu State where he commissioned multiple projects. This is his first official trip to the state since assuming office on May 29, 2023. He was accompanied by top dignitaries, including the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. He arrived at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, in the afternoon from where he proceeded to various locations within the State capital. In the Coal City State, Tinubu inaugurated some projects embarked upon by the Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah-led administration. Tinubu inaugurated smart green schools, rural roads, and 150 patrol vehicles fitted with AI-embedded surveillance cameras, equipped Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres out of the 260 under construction across the 260 wards in the state. Others are...

 Northern Elders Forum kicks against New Tax Bill The Federal Government has been advised as a matter of urgency to suspend the rush to implement the proposed Tax Reform Bills, so as to more wisely use the medium of dialogue to allay all concerns, collect all quality contributions and critical inputs from cross sections of Nigerian stakeholders. The Leadership of the Northern Elders' Forum, in a Communique issued at the end of its meeting and signed by Chairman of its Management Board, A.M Al-Amin Daggash, also suggested that, pending the emergence into the national horizon, of clear evidence of the promised economic recovery by the government. The forum admitted that Since coming into office, the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has brazenly operated with a total contempt and sardonic disdain for any patriotic voice of dissent and a palpable proclivity for emasculating its imaginary opponents. While faulting the tax Bill, the forum stated that the proposed formula contai...

 Indecent Dressing: Kano Censorship Board suspends Kannywood actress for 365 days Kano State Censorship Board has suspended a popular Kannywood actress, Samha M. Inuwa, from appearing in all films for one year. The decision followed series of complaints from the public and concerned citizens in Kano over her revealing dresses and provocative videos. A statement issued by the Information Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, stated that Samha had been warned multiple times about her crude dressing, vulgar displays and language in some of her videos. “The board has also revoked her liaison and stopped censoring any films in which she appears. Kano State Censorship Board is empowered by law to ensure that all videos, writings, and other forms of expression align with the state’s religion, culture, norms, and values. “This suspension is part of the ongoing board’s efforts to maintain moral standards in Kannywood Film industry and ensure all board’s rules ...

 Why I won't contest for Oyo governorship seat - FIRS boss Adedeji The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zaccheus Adedeji, says he does not plan to contest for the Oyo State governorship seat in 2027 though his supporters want him to do so. Adedeji, while speaking with reporters on Friday in Ibadan, said, “I want to use this to respond to a lot of requests. I, Zacch Adedeji, will not contest for the governorship election in 2027. “I know a lot of people would not be happy about this, but everybody knows the responsibility and grace that God has given to us. I was commissioner of finance 14 years ago. And by that time, with the grace of God, we’ve done all of what God wants us to do in the state. “He has given us that platform. So the only thing I need from you is your prayers for strength to end well with what I’m doing now. So I would not want to be distracted.”.

 You will carry your children, Funke Akindele assures Eniola Badmus Award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has showered friend Eniola Badmus with love and prayers after the latter openly expressed desire to have children. The gesture comes after Badmus became emotional during her annual charity event, where she expressed desire to birth her children. In response, Akindele shared a video on Instagram, praying for Badmus to be blessed with children.  Adopting her famous character, Lefty from Omo Ghetto, Akindele urged Badmus to focus on her finances this year, as she will be busy with her children in the coming year. “My darling Eniola Badmus, #leftyomoghetto has a message for you. God’s got you. I love you!! All your prayers are answered in Jesus name. Love you baby girl. check your DM for my account details!! O se (owo Adura),” she wrote on Instagram.

 Lakurawa bandits invade Kebbi village, kill two cops Suspected Lakurawa bandits have attacked Natsini village in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi and rustled an unspecified number of cows. The Spokesperson of Kebbi Police Command, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a press statement on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi. He said: “On the Jan. 3, at about 0100hrs, armed hoodlums suspected to be Lakurawa bandits on motorcycles invaded Alhaji Lawal Black Farm and nearby Fulani settlements located at Natsini village, along Argungu/Kangiwa road and rustled unspecified number of cows. “On receipt of the report, a team of Police Safer Highway patrol immediately rushed to the scene, engaged the bandits in a gun duel, pursued them, forcing the bandits to escapedinto the forest with gunshot wounds and successfully recovered some of the rustled cows. “Regrettably, two police officers lost their lives during the encounter.” Abubakar said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bello Sani ...

 My captors shot two children dead for walking slowly– 26-year-old undergraduate A final year student at the School of Health, Makarfi, Zaria, Baraka Abdulkarim, speaks with AYOOLA OLASUPO about her abduction and how she survived horrifying conditions in captivity Which school do you attend? I’m a 400-level student at the School of Health, Makarfi, in Zaria. How old are you, and which state are you from? I’m 26 years old now. I’m from Oyo State. My dad is from Ogbomoso, but my mum is from Oyo Town. I can say I’m from Ogbomoso Ayilara, but we stay in Oke-Elerin, and we always go home. Could you describe the events leading to your abduction? I was coming back from school in Zaria and heading to Funtua, which is in Katsina State. When I got to the park, no taxi was available. So, I decided to take a car along the road. Another woman, who had six children, also joined me. When we got to a village called Maraba Maska, the driver stopped, claiming the fuel had finished and that he would ...

 OSI-MAN UNITED! Victor Osimhen in stunning swap transfer proposal Marcus Rashford is at the centre of a stunning swap deal involving Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. The £60million-rated Manchester United forward has snubbed three offers from Saudi Arabia — worth up to £675,000 A WEEK — because he wants to win back his England place. A move to another European club would give Rashford a platform to do that with Napoli’s former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte looking at a deal for the disillusioned star. Under-fire United manager Ruben Amorim is desperate to strengthen this month and Conte’s interest in Rashford, 27, has opened the door to signing Osimhen. The Nigerian — who has a £62m release clause — is on loan at Galatasaray but United could land the 26-year-old this month. He has scored 65 goals in 108 Serie A matches for Napoli since joining from Lille in 2020. Amorim would love to work with Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres again but agreed he would not sign players from his...

 Army volunteers killed in Burkina Faso 'terror attack' Five civilian volunteers with the army in Burkina Faso were killed in an attack this week in the west of the country, security officials said on Saturday, AFP reported. "A forward security forces position, composed mainly of auxiliaries from the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), was targeted by armed terrorist groups," said one official. "Unfortunately five people, all volunteers, were killed," he told AFP of Thursday's incident in the Gnangdin area, near the border with Togo and Ghana. The volunteers, who work with the army, are recruited locally, given weapons and three months' training. They may operate with professional soldiers or on their own. The incident triggered a protest among locals who blocked the main highway linking the region to the Togolese border, a local inhabitant told AFP on condition of anonymity. The blockade continued for several hours before the authori...

 Mauritius former central bank boss bailed in fraud case The former governor of Mauritius' central bank has been released on bail after he was detained and charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, according to a local newspaper, Reuters reported. Harvesh Seegolam was arrested on Friday, the first major move by the government of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who has said the previous administration falsified the country's gross domestic product, budget deficit and public debt figures for years. Neither the police, nor Seegolam and his lawyer could be immediately reached for comment. The online edition of the daily l'Express reported, without citing sources, that bail fees were set at 500,000 Mauritius Rupees ($10,522). In a short video posted by Le Défi Media Group, Seegolam's lawyer Ravi Yerrigadoo confirmed his client had been released on bail. "You will understand that out of respect for the investigation still on and for the institution I will not say more....

 Pastor Adeboye speaks on AI image of him as Muslim, praying in Mecca. The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has opened up about an image depicting him as an Alhaji. An AI-generated image depicting Adeboye as an Alhaji observing prayers in Mecca had surfaced online late last year. The image showed Adeboye as a Muslim, clothed in Islamic garments, observing Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Reacting, Pastor Adeboye acknowledged the AI-generated image of him as an Alhaji, saying: “I’m sure many of you saw that picture showing me as an Alhaji.” Church Times Nigeria reported that Adeboye spoke during the first Holy Ghost Night of 2025, held in the early hours of Saturday.

 LaLiga: I want to help Valencia escape relegation ~ Sadiq. Umar Sadiq says he will do his best to help Valencia escape relegation this season. Los Ches are fighting to escape relegation in the Spanish top-flight. They currently occupy 19th position on the La Liga table. Sadiq completed a loan move to Valencia from Real Sociedad on Saturday. The Nigeria international was later unveiled at the club’s training ground, Ciudad Deportiva in Paterna. “First of all, to come here. On the first day he (the coach) explained everything to me. He told me how much he believed in me and I saw what Valencia needed, which was the same as what I wanted,” he said at the unveiling ceremony. “There was a coincidence between Valencia and me because I was very hungry and I saw that Valencia was too, and that made me come here. “It is not a normal situation for Valencia, but as I said, the hunger they have as I saw at Mestalla, it was bad luck that they did not get points.”

 Messi, Denzel Washington Among Recipients of Top US Award from President Biden US President Joe Biden will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 19 distinguished individuals on Saturday.   Honorees include global icons such as soccer star Lionel Messi, actor Denzel Washington, singer and activist Bono, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and actor Michael J. Fox. Others being recognized are fashion editor Anna Wintour, designer Ralph Lauren, chef José Andrés, and environmentalist Jane Goodall.   The White House described the recipients as “leaders and extraordinary contributors to their country and the world.” Billionaire philanthropist George Soros and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also among this year’s awardees.

 Ondo Government Mourns the Passing of SSG Tayo Oluwatuyi The Ondo State Government has announced the death of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi, popularly known as “Tukana.”   Oluwatuyi passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at a state hospital where he was being treated for injuries sustained in a car accident on December 15, 2024, while traveling to Ibadan.   In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, described Oluwatuyi as a dedicated public servant whose contributions significantly impacted Ondo State. He noted that Oluwatuyi had served in various capacities, including as Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Commissioner, and twice as SSG.   “Hon. Oluwatuyi will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and the development of Ondo State,” Akinlosotu said.   The state government extended condolences to the Oluwatuyi family, friends...

  Governor Chukwuma Soludo has placed a N10m bounty on the killers of security agents and some civilians in Anambra State.  Gunmen attacked and killed two security operatives and five others in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state on December 30th. Days later, Soludo paid a condolence visit to the families of the deceased and placed a N10m bounty on the perpetrators of the crime.

Sand-in Head Coach, Daniel Ogunmodede has called up captain Nduka Harrison Junior, goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defenders Sadiq Ismail and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielder Saviour Isaac, and forward Sikiru Alimi among a list of 26 players to begin closed-camping exercise at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo on Monday ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship finals. Goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, defenders Imo Obot and Stephen Manyo, midfielders Musa Zayyad, Rabiu Ali and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Adamu Abubakar and Emmanuel Ogbole have also been invited. The Super Eagles B, for the first time in the qualification series, bumped Ghana’s Black Galaxies to reach the final tournament, after a 3-1 win in Uyo last week that followed a scoreless first leg in Accra six days earlier. Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, who have been selected to jointly host the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, have been handed the opportunity to test-run their facilities and operationa...

 LASTMA RESCUES EIGHT IN NEAR-FATAL ACCIDENT AT ABULE-EGBA  The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority was able to save the day when a critical road traffic incident involving a commercial long bus, popularly referred to as a ‘Molue,’ occurred earlier today at Hammadiya inward Abule-Egba, causing severe injuries and significant disruption to traffic. The accident was triggered when the vehicle, registered as KTU 801 XM, lost control at excessive speed, reportedly, due to driver impatience. In an attempt to avoid colliding with another LT commercial bus and pedestrians awaiting transport at the roadside, the driver veered sharply, resulting in the bus crashing into the expressway median and overturning. Several passengers sustained injuries, while others escaped through the bus’s windows. Officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) promptly arrived at the scene, executing a well-coordinated and efficient rescue operation. Eight individuals, including f...

 LAGOS STATE WATER CORPORATION RECORDS BOOST WATER SUPPLY  … Tackles Pipeline Bursts Along Maryland-Ikorodu Axis … Urges Residents To Report Pipeline Burst Through Agency Toll Free Line  The Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC) has announced a significant increase in water production from its Iju and Adiyan Waterworks.  The development, according to a press release signed by the Managing Director of LSWC, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, underscores the Corporation’s commitment to providing improved and reliable water supply to residents across Lagos State. He noted, however, that the increase in water supply and stolen fittings may be partly responsible for the high-pressure bursts reported along the Maryland-Ikorodu axis, leading to temporary flooding on major roads. Engr. Tijani averred that the stolen fittings exposed the pipe flow line and allowed water to escape to the surface, thus impacting the integrity of the water pipelines in the area. To address the situation, the...

 Man steals goat for daughter’s naming in Ogun Operatives of the Odeda Division of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested Akintoye Waris for allegedly stealing and slaughtering a Savannah he-goat valued at N200,000 for his child’s naming. The spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, on Saturday, revealed that Waris was arrested on January 2, 2024, in the Odeda Area of the state, along with his accomplice, Ajayi Yusuf. The suspects had allegedly invaded a farm in the area to steal the goat, having ensured that the farm owner, simply known as Mark, had taken the cattle for grazing on December 25. Odutola stated that after discovering one of the goats was missing upon his return, a search was conducted in the community. During the search, the police said some villagers confirmed seeing the two suspects with the missing goat on a motorcycle, heading toward Olodo town. The command noted that while acting on the tip-off, detectives were immediately dispatched, leading to the a...

 UPDATE: The mystery abuser has been unmasked.  Erin Strotman, a 26-year-old registered nurse, has been charged with malicious wounding and child abuse that caused serious injury. She was charged at 1:15 a.m. early this morning. Video evidence was used to find the sadistic nurse. According to investigators, Strotman seriously injured many premature babies. She is only being charged for one incident that happened in November of last year. If you had a premature infant in the care of Erin Strotman and you feel your baby was harmed, investigators would like you to reach out to them. The earliest reports of injuries were from the summer of 2023.  Please call Crime Stoppers if you have any information or if you are a victim in this case at 1-804-780-1000. Full original story below- ----------------------------------- Virginia neonatal ward is completely shut down after a mystery abuser breaks bones on 7 separate premature babies in their care. Henrico Doctor's Hospital in Rich...

 Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After Ondo Government’s Swift Intervention Resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTHC), Ondo Town, have called off their strike less than 24 hours after the Ondo State Government addressed their key demands.   The doctors had embarked on industrial action earlier in the week over unpaid emoluments and poor working conditions. Despite appeals for patience by the hospital’s management, the doctors insisted on tangible resolutions.   However, the Association of Resident Doctors’ Chairperson, Olagbe Kehinde, announced the suspension on Friday, crediting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s prompt response.   “The government has fulfilled critical demands, including payment of outstanding salaries, with assurances to address other issues such as the Medical Residency Training Fund and infrastructure improvements in 2025,” Mr. Kehinde stated.   He further emphasized the doctors’ commi...

 World’s oldest person dies at 116  The world’s oldest person, Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka, has died aged 116, the city where she lived, Ashiya, announced on Saturday. Itooka, who had four children and five grandchildren, died on December 29 at a nursing home where she resided since 2019, the southern city’s mayor said in a statement. She was born on May 23, 1908, in the commercial hub of Osaka, near Ashiya — four months before the Ford Model T was launched in the United States. Itooka was recognised as the oldest person in the world after the August 2024 death of Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera at age 117. “Ms Itooka gave us courage and hope through her long life,” Ashiya’s 27-year-old mayor Ryosuke Takashima said in the statement. “We thank her for it.” Itooka, who was one of three siblings, lived through world wars and pandemics as well as technological breakthroughs. As a student, she played volleyball. In her older age, Itooka enjoyed bananas and Calpis, a milky soft drink ...

 Zulum subsidises petrol to N600/ltr for farmers in communities affected by insurgency Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced that the state government will subsidise the cost of petrol to farmers in communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency. Zulum announced the subsidy on Friday evening in Bama town when he flagged off the distribution of farm inputs to over 5,000 farmers hitherto displaced by Boko Haram insurgents. According to the governor, a litre of petrol sold between N1,000 and N1,200 in Maiduguri will be subsidised to the farmers for N600. This is aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by farmers in communities that have suffered economic and infrastructural destruction due to years of conflict. Zulum emphasised that a similar initiative implemented in Damasak, Mobar Local Government Area, last year has significantly increased food production and improved livelihoods. “One of the major challenges that are facing the farming communities here ...

 Guardiola accepts blame for Man City poor form Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he blames himself for the club's awful run of form. City, who have won the Premier League title for the past four years and in six of the past seven, are 14 points behind leaders Liverpool. A 2-0 win at Leicester on Sunday was only their second victory in 14 matches. It is the worst run of a hugely successful managerial career taking in spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. "There are many, many things [involved in being a manager] and I missed something - something I am not doing well," said Guardiola, who has been at the club for nine seasons. "In the end, when you lose a lot of games it is an incredible responsibility for the manager to take. There is something the team needs and confidence and I was not able to do it. "The call is on me first, it's not the players. They naturally drop a little bit and that is normal. It happened a little bit last season as well....

 Kano Government Sets Resumption Dates for Public and Private Schools The Kano State Government has announced that all boarding public and private primary and secondary schools will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2025, for the second term of the 2024/2025 academic session.   Day school students are to resume on Monday, January 6, 2025, according to a statement by Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Education. Parents and guardians have been urged to comply with the dates to ensure a smooth resumption process.   The statement warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against students who fail to resume on time.   State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving education and fostering a conducive learning environment for academic excellence.   The government also extended good wishes to teachers and students for a successful term and state...

 Warri Refinery Is Unable to Produce Petroleum Due to Vandalized Pipeline from Excravos-Kelvin Emmanuel Kelvin Emmanuel, the CEO of Diary Hills and an energy expert, addressed the situation of the Warri refinery during an interview on Arise TV. He stated that the refinery is currently limited to producing straight-run naphtha (SRN) and straight-run gasoline (SRG), and it cannot produce premium motor spirit (PMS) or petroleum gas. Emmanuel also mentioned that the 46 km pipeline designed to transport crude oil from Excravos to Warri has remained vandalized since 2016. In his words, "It's important for us to understand that the Warri refinery today cannot produce petroleum; what it can produce is SRN (straight-run naphtha) and SRG (straight-run gasoline). It's not even able to produce petroleum gas because it cannot produce premium motor spirit (PMS)." "The 46 km pipeline that is supposed to carry crude oil from Excravos to Warri was vandalized in 2016." Out of...

 "Happy 18th birthday, son, Kambi Yul-Edochie.  Hope you're doing well over there, flying with the angels and playing basketball and football.  I miss you so much. Keep watching over your family. Till we meet again. Forever in my heart,  Love you, son. ❤️❤️❤️"- Actor Yul Edochie

 Earthquake rocks Ethiopia as  volcanic activity prompts evacuations An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck Ethiopia, the US Geological Survey and the German Research Centre for Geosciences said on Saturday, TRT Afrika reported. The quake's epicenter was located 88 miles (142 km) east of the capital, Addis Ababa, and was at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), the USGS said. A nearby long-dormant volcano of Mount Dofen also erupted after months of intense seismic activity, according to local media. Aden Bela, a local official, told the Ethiopian broadcaster EBC that the crater had stopped releasing smoke, but lava was still flowing out of the volcano. Residents evacuated Thousands of civilians have been evacuated from the area because of potentially dangerous volcanic activity, officials said on Friday. The evacuations come after steam eruptions were seen since Thursday, raising fears of a volcanic eruption that could put many people at risk. Also, volcanic mud flowing from Do...