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  Embattled Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau says he will resign after new party leader chosen Justin Trudeau has said he intends to step down after nine years as Canadian prime minister in the face of a mounting set of crises, leaving office once a new ruling party leader is chosen. “I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader,” the 53-year-old leader told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa on Monday. “I care deeply about this country and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interests of Canadians. And the fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history,” he said, adding that the country’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 while a new leader is chosen. Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party for 11 years and prime minister for nine, was facing a mounting set of crises, from Donald ...

 Germany Launches Visa Application Portal for Nigerians, Others Germany has launched a new online platform to simplify the visa application process for Nigerians seeking to work, study or join family members in the country.  Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the online visa application portal as a positive development that will help the country meet its demand for skilled workers. Accessible globally, the portal allows applicants to select from 28 categories of national visas and is available to all 167 German visa offices worldwide.

 Biden Issues Major Coastal Protection Before Trump Handover US President Joe Biden on Monday banned offshore drilling across an immense area of coastal waters, weeks before Donald Trump takes office pledging to massively increase fossil fuel production. The ban encompasses the entire Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Pacific coast off California, Oregon, and Washington, and a section of the Bering Sea off Alaska. A White House statement said the declaration protected more than 625 million acres (253 million hectares) of waters

 Monaco Boss Huetter Extends Contract To 2027 Monaco coach Adi Huetter has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in the principality until June 2027, the Ligue 1 club announced Saturday.  The 54-year-old Austrian arrived at Monaco in the summer of 2023 and guided the club to a second-place finish and Champions League football during his first term in charge. His contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season. Monaco is currently third in Ligue 1 and looks set to reach the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

 More Than 260 Rohingya Refugees Arrive In Indonesia More than 260 Rohingya refugees, including women and children, arrived in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Aceh after floating at sea for days, an official said Monday.  The mostly Muslim ethnic Rohingya are heavily persecuted in Myanmar and thousands risk their lives each year on long and dangerous sea journeys to reach Malaysia or Indonesia. Rohingya arrivals in Indonesia tend to follow a cyclical pattern, slowing during the stormy months and picking back up when sea conditions calm down.

 Sudan lifts force majeure on South Sudan's crude oil imports Sudan has lifted a near one-year force majeure on the transportation of crude oil from its neighbour South Sudan to a port on the Red Sea after security conditions improved, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Monday. Khartoum declared the force majeure in March last year after the main pipeline carrying oil from South Sudan through Sudan for export suffered stoppages linked to problems spurred by the war between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In the letter by Sudan's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum dated January 4 to South Sudan's energy minister, Khartoum said it was lifting the force majeure based on new security arrangements it had reached with Juba and BAPCO, the Sudanese company that runs the pipeline, to ensure the safe flow of oil. "We are hereby lifting the force majeure," Sudan's Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Mohiedienn Naiem Mohamed Saied, wrote to South Su...

  Kano Governor Swears in New Commissioners, Unveils Growth Agenda Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated seven new commissioners and 12 advisers at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House, Kano. The Governor urged the appointees to embrace their roles with dedication and a commitment to advancing the state’s development goals. Governor Yusuf emphasized that the appointments were made after careful consideration to ensure capable individuals were selected to promote good governance and drive progress. In his address, the Governor outlined the administration’s key priorities, including: Enhancing infrastructure Strengthening education Improving healthcare services Empowering women and youth Expanding access to clean water Supporting agriculture The newly sworn-in commissioners are: Ibrahim Waiya: Commissioner for Information Shehu Wada Sagagi: Commissioner for Investment, Commerce, and Industries Dr. Ismail Aliyu Danmaraya: Commissioner for Finance Dr. Sh...

 JAMB Remits Over ₦6bn to Federal Government The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced on Monday the remittance of over ₦6 billion to the Nigerian government as part of its 2024 operating surplus. According to JAMB's bulletin, released by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board generated ₦22.9 billion in total income during the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cycle. Expenditures, including service provider payments and staff claims, amounted to ₦18.1 billion. The Board, under the leadership of Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has contributed over ₦50 billion to the national treasury over the last seven years. JAMB emphasized its commitment to transparency, noting that 2024 marked a pivotal year of harvesting gains from its implemented innovations. It added, “In 2024, we remitted ₦6.03 billion to the government. Factoring in the ₦1,500 reduction per form for candidates, the total remittance equals ₦9.01 billion.”

 Edo Councillors Impeach LG Chairmen Amid Claims of Unconstitutionality In Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government’s efforts to remove local government chairmen escalated on Monday as councillors impeached Dr. Kelly Ehidiamen Inedegbor and Hon. Thomas Otiobhili of Esan North East, along with Hon. Tajudeen Alade and his deputy in Akoko-Edo. The impeachments, reportedly based on allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and oath violations, were met with pushback from the chairmen, who claimed the actions violated due process. Impeachment Developments In Esan North East, councillors led by Hon. Paul Uhumesi acted on a notice from two colleagues alleging the chairmen eroded public trust and misused their positions. Alongside these proceedings, three councillors were suspended for undisclosed reasons. In Akoko-Edo, councillors convened at the legislative chambers, announced the impeachment, and appointed Hon. Alabi Oshionogue as Acting Chairman. The legisl...

  Singer Davido's EX Lawyer Calls Out Alleged Baby Mama, Alleges DNA Test Failed 2 Times Nigerian music icon David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been thrust into yet another paternity drama after a young girl, Anu, publicly claimed to be his oldest daughter. The 11-year-old, who identified herself as “Davido’s oldest daughter” in her Instagram bio, sent shockwaves across social media with a viral video. In the clip, Anu claimed to be an Adeleke, expressed gratitude to her supporters for their gifts, revealed she had just turned 11, and confidently listed her achievements. The drama deepens as an 11-year-old girl, claiming to be Davido’s daughter, breaks her silence in a viral video.  Boldly identifying as an Adeleke, she thanked Kemi Olunloyo for years of support, adding fuel to the paternity saga. In a fiery response, Davido’s former lawyer dropped cryptic hints about DNA test results from two prestigious clinics, calling the claims into question. In the clip, Anu c...

 Kebbi Governor Approves N585.4 Million for Tuition Fees of 100 Students in India Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has sanctioned the release of N585.4 million for the payment of tuition fees for 100 students currently studying in various universities across India. The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, disclosed this during a press conference on Monday in Birnin Kebbi. He emphasized that the funding is intended for Kebbi indigenes pursuing their studies in the South Asian country, reaffirming the state government's commitment to fostering both academic and moral excellence in higher education. The commissioner urged the people of Kebbi to continue offering prayers for the success of the current administration, both individually and collectively.

 Uganda's military head says he wants to behead opposition leader The head of Uganda's military, who is also the son of longstanding President Yoweri Museveni, said he wanted to behead the country's most prominent opposition leader, Reuters reported. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is widely believed to be the heir apparent to his father, who has governed Uganda since 1986. Kainerugaba routinely makes inflammatory posts on social media, including a threat in 2022 to invade neighbouring Kenya. Kainerugaba later apologised for that threat and sometimes says that certain posts are meant ironically. In a post on X on Sunday evening, Kainerugaba said his father, whom he referred to by the honorific Mzee, was the only person protecting opposition leader Bobi Wine from him. "If Mzee was not there, I would cut off his head today," Kainerugaba posted. Bobi Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi and who finished second to Museveni in the 2021 presidential election, responded on X ...

  Federal High Court Sets Date for Speed Darlington’s N300 Million Suit A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 13, 2025, to hear a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit filed by detained singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington.   The artist filed the suit alleging a violation of his fundamental rights, seeking redress for what he claims to be unlawful detention. The legal battle has garnered public attention, with many fans eagerly awaiting the court’s decision.   Details surrounding his detention and the grounds for his suit remain under review as the court prepares to deliberate on the matter.

 Ghanaian Church Honors 20 Young Girls for Preserving Virginity The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Wenchi West District, Bono Region, celebrated 20 young girls aged 13 to 16 for maintaining their virginity during a special Thanksgiving service. Organized by the Young Adventist Women Ministries, the event aimed to uphold moral integrity rooted in Christian and cultural values. Mrs. Nana Amponsah Poku, Coordinator of the Young Adventist Women Ministries, highlighted the initiative’s focus on fostering self-confidence and wise decision-making among young women. She urged the girls to remain cautious in their friendships and continue preserving their purity, emphasizing their unique beauty as God’s creation. Associate Pastor Andrews Dua Bour Kyereh commended the honorees for their discipline and encouraged them to prioritize education and faith. He also called on parents to actively guide their children toward virtuous living and strong moral values. The event included undisclos...

 A 12-year-old Georgia boy suffered severe burns to his face after friends poured boiling water on his face "as a prank". Three children between the ages of 12 and 15 are facing serious charges after causing 2nd degree burns across most of their friend's face.  The victim's mother said she allowed her son to stay at a neighbor boy's apartment for a sleepover. The kids spent the evening playing video games but the victim fell asleep. That's when the other 3 children began brainstorming "a prank" to play on the sleeping child. Shockingly, the children landed on a plan to "boil a pot of water and throw it on the sleeping child's face". The victim woke up to a world of pain and torment after being drenched across the face with boiling water. The child was transported to an Augusta, Georgia burn center with second-degree burns covering his face. He had to undergo an emergency surgery. The child is home now but has a long road of recovery ahe...

 PRESS RELEASE  POLICE ARRESTS COP-KILLER, DISMANTLES CHILD-TRAFFICKING SYNDICATE. As Operatives Recover Illicit Arms, Ammunition. The Nigeria Police Force as part of its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians by employing proactive, intelligence-driven strategies to combat crime have evolved improved strategies to combat crimes and criminality. These efforts have led to the disruption of criminal networks and a notable decrease in incidents of organized and violent crime, enhancing the overall security situation in the country. On the 1st of November 2024, operatives of the FID-IRT arrested one Ogaga Dickson ‘m’ 35 years, a member of a notorious armed robbery syndicate responsible for the death of CSP Hassan Jega, the DPO Agbarho Division, Delta State, who was killed on the 14th of October 2024, during a fierce gun battle between a team of police officers led by the deceased DPO and the assailants, after the team of police men had foiled one of their robbe...

 *Athena Centre appoints Uzor Ngoladi as Senior Fellow*  The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has announced the appointment of Dr. Uzor Ngoladi as Senior Fellow and Head of Research and Publications on Education and Health. Dr. Ngoladi who officially assumed office on January 6, 2025, brings to the think tank his wealth of expertise in policy research, education, and leadership. With a distinguished professional background in media and academics, Dr. Ngoladi has dedicated over two decades to advancing research, policy development, and impactful initiatives in the education and health sectors. He holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology and has been recognized for his contributions to evidence-based policy formulation and implementation across Nigeria and beyond. In his new role at the Athena Centre, Dr. Ngoladi will spearhead the organization’s research agenda, focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges in education and health. He wil...

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has debunked reports making the rounds that it is planning to destroy uncollected permanent voter cards, PVCs. A statement by INEC, on Sunday, described the report as false, advising members of the public to ignore it. “Our attention has been drawn to a newspaper report that the Commission is contemplating the destruction of over six million uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) going back to the 2015 voter registration. “The report is incorrect. At no time did the Commission contemplate the destruction of uncollected PVCs. The public is advised to discountenance the story,” the statement read. INEC, in December 2024, proposed the use of computer-generated slips for voter accreditation during elections. The chairman of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, had said the introduction of the bimodal voter accreditation system, BVAS, calls for a review of the use of the PVC as the sole means of voter identification on election day. Accord...

 The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has decried the recent vandalisation of electricity installations within its operational area in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital. A statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, on Sunday, said the loss of power supply in areas of Abakaliki was due to the vandalisation of the Udemezue 11KV Feeder in the early hours of the day. Ezeh said affected areas include Oroko-onuoha, Udensi, Kpirikpiri, Ogbaga Road, New Layout, Udemezue, Low-Cost Housing Estate, and Hilltop Road, amongst others. He added that notable establishments such as Amikaba, Siren Hotel, Man City Hotel, Muchels Hotel, De Pablo Hotel, and Unity FM radio station have also been impacted. “We wish to inform our esteemed customers in Abakaliki metropolis that the current loss of power supply being experienced is due to the vandalisation of Udemezue 11KV Feeder in the early hours of today, January 5,” he said. According to him, the vandalisation was discover...

 Gunmen Impose N172.7 Million Levy on 25 Zamfara Villages, Forcing Mass Displacement Gunmen in Zamfara State have imposed a levy of N172.7 million on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area, causing widespread fear and prompting many residents to flee their homes. The attackers, reportedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, have also demanded in-kind contributions, such as soybeans, from the affected communities.  The levies range from N5 million to N20 million, with threats of violence for non-compliance. Villagers, fearing brutal reprisals, have abandoned their homes, farms, and livelihoods. Despite improvements in security in some areas, rural villages remain vulnerable, and residents are urgently calling for government intervention.

 Benue SUBEB Resumes Teacher Recruitment The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has received approval from the Benue State House of Assembly to restart the recruitment process for over 9,000 teachers. This follows the suspension of the recruitment in December due to a disagreement between SUBEB’s Executive Chairman, Mrs. Grace Adagba, and the State Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee, led by Hon. Cephas Dyako. The committee was tasked with investigating the process to determine if any laws were violated and if due process was observed. After thorough investigation, the committee cleared the Dr. Adagba-led Board of any wrongdoing and lifted the suspension on the teacher recruitment process. According to the committee’s report, the laws governing the Board allow it to "recruit, appoint, promote, and discipline teaching and non-teaching staff on grade levels 07 and above." The report further stated that 74,574 candidates applied for the recruitment, with 48,895 candidates...

 Governor Sule Forms Committee to Investigate Alleged Irregularities in Teacher Recruitment Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has established a four-member committee to probe allegations concerning the recent teacher recruitment by the Nasarawa State Teachers' Service Commission (NSTSC) across the state's 13 local government areas. The committee was inaugurated at the Government House in Lafia, the state capital. During the ceremony, Governor Sule emphasized the importance of thoroughness, impartiality, and transparency in their task. He urged the committee members to justify the trust placed in them by conducting a comprehensive and unbiased investigation. The governor expressed concern over reports suggesting that government officials involved in the recruitment process exceeded the authorized number of teachers, leading to the immediate suspension of the NSTSC chairman and its members. "This issue is troubling and could harm the reputation of both the government...

 Sokoto SSG Loses Daughter and Three Grandchildren in Fatal Fire The Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Sifawa, tragically lost his daughter and three of his grandchildren in a devastating fire early on Monday morning. The deceased woman was the wife of Alhaji Muhammadu Yusuf Bello, the Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Sports and Youths Development. The fire, which broke out in the middle of the night, completely consumed the house while the family was asleep, with only the husband surviving. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, as the state fire service worked for hours to control the blaze. The bodies of the deceased housewife and her three children are scheduled to be buried tonight at midnight at the Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo Mosque in Sifawa, located at the SSG’s family home. The state’s Deputy Governor, Eng. Idris Mohammed Gobir, members of the state executive council, APC leaders, friends, and well-wishers have b...

 Nigeria Implements Tight Surveillance for Incoming Passengers from China Amid Surge of New Virus The Federal Government has announced new surveillance measures for passengers arriving from China in response to the rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has overwhelmed hospitals in northern China, particularly affecting children.  The government plans to quarantine travelers from China as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, which is also being monitored in neighboring countries. Experts have praised the move, emphasizing the importance of continuous surveillance to safeguard public health.

 Copa del Rey: 14 Clubs Advance to Round of 16 [Full List] Fourteen teams have secured their spots in the Copa del Rey round of 16 following the conclusion of Sunday's round of 32 matches. Elche delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Las Palmas, with goals from Rodri Mendoza, David Affengruber, Jose Salinas, and Nicolas Fernandez to book their place in the next round. Real Sociedad also progressed with a 2-0 win over Ponferradina, while Celta Vigo triumphed 3-2 over Racing. Alongside Elche, Real Sociedad, and Celta Vigo, the following teams have qualified for the round of 16: Barcelona, Osasuna, Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, Getafe, Ourense, Leganés, Almería, Atlético Madrid, Athletic Club, and Pontevedra. Remaining round of 32 fixtures will be held today and tomorrow, including Real Madrid's match against Deportivo Minera on Monday night and Valencia's clash with Eldense.

 Impeached South Korean President Faces Potential Arrest as Deadline Approaches Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is on the brink of avoiding arrest as the deadline for a warrant approaches, following anti-corruption investigators’ request for more time to enforce the arrest. Yoon, who has refused questioning three times regarding a controversial martial law decree last month, remains holed up in his residence, guarded by hundreds of personnel. Investigators have sought an extension for the warrant, which is set to expire on Monday at 3 PM GMT. They have also requested police support to assist in the operation. Police have indicated their willingness to help and warned that anyone obstructing the arrest could face detention. During a failed attempt to enter Yoon's presidential compound on Friday, investigators encountered heavy security, and authorities have even considered arresting members of the Presidential Security Service during a second attempt. Yoon's oppos...

 Court Grants N10m Bail to Woman Accused of Threatening Seyi Tinubu and IGP A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N10 million bail to Olamide Thomas, who allegedly issued death threats to Seyi Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Police PPRO Muyiwa Adejobi via social media.  The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that Thomas would flee or interfere with her trial. Thomas is required to provide a surety with an equivalent bond, tax clearance, and other documentation. Her case, related to cybercrimes charges, will be heard on February 18.

 Reports Suggest Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau May Resign Amid Party Discontent Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly set to resign as early as Monday, with sources indicating growing dissent within his Liberal Party. National outlets The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star suggest Trudeau could announce his resignation ahead of a national caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Trudeau’s office declined to comment on these reports. If he resigns, his party would be leaderless just months before the October elections. It remains uncertain whether Trudeau, 53, would temporarily remain in the role or step down immediately. His approval ratings have declined, and his government narrowly survived several no-confidence votes. Trudeau has also faced mounting pressure due to trade tensions with the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened high tariffs on Canadian goods. Trudeau, who has been in office since 2015, led the Liberals to victories in 2019 and 2...

 Nigerians Criticize High Transport Fares Despite Petrol Price Drop Nigerians are expressing frustration as transporters fail to reduce fares following a decrease in petrol prices. Despite a reduction in fuel prices, transport fares have remained high or even increased in some areas.  The recent reduction in petrol prices from N970 to N899.50 per litre by Dangote Refinery and subsequent price cuts from NNPC have not translated into lower transport costs. Many Nigerians have pointed out that transport fares remain higher than before, with some suggesting that greed may be driving the price hikes. Experts also attribute the situation to factors like dollar fluctuations and Nigeria's reliance on imported goods.

 Police Confirm 18 Injured in Gas Explosion in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that 18 people were injured in a gas explosion in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt. The explosion occurred on Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop, causing significant damage to surrounding buildings. SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command's spokesperson, revealed that the explosion was caused by a welder using a gas cylinder to repair a refrigerator while attempting to refill it, leading to the blast. Among the injured, including the technician, were individuals with varying degrees of burns. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. The victims were swiftly transported to the hospital for treatment. Iringe-Koko also confirmed that the police have launched an investigation into the incident and will release their findings in due course. An eyewitness described the event as devastating, noting that a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple were among the injured. The explos...

 LAGOS PAYS N443 MILLION AS DEATH BENEFITS TO 132 BENEFICIARIES OF DECEASED LG, SUBEB STAFF … Affirms Commitment To Staff Welfare In line with its commitment to continually provide welfare for staff of the State, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved the disbursement of the sum of N443 Million to 132 beneficiaries of deceased staff of Local Government and SUBEB. Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, disclosed this while presenting insurance certificates to beneficiaries at the Ministry’s conference room in Alausa-Ikeja. The Commissioner stated that the payment of insurance benefits to families of deceased staff was one of several welfare packages of the State Government for its workforce, adding that the gesture by Mr. Governor has proven to all that he prioritises the welfare of the Lagos State Workforce, h...

 COMMENCEMENT OF LAGOS ISLAND URBAN REGENERATION: LASG UNDERTAKES DRAINAGE SITUATION ASSESSMENT As the Lagos State Government is set to commence the reconstruction of some major roads, drains and major collectors on Lagos Island, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab on Sunday led officials of the Ministry to inspect the alignments for the drains and collectors to be reconstructed. Speaking after an extensive inspection tour with newsmen, the Commissioner said the inspection was brought about by the need to assess the situation on ground preparatory to the commencement of the the urban regeneration activities to be carried out in Lagos Island. Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said urban renewal across Lagos Island had become necessary in order to effectively address the problem of flooding which had posed a serious threat to lives and properties in the area. Wahab recalled that in the recent past, Julius Berger was awarded the contract to build appropriate infrastruc...

 SANWO-OLU ASSURES LAGOS RESIDENTS MORE DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS IN 2025 •Says administration will redouble efforts, key into Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday assured Lagos residents more developmental projects in 2025 in transportation, agriculture, health, energy, environment and other critical sectors.  He said his administration will redouble its efforts in all sectors, keying into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration and working with the Federal Government to bring prosperity to Lagosians. Governor Sanwo-Olu charged leaders at the subnational and all levels to support the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government in ensuring that the dividends of democracy touch many Nigerians.  He said the Lagos State Government is mindful of the shared responsibility between the federal and state governments; therefore, his administration will redouble its efforts in every sector, setting the...