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 Sao Tome and Principe president dismisses government Sao Tome and Principe's president has dismissed the government over an "inability" to resolve problems facing the African state and "frequent" absences by the prime minister, AFP reported. The decision by President Carlos Vila Nova was announced in a decree dated Monday and published on the presidency's Facebook page. It highlighted a "notable inability" by Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada's government "to provide solutions" to the country in the face of "the scale of existing problems." It also pointed to "frequent and prolonged periods of absence by the prime minister... from the national territory." Seventy-two hours to replace PM Both the president and premier are members of the centre-right Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party, which won parliamentary elections in 2022. The party has 72 hours to propose a replacement as prime minister, the decree said. ...

 MINISTER WIKE'S SON GRADUATES IN LONDON, UK.  The Minister of the FCT shared all these photos on his official Facebook handle with the caption: "Happy to witness, alongside my wife, the graduation ceremony of our son, Jordan, who just earned a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree at the Queen Mary University of London, UK. As a father, I am happy for the progress Jordan, is making in the pursuit of his career.". More photos below. 

 EFCC Dismisses 27 Officers for Fraudulent Activities, Misconduct In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its fold of fraudulent elements, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, dismissed twenty seven (27) officers from its workforce in 2024.   The officers were dismissed for various offences bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct.  Their dismissal, FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE STAFF Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.     Olukoyede reiterated the commitment of the Commission to zero tolerance for corruption, warning that no officer is immune to disciplinary measures. Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head. The core values of the Commission are sacrosanct and would always be held in optimal regar...

 7th January, 2025 PRESS RELEASE RE-DEATH OF MR. OKEDIACHI EMEKA DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND CONCLUDES INVESTIGATION, POLICE WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS DEATH AS CONFIRMED BY THE AUTOPSY REPORT Following the death of Mr Okediachi Emeka which occurred on the 14th of November 2024 and It was alleged that the Police were responsible for his death. The Command issued a statement on 29th November 2024 assuring members of the public and concerned family members of the deceased that the commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has ordered an immediate investigation with the assurance that if the Policemen were found to be culpable,they will be punished. The CP as promised, ensured that a discreet investigation was carried out, which necessitated the conduct of an autopsy. The autopsy was carried out on the 7th December 2024 in the presence of some family members of the deceased and conducted by two pathologists, one of the pathologists was brought by the family of the deceased. The c...

 With 18,500 arrests, 2.6mkg drugs seized in 2024, our successes justify global support – Marwa . As US Govt donates facility to Agency in Lagos, commends Marwa for outstanding performance Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has said that the steady operational successes being recorded by the anti-narcotic body in its drug supply and demand reduction efforts will continue to justify the support and assistance it is getting from the United States government, other partners and stakeholders. Marwa stated this at the commissioning of central exhibit office donated by the US government to NDLEA at the Agency’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi Lagos on Tuesday 7th January 2025. The facility was handed over to the NDLEA boss by the US Consulate General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, supported by other senior US officials. While commending the United States government as a reliable ally in Nigeria’s renewed efforts to combat drug...

 From Classroom to Politics: Meet Ghana’s First Female Vice President, Jane Opoku-Agyemang Ghana celebrated a historic moment on Tuesday as Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang was sworn in as the country’s first female Vice President alongside President John Mahama in Accra. The 73-year-old trailblazer captured national and international attention at the inauguration, attended by dignitaries such as Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traore, Kenya’s William Ruto, and DR Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi. President Mahama, who previously served from 2012 to 2017, pledged to “reset” Ghana by renegotiating parts of the IMF deal and introducing a “24-hour” economy to tackle unemployment, a pressing issue for the country’s youth. Key Facts About Jane Opoku-Agyemang: Birth and Early Education: Born on November 22, 1951, she attended Anglican Girls’ School, Aburi Presby Girls’ School, and Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast. Tertiary Educati...

 UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed to Begin Two-Day Visit to Nigeria The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is scheduled to embark on a two-day official visit to Nigeria starting Thursday. During her visit, she will engage in high-level discussions with President Bola Tinubu, focusing on collaborative efforts between Nigeria and the UN on sustainable development, climate action, and regional security. Amina Mohammed will also meet with senior government officials to explore strategies for advancing the country’s socio-economic goals, addressing challenges such as poverty reduction, education, and gender equality. Additionally, she is set to hold talks with the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen regional cooperation on issues including peacebuilding, governance, and economic integration. Her visit underscores the UN's commitment to supporting Nigeria and the broader West African region in achieving sustai...

 COEASU Threatens Strike Over Crisis at Imo College of Education The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to address alleged mismanagement at the Benjamin Uwajumogu State College of Education, Ihitte Uboma.  The union accused Acting Provost Dr. Maryrose Nwachukwu of contract irregularities, exclusion of academic staff from key activities, and inadequate facilities. They threatened industrial action within two weeks if the issues are not resolved.

 Football: A Unifying Force, Says Obosi President General  By Chiedu Uche Okoye The Obosi Development Union(ODU) President General,  Chimezie Obi (Esq) has said that football had become a tool for unifying the people of Obosi, who hail from different villages that make up the Obosi-inland town.  He made the comment when he presented a football trophy to the Indomitable Rams of Ire Village, the winners of the 2024 Obosi-inland town inter-village football competition.  Obi further said that the annual Obosi-inland town  inter-village football competition offers football coaches the opportunity to discover football talents, who would be nurtured to stardom and greatness.  He went down memory lane, stating, without equivocation, that Obosi town had, in the past, produced such great footballers as the late Ogidi Ibeabuchi, a one-time star player of  Rangers International FC of Enugu  and Arthur Ebunam, who was a member of the CKC of Onitsha world-...

Knighthood Not a Secret Society - Anglican Bishop By Juliana Nwachukwu The Anglican Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Israel Okoye has clarified the true meaning of knighthood during the investiture of 30 Anglican faithful as Knights of St Christopher at St Stephen Anglican Church, Ihiala, Anambra State. According to Bishop Okoye, knighthood is not a secret society, but rather a sacred calling. Bishop Okoye emphasized that a knight must embody selflessness, defend the faith, and steadfastly uphold God's Word. He also stressed that knights must demonstrate self-discipline in public and showcase a character that reflects the values of Christ. He further stated that being invested as knights was a significant honor and a calling that demanded a high level of commitment and integrity, as they had been chosen by God as Christians. After their oath of allegiance the new knights pledged to be of good behaviour and avoid acts capable of tarnishing their image even as they pledged to...

 Igweship crisis : Anambra Govt, ASATU Warn Oba PG ...As Regent Threatens Suit By Juliana Nwachukwu  The Igweship crisis rocking Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, has taken a new dimension following warning by the state government and Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU),  threatening to sanction the President General of the community, Chief Anthony Ejiofor, if he recognizes anybody as monarch of the community. In a release by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Town Union Affairs, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, to the PG of Oba, he advised him not to go contrary to the consent judgment by a High court in the suit No HID/223/2023. The consent judgement was delivered on 10th December 2024 which established negotiation and agreement between plaintiffs and defendants. He warned the PG that on no account will anybody be addressed as monarch of Oba when there was no election to that effect and that the government...

 PRESS RELEASE NPF CYBERCRIME UNIT RECOVERS N8BN, RECOGNIZED AS BEST IN AFRICA. •As Police Parade 4 Suspects For Various Cyber-Related Offences. In the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to tackle every form of crime in all spheres, the Force has recorded an outstanding achievement for the year 2024 in retrospect, particularly in the area of combatting cybercrime.  In the year 2024, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) successfully recovered a staggering N8,821,001,881.80 (Eight Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Million, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-One Naira, Eighty Kobo), 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000 (Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars). These significant amounts have been restituted to the victims of cybercrime, reaffirming the commitment of the Force to protecting citizens and ensuring justice for those affected by fraudulent activities. Similarly, in the past year, the Cybercrime Unit has actively engaged in strategic operatio...

 Senegal slams France over Macron's comments of Africa Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has strongly criticised France after President Emmanuel Macron said African countries should be “grateful” for France's military support in the Sahel region. Macron made the remarks while addressing French diplomats on Monday, on the trend of African countries kicking out French troops, particularly in the Sahel, AFP reported. The comments have sparked outrage in Africa, with Senegal's PM Ousmane Sonko saying, contrary to Macron's claims, France had played role in "destabilising certain African countries" and that it lacked the "ability and legitimacy" to ensure Africa's security or sovereignty. Disastrous consequences “Let us note that France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa's security and sovereignty. On the contrary, it has often contributed to destabilising certain African countries such as Libya, with disastrous c...

 Press Statement  The Misinformation About Governor Soludo's Stance on Nnamdi Kanu's Release: Setting the Record Straight As we welcome the new year, it has become imperative to address the misinformation circulating in the media space regarding Governor Chukwuma Soludo's alleged reluctance to support the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This misinformation has been peddled by desperate opposition politicians who are intimidated by Soludo's impressive achievements in office. In less than three (3) years, he has surpassed his campaign promises, leaving his critics scrambling to discredit him.  Contrary to the false claims, Governor Soludo has been actively working towards Nnamdi Kanu's release, as he hopes that Nnamdi Kanu's release will help restore peace and stability in the South East. He has demonstrated his commitment to this cause through his actions and public statements. Notably, Governor Soludo visited Nnamdi ...

 Tinubu Promises Nigeria's Support to Ghana's President John Mahama President Bola Tinubu has pledged Nigeria's unwavering support to Ghana’s President John Mahama, emphasizing commitment to driving change and economic growth for the people of Ghana.  Speaking at Mahama’s inauguration in Accra, Tinubu, who chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, called for African nations to focus on building robust economies. He expressed pride in Ghana’s achievements and reaffirmed the shared history and unity between Nigeria and Ghana. Tinubu also praised Mahama’s vision and dedication to his nation, assuring him of Nigeria's support in achieving success and progress for both countries.

 Edo SUBEB Chairman Suspends Teacher for Improper Scoring of Pupil As schools resumed for the new term, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Paddy Iyamu, conducted surprise visits to various schools to ensure that teachers were present at their duty posts. During these visits, Iyamu took action against a primary school teacher, suspending them for professional misconduct. While inspecting schools in Benin, Oredo Local Government, Iyamu expressed disappointment upon discovering that the teacher had scored a pupil's answer as correct, despite the pupil providing an incorrect response. Upon reviewing the pupil's workbook, Iyamu confirmed that the teacher had mistakenly marked a wrong answer as right. The Chairman visited schools such as Uwa Primary School, Adesuwa Primary School, and Akenzua Primary School, and expressed his dissatisfaction that a teacher with a National Certificate in Education (NCE) was unable to properly manage pr...

 Three Clubs Eyeing Marcus Rashford's Departure from Manchester United At least three clubs are actively pursuing Marcus Rashford, who appears poised to leave Manchester United either in January or during the summer transfer window. The 27-year-old forward has fallen out of favor with new manager Ruben Amorim, having been excluded from the matchday squad for five consecutive games. Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that “movements” are already underway regarding Rashford's potential move. Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan have both inquired about the possibility of securing the England international, while Turkish champions Galatasaray have also shown interest. Romano shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday: “As expected, movements around Marcus Rashford have begun. Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan have both asked for the deal's conditions. Further discussions are planned, and Galatasaray has also approached Rashford this week, but he’s prioritizing other t...

 Shina Peller Addresses Rumors About Relationship with TikTok Star Peller Former federal lawmaker Shina Peller has clarified that he is not related to the popular TikTok star, Peller, despite sharing the same surname. In an interview, Shina Peller explained that although the Professor Peller family is well-known, the TikTok star is not part of it. He stated, "I have heard about the TikTok star named Peller, and many people have asked me if he is related to our family. While the Professor Peller family is indeed large, he is not one of us. The name ‘Peller’ was given to our father because of his career as a magician, and it's a name we have continued to use." Shina Peller further remarked, "Peller, the comedian, is simply capitalizing on the name. It's a successful name, and he’s managed to make it work for himself. However, I can confirm that he is not part of the Peller family."

 China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Visit Nigeria on Wednesday China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, is set to arrive in Abuja on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, for an official visit to Nigeria. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and China. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, will engage in high-level discussions during his stay. He is scheduled to meet with Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, on Thursday, January 9, for bilateral talks focused on enhancing cooperation, particularly in trade, infrastructure, and technology. The visit will also include a courtesy call on President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where Wang Yi will deliver a special message from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The announcement was made by the Acting spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who confirmed that Wang Yi will be received at th...

 Pope Appoints Sister Simona Brambilla as First Female Head of Vatican Department Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to lead a Vatican department, making her the head of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This historic appointment marks a significant step in the Pope's efforts to reform the governance of the Catholic Church. Brambilla, 59, a former nurse with missionary experience in Mozambique, was previously the deputy of the dicastery. Known for her moderate and conciliatory approach, she is recognized for her administrative skills and missionary background, especially her work in Africa. Despite this groundbreaking appointment, some Vatican experts expressed concern over the simultaneous appointment of Cardinal Angel Fernandez, 65, as "pro-prefect," a role traditionally reserved for someone expected to eventually take over as prefect. There is worry that Fernandez may hold real power whi...

Newly sworn-in Ghanaian president John Mahama shocks crowd as he calls Bola Tinubu ‘President of Ghana’  John Mahama Sworn in as Ghana’s President John Mahama has officially taken the oath of office as Ghana’s new president in a high-profile inauguration ceremony attended by global leaders.    Mahama was declared the winner of the December 8, 2024, presidential election, defeating his main rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.   Having previously served as Ghana’s 12th President from 2011 to 2017, Mahama has returned to power through re-election.   Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, traveled to Accra on Monday to attend the historic event, which is currently underway in Ghana’s capital city. Watch video below. 

 Wow. A 75-year-old year old Arizona woman escapes her kidnapper after being held against her will for hours, only to discover he had taken her boyfriend's life. This startling tale began at around 3 p.m. on January 3rd  in Pierce, Arizona. A masked man forced his way into the victim's home. The man, later identified as 37-year-old Rynn Prairie-Rocca, blindfolded the 75-year-old woman and put her in the backseat of a car.  While in the backseat the woman heard several loud noises, but she was unable to tell what exactly was happening.  A short while later the woman was moved to the backseat of her own vehicle and was taken off the premises. The incredible brave 75-year-old victim was able to escape from her restraints and run away from her kidnapper while stopped at a Dollar General store. She then ran to a nearby residence and called 911 to report she had been kidnapped.  The 911 went through to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office at 8:10 p.m. As the woman was ...

 A Colorado man is being sought by authorities after a botched bank robbery due to his poor penmanship.  This unfortunate/humourous incident played out in Loveland, Colorado at around 5 p.m. on December 17th. On that day, a man entered the First National Bank and quietly approached a bank teller.  The man proceeded to hand the bank teller a note which presumably indicted that he was robbing the bank. However the note handed to the teller was reportedly illegible. As the teller attempted to decipher the poor handwriting the man grew increasingly frustrated and ultimately fled the bank. Police were eventually notified of the incident and were able to recover images of the man through security footage. If you recognize the man in this photo please call Loveland PD at 1-970-667-2151.

 A Jackson County Missouri employee was sadly killed while working with snow crew. 61-year-old Everett Carter was working with a 37-year-old man in a dump truck at approximately 4:30 p.m. on January 5th. As the two approached Ashland Avenue they stopped the truck and Carter exited the vehicle. After he exited the dump truck it began to slide. While sliding out of control, the dump truck struck Everett Carter. It also struck a parked car on the road.  Sadly, Everett Carter lost his life after being struck by the dump truck. After this heartbreaking accident, Jackson County pulled all crews off of the roads until 7 a.m. Monday morning. Jackson County released a statement expressing their grief at the loss, saying "Everett had dedicated 40 years of his life serving the county". Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Everett Carter who tragically passed away in service to his community.

 French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen dies: Family The historic leader of France’s far-right Jean-Marie Le Pen died on Tuesday at the age of 96, his family told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Le Pen, who had been in a care facility for several weeks, died at midday Tuesday “surrounded by his loved ones,” the family said in a statement. From his election as France’s youngest MP in 1956 to his daughter Marine Le Pen taking the party he founded to new heights, Jean-Marie Le Pen was present at every stage of the French far right’s post-war history

 GOP Senator's Husband Snubs Harris' Handshake During Swearing-In Ceremony The husband of a Republican senator refused to shake Vice President Kamala Harris’ hand during his wife’s swearing-in ceremony on Friday, as seen in a now-viral video that captured the awkward exchange. Sen. Deb Fischer (R.-Neb.) appeared to be all smiles while being sworn in by Harris for her third term in the U.S. Senate while standing alongside her husband, Bruce Fischer. The moment appeared to turn frosty, however, as the senator repeatedly nudged her husband to stand closer to the vice president as he held a cane with one hand and a Bible in the other. “It’s OK, I won’t bite. I’m not going to bite. Don’t worry,” a smiling Harris is heard telling him as he appears to avert his gaze and keep his eyes on the Bible. Deb Fischer shook Harris’ hand after completing her oath and thanked the vice president. When Harris expressed congratulations to the senator’s husband, he offered a short “thank you” and th...

 Hulk: Brazilian footbal star finally marries his ex-wife’s niece in church  Hulk Paraíba, the Brazilian football star known for his thunderous strikes and dramatic love life, has once again captured headlines. The 38-year-old Atletico Mineiro striker said his vows again at the second wedding to Camila Ângelo—his ex-wife’s niece.  According to reports in Brazil, the intimate religious ceremony took place on Friday night, January 3, at the Matrix Church in Campina Grande, Paraíba. Hulk shared photos from the wedding on his Instagram page, captioning the post: "Before God and the promises of our love, we are united in one heart, beginning our eternity together, life! I love you" The couple, who have been together for over four years, exchanged vows in front of just 80 guests, including close family members. Camila made a grand entrance, escorted by her father, as the ceremony marked the first of a three-day celebration. The newlyweds aren’t stopping at the church ceremony....

 NAFDAC Seals Chinese Supermarket In Abuja For Selling Expired Goods The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has closed a Chinese store located at Azba Mall, 2 Durban Street, Wuse 2, Abuja. Shaba Mohammed, the agency's Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the supermarket was closed on Monday for allegedly selling items with Chinese labels without giving the appropriate notice. He clarified that the agency received "credible information" regarding the supermarket and that all of the products it sold had Chinese labels, which he claimed was against NAFDAC rules. Mohammed, who also serves as the agency's Federal Task Force Chairman on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs, and Unwholesome Processed Foods, stated that NAFDAC acted swiftly to ascertain the current state of affairs after receiving the information. He stated that the agency would investigate how the more than 90% of the items in the supermarket were imported into the nation and...

 44-year-old zookeeper enters lion's den to ‘impress girlfriend’, accidentally films his own death An Uzbek zookeeper tragically lost his life after going into the lion’s enclosure at a private zoo to film himself petting the large felines only to get mauled by them. On December 17, 44-year-old F. Iriskulov was working the night shift at a private zoo in Parkent, Uzbekistan, when he decided to impress his fiancee by filming himself going into the lions’ enclosure to pet three full-grown African felines. A short clip retrieved from the man’s phone shows him unlocking the lion’s cage and casually walking in while talking to the lions and addressing them by name. As per the video, initially, it seemed like the big cats were not going to attack, but within moments, one of the animals suddenly approached him, and he was heard calling its name “Simba”, telling it to stay quiet. Iriskulov then went ahead to stroke the big cat's mane. After a few moments, he flipped his camera to show ...