PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 "Child Abuse: One Stella Nwadigo, aged 45, the teacher who physically abused the 3-year-old Abayomi Micheal of Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, has been arrested by the police. She was arrested today, Tuesday 8th Jan, 2025, immediately after the criminal act. Justice must be served. Thanks Muyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO.

 Anambra Catholic priest resigns, embraces traditional religion A former Catholic priest of 17 years, Dr Echezona Obiagbaosogu, said he has resigned from his position as a priest to embrace African traditional religion. Obiagbaosogu, who teaches African Traditional Religion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in Anambra State, said he was fascinated by the traditional African spirituality and the art of rainmaking. After defending his PhD Dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” on Wednesday, he said Africa possesses enormous resources and value which have been eroded by colonial powers. He disclosed that he spent several months studying under a renowned native doctor, learning the intricacies of the craft, adding that he conducted research intending to recover the lost African values. He said, “I have come to realise that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors. I was a Catholic priest for 17 years bef...

  Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, Brown Ideye, says he will jump on the opportunity to play for the Super Eagles again. The striker was an integral part of the the Super Eagles side that won Nigeria’s third AFCON title in South Africa in 2013. But since the 2013 AFCON triumph, Ideye has struggled to earn a call up to the national team. A 2-1 win against Zambia in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in 2016 was Ideye’s last game for Nigeria. Now 36 and recently returned to the Nigerian league with 9-time league champions and 2-time CAF champions League winners Enyimba, Ideye expressed his readiness to return to the national team after 8 years. Speaking on Tuesday, Ideye made it clear that he has not retired from the national team yet. Asked what his reaction to a call up to the Super Eagles would be, Ideye said, “For sure, I will jump on it because I’m not retired from international football yet. So why not? If I get called up to represent my country, I’m going to honour the invite,...

 SANWO-OLU CELEBRATES WIFE, IBIJOKE AT 58 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his wife and First Lady of the State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 58th birthday. The Governor described the Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), who will turn 58 tomorrow, January 8, as a reliable and dependable partner in the Greater Lagos development agenda.  He said Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, is a committed prayer warrior, a caring, loving and devoted wife and mother, a strong pillar, and a trusted partner of many decades.  Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, described his wife as a compassionate woman who has touched many lives, first as a medical practitioner and now as First Lady of Lagos State.  Sanwo-Olu said his wife, as a courageous, kind-hearted, and strong pillar of support, has contributed positiv...

 PHYSICAL PLANNING COMMISSIONER URGES LAGOSIANS TO REPORT INFRACTIONS The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide has urged Lagosians to report infractions anywhere in the state. He made the call in Alausa on Wednesday during a strategic planning meeting. "Proper planning can not be done without the support and contribution of people. This is why my doors are always open for residents of Lagos to make their complaints, report any observed untoward developments, and contribute generally to the sustainable development of the State", he said. Whilst assuring of the Ministry’s readiness to discharge its regulatory roles without favour, he enjoined every Lagosian to work for sustainable Lagos by ensuring they escalate infractions as soon as they notice them. The Commissioner added that Officers of the Ministry and its Agencies had been advised to remain conscientious and not support illegality, as any officer found culpable would ...

 8th January, 2025 PRESS RELEASE ARREST OF SELF-KIDNAPPER AND ACCOMPLICE RECOVERY OF TWO MILLION NAIRA (#2,000,000) RANSOM The command on 2/1/2025 received a complaint from One mrs Oliko Joy that her daughter Princess Okolie left the house on 30th December 2024 and did not return. The next day, the parents received a call that the daughter had been kidnapped and they demanded a ransom of two million naira. The Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda immediately directed the command’s special Anti-kidnapping and cyber-crime squad to ensure that the victim is rescued unhurt and the suspect arrested.  The commander special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad CSP Labe Joseph detailed operatives who embarked on an intelligence-led investigation. The other suspect, Prince Atigbi, was arrested after collecting a ransom of two million naira (#2,000,000). Upon the arrest of the suspect, he stated that he was not an actual kidnapper but was playing the script of his girlfriend Pr...

 Sudan welcomes US sanctions on RSF leader Dagalo Sudan has welcomed US sanctions imposed on the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, Anadolu Agency reported. A foreign ministry statement on Wednesday said Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, is responsible for “systematic atrocities committed by the RSF against the Sudanese people.” The ministry called on all countries around the world to follow the US step in imposing sanctions on the paramilitary group, its leadership, and its backers. On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that members of the RSF and allied militias committed genocide in Sudan. 'Systemic atrocities' "We are today sanctioning RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo Mousa, known as Hemedti, for his role in systematic atrocities committed against the Sudanese people," he added in a statement. The sanctions covered Hemedti, seven companies, and one individual linked to the RSF. Sudan has been ravag...

 Lagos Police Spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin Promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police The Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, has been elevated to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). Hundeyin, who succeeded Adekunle Ajisebutu as Lagos police spokesman in 2022 while serving as a Superintendent of Police (SP), announced his promotion on Wednesday. He shared photos of his decoration by Lagos Police Commissioner Ishola Olawale, captioning the moment on X: "Behold the latest Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) in town. It is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes." Hundeyin holds a BA in English Language from Lagos State University and an MSc in Legal Criminology and Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan. He also has a certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna. A member of the Nigerian Institute of Publ...

 Niger State CP Decorates 204 Newly Promoted Police Officers, Urges Commitment The Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has officially decorated 204 newly promoted officers of the Niger State Police Command with their new ranks during a ceremony at the State Police Headquarters in Minna. Among the promoted officers are one Assistant Commissioner of Police elevated to Deputy Commissioner of Police, 10 Superintendents of Police promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police, 12 Deputy Superintendents of Police promoted to Superintendent of Police, and 181 Assistant Superintendents of Police elevated to Deputy Superintendent of Police. CP’s Charge to Officers In his remarks, CP Danmamman reminded the officers that with promotion comes greater responsibility. He urged them to exceed expectations in their duties, emphasizing the importance of enhanced supervision, monitoring subordinates, and upholding the image of the Force. “This upliftment demands increased ...

 Court Orders Temporary Forfeiture of Funds Linked to Former Abia Governor A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary forfeiture of over ₦228.4 million linked to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, to the Federal Government. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Fadila Yusuf, filed an ex-parte application alleging that the funds were proceeds of money laundering. In his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite directed the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order on its website and in a national newspaper, allowing interested parties 14 days to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited. The EFCC’s application, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/03/V/2025, was filed under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. According to the EFCC, the funds—₦228,497,773.12—were in a Keystone Bank account held by Effdee Nigeria Ltd and were allegedly connected to the misa...

 Nigerian Designer Sanya Completes Guinness World Record Attempt for Largest Sandal Liz Sanya, a British-Nigerian shoe designer, has successfully completed her attempt to set the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the largest sandal. The giant pink clog measures 3.156 meters (10 feet 4.2 inches) in width and 8.147 meters (26 feet 8.8 inches) in length. Sanya began working on the record-breaking sandal on January 2, 2025, after receiving confirmation from GWR, and finished it by January 4. The 72-hour event took place at Pixel Park in Lekki, Lagos, and was attended by several celebrities, including Pheelz, Mayorkun, Korty EO, and P.Prime. The current record holder, a group of artisans from Municipio De Sahauyo, created a sandal that measures 7.45 meters (24 feet 5.31 inches) in length and 3.09 meters (10 feet 1.65 inches) in width. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Sanya expressed her gratitude to her supporters, emphasizing her connection to Nigeria. "Ibadan is where I was born. Lago...

 Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems Nominated for 2025 NAACP Awards Nigerian music icons Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems have received nominations for the 2025 NAACP Awards. Other Nigerian nominees include actress Ayo Edebiri, who is recognized in multiple categories. The 56th edition of the NAACP Awards will take place on February 22 at the Pasadena Civic Centre in California. Wizkid earned two nominations for his collaboration with Brent Faiyaz on "Piece of My Heart," in the categories of Outstanding Duo or Collaboration and Outstanding International Song. Burna Boy and Usher were nominated for Best Collaboration for their track "Coming Home," while Tems’ "Love Me JeJe" earned her a spot in the Outstanding International Song category. Ayo Edebiri is up for five nominations, including Outstanding Voiceover and Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. South African singer Tyla is also nominated for Outstanding New Artist.

 35-Year-Old Man Mobbed for Allegedly Stealing Church Keyboard A 35-year-old man, identified as Ismaila, was severely beaten by an angry mob on Wednesday in the Okumagba area of Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, for allegedly stealing a church keyboard. The mob, after attacking him, placed a motor tire around his neck and paraded him from Willie Street to Okumagba Avenue. The suspect sustained serious injuries, including a bruised head, as the mob prepared to set him ablaze. However, mobile police officers arrived at the scene in time to rescue him. They transported the suspect to the "B" Division Police Station, assuring the public that he would confess and expose any accomplices. Despite the intervention, the mob expressed frustration, criticizing the police for preventing them from burning the suspect to deter others from committing similar crimes. At the time of this report, the suspect had been taken into police custody. 

 Oxford English Dictionary Adds 20 Nigerian Words, Including "Japa," "Agbero," and "Eba" The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its lexicon with 20 Nigerian words and phrases in its most recent update. Among the newly added terms are popular expressions such as "japa," "agbero," "eba," "419," and "abi," reflecting the influence of Nigerian Pidgin, street slang, and cultural expressions gaining global recognition. Some of the terms, like "japa" and "jand," have been included as both nouns and verbs. The dictionary also includes pronunciation guides to help non-Nigerians accurately articulate the words. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant to the OED, shared the exciting news on LinkedIn, revealing that he played a key role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations. Some of the notable additions include: Japa: The emigration of Nigerians, especially to ...

 UNILAG Celebrates Two Graduates with 5.0 CGPA, Prepares for 55th Convocation The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced Damilare Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, both from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, as its best-graduating students with perfect CGPAs of 5.0. They lead the list of 16,409 graduating students ahead of the 55th convocation ceremonies. Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola revealed that the graduates include 9,684 first-degree and diploma recipients, 6,659 postgraduate awardees, and 66 graduates from the UNILAG Business School. A breakdown of results shows 561 first-class degrees, with the Faculty of Management Sciences producing the highest number (125). The convocation will feature honorary degrees awarded to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Fola Adeola, and Kolawole Adesina. The lecture, titled "Universities as Hubs for Development and Wealth Creation," will be delivered by NESG CEO Tayo Aduloju. UNILAG also highlighted notable 2024 achievements, including t...

 UniAbuja Governing Council Defends VC Appointment, Insists on Compliance with Legal Processes The governing council of the University of Abuja has responded to allegations that it violated established laws and procedures in the appointment of Professor Aisha Maikudi as the university’s 7th substantive vice-chancellor. In a statement released on Wednesday, the council emphasized that it followed all relevant legal provisions in accordance with the University of Abuja Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, No. 1 of 2007. The Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mrs. Islamiyat Adulrahim, clarified that despite concerns raised during the appointment process, the council ensured that all issues were addressed with the participation of key stakeholders, including the university Senate and the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The statement reiterated that the council adhered strictly to the laws governing vice-c...

 Sokoto Guard Fatally Shoots Himself After Rescuing 66 Kidnap Victims A member of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps tragically shot and killed himself following a successful operation in which 66 kidnap victims were rescued. The operation, led by the Nigerian Army, took place on Monday at Tidibali Forest in eastern Sokoto State. Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, confirmed the incident, stating that the guard died from an accidental discharge of his firearm shortly after returning to base. “He was handling his weapon when it accidentally went off, fatally wounding him. He succumbed to the injury shortly afterward,” Usman said. Usman also reported on the progress of the ongoing operation, which is funded by the state government to combat banditry. He stated that 66 victims had been freed, and several bandits were eliminated during the mission. The rescued individuals were transported to Isa town in Isa Local Government Area. The oper...

 Nigerian Minister Meets Telecoms Over Renewed Call for Data and Call Tariff Increase Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, is holding discussions with telecommunications representatives amidst growing pressure for an increase in call and data tariffs. The meeting includes major telecoms such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile, with stakeholders from the press, government regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also expected to attend. However, Andrew Agyo, a senior media team member at the Ministry of Innovations and Digital Economy, could not confirm the meeting at the time of reporting, stating, "I am not aware of the meeting." Recently, MTN and Airtel requested approval from the NCC for a new tariff hike, after previously threatening to shut down operations if their requests were not approved. Despite this, the NCC has ...

 Court assumes jurisdiction to hear charge against Emefiele The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has assumed jurisdiction to hear the allegations of accepting gratification, corrupt demand and receiving property fraudulently obtained made against the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. Justice Rahman Oshodi in his ruling delivered on Wednesday held that the prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully established that the court has territorial jurisdiction to entertain counts 8 to 20 of the 26 count charge made against the former CBN Governor based on various facts presented in the evidence attached to the case file. The court, however, agreed with lawyers to Emefiele, that counts 1 to 4 of the charge are unconstitutional, as they are not based on any existing laws in Nigeria. On April 8, 2024, the EFCC had arraigned Emefiele before the court on the 26-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and irre...

 Katsina State Disburses Over ₦50 Million to Support Banditry Victims The Katsina State government has distributed over ₦50 million to victims of bandit attacks in Matazu, Kankia, and Batsari local government areas. Saidu Ibrahim Danja, the Senior Special Assistant on Victims of Banditry and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), presented the funds to the beneficiaries, clarifying that the assistance was not compensation but a measure to alleviate their suffering. Danja stated that the initiative was carried out under the directive of Governor Dikko Umar Radda, following an assessment of the victims’ needs. He highlighted that Governor Radda’s administration has consistently extended similar support over the past two years to families who lost loved ones or were otherwise affected by banditry. He also urged Katsina residents to pray for an end to insecurity and assist security agencies by providing intelligence on criminal activities. Musa Maikudi, Chairman of Kankia Local Governmen...

 NAHCON Initiates 2025 Hajj Preparations with Saudi Visit The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced preparations for the 2025 Hajj with a working visit to Saudi Arabia, led by its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman. The visit, which began on January 7, 2025, was initiated at the invitation of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. “The purpose of the visit is to prepare for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2025 Hajj and finalize other essential arrangements for the annual pilgrimage,” she stated. Delegation and Activities The delegation includes NAHCON Commissioners for Planning, Operations, and Finance, along with representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators, and key national stakeholders such as the National Assembly, the Presidency, and the aviation sector. The agenda features key activiti...

 West Ham Sacks Julen Lopetegui After Poor Run, Graham Potter Tipped as Successor West Ham United has dismissed Julen Lopetegui after 22 matches in charge, citing poor performances, including just six wins in 20 league games and a recent 4-1 loss to Manchester City.  The club, currently 14th in the Premier League, thanked Lopetegui but noted that the season has not met expectations. Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is the leading candidate to replace him, as the Hammers prepare for their FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. This marks Lopetegui as the fifth Premier League managerial casualty this season.

A video of a yet-to-be-identified police orderly, seen holding bundles of cash for the sons of industrialist billionaire Chief Razak Akanni Okoya, has sparked reactions on social media. The viral video in question shows the constable standing with the boys who's seen making a social media video, whilst they dance and sprayed the money to the song playing at the background. Reacting to the video, some Nigerians took to social media to express disgust at how the police personnel threw himself willingly to be used, saying such actions bring disrespect to the force. Others, however, faulted the top echelon of the force for prioritising the security of a few wealthy people while the poor masses who are in need of protection from the insecurity that has bedevilled the country, are left out. Watch video below. 

  Elon Musk's father confirms billionaire tycoon would like to buy Liverpool Elon Musk's father Errol has confirmed his son's interest in buying Liverpool Football Club, pointing to the family's long-running link to the English city. Musk is ranked as the richest individual in the world by Forbes, boasting a net worth in excess of £330bn - almost double that of his closest rival, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Alongside his ownership of SpaceX, Tesla and social media website X, Musk has a close relationship with US president Donald Trump. Now, the South Africa-born billionaire has been linked with a move into the Premier League. A move for Liverpool, rather than any other football club, is not quite as random as it may appear for a tech entrepreneur with citizenship in South Africa, Canada and the USA. "His grandmother was born in Liverpool," Musk Sr revealed, "and we have relatives in Liverpool, and we were fortunate to know quite a few of the Beatles becaus...

California wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes  • Four out-of-control wildfires are raging in the suburbs of Los Angeles, with a fourth identified this morning about 60 miles (97km) away. More than 1,400 firefighters are working to contain the blazes, which are encroaching from the north and the west - tens of thousands of residents have been told to flee.  Authorities say there is "no possibility" of bringing the fires under control yet as the Santa Ana winds and dry weather conditions worsen the situation A brush fire exploded in size amid powerful winds in northwest Los Angeles Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of at least 30,000 residents in the affluent community of Pacific Palisades. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the windstorm hitting the region "is expected to worsen through the morning." The Palisades Fire was first reported at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time Tuesday. It's grown to at least 2,921 acres with zero ...

  2027:Stop dreaming of presidency, Tinubu will rule till 2031 – Igbokwe tells Obi, Atiku Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, urged those aspiring for the presidency to quit the idea. The move comes amid speculations that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate of the last election, Atiku Abubakar, are teaming up to sack President Bola Tinubu in the coming election. A post shared by Igbokwe on his official Facebook page warned those having presidential ambitions to refrain, stating that Tinubu would remain Nigeria’s president until 2031. According to Igbokwe, the president needs a second term to enable him to “set the records straight.” He wrote: “If any presidential aspirant is dreaming of winning presidential elections in 2027, I will advise that candidate to perish the thought till 2031. “PBAT is destined to remain in the seat ...

 Anambra Government Commissions EPU-USA newly equipped Primary Healthcare Centre wards in Enugwu-Agidi By Chukwudi Nwauba/Azuka Nnabuife  The Anambra State Government has commissioned the newly built, equipped Primary Healthcare Centre wards in Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area.  The Enugwu-Agidi Progressive Union, United States of America, (EPU-USA), handed over the built and furnished new ward, as well as completed doctors' quarters at the Health Centre to Anambra State Government. The group also renovated three existing buildings in the hospital. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike commended the group for keying into the Public Private Community Partnership, (PPCP) initiative of the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo's administration. Dr. Obidike urged other Communities to emulate them, as the state government can not develop the state alone. The Commissioner said the hospital will be linked to State telemedicine for optimal service delivery to the people. ...

 Onitsha North LGA Welcomes New Year Babies with Generosity, Support too  By Chioma Nwankwo/Claribel Udah/Chika Obi  In a heartwarming gesture, the Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, celebrated the arrival of New Year Day babies with a special visit to the Federal Medical Center Onitsha (formerly General Hospital Onitsha).   Led by Hon. Chike Valerian Nwanosike Jnr, Supervisory Councillor for Health, and Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ezediniru, Supervisory Councillor for Environment, the delegation extended their congratulations to the mothers and encouraged them to provide loving care for their newborns.   Hon. Nwanosike expressed gratitude to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for implementing free antenatal services across Anambra State, highlighting how the program has eased financial pressures on families. He also presented tokens to the families of the newborns as a gesture of support and joy.   Hon. Ezediniru emphasized the importance of utilizing...

ACP Daniel Amah, Honored for Rejecting $200,000 Bribe, Converts to Islam Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Daniel Amah, widely praised for his integrity in refusing a $200,000 bribe, has embraced Islam in a ceremony at the Emir of Kano’s palace, Muhammad Sanusi II. During the private event on Tuesday, Amah was formally welcomed into the Islamic faith, taking the name Muhammad. The Emir encouraged him to deepen his understanding of Islam and observe its five pillars: belief in Allah, daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca, and charitable giving (Zakat). He also prayed for Amah’s guidance and success in his new faith. The Emir further urged Amah to uphold his exemplary character and continue respecting his parents, regardless of their religious beliefs. A Record of Integrity Amah gained national attention in April 2022 as the Divisional Police Officer in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Kano State, when he rejected a $200,000 bribe from armed robbery suspects invo...

 NDDC to Resume Work on Abandoned Borokiri-Okrika Road, Enhancing Connectivity and Local Economy The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced the imminent resumption of work on the long-delayed Borokiri-Okrika Road project in Rivers State. This strategic infrastructure project, which was started in 2012 but abandoned for several years, is set to significantly improve connectivity between Okrika Island and Port Harcourt, boosting local trade and enhancing access to vital services for residents. The 3.65-kilometre Okrika-Borokiri Road, featuring three bridges, is designed to link key communities including Kolabi, Abotoru, and Okpoka creeks to Port Harcourt, thus enhancing regional economic integration. The completion of the road promises to shorten travel times, facilitate smoother movement of goods and services, and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding areas. Speaking at an interactive forum in Port Harcourt, Alabo Boma Iyaye, NDDC’s Executive Director of Fi...

 Super Eagles: NANS Calls on NFF to Reassess Chelle’s Appointment The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to appoint Éric Sékou Chelle, former head coach of Mali's national team, as the new Super Eagles coach. In a statement signed by Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the Senate, NANS National Headquarters, the student body described the appointment as a misstep, pointing to Chelle’s limited coaching accomplishments. Chelle, whose tenure as Mali’s coach began in 2022, failed to secure a World Cup qualification or clinch the African Cup of Nations. NANS argued that his track record does not justify his selection, especially when more qualified Nigerian or European coaches are available. The student body urged the NFF to prioritize developing and assigning local coaches to national roles instead of selecting "underqualified" foreign candidates. “The Malian National Team’s poor perf...

 Ex-KASCO MD Accuses Kano Anti-Corruption Agency of Ignoring Court Order Dr. Bala Inuwa, former Managing Director of the Kano State Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO), has accused the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission of defying a court order by seizing his properties.   Inuwa alleged that the agency confiscated assets worth billions of Naira, including trailers, fertilizer grinding machines, and other agricultural equipment, despite a High Court injunction issued by Justice Aisha Ya’u in suit number K/M 1563/2024. The order restrained the commission and police from interfering with his property until the resolution of a substantive case.   The court described the agency’s actions, including forceful entry and deploying police officers, as unconstitutional and a violation of Inuwa’s rights under Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution.   Inuwa claimed the agency continued its actions, leading him to obtain an interim injunction t...

 From Almajiri Student to NNPC CEO: Mele Kyari Reflects at 60 Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has reflected on his remarkable journey from being an Almajiri school pupil to leading Africa's largest energy company. Marking his 60th birthday on Wednesday, Kyari expressed gratitude for his life’s trajectory, attributing his success to divine grace and the opportunities afforded by his country. In a post shared on X, Kyari, who was born on January 8, 1965, and appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019, described his life as one filled with challenges and triumphs. He noted his dedication to serving the nation with even greater conviction as he reaches this milestone. “I am profoundly grateful to my country for allowing me to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company,” he wrote, while also thanking Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed...

  Kano State Governor's Special Adviser Passes Away 48 Hours After Swearing-In A Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor has tragically passed away just two days after being sworn into office. The news of the untimely demise has sent shockwaves across the state and beyond, as the individual had only recently taken the oath of office to serve in the administration. The cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed, but sources close to the government revealed that the late adviser reportedly experienced health crisis. Kano State Governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the deceased as a dedicated and visionary individual committed to the progress of the state. The governor extended his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the departed adviser, pledging support during this difficult time. Details surrounding funeral arrangements and further information about the late adviser’s contributions are expected to be released soon.

 Indonesia Names Dutch Legend Patrick Kluivert as Head Coach Netherlands and Barcelona football icon Patrick Kluivert has been appointed as the new head coach of Indonesia’s national football team. The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant move for the Southeast Asian nation as they aim to secure their first FIFA World Cup qualification since gaining independence. Kluivert, 48, signed a two-year contract running from 2025 to 2027, with an option for extension. His appointment follows the controversial dismissal of South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, who had led Indonesia to the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Indonesian squad, which includes several naturalized players of Dutch origin, is currently ranked 127th by FIFA. They remain in contention for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, sitting third in their qualifying group, with a critical match against Australia in March. Despite Kluivert’s legendary playing career—including stints at Ajax, AC Milan,...

 Ogun: Decomposing Body of 45-Year-Old Woman Found in Apartment The Ogun State Police Command has reported the discovery of the decomposing body of a 45-year-old tenant, Tolulope Olusanya, in her apartment on Madojutimi Abiola Way, Abeokuta. According to the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, Olusanya’s landlord, Adebesin Adebayo, alerted the Kemta Divisional Police Station around 8:15 PM on Monday after noticing her absence for several days. Concerned about her wellbeing, he visited her apartment, which was locked from the inside and emitting a foul odor. Police officers from the Kemta Division broke into the apartment and found Olusanya’s swollen body lying on her bed. Efforts to reach her family were unsuccessful, as no immediate relatives could be contacted.

 DRC conflict displaces over 100,000 in under a week Recent fighting in part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has displaced more than 100,000 people over the last week, the United Nations humanitarian affairs office said on Tuesday, AFP reported. The M23 rebels seized control on Saturday of Masisi, a key town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. "Between January 1 and 3, 2025, intense clashes between the Congolese army and a non-state armed group in Masisi Centre, North Kivu province, displaced an estimated 102,000 people, according to local reports," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. Masisi has a population of around 40,000 and is the administrative capital of the Masisi territory, rich in agriculture, livestock and minerals. It lies about 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of North Kivu provincial capital Goma. Relative calm was reported on January 5 in Masisi Centre, prompting some displaced families to begin returning, OCHA said. ...

 South Sudan ready to resume oil exports South Sudan could resume oil production "as early as tomorrow" almost a year after fighting in neighbouring Sudan ruptured a key pipeline, the government said on Tuesday, AFP reported. The landlocked country's vital oil had been shipped to global markets from Port Sudan on the Red Sea, with Sudan taking a cut as a transit fee. But the pipeline was damaged in February clashes between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, dramatically denting the young nation's economy. After months of shutdown, South Sudan's government said production would resume from part of a facility operated by Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC). "The Ministry of Petroleum and partners would like to declare that the kick-off date for DPOC resumption is as early as tomorrow," Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol said at a press briefing in capital Juba. He said the ministry was "directing DPOC... to immediately em...