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 SANWO-OLU SIGNS 2025 APPROPRIATION BILL •Says N3.366trn budget will build on past gains, scale up impact for future •Lagos Internal Revenue Service has crossed N1 trillion in IGR — Assembly   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill tagged "Budget of Sustainability." Governor Sanwo-Olu signed the budget, which is N3.366 trillion, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, during a ceremony attended by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat; Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Barr (Mrs.) Bimbola Salu-Hudeyin; members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh; and members of the State Executive Council, among others. Speaking after signing of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the budget was structured around five key pillars, which are Infrastructure Sustainability; Economic Diversification; Social Inclusion and Human Capital Develop...

 Gabon announces presidential election on March 22 Gabon's transitional leader Brice Oligui Nguema said on Thursday that the central African country would hold a presidential election on March 22, Reuters reported. Nguema was sworn in as interim leader in September 2023, after his junta ousted President Ali Bongo in the eighth coup in West and Central Africa since 2020. The Gabonese largely welcomed the military's ousting of Bongo, whose family's poor management of the country's oil wealth had led to a stagnant economy and stranded a third of the population in poverty. Nguema's announcement of the election date follows a referendum on a new constitution in November that was portrayed as a key step towards re-establishing democratic rule after Bongo was ousted. Some observers have been concerned that the process could favour interim authorities. While transitional leaders are barred from running for the presidency, an exception has been made for Nguema.

 POLICE ARRAIGN STELLA NWADIGBO FOR INDECENT TREATMENT OF CHILD The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned Stella Nwadigbo, aged 45, for indecent treatment and assault of a child. The suspect, who was arraigned in Magistrate Court 1, Ogba today, January 9, 2025, had been captured in a viral video indecently treating and assaulting a three-year-old pupil of a primary school in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.  Following receipt of the video, the Family Support Unit (FSU) of Ikorodu Police Division promptly arrested the suspect on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 and transferred her to the Gender Unit of the Command Headquarters same day after preliminary investigations. The victim was taken to a medical facility for adequate medical attention.  The suspect has since been remanded to Kirikiri Correctional facility till February 18, 2025 when the case comes up for continuation of hearing.  The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, psc(+), mnips, whi...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR INCREASE IN CURRENCY SWAP BETWEEN CHINA AND NIGERIA AT MEETING WITH CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER   President Bola Tinubu, Thursday in Abuja, urged the Government of the People's Republic of China to increase the $2 billion currency swap between Nigeria and China to enhance trade between the two countries.   He also called for an upward review of the $50 billion aid package for Africa, which China's President Xi Jinping announced last year.   China and Nigeria recently renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion yuan (approximately $2 billion), to enhance trade and investment.   Receiving the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, at the State House, the President said increasing the level of currency swaps will speed up the infrastructural development in Nigeria and deepen the strategic bilateral relations.   "We still demand more in the area of currency swap. The level you have appro...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU TO HIS AIDE-DE-CAMP: I SEE YOU GOING PLACES IN YOUR MILITARY CAREER   President Bola Tinubu, Thursday in Abuja, congratulated his Aide-de-Camp, Col. Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, for his promotion. He described him as a reliable officer, deserving of elevation in rank.   Lt. Col. Yusuf was promoted to Colonel by Nigerian Army Promulgation AHQ MS/G1/300/252/2 on 19 December 2024. The rank's seniority took effect on 22 September 2023.   "You all know Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf. He carries a lot of responsibilities. I am joyous that the military authorities have promoted my ADC.   "He is worthy of the promotion, and I am very happy for him. Nurudeen is a diligent and reliable officer with the right temperament. I believe he will go farther and farther in his profession.   "We are with you. We love and really care about you. We will continue to do so. Character defines man, and it has defined you. With your promotion, ...

 'I had the best time' - Chloe Bailey speaks on dating rumours with Burna Boy American singer Chloe Bailey has spoken about her recent visit to Nigeria and her public outing with Burna Boy, which sparked relationship speculations. Recall that Burna Boy and Chloe fuelled relationship rumours after they were recently spotted holding hands while leaving a club in Lagos last December. Reflecting on her visit to Nigeria in a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, Bailey said she had “the best time” in the West African country. “Nigeria was so beautiful. I had the best time. Yes, I was in the club with Burna Boy. The nightlife was so many colours, so many lights, so many cameras,” she said. Reflecting on her visit to Nigeria in a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, Bailey said she had “the best time” in Lagos , Nigeria. “Nigeria was so beautiful. I had the best time. Yes, I was in the club with Burna Boy. The nightlife was so many colours, so many lights, so many cameras,” s...

 ShopRite across Lagos ends nylon bag use, adopts reusable bags under single-use plastic ban Shoppers visiting ShopRite supermarkets across Lagos State this January 2025 have noticed a significant change; the retail chain no longer provides nylon bags for groceries. Instead, customers are offered the option of purchasing reusable shopping bags for N500 each or using shopping bags they bring from home. A Lagos shopper, @Bisolaa, highlighted the development on X on January 3, 2025, stating, “ShopRite no longer offers nylon bags for your groceries based on Lagos State ban on single-use plastics.”   A comment under her post confirmed the update, with another user sharing a similar experience at a different ShopRite location. A representative, they stated it was in compliance with the ban from the Lagos State Government. Other supermarkets in Lagos, like Ebeano and Spar, were still providing nylon bags This development follows the Lagos State Government’s October 2024 announce...

  Actor and dancer Nora Fatehi shared her frightening experience as wildfires ravage Los Angeles. On Instagram, she revealed that she and her team were forced to evacuate after receiving an emergency order. Nora described the chaos, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like this. We got an evacuation order five minutes ago. I quickly packed my stuff and am heading near the airport as I have a flight today. I hope it doesn’t get cancelled.” Nora expressed concern for the safety of those affected by the fires and called the situation “scary.” Her experience adds to growing accounts of devastation in the area. Other celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra, also took to social media to express their support for victims. Priyanka wrote, “My thoughts are with everyone affected. Stay safe,” alongside a video showing the fires’ severity. The Pacific Palisades wildfires have destroyed over 1,500 buildings and displaced more than 100,000 residents, including several celebrities like Jamie Lee Cu...

 An 80-year-old woman loses her life after becoming fully engulfed by flames while on her mobility scooter. Marjorie Hible of Ely, Minnesota, tragically lost her life in a heartbreaking accident on January 6th. The initial call came into first responders at 4:38 p.m. from the Boundary Waters Care Center.  The 911 call indicated a victim  had been outside on her mobility scooter when staff members saw her engulfed in flames. According to reports, Marjorie Hible was fully engulfed in flames before staff were able to reach her. They were able to get Marjorie off of the scooter and extinguish the flames, causing one staff member to suffer non-life threatening burns. Marjorie Hible was rushed to a nearby hospital where she passed away as a result of her injuries.  The fire is under investigation but preliminary findings indicate the fire was the result of smoking a cigarette.  Presumably open flame may have come into contact with oxygen, however that is purely specul...

 Gov. Abiodun to Increase Ogun Teach Interns from 4,000 to 6,000, Pay Beneficiaries N80,000 Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration will raise the bar of teacher recruitment in the state by increasing the number of teachers in the Ogun Teach initiative, currently pegged at 4,000 interns, to 6,000. The move, he said, is to ensure that the gap in the student-to-teacher ratio in the state is closed. Governor Abiodun stated this in his Oke-Mosan office when he received the management team of Teach For All and the Teach For Nigeria program, who are in the state for their retreat. Prince Abiodun noted that his administration, in line with current realities, has increased the wages of the Ogun Teach interns in the state to N80,000. "And I think we borrowed from the Teach For All and Teach For Nigeria schemes. Seeing the gap in the teacher-to-student ratio and how underserved our students were, we tried to plan how we can fast-track the employment or recr...

 Fire Destroys Section of Yola Temporary Market A fire outbreak has destroyed part of the temporary market in Yola, which was established for traders displaced from the old market complex. The old market, which was demolished after a fire incident last year, is currently under reconstruction. The fire reportedly began around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, spreading rapidly due to flammable materials and causing significant damage to shops and goods. Firefighters, aided by local volunteers, managed to prevent the blaze from consuming the entire market. Although no casualties were reported, affected traders have suffered considerable losses and are in distress. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri extended his sympathies to the traders and pledged support to help them recover from the incident.

 NAPTIP Rescued 285 Victims, Arrested 22 Traffickers in 2024 – Kano Commander The Kano Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) rescued 285 victims and apprehended 22 suspected human traffickers in 2024, according to the Zonal Commander, Abdullahi Babale. Babale shared this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano on Thursday. He explained that the rescued individuals included 78 males, 97 females, and 110 children—64 boys and 46 girls—ranging in age from seven to 42 years. “Among the rescued victims, 53 were trafficked persons, while 232 were survivors of sexual abuse, gender-based violence, and related crimes. The victims underwent counseling and rehabilitation before being reunited with their families, and 52 of them were provided with empowerment kits,” Babale said. The commander disclosed that the 22 arrested suspects included eight men and 14 women. During the year, the command handled 211 cases...

 Kingmakers Challenge Makinde's Action Over Alaafin Stool Selection Five prominent kingmakers in Oyo have criticized Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to initiate a new selection process for the vacant Alaafin stool, describing the move as illegal and dismissive of judicial proceedings. The kingmakers—High Chief Yusuf Akinade (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (acting for Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (acting for Alapinni of Oyo)—expressed their concerns in a letter to the governor, signed by their lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju, SAN. They accused the governor, through the Oyo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, of appointing new warrant kingmakers—Chief Odurinde Olusegun Alajagba and Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye—in an alleged attempt to override the existing selection process. The kingmakers argued that this action undermines the majority's selection of Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbad...

 Mozambique opposition leader returns after fleeing on post-election safety fears Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returned home on Thursday, after fleeing in the days following a hotly contested October election that sparked demonstrations in which scores of protesters have been killed, Reuters reported. Mondlane says the Oct. 9 poll was rigged and has called on his supporters to take to the streets across the southern African nation of 35 million. A heavy riot police presence was felt in the areas surrounding capital Maputo's international airport where thousands gathered to welcome Mondlane. A Reuters witness said tear gas was fired on crowds in the area and snipers were positioned on buildings around the air base. Protests have continued, sporadically, for more than two months, and Mondlane's return could add fuel to the fire. Civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide said at least 278 people had died in the protests since mid-October, when the electora...

 CAF increases CHAN prize money to $10.4 m The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased the prize money of the winner of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda 2024 by 75%, with the winner now receiving USD 3.5 million, a CAF statement said, TRT Afrika reported. CAF announced that the total prize money for the tournament has also been increased by 32% (USD 10.4 million). CAF President Patrice Motsepe said in the statement the competition is “part of our strategy of investing in African football and making it appealing and attractive to football fans, TV viewers, sponsors, partners, and other stakeholders in Africa and worldwide.” The CHAN Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda 2024 is scheduled to hold between Saturday, February 1- 28, 2025. Qualified nations 17 countries have already qualified for the tournament, namely Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Democrati...

  Paris Hilton, Tom Hanks,Maria Shriver,Ben Affleck,Mark Hamill, Adam Brody, and Anna Faris,Miley Cyrus , Anthony Hopkins' ….. Others’ homes burn down in Pacific Palisades wildfires: 'Unimaginable devastation' The Los Angeles wildfires have killed five people and destroyed over 2000 structures in less than 24 hours including the family homes of the likes of Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Anna Faris, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The Palisades Fire began on Tuesday January 7 and forced evacuation of at least 30,000 residents in the affluent community where many Hollywood A-listers live. Many Hollywood celebs are among the hundreds of LA residents whose homes have burnt down in the raging Pacific Palisades wildfires. Cary Elwes, the star of The Princess Bride and numerous other films, wrote on Instagram Wednesday that his family was safe, but their home had burned in the coastal Palisades fire. “Sadly, we did lose our home, but we are grateful to have survived this truly devast...

 Wisconsin man breaks through ice in van while delivering food to an ice fisherman, then gets arrested. The incident occurred at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning when Shawano County Deputies received a call about a van going through the ice on Shawno Lake. Upon arriving on scene, the unidentified driver had escaped the vehicle in freezing waters on his own. The driver informed deputies he had been delivering food to an ice fisherman when the ice he was driving on gave way, plunging both vehicle and driver into the icy waters. The driver was taken to the hospital for evaluation and then arrested by deputies on unrelated charges, making this the worst day at work ever.

 A community is devastated after an 11-year-old boy is found deceased in his mother's RV on January 5th.  When residents at Lovely's Landing RV Park in Meridian, California realized they hadn't seen Meagan Dixon's 11-year-old old son for several days, they decided to confront the 44-year-old mother. After confronting Dixon, a verbal altercation erupted between Dixon and a neighbor prompting the property manager to dial 911. According to all reports, the neighbors just wanted to know if Dixon's 11-year-old son was okay or not.  Sutter County deputies reported upon arrival, "Dixon appeared to be intoxicated and in a manic state".  While deputies sorted the confrontation outside, the Sutter County Fire Department entered the RV to check on the 11-year-old child's well being.  Once inside the RV, first responders discovered the deceased 11-year-old boy.  Deputies reported there was evidence to suggest suffocation, however an official cause of death has not...

 NAFDAC Halts Sachet Alcohol Registration to Curb Accessibility The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ceased the registration of sachet alcohol since February 2024, aiming to reduce its accessibility, particularly among youths. At a Lagos press briefing, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, outlined the agency’s 2025 strategic plan, focusing on workforce expansion, maternal and child health, product safety, and regulatory efficiency. She emphasized the need to tackle substandard products, enhance supply chain traceability, and promote local manufacturing. Adeyeye also highlighted efforts to address Nigeria's overreliance on imports, improve border surveillance, and combat counterfeit products, stressing the importance of safeguarding public health.

 NBS to Release Rebasing of GDP Data by End of January The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has announced plans to unveil the newly rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data at the end of January. This was shared during a workshop on GDP and Consumer Price Index (CPI) rebasing, organized by the NBS and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group in Lagos on Thursday. In October, the NBS revealed its intention to rebase the GDP and CPI to reflect the country’s current economic realities and structural shifts. 2019 has been chosen as the base year for the rebasing. Moses Waniko, the Technical Assistant to the Statistician General, explained that the data is being validated, and the final figures will be launched at the end of the month. “We’re wrapping up the rebasing process. Once we validate the results, we plan to launch the data by the end of January,” said Waniko. He noted that the rebasing would have significant implications for the national economy, including providing a clearer eco...

 Abducted Bauchi Children Rescued, Reunited with Families in Anambra Three children abducted from Bauchi State and trafficked to Anambra State have been successfully rescued and reunited with their families, thanks to a joint operation by the Bauchi and Anambra State Police Commands, supported by the Office of the First Lady and the Gender-Based Violence Committee. The handover ceremony was held at the Bauchi Government House, where Commissioner of Police Mohammed Auwal Musa provided details of the operation to Governor Bala Mohammed. Governor Mohammed expressed deep gratitude to all those involved, particularly the First Ladies of Bauchi and Anambra states, for their dedication to combating child trafficking. He commended the security agencies for their professionalism and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators face justice. “As a government, we are steadfast in our resolve to fight these heinous crimes. Justice will be served,...

 Lagos School Faces Potential Closure Over Assault on Toddler Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu has come under intense scrutiny following the release of a video showing a teacher, Stella Nwadigo, assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael. The footage, which went viral on social media, sparked outrage and calls for the teacher’s arrest, as well as demands for the Lagos State Government to shut down the school. While opinions are divided on closing the school, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to assess the institution and make necessary recommendations. Speaking on TV The Morning on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), revealed that a task force had been deployed to investigate the school. “We have a Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Task Force, which includes representatives from various ministries such as the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, th...

 Cross River Commissioner Robert Ewa Passes Away After Attending Executive Meeting The Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Robert Ewa, has passed away. His death was confirmed by Nsa Gill, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu. Ewa reportedly died on Wednesday evening at the Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, shortly after attending a state executive council meeting presided over by the governor. According to Gill, Ewa actively participated in the meeting before excusing himself. "He contributed during the presentation and later stepped out. His driver took him to a clinic, but we later received the shocking news from the hospital that he had passed away," Gill said. The governor was deeply saddened by the news, and an official statement is expected to be released soon. Ewa had a distinguished career in public service, previously serving as Secretary and later Chairman of the Boki Local Government Council. He also held roles as Specia...

 ICPC Seeks Action Against Unregulated Herbal Drinks Amid Health Concerns The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) to tackle the rising proliferation of unregulated herbal drinks across the country. Speaking during a one-day training webinar on transparency and accountability in public institutions, Kabir Elelu, the ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State, highlighted the public health risks posed by the widespread consumption of unregulated herbal mixtures, often referred to as “Ala Agbo.” Elelu stressed the need for immediate intervention, noting that many of these herbal concoctions, sold by hawkers, are endangering lives. “An area that requires urgent attention is natural medicine. How can we harness and regulate it to protect public health? The proliferation of these unregulated herbal drinks has become a significant issue,” Elelu stated. He added, “Some of these mixtur...

 SANWO-OLU CHARGES NIPOST BOSS ON QUALITY PERFORMANCE  •Advises Postmaster-General to challenge status quo, enhance productivity    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday charged the Postmaster-General/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Ms. Tola Odeyemi, to challenge the status quo for a sustainable change for today and future needs.  He urged the Nigerian Postal Service to use technology as an enabler to enhance the ease of doing business in Lagos State and Nigeria. Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during a courtesy visit by the Postmaster-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Ms. Tola Odeyemi, at the Lagos House Marina. The Governor also reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to collaborate with the NIPOST office service centres to improve its physical spaces and enhance e-commerce as well as the movement and sales of goods. "You and your team need to think outside of the...

 IKEJA G.R.A. TO HOST SANWO-OLU ON THURSDAY  . Governor to open Network Of Five Roads Residents of Ikeja G.R.A will, on Thursday, January 9, host Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who will be in the neighbourhood to open a network of five roads.  It is all part of the Government’s infrastructure renewal projects across all local governments and local council development areas. The strategic roads in the heart of Ikeja - Oba Dosumu Street, Oduduwa Way, Oduduwa Crescent, Sobo Arobiodu and Sasegbon Streets -  are about 6.134km, fortified with an improved drainage network that solves the perennial flooding in the area. On Friday, January 10, about 4.7 kilometres arterial roads will be commissioned along the Akoka, Bariga, and Gbagada axis. They are St. Finbarr’s Road, Asani Street, Tijani Asogbon Street, Jagunmolu Street, Shogbamu Street, and Diya Street from University of Lagos Main Gate in Akoka to Deeper Life Church in Gbagada. Governor Sanwo-Olu will sustain t...