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 Yul Edochie under fire over new post Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has caused a barrage of insults online after posting a message about love, forgiveness. The actor took to Instagram to promote peace and love but the advice was drowned in the controversy surrounding his broken family “Always remember none of us will be here forever. Life is a passing phase. We come, and we go. While we are here, let’s make the world a better place. Throw hate and wickedness away, lend a helping hand to others whenever you can, spread love, bring joy & peace to the hearts of many,” Edochie wrote. However, instead of the expected praise, Yul’s words stirred outrage from social media users, who wasted no time calling him out for the glaring contradiction between his public statements and personal actions. One follower, Ogochukwu Jennifer Ikeh, fired back with brutal honesty: “How can you preach love when you singlehandedly hated your own children to the point that none wished you a happy birthday?”...

 3.7-magnitude earthquake strikes California amid ongoing wildfires A 3.7 magnitude earthquake has struck California, the United States, adding to the state’s ongoing tough challenges with worsening wildfires. This comes as Los Angeles continues to fight raging wildfires, which were allegedly started by an arsonist who has since been arrested. Mail Online reports that the tremor was detected near the San Francisco Bay Area at 7:02 am PT, with its epicentre approximately five miles southwest of the Golden Gate Bridge and two miles west of the Great Highway. The quake was followed by a 2.2 magnitude aftershock four minutes later and a 2.5 magnitude tremor six minutes after the initial hit. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that more than 5,000 people in the area felt the shake, and the number of reports continues to grow. This seismic activity occurred about 350 miles away from the Los Angeles area, where wildfires have caused widespread destruction. “I ordered city government...

 Oyomesi rejects Owoade as Alaafin-Designate Kingmakers in ancient Oyo town (Oyomesi) have described appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as Alaafin-Designate by Governor Seyi Makinde as illegal and unlawful. Oyo State Government announced Makinde’s approval of Owoade as Alaafin-Designate, two years after the stool became vacant. However, five Kingmakers from the town have declared the appointment as null and void because they did not recommend such a name to the State Government, insisting that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin is Prince Luqman Gbadegesin. The Kingmakers in a letter to the Governor signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), include High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo. The letter reads: “You will recall ...

 LAGOS JUDICIARY TRAINS MAGISTRATES, REGISTRARS, SHERIFFS ON SMALL CLAIMS COURT In a step toward enhancing access to justice, the Lagos State Judiciary recently convened a one-day training workshop for Magistrates, Registrars, and Sheriffs. The workshop focused on the operations, history, and purpose of the Small Claims Court while emphasizing the recently amended Magistrates' Practice Direction of 2023. The Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba noted the critical role of the Small Claims Court in ensuring affordable, efficient, and accessible dispute resolution, particularly for individuals and small businesses handling minor monetary claims. Alogba, who was represented by Hon. Justice Yetunde Adesanya,revealed that the concept of Small Claims Courts dates back to the early 20th century when Harvard Law School Dean, Roscoe Pound championed the idea of a “People’s Court” to address the complexities and high costs of traditional legal processes, prohibiti...

 BENUE GOVERNMENT PERSECUTING ME, ORTOM CRIES OUT Former Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom has cried out that he is facing persecution from the Government of Benue State under the leadership of Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Mr. Ortom, in a statement signed on his behalf by Mr. Terver Akase, says since the beginning of this year no day passes without one press statement or the other being released by Fr. Alia’s aides, targeting his predecessor. “The serial attacks on Chief Ortom are coming on the heels of uncountable petitions the present administration in the state has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies, in addition to the probe panels it set up against the former Governor, as well as the sealing of companies which he founded before he became Governor,” the statement says. According to the statement, Mr. “Ortom’s only ‘political crime’ has been his pursuit of unity and his willingness to engage with longstanding associates, a ...

 Nigerians Face High Schengen Visa Rejection Rates Amid Rising Emigration A Henley Global Mobility Report reveals that 40.8% of Schengen visa applications from Nigerians in 2024 were denied, with 42,940 rejections out of 105,926 submissions. Nigeria ranks among the top 20 countries with the highest visa denial rates and 11th for Schengen destinations. The surge in rejections mirrors increasing emigration driven by economic challenges, including record-high inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis.   The report highlights systemic barriers tied to the Nigerian passport's low global ranking (94th) and stricter visa policies. Africa faces disproportionately high Schengen visa denial rates, with Nigeria among six African countries in the top 10 globally for rejections. Experts warn of a widening global mobility divide, disproportionately impacting African nations.

 CAF Confederation Cup: Al Masry Arrive Uyo for Clash Against Enyimba Egyptian club Al Masry have arrived in Uyo ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup Group D fixture against Enyimba. The team, comprising players and officials, touched down at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, on Thursday evening. The match is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday. In their first meeting on matchday one, Al Masry secured a 2-0 victory over Enyimba. Currently, Al Masry sit second in the group with five points, while Enyimba are at the bottom of the table with four points from four games.

  Forensic Report on Lobi Stars targeted at tarnishing my image  - Dominic Iorfa Immediate past Vice Chairman and CEO of Lobi Stars FC, Mr Dominic Iorfa has reacted to a report from an extract of the forensic report on the club which recommended that he refund over N1.5 billion naira to the government.  The ex-international, who was visibly angry while speaking with journalists in Abuja, described the report as aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned image of many years and that of his family's reputation.  Iorfa said though he had not been officially served with the report but the Social Media have been awashed with the news which according to him was very embarrassing and unfair to his personality.  The Former Green Eagles of Nigeria speed star said he regretted coming back to Lobi stars by helping the team escape relegation and placing it amongst the top best 5 - teams in Nigeria.  He added that he invested all his resources and lost many of his properties...

  Germany’s former finance minister slapped with ‘soap’ cake on campaign trail Germany's former finance minister Christian Lindner was slapped with a cake that he said was made out of soap during a campaign trail speech in Greifswald on Thursday, 9 January. The Free Democratic Party leader was speaking at a campaign event for his party when a woman appeared on stage and threw a plate of soap foam in his face. As he wiped soap the foam off and threw some on the woman's hair, Mr Lindner said: "Unfortunately, it wasn’t cream, it was just soap... you could have done that better, then I would have got something out of it." Watch video below. 

 Trump Sentenced in Hush Money Case in New York Trump sentenced:  President-elect Donald Trumphas been sentenced to unconditional discharge forhis conviction last year on 34 charges of business fraud related to hush money payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. • What the sentence means:  Unconditional discharge means Trump will not be imprisoned, fined or face probation, but his conviction still stands, and he will enter office as a convicted felon. Prosecutors had recommended the sentence, saying in court Friday, “we must be respectful of the office of the presidency” and Trump’s pending inauguration. President-elect Donald Trump responded to his hush money sentencing in a post on Truth Social,railing against Democrats and promising to appeal. “The Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt,” he said in the post. Trump argued “there was never a case.” “The real Jury, the American People, have spoken, by Re-Electing me wi...

 TikTok could shut down unless Supreme Court blocks or delays U.S. ban In one of the most important cases of the social media age, free speech and national security collide at the Supreme Court on Friday in arguments over the fate of TikTok, a wildly popular digital platform that roughly half the people in the United States use for entertainment and information. TikTok could shut down the social media site in the U.S. by Jan. 19 unless the Supreme Court strikes down or otherwise delays the effective date of a law aimed at forcing TikTok's sale by its Chinese parent company. "Absent such relief, the Act will take effect on January 19, 2025," TikTok said in a Dec. 9 legal filing. "That would shut down TikTok—one of the Nation's most popular speech platforms — for its more than 170 million domestic monthly users on the eve of a presidential inauguration." Working on a tight deadline, the justices also have before them a plea from President-elect Donald Trump, w...

 Young Louisiana Mayor, Elected When He Was 23 Years Old, Arrested Amid Drug Trafficking Allegations Tyrin Truong, who made history as the youngest mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana at the age of 23, has reportedly been arrested as part of a drug-trafficking investigation.  He faces charges for illegal drug transactions and soliciting sex work.Truong, who is now 25 years old, is accused of using social media to distribute illegal drugs and manage payments.  Investigators also say profits from these sales were used to buy firearms, some of which were linked to violent crimes in the area. Along with Truong, six others, including MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu and De-Saleem Wali Pittman, are facing similar charges related to drug profits. The investigation involved drugs such as opioids, MDMA, marijuana, and THC products. Truong is also accused of using public funds to rent a home, where he allegedly “organized entertainment with” a sex worker during a mayor’s conference in Atlanta. Truon...

 SANWO-OLU SWEARS IN LASIEC CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS, URGES THEM TO UPHOLD INTEGRITY, CREDIBILITY OF ELECTORAL PROCESS •Governor charges new Permanent Secretaries on highest standards of professionalism, effective implementation of policies   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, swore in the Chairman and members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), charging them to use their professional knowledge, expertise and wealth of experience to uphold the integrity and credibility of the electoral process in the State. Governor Sanwo-Olu, while reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to democracy, accountability, and the rule of law, said, "Credible elections are the bedrock of sustainable development, and we will continue to support LASIEC in fulfilling its mandate." The members of LASIEC, who are expected to coordinate the proposed local government elections in Lagos State, are led by Justice Bola Okikiolu Ighile. The members are ...

 BENUE VARSITY HOSPITAL DELIVERS FIRST IVF BABIES AS PENSIONERS GET FREE MEDICAL SERVICES 10th January, 2025       Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Makurdi has delivered its First Three In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) babies. This is even as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) BSUTH Dr. Stephen Hwande announced that apart from drugs and laboratory tests, certified pensioners coming to access healthcare services in this facility would be given cards free of charge alongside consultation and bed fees if admitted. Dr. Hwande who disclosed this during a press conference in Makurdi also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for allocating over N82 billion of the 2025 budget to the health sector, explaining that the Muhammadu Buhari Hospital is Annex of BSUTH. According to him, “BSUTH is the First public hospital in the whole 19 States of the  North to commence assisted reproductive services at a subsidized rate so as to c...

  GOVERNOR UZODIMMA PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE EDUCATIONIST SIR CHRISTOPHER NWAPA  Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has honored the late Sir Christopher Ijoma Nwapa, describing him as a "source of pride and inspiration" during his funeral at the Cathedral Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Oguta. The Governor praised Sir Nwapa's impactful life, urging Christian faithful to emulate his legacy of education, entrepreneurship, and humility. He emphasized the inevitability of death, encouraging all to lead lives worth remembering. “C-Fine was one of the brightest minds this region produced, excelling in education, agriculture, and service to humanity,” Uzodimma stated, calling him "an example of what life should be." The Bishop of Anglican Diocese on the Lake, Rt. Rev. Chijioke Otti, highlighted five principles for impactful living, noting Sir Nwapa embodied them all. Dignitaries present included Governors Alex Otti and Peter Obi, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, bank CE...

 PRESS RELEASE  POLICE ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY 1ST 2025 FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY INSURANCE FOR VEHICLE OWNERS, AS IGP PLAYS HOST TO COMMISSIONER FOR INSURANCE CHARGES NIGERIANS TO RESPECT LAW, POLICY. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM, received today January 10, 2025 the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin and team. Mr. Olusegun was accompanied by Dr. Usman Jankara, Deputy Commissioner (Technical); Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Administration); Dr. Talmiz Usman, Director (Legal, Enforcement, and Market Development); Mr. Ajibola Bankole, Director (Inspectorate); Mr. Taiwo Babatola Adeoye, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Insurance; and other members of NAICOM. The Commissioner congratulated the IGP on his significant achievements, particularly the establishment of the Police Insurance Company Limited. He emphasized the need for the police's ass...

 POLICE ARRESTS INDIVIDUAL FOR SPREADING DISINFORMATION: REAFFIRMS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FAKE NEWS Restates Commitment to National Peace and Security The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive action to curb the spread of fake news, disinformation, and incitement capable of widening the trust gap between the Police and members of the public who are critical stakeholders in national peace and security. On December 8, 2024, operatives of the Force apprehended one Destiny Ekhorutomuen, a 38-year-old suspect, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State. The suspect allegedly created and operated multiple social media accounts to disseminate false and inciting content aimed at provoking the public against the Nigeria Police. The Nigeria Police reiterates its zero tolerance for acts aimed at threatening the nation’s stability or tarnishing the reputation of the police and other government institutions. This deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines societal cohes...

 Abiodun Approves Conduct of 2023/2024 Promotion Exercise for Workers Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the conduct of the 2023 and 2024 promotion exercises for eligible civil/public servants in the state. A total of 26,764 civil/public servants spanning junior, senior, and management cadres across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the state government are expected to benefit from the exercises, which will involve only oral interviews as the assessment method. A statement issued by the State’s Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the approved promotion exercises, including upgrading and transfers, cover eligible civil/public servants within the core civil service, teaching and non-teaching staff of government secondary schools, primary school teachers, and personnel of state-owned boards, corporations, and agencies, including the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH). According to Onasanya, the Governor has also approved the...