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 PRESS RELEASE SERVICE DELIVERY: PRESIDENCY HONOURS NPF AS MOST IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY PARASTATAL OF YEAR 2024 AS IGP REITERATES COMMITMENT TO BETTER SERVICE The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, today, 14th January 2025 received the award and commendation for the Nigeria Police Force as the Most Improved Service Delivery Parastatal (SERVICOM Unit) in Nigeria for the year 2024. The award was presented to the IGP by the National Coordinator/CEO SERVICOM Presidency, assisted by other SERVICOM staff from the presidency. Mrs. Nnena Akajemeli in her address made it known that the strides the NPF has taken in recent times to ensure proper service delivery are nothing short of remarkable as regards the service charter and workplan on customer service in the year 2024. She buttressed that the award is given on merit, reaffirming that the Force has improved in service delivery, in many areas such as creation of a customer service workplan to touch lives...

 Marwa seeks more NASS support, defends N67.5B 2025 NDLEA budget . Senate, House committees commend Agency’s performance, assure of adequate support Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has expressed appreciation to the National Assembly especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking while he appealed for their continued support to enhance the capacity and capability of the Agency to deliver on its mandate. Marwa made the appeal on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th January when he led his management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the Agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively. He equally thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA. “I wish to first appreciate the honorable chairman, ...

 Influencer Who Spent $17,000  to Remove 6 Ribs Plans to Turn Bones Into Crown One beauty fanatic has gone to extremes in a bid to obtain a tiny waist by having six of her ribs removed. Emily James decided that her waist wasn't as small as she would like, so decided to undergo the invasive cosmetic procedure to remove part of her skeleton.  The 27-year-old forked out a staggering $17,000 (£13,568) for the treatment, and wildly claimed it's no different to getting a BBL.  The warped operation aims to create a slimmer figure with a more defined waist, but surgeons are extremely reluctant to perform these proceduresdue to the risks and complications. Emily, from Kansas City, Missouri also underwent a breast augmentation at the same time as the rib removal and has been sharing her wild cosmetic surgery journey online - to mixed reviews. She gruesomely explained how after her procedure, she was allowed to keep her rib bones and now plans to make them into a crown. "I plan...

  Over 100 Athletes Return Damaged Medals From Paris 2024 Olympics The Paris 2024 Olympic Games were meant to be a celebration of athletic excellence, unity, and global pride. But just five months after the closing ceremonies, the event has been marred by an unexpected controversy: more than 100 disgruntled athletes have returned their medals, citing damage and rust.  The medals, produced by the prestigious Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris), were supposed to be timeless symbols of achievement. Instead, they’ve become a source of frustration for athletes who worked tirelessly to earn them. According to reports from *La Lettre*, the issue stems from the use of substandard varnish, which has caused the medals to deteriorate rapidly.  A Glittering Prize Gone Wrong  The problem first came to light when American skateboarder Nyjah Houston and French swimmer Maxime Grusset, both bronze medalists at the Games, shared images of their damaged medals on social media. Houston, who w...

 Donald Trump refuses to invite Keir Starmer to inauguration in major snub Donald Trump has snubbed Keir Starmer by not inviting him to his inauguration because he "undermined" the US election, Elon Musk suggested. The President-elect broke centuries of precedent when he invited world leaders to attend next week's historic swearing-in ceremony. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, Argentinian President Javier Milei, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and Hungarian President Viktor Orban have all been invited to the showpiece event on January 20. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a friend of Trump, is among a number of high profile rightwing politicians to have received an invitation, including Jair Bolsonaro, the former President of Brazil. But Sir Keir won't be attending next Monday with a visit to the White House more likely in the coming weeks. The PM joins Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and EU President Ursula von der Leyen on the list of leaders not to have been give...

 Cross River Assembly Cautions Private School Proprietors Over Ongoing Crisis The Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Education has warned private school proprietors in the state to resolve their differences or risk having all teachers, proprietors, and principals’ associations merged. Chairman of the committee, Martins Achadu, issued the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) on Tuesday. The committee expressed concerns over the factional crisis within NAPPS, which has disrupted the association and affected educational interests in the state. Achadu emphasized that the committee’s priority is to ensure no child due for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination is deprived of the opportunity because of the association’s internal disputes. To address the issue, the committee advised the Ministry of Education to bypass the association and directly register students for WAEC, eliminating...

 A Hilux van carrying two company workers, including an expatriate, plunged into the Okulu River in Rivers State.   The incident occurred as the driver reportedly attempted to evade kidnappers targeting the vehicle along the Eleme section of the East-West Road.

 CAF Postpones CHAN 2024; Draw Scheduled for Wednesday The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday that the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been postponed. Initially set to take place from February 1 to February 28, 2025, the tournament will now be held in August, with the exact dates to be confirmed later.  The decision was made to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities meet the necessary standards for a successful event. The draw for CHAN 2024 will take place at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with Senegal as the defending champions.

 Nigerian Government Confirms Bird Flu Outbreak in Kano The Federal Government has confirmed a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) outbreak in Kano State. The disease, which affects various bird species including layers, ducks, guinea fowls, and turkeys, has raised concerns about its potential spread in the region. In a circular, Dr. Columba Teru Vakuru, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, urged state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate surveillance systems immediately. He stressed the importance of strict biosecurity measures and increased public awareness to curb the virus's spread. Dr. Usman Gwarzo, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria in Kano, explained that the outbreak was first suspected in December 2024, when a man from Gwale Local Government Area introduced a duck from Janguza market to his flock, which subsequently died along with the chickens. Samples from the deceased birds were tested and confirmed the presence of the virus by early...

 EFCC Arrests Seven Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, January 14,  2025 arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City, Edo State. The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet- related fraud. Items recovered from them include one Lexus car, laptops and phones. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.  

 Tension lingers as Mozambique awaits to swear in new president Mozambican opposition leader Venancio Mondlane said on Tuesday that his supporters would "paralyse" the country over the election that he says was stolen, on the eve of his rival's swearing in, AFP reported. Daniel Chapo, whose FRELIMO party has ruled uninterrupted since 1975, is set to take office on Wednesday after being declared the winner of the October election. "If it means paralysing the country for the entire term, we will paralyse it for the entire term. Let's see how they plan to govern this. Which people do they think they're governing if they're killing the very same people?" Mondlane said in a Facebook Live video. Mondlane had fled the country after a top aide was shot dead, one of around 300 people killed in unrest since the vote. New protests He returned last week, calling for three days of new protests from Monday. The 50-year-old has tapped into a deep discontent among t...

   Fuji Legend Wasiu Ayinde Loses Ex-Wife   King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1 or K1 De Ultimate, has lost one of his ex-wives, Alhaja Hafsat Ajoke Anifowoshe.   The deceased was the mother of Honourable Idayat Anifowoshe, a Special Assistant on Special Duties to Dr. Mayor Muibi Alade Folawiyo, Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Authority (LIELCDA).   Alhaja Anifowoshe passed away earlier today at the age of 65 following an undisclosed ailment. Her burial took place at Abari Cemetery in Lagos in accordance with Islamic rites.   In a condolence message, Olushoga Olushola, Chief Press Secretary to the LIELCDA Chairman, expressed sympathy to Honourable Idayat, stating:   *”Losing a loving mother is deeply painful. We hope you find comfort in her remarkable life and the legacy of service she left behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”*   May her soul rest in p...

 RIP legend. The legendary OSIBISA group lead, Teddy Osei has passed on.  Teddy Osei was a musician and saxophone player from Ghana. He was best known as the leader of the Afro-pop band Osibisa, founded in 1969. In 1969, Osei, Amarfio, and Mac Tontoh came together with other musicians that they had been previously acquainted with to form Osibisa. The band derived its name from osibisaaba, the name given to the style of music that was a fusion of "palm-wine" music and traditional Fante fisherman's traditional music. #RIPTeddyOsei

 Faithia Williams celebrates son's First-Class graduation from UNILAG Nollywood actress Faithia Williams is filled with pride as her son, Khalid Balogun, graduates with a first-class degree from the University of Lagos.  The proud mom shared the exciting news on Instagram, posting a photo of Khalid and praising his hard work and success in school. In her post, Faithia conveyed her deep pride and gratitude, praising Khalid for his dedication, hard work, and perseverance throughout his academic journey.  She also expressed hopes for his continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in the future, praying that he is guided by faith, courage, and determination as he begins the next chapter of his life. She wrote: “Hmm, I’m short of words… Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! My darling son, #khalidgram__ I’m overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as I celebrate your incredible achievement! You’ve worked tirelessly and persevered through the challenges, and today, you’ve e...

 SHUT DOWN OF LAGOS STATE BROADCASTING SERVICES BY LABOUR UNIONS Labour unions – NLC, RATTAWU, and NUJ – earlier today forcefully shut down Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio. They tore down doors and switched off transmitters in a disturbing show of violence- all in the name of a strike.  The action was taken by the unionists, who are pushing that about 245 workers should be put on the government’s payroll, despite ongoing talks to resolve the matter. A meeting between representatives of the government, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, and the leadership of the Unions was initiated on January 8, 2025, after submissions were made by the management of the broadcast organisations to the Ministry of Establishments and Training. However, the Labour Unions disrupted the transmission of the broadcast stations by shutting down their transmitters and chasing out staff who were on essential duty from th...

 FG Increases Inmate Feeding Allowance to N1,125 Per Day, Plans to Expedite Trials for 48,932 Awaiting Conviction The Federal Government has raised the daily feeding allowance for inmates in Nigerian prisons from N750 to N1,125, amid rising inflation and increased costs of living. The Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, made this announcement during his first meeting with senior prison officers, emphasizing the need to continue pushing for further increases in the allowance to meet current needs. Nwakuche acknowledged that rising costs, such as gas and taxes, had previously reduced the amount available for inmate meals, leaving less than N500 per day for three meals after deductions. Monitoring teams have been dispatched to ensure the improved feeding scheme is properly implemented, and Nwakuche stressed that inmate welfare would remain a top priority, alongside efforts to reform and rehabilitate prisoners. These efforts will in...

 4 Missing Akwa Ibom Firefighting Trucks Found Leased to Rivers Firms Four suspects have been arrested after Akwa Ibom State’s missing firefighting trucks were discovered leased to multinational firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.  The trucks, which had been missing since 2021, were leased for N140,000 per day each. Investigations revealed that the deal, which was set to last three years, had the multinational firms receiving N80,000 per truck per day, while fire service officials pocketed N60,000. The trucks were recovered two months before the deal's expiration. The suspects will face court charges, and the trucks will be returned to the state for public use.

 Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Become the Highest-Paid Player in History with New Al Nassr Deal Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly agreed to extend his contract with Al Nassr, a deal that will make him the highest-paid player in football history. The new contract is expected to be worth £173 million per season, solidifying the 39-year-old striker’s position as one of the sport's most lucrative talents. Ronaldo's current contract is due to expire in the summer, but he seems keen to continue his career with Al Nassr, despite being linked with other clubs, including Al-Hilal, where Neymar Jr. plays. Sources indicate that Ronaldo is not looking to join Al-Hilal, but rather to compete against them. Additionally, Ronaldo is seeking assurances from Al Nassr regarding significant spending in the upcoming summer transfer window. Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 81 goals in 90 appearances, adding to his goal-scoring legacy after becoming a centurion at previous clubs Manchester United...

 NWFL: Subomi Ogundele Signs for Remo Stars Ladies Remo Stars Ladies have announced the signing of Subomi Ogundele ahead of the 2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season. Ogundele joins the Ikenne-based team from a non-league club in Lagos. The talented player was named Most Valuable Player at the Nigeria University Games last year, where she played a pivotal role in helping the University of Lagos secure third place in the competition. Ogundele is anticipated to be a crucial asset to Remo Stars Ladies in their quest for success this season. The club is set to compete in Group A, alongside Heartland Queens, Abia Angels, Dannaz Ladies, Nasarawa Amazons, Ekiti Queens, Confluence Queens, and defending champions Edo Queens.

 RADIO BENUE STAFF DIVIDED OVER PALLIATIVE RICE DISTRIBUTION, OTHER ISSUES  14th January, 2025     The internal workings of Radio Benue have been marred by disagreements among staff members over the distribution of rice allocated by governor Hyacinth Alia and disputes surrounding promotions. The tension escalated on Monday during a press conference held at Radio Benue addressed by Comrade Paul Mandeun who is the chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Radio Benue chapel, when accusations of mismanagement and favoritism were directed at the station's leadership, including Director General Mr. Terseer Mdzuulga. The conflict began when the governor allocated 50 bags of rice to Radio Benue staff as part of a holiday gesture. Mandeun alleged that the rice was not distributed equitably, prompting him to confront the Director of Administration.  "I want to let you people know that the governor gave us palliatives to celebrate Christmas, 50 bags of rice. Mana...

 Niger NUT Appoints Jaafar Ahmed as Chairman of BOT for Teachers’ Security Scheme The Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has confirmed the appointment of Mallam Jaafar Ahmed as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) for the Teachers’ Social Security Scheme, known as End-Well. According to a statement by the Union’s Senior Assistant Secretary General, Comrade Musa Kuta Umaru, the appointment is for an initial term of three years, effective from January this year. While congratulating Ahmed on his new role, Umaru urged him to leverage his extensive experience to propel the Teachers’ End-Well Scheme to new heights. “We encourage the appointee to view this role as a testament to his capacity and competence to build on the scheme's achievements and strengthen the bond of trust between the Union and its members,” Umaru said. The Union further assured Ahmed of the full support of the state wing Executive in carrying out his duties. In his response, Ahmed e...

 NIS Rescues 10 Human Trafficking Victims in Jigawa The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Jigawa State Command, has rescued 10 victims of suspected human trafficking during a midnight operation in Babura Local Government Area. State Comptroller CIS Musa, briefing journalists in Dutse, stated that the operation, codenamed “Operation Salama,” was conducted on January 12, 2025, at Naira Tsamiyar Kwance in Babura. The victims, aged between 21 and 30, included eight females and two males from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Imo States. They were identified as: Alatise Damilola, 29, Oyo State Ayomide Adeyemi, 24, Ondo State Wisdom Chikwuemeka, 29, Imo State Lateef Jumoke, 30, Ondo State Emyola Adeoye, 24, Ogun State Soneye Abigeal, 22, Ogun State Ogunleye Temitope, 29, Ogun State Osirowo Rebecca, 21, Ogun State Oniyide Kabirat, 27, Ogun State Azizat Adaranijo, 26, Ogun State The victims were reportedly being trafficked through illegal migration routes, intending to travel from Kano to Babura, cros...

 390 Stranded Nigerians Repatriated from Niger Republic A new group of 390 stranded Nigerian migrants has been repatriated from Niamey, Niger Republic, to Nigeria. The returnees, consisting of 387 adult males, two adult females, and one infant boy, arrived at the Nigeria Immigration Training School in Kano at approximately 1:05 a.m. on Tuesday. This comes after 702 stranded Nigerians were similarly repatriated from Niger Republic in December 2024. Speaking during a reception held in Kano, Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Ahmed, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to reintegrating the returnees through empowerment initiatives under President Bola Tinubu's renewed hope agenda. The repatriation was facilitated by a collaborative operation between the Nigerian Mission in Niamey and the International Organisation for Migration. Represented by Kano State Field Coordinator Hajiya Liman, Ahmed ...

  Fouad Oki narrates how Impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa delayed Gov Sanwo-Olu for five hours, and refused to apologize A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Fouad Oki, during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, has shed more light on the impeachment of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. When he was talking during the interview, he said that there was a particular time that the state governor wanted to present the 2025 appropriation bill to the House, he (Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu) was kept waiting for five hours inside the chamber and when the impeached Speaker came, he didn't apologize to anyone. He said, "Recall of the day when the governor presented the 2025 appropriation bill. Not only was the governor was kept waiting for 5 hours, the leadership of the party, and other dignitaries that were invited to the event we also kept waiting for 5 hours, because they wanted to witness the epic ...

 Court nullifies "Wike-backed" PDP Ward, LG & State Congresses In Rivers The Rivers High Court has nullified the congresses conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in 2024. The court also restrained the state executive committee of the PDP from overseeing the affairs of the party and barred Aaron Chukwuemeka from parading himself as the chairman. Stephen Jumbo, the presiding judge, gave the order on Monday while ruling on an interlocutory injunction filed by Edwin Woko and Love Otuonye (both lawyers) and two other PDP members. The suit was instituted against Chukwuemeka and nine others. The petitioners asked the court to declare the local government and ward congresses of the party held in 2024 as null and void. The congresses, conducted in the 319 wards and 23 LGAs in August 2024, were backed by Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT). The applicants said the congresses were conducted in disregard of an order of the court issued ...

  Pep Guardiola & His Wife, Cristina Serra Separate After 30 Years together  Pep Guardiola has reportedly split from his wife after 30 years together. The Manchester City boss's attentions have been on turning around the form of the current champions of England, but it appears off the field he has gone his separate ways from long-term partner Cristina Serra. The Sunday Mirrorreported in 2019 that Serra had returned to Barcelona with one of their three children, and more than five years on the couple have now split, according to reports in Spain. Despite the split, Guardiola and Serra are said to be on good terms. They were seen together at Christmas going to the theatre with one of their daughters. The couple met in 1994 when Guardiola was a player for Barcelona, but did not marry until 2014 in an intimate ceremony. They have three children, daughters Maria and Valentina and son Marius. Here are some things not many might've known about Cristina. She runs a fashion busines...

 EFCC Arrests Five Katsina Internal Revenue Officials for Alleged  N1.3billion Fraud   Operatives of the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   have arrested five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over alleged diversion of N1,294,337,676.53 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety Four Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Six Naira, Fifty Three Kobo) belonging to the Katsina State Government.   The suspects are, Rabiu Abdullahi,  Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro,  Ibrahim Aliyu and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri. They were arrested following a petition from the Katsina state government alleging that the suspects colluded and diverted the sum  of N1,294,337,676.53) accruing to the state from the  World Health Organization, Medicins Sans Frontiers, Alliance for International Medical Action, ALIMA.   Preliminary investigation by the Commissi...

 Cuba joins South Africa’s genocide case against Israel Cuba has filed a declaration that it will join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, the court announced, AP reported. “Cuba, invoking Article 63 of the Statute of the Court, filed in the Registry of the Court a declaration of intervention in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip,” the court said in a statement. In December 2023, South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel, claiming violations of the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in Gaza. Several countries have since joined the case, including Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, Spain, and Türkiye. Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza since a Hamas attack in October 2023 despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. Nearly 46,600 people, most of them women and children,...

 World Bank funds 82 mln USD for Sudan health services The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said they had received 82 million U.S. dollars in funding from the World Bank to improve health services for more than 8 million people in Sudan. The funding will address urgent health needs and lay the groundwork for long-term improvements, the organizations said in a joint statement, Xinhua reported. It will be used to provide essential medicines, train health workers, deliver maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition services, treat severe malnutrition, and strengthen vaccination campaigns and outreach to vulnerable children and families in displaced and host communities. UNICEF has previously estimated that 3.4 million children under five in Sudan are at high risk of epidemic diseases. The UN says more than 25 million people -- over half of Sudan's population -- face acute food insecurity, including nearly 3.7 million children suffer...