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 Multiple Levies : Drivers' President Warns Illegal Revenue Collectors After Appointment As PNAI Co-ordinator  By Juliana Nwachukwu The National President, Heavy Duty Truck Drivers' Association, comrade Uche Rogers Nebuwa, has warned that the association will not tolerate imposition of multiple levies by illegal revenue collectors on the highways nationwide this year. Sounding the note of warning shortly after his appointment as Mobile Volunteered Membership Emblems co-ordinator and taskforce member of Policing Nigeria Awareness Initiative, (PNAI), he reiterated the resolve of the drivers and PNAI to work in partnership to sack all illegal revenue collectors on the highways. Commending PNAI Executive Chairman, Chief Egbe Akparakwu,  who doubles as the President, Governing Council, for finding him worthy to be so honoured, Nebuwa attributed it to his relentless efforts in sanitizing the highways nationwide, saying that the honour will spur him to do more. "This effort now ...

 ANAMBRA POLICE RESCUES A PREGNANT WOMAN ALLEGEDLY DETAINED IN A SECURITY OFFICE AT OKIJA _As CP Itam frowns at the act of detaining and inhuman treatment of suspects by some AVG members in the State_ The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a pregnant woman allegedly detained over a case of stealing by her husband in a Security Office at Okija. The report of the incident was intercepted in a trending video by the State Commissioner of Police *CP Nnaghe Obono Itam* as he ordered rescue operations and an investigation into the report. Meanwhile, the *CP* frowns at such acts of indiscriminate detention and inhuman treatment of suspects by some members of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG). He assured that the root cause of the incidents would be addressed to avert future occurrence. He also initiated necessary moves with relevant authorities to checkmate the excesses of the few unprofessional AVG members in the State.  *SP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer, Ana...

 Nnewi Market Fire Disaster: LG Mayor Visits Scene, Assures Support for Victims By Chidubem Okoye/Enoch Uzuegbunam/Anthony Okpanku/Theresa Muonwe The Chairman, Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo has led a delegation of government officials to the scene of the fire that ravaged parts of the popular Afia Abani market in Nkwo Nnewi. The fire, which broke out at about 2 a.m Tuesday, prompted an immediate response from the Anambra State Fire Service which quickly mobilized to contain the inferno. Upon arrival at the scene, entourage toured the affected areas to assess the extent of the destruction. The Mayor expressed heartfelt condolences to the shop affected owners and assured them that the government would take all necessary steps to support them. He emphasized that efforts were underway to provide swift relief to the traders to ensure business is restored to normalcy as soon as possible. The Chairman added that measures would be implemented to prevent future oc...

 EFCC Has No Business with Edo Election Witness that has no Corruption Issue   The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a trending video insinuating  that Mr. Jonathan Okunbor,  a suspect being investigated for an alleged N6billion fraud, was an election witness.   The Commission wishes to state without any equivocation that Okunbor is not a witness of the Peoples  Democratic Party, PDP, in the election tribunal as claimed by Mr. Asue Ighodalo.  Rather,  he is a prime suspect connected to a case of misappropriation of funds involving all the 18 local government areas of Edo State.  Ongoing investigations showed that about N6billion was diverted to Kezmith Global Ventures owned by Ogunbor. The suspect was running the ventures using the name and identity of Mr. Godfrey Emode.  The Commission’s investigators,  in their quest to unearth the shadiness of Ogunbor, arrested Emode who led t...

 Marburg virus: Suspected outbreak kills eight in Tanzania A suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in northwest Tanzania has infected nine people, killing eight of them, the World Health Organization has said, weeks after an outbreak of the disease was declared over in neighbouring Rwanda, Reuters reported. The viral hemorrhagic fever has a fatality rate as high as 88%, and is from the same virus family as the one responsible for Ebola, which is transmitted to people from fruit bats which are endemic to that part of East Africa. The WHO said it received reliable reports of suspected cases in the Kagera region of Tanzania on January 10, with symptoms of headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, vomiting blood, muscle weakness and finally external bleeding. Samples from two patients were awaiting testing at Tanzania's national laboratory for confirmation of the outbreak, WHO said in a statement on Tuesday. The patients' contacts, including healthcare workers, have been identi...

 Sokoto Ex-Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, Resigns from PDP Former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bafarawa, who served as Sokoto’s governor from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007, announced his decision in a letter addressed to the PDP National Chairman. In the letter, Bafarawa stated that he has chosen to dedicate himself to a new youth movement aimed at driving transformative change. He emphasized his commitment to youth empowerment and expressed his desire to avoid any conflicts of interest moving forward. As the political landscape begins to shift ahead of the 2027 elections, Coretvnews recently reported a similar political move involving Abbas Sani Abbas, a former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State. Abbas, previously a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his dismissal by Governor Abba Yusuf. Abbas was sacked ...

 60 Dead in South African Illegal Mining Tragedy Authorities have confirmed the recovery of 60 bodies from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, following months of efforts to clear out illegal miners. The operation, which began on Monday, was prompted by community concerns that over 100 individuals may have perished in the mine located approximately 140 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Johannesburg. By Tuesday, a total of 106 illegal miners, commonly referred to as zama zamas—a Zulu term meaning “those who try”—were rescued alive and subsequently arrested for illegal mining. Police reported that 51 additional bodies were retrieved, adding to the nine removed on the first day of operations. The abandoned mine, which extends 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) underground, required the use of specialized equipment to extract both survivors and deceased individuals in small groups. The zama zamas, often migrants from neighboring countries, face accusations of criminal activit...

 Delta Governor Pledges to Blacklist Non-Compliant Contractors Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has vowed to sanction and blacklist contractors who deliver substandard projects under his administration. Speaking on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing projects in the state capital, Oborevwori also warned that site engineers who approve shoddy work for payment would face strict penalties. The governor expressed disappointment over the subpar quality of drainage work on the 6.5-kilometer Achalla-Ibusa Road project, emphasizing his administration's zero tolerance for poor-quality projects. “I decided to inspect this project following unsatisfactory feedback from previous evaluators. The drainage work here is unacceptable. While it won’t affect the stone basing and asphalting of the road, we cannot accept such substandard work,” he said. Oborevwori further outlined his administration's commitment to prioritizing quality road inspections in 2025, ensuring that only top-...

 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Shettima, Akpabio Lead Tributes to Fallen Heroes Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other dignitaries, paid homage to Nigeria’s fallen and living heroes during the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) in Abuja. The ceremony, held at the National Arcade, featured a wreath-laying session led by the Vice President. Other participants included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas (represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu), Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kerere-Ekun, Minister of Defence Muhammed Badaru, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and top military chiefs. Members of the diplomatic corps, Nigerian Legion, and widows of fallen soldiers, represented by Veronica Aluko of the Military Widows Association (MIWA), also participated. The event concluded with the firing of three volleys to honor the dead, signing of the anniversary register, and the release of ceremonial pige...

   South Korean President Arrested Over Martial Law Attempt  Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested on charges of insurrection following his controversial attempt to impose martial law.   Authorities detained Yoon after a weeks-long standoff at his residence, marking the first time a sitting president has been arrested in the nation’s history. Yoon faces potential life imprisonment or the death penalty if found guilty.   The arrest comes amid political turmoil, with the Constitutional Court set to rule on his impeachment. More photos below. 

 Katsina State Installs CCTV Cameras in Schools to Boost Security Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has announced the installation of CCTV cameras in schools as part of efforts to enhance security and safeguard students and teachers from potential threats. Speaking on Tuesday at the distribution of educational materials at the Government House in Katsina, Radda highlighted the initiative's role in deterring criminal activities and enabling real-time monitoring to ensure school safety. “This measure is crucial for the safety of our students and teachers. It will serve as both a deterrent to criminal activities and a tool for effective safety management,” the governor stated. The initiative complements other educational advancements in the state, including the distribution of 25,000 textbooks each for Mathematics, Computer Science, and English Language to Basic 4-6 pupils. Additionally, 18 buses were distributed to facilitate project coordination, alongside the provision of speci...

 James makes timely Chelsea return after 'lonely' lay-off "I haven't had that feeling for quite a long time." Chelsea captain Reece James marked his latest Premier League injury return by scoring a 95th-minute equaliser against Bournemouth with a pinpoint free-kick. The full-back has missed 21 games with hamstring injuries this season, managing just five Premier League outings. He looked elated after his brilliant free-kick hit the net, punching the air and roaring with delight while England manager Thomas Tuchel watched on from the stands. "It was lonely and frustrating," James told BBC Radio 5 Live about his time away. "I am really happy to be back helping the team."

 FERMA’s Funding Shortfall Hinders Road Maintenance, Minister Appeals for Budget Boost The Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, has called for improved funding for the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to address Nigeria’s deteriorating road infrastructure. Despite being allocated ₦103.3 billion in 2024, only ₦41.282 billion was released, leaving many roads in a deplorable state.  FERMA's proposed ₦64.88 billion budget for 2025 aims to prioritize trunk roads and align with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. Senate Committee Chairman Babangida Hussaini and FERMA’s Managing Director, Engr. Agbasi Chukwuemeka, highlighted chronic underfunding as a major obstacle to road maintenance and called for collaborative solutions.

 WAPA HOLDS FIRST PRAYER SESSION FOR  2025 The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada has expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace and guidance during the Ministry's first prayer session for the year, which was held on Monday. Addressing the team, Hon. Dada reflected on the Ministry's accomplishments in the past year, attributing them to divine intervention, unity, and staff dedication. “Every achievement we have made in this Ministry is not by human power but by the grace of God. As we begin this New Year, we have every reason to thank God for keeping us in good health, for a peaceful work environment, and for the victories we continue to experience. Let us continue to trust in Him as we strive for more success in 2025," she said. The Honourable Commissioner commended the staff for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout 2024, emphasising the importance of team building, unity, and collaboration.  ...

 Mozambique Swears in President Amid Post-Election Unrest Mozambique inaugurated its new president, Daniel Chapo, on Wednesday in a heavily secured ceremony in Maputo, following weeks of violent protests over disputed election results. Chapo, 48, extended his Frelimo party's five-decade rule despite opposition claims of electoral fraud by Venancio Mondlane, which led to unrest reportedly claiming over 300 lives. While taking the oath of office, Chapo pledged to uphold national unity, human rights, democracy, and the welfare of Mozambicans. The inauguration came over three months after the contested October 9 election, which international observers criticized for irregularities. On the eve of the ceremony, opposition leader Mondlane vowed to paralyze the government with daily protests, alleging the elections were rigged to favor Frelimo. “If it means paralyzing the country for the entire term, we will,” Mondlane stated on social media. International reactions included condemnation o...

 PLANNING PERMIT: LASG DEMANDS MANDATORY CCTV CAMERA IN BUILDINGS OF SIX-FLOOR UPWARDS The Lagos State Government has said that it would henceforth demand the mandatory provision of CCTV cameras in buildings of six floors and above as a prerequisite for the issuance of Planning Permits. This was made known in Alausa on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide. According to the Commissioner, "Property owners will, as a requirement for Planning Permit, now be mandated to install CCTV cameras in all existing buildings of six floors and above along major roads in the state as well as in all proposed or under construction buildings of six floors and above anywhere in the state". He stated further that the initiative would also cover all commercial buildings in Lagos State, which would equally be mandated to provide CCTV cameras as a requirement for their approvals. Olumide said that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olus...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS GLOBAL COLLABORATION IS KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured a global audience Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates that Nigeria is ready to work with other nations to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for all.   President Tinubu spoke on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on "From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future. "   The president declared that no single nation can walk the road to sustainability alone, stressing that global interconnectedness demands collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.   "The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.   "As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture...

 JOINT SECURITY FORCE ON OFFENSIVE OPERATION AGAINST ARMED SECESSIONIST GANG, NEUTRALIZE FIVE ARMED GROUP MEMBERS, RECOVER UNDETONATED IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES, ARMS AND RAZED DOWN THE CRIMINAL CAMP IN UFUMA A Joint Security Team comprising the Police, Military and other Security Agencies on 14th January 2025 by 12.30 pm successfully carried out an offensive operation against a suspected armed secessionist gang in Umugem road, Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area. The team neutralized five members of the armed group, while some others escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.  During the operation, the security team razed down the criminal camp and recovered four undetonated improvised explosive devices (IED), two AK47 assault rifles, one pump action gun, and one 75-volt battery with other incriminating items.  The success of the operations is attributed to the collaboration and coordination among the various security agencies. Meanwhile, operations is still...

 Enugu State receives official hosting rights for 2026 National Sports Festival The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially awarded hosting rights for the 2026 National Sports Festival to Enugu State, marking a major milestone in preparations for the highly anticipated event. The announcement was made during a presentation ceremony at the Enugu State Government House on Tuesday. NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, led the delegation and commended the administration of Governor Peter Mbah for its unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class festival. In a statement signed by the special adviser to the Director general NSC, Kola Daniel, The event included in-depth discussions on infrastructure upgrades, logistical arrangements, and the economic and social opportunities the festival presents for Enugu State. Hon. Olopade emphasized the importance of the festival as a unifying platform and a driver of development, stating: "The National Sports Festival is more than...

 Fire Breaks Out at Focus Holiday Inn in Abuja A fire broke out early this morning at Focus Holiday Inn, a well-known hotel in Abuja. The incident reportedly started around 3 a.m., with a guest alerting the reception about the blaze. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Focus Holiday Inn, a well-known hotel in Abuja’s Garki area, has been engulfed by fire. A hotel employee confirmed that the fire was first detected when a guest rushed to the reception to alert staff members. The blaze, which started in one section of the three-story building, quickly spread, causing panic among both guests and employees. Despite several distress calls, fire service responders reportedly arrived later than expected…. Read More

 Turkish Airlines resumes flights from Istanbul to Benghazi after 10 years Flights from Istanbul to Libya’s northeastern city of Benghazi resumed on Tuesday after 10 years, according to the Turkish transport and infrastructure minister, Anadolu Agency reported. Abdulkadir Uraloglu told Anadolu that Türkiye’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines will be flying three times a week to Benghazi. Uraloglu said Turkish Airlines started flights to Benghazi in May 2009 and operated regularly until suspension in January 2015. He said the ministry is utilizing Türkiye’s advantageous geographical location with investments in the country’s aviation field. “We transformed Türkiye into one of the world’s largest flight networks, as its location allows access to 67 countries with a combined gross domestic product of $51.2 trillion within a four-hour-flight radius,” he said. The minister said 32 new airports were built in Türkiye in the last 22 years, enabling 58 domestic and 349 international destination...