PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 SECURITY SITUATION IN ANAMBRA: POLICE INTERCEPT THREE SUSPECTS AND RECOVER ONE STOLEN VEHICLE IN AWKA Operatives of the Special Anit Cultism Squad Enugwu Ukwu while on patrol in the morning of 15th January 2025 intercepted three Occupants of a black-coloured Lexus 330 SUV without a plate number at Kwata junction, Awka. During interrogation by the Operatives, the suspects *Ifesinachi Okonwko ‘M’ aged 22 years, Chisom Okafor ‘M’ aged 20 years and Oderah Ebenezer ‘M’ aged 20 years* respectively confessed to having stolen the car at Isuaniocha Village, Awka North and are members of the same criminal gang terrorizing innocent citizens in Awka.  Given the above, the Command invites anyone looking for the vehicle as highlighted above, especially residents of Isuaniocha to come to the office of the *Police Public Relations Officer Awka* with valid Proof/Evidence of Ownership for verification and possible collection. *SP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State ...

 Wizkid emerges as Africa’s highest-earning artiste on Spotify. Nigerian singer, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has been crowned Africa’s biggest earner on Spotify. Music statistics monitoring platform, Chart Masters recently revealed the world’s artists earnings monthly earnings on Spotify and Wizkid emerged as Africa’s biggest earner with $1 million. The list of Africa’s top ten earners is dominated by Nigerians, except for South Africa’s Tyla. Full list: 1. Wizkid – $1 million 2. Burna Boy – $782,148 3. Tems – $660,210 4. Tyla – $607,804 5. Davido – $458,615 6. Asake – $451,553 7. Omah Lay – $421,123 8. Ayra Starr – $400,972 9. Rema – $367,973 Canadian rapper Drake and American singer, Taylor Swift are the world’s biggest earners on Spotify with $7,717,904 and $7,713,106, respectively.

 EPL: Aiyegbeni urges Arsenal to sign new striker. Former Everton forward Yakubu Aiyegbeni believes Arsenal needs more firepower in attack to end their Premier League title drought. The Gunners last won the title 21 years ago. Mikel Arteta’s side moved within four points of leaders Liverpool following Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Aiyegbeni insisted that the Gunners can challenge for the title this season but claimed it is important they improve their attack. “We’ve seen in the past few seasons — last year, two years ago, and three years ago — Arsenal putting pressure on Manchester City. Right now, City aren’t in the best form; they’re struggling. “For Arsenal (to win the league), it’s just a matter of getting a striker. Once they do, I believe they can push Liverpool all the way to the end.”

 I was fed remnants of food eaten by kidnappers – Abducted Archbishop recounts ordeal Retired Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev Godwin Okpala, who just regained his freedom after he was kidnapped on December 6, 2024, has recounted his ordeal in the hands of his abductors. Okpala was abducted alongside his driver, but was only able to regain freedom on January 3rd, after spending 27 days in captivity. The clergyman spoke to journalists at his residence in Nnewi, during a visit by former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi. He said: “Those 27 days were hellish because the people were not behaving like human beings. They kicked us about like thrash. “They kept us in a very thick forest and none of them cared,” the Archbishop said. Reacting to questions on whether his abduction was as a result of mistaken identity, and whether he was in his priestly attire, the retired prelate said it didn’t matter to the kidn...

 Delta Police Parade Suspected Killers, Cultists, Robbers, and Others The Delta State Police Command has paraded 16 suspects involved in various crimes, including the murder of an Uber driver, Facebook fraud, armed robbery, and child trafficking. The suspects were presented at the Ekpan Police Station on Thursday by SP Bright Edafe, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda. SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court once completed. Key Cases Presented Uber Driver’s Murder On December 15, 2024, two suspects, Junior Emmanuel (33) and Julius Samuel (28), allegedly strangled an Uber driver after hiring him. They later abandoned a female victim they had taken along in a bush. The suspects were apprehended on January 2, 2025, when they attempted to sell a stolen vehicle. Armed Robbery Syndicate Two suspects, Osio Emmanuel (28) and Sabiu Adamu (26), were arrested in Warri for robb...

 CHAN 2024: Nigeria  to face Senegal , Congo, Sudan in tricky Group D The Super Eagles bid  to  claim  their first  African Nations Championship (CHAN) title  in August  has been well cut out after  being drawn in a tricky Group  D along with defending champions Senegal as well as battle-hardened Congo  and  Sudan . Final Draw for the  8th edition of the  competition  for national teams made up of home-based players only was held yesterday  mid pomp  and ceremony at the Kenyatta International Conventional Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Earlier billed to be held  in Kenya , Tanzania and Uganda   next month, the Confederation of African Football  (CAF) on Tuesday announced  the postponement  of the  tournament till August  citing ‘uncompleted facilities’ But the Final Draw  was conducted  by CAF Director of Competitions, Nigeria’s Samson Adamu who was assisted...

 Alaafin: Oyo prince drags Makinde to court, wants Owoade’s appointment nullified One of the princes that contested for the position of Alaafin of Oyo, Lukman Gbadegesin has headed to court to challenge the appointment and presentation of the staff office to Prince Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde. Gbadegesin, who was said to have been recommended by a faction of the Oyomesi is appealing that the court set aside the appointment, approval of appointment and presentation of staff of office to a new Alaafin carried out by the governor. In a pre-action notice signed by his legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, a copy of which was addressed to the governor, he insisted that the governor’s actions run foul of the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law 2000. The kingmakers and the governor have been embroiled in a heated dispute over the selection of a new Alaafin. Five out of seven Oyomesi members had recommended Gbadegesin for the role. However, on January 10, Makin...

 Alaafin Owoade: Reverse appointment in 30 days, kingmakers tell Makinde Five Oyo town kingmakers and their preferred candidate for the Alaafin stool, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, on Wednesday, issued Governor Seyi Makinde a 30-day ultimatum to reverse the appointment of Akeem Owoade as the Alaafin or face a fresh legal action. The ultimatum was contained in a letter dated January 14, 2025, written to Makinde by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Sobaloju, on behalf of Gbadegesin. In yet a second  letter, also dated January 14, 2025, written by Sobaloju on behalf of the five kingmakers, they warned Makinde to refrain from maligning them by alleging bribery in the selection process for the Alaafin of Oyo. They described Makinde’s resort to media attack on them was “unwarranted and unbecoming of the high standards expected of Your Excellency’s office.” They warned the governor against crossing the line of defamation, stating: “Please recognise that you remain liable to prosecution...

 Benue: Governor Alia Appoints Abubakar Adamu as Pilgrims Welfare Board Chairman Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has named Alhaji Abubakar Adamu as the new Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.   The governor’s spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, announced the appointment in a statement, noting that it takes immediate effect. Governor Alia expressed confidence in Adamu’s experience and leadership abilities, emphasizing his capacity to effectively manage the board's affairs.   While congratulating Adamu, the governor urged him to align with the administration’s vision, as outlined in the strategic plan "A Strategic Plan for a Greater Benue," and to prioritize the state’s interests in all his official duties.

 ASUU Warns Against Scrapping TETFund, Urges Nigerians to Reject 2024 Tax Bill The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed alarm over the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, currently before the National Assembly, which seeks to abolish the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). ASUU cautioned that the policy would devastate public universities, reducing them to glorified secondary schools. The bill proposes diverting TETFund's statutory funds to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a move ASUU described as illogical and anti-education. Highlighting TETFund's crucial role in infrastructure development, capacity building, and research, ASUU called on lawmakers, state governors, and all Nigerians to oppose the bill and safeguard the future of tertiary education in the country.

 Akwa Ibom Demolitions Leave Over 50 Families Homeless, Victims Seek N600m Compensation Residents of Ifa Ikot Okpon in Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, were displaced after the state government demolished over 100 houses, affecting 182 people from 52 families. Victims allege they were not compensated or notified before the demolitions, despite earlier promises. The demolished properties reportedly sit on land marked for a judges' estate, though the community insists the land was never acquired by the government. The village head and affected residents have filed a court case demanding N600m in damages and a declaration that the land belongs to the community. The case is set for hearing on February 11, 2025. Meanwhile, the victims appeal to the government for intervention and compensation.

 I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives.  Her death is a tremendous loss not only to her home state of Ogun but also to her constituents in Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North and the entire nation. On behalf of my family, the Lagos State government, and the people of Lagos, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues, especially those in her constituency. I also express my sympathy to Ogun State’s Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all members of the National Assembly during this difficult time.  Hon. Onanuga’s death comes when her community and the nation need her the most. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched positively. I pray for her soul and ask that God grants her loved ones the strength to endure this immense loss.

 Trade Between Russia, CAR Increased Almost 8 Times Over Past Year: Putin Trade between Russia and the Central African Republic (CAR) has increased almost eight times over the past year, and this trend is good, although the absolute figures are still small, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, Sputnik reported. "As for trade and economic ties, the absolute values are not great yet, but I want to note a very good trend: the trade turnover has increased almost eight times in the last year. This is generally not a bad indicator," Putin said during talks with CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera. Russia is ready to continue providing humanitarian aid to the Republic if necessary, Putin said, adding that Russia and the CAR will continue to cooperate on security issues. For his part, Touadera expressed his gratitude to Russian instructors for their contribution to the development of relations between the countries. "I would like to thank your ambassador, his t...

 PRESS RELEASE CAPACITY BUILDING: IGP ISSUES NEW POLICY DIRECTIVE, TARGETS ENHANCED POLICE PROFESSIONALISM, STANDARDIZED CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS. As IGP Mandates Regular Training  In a significant move to improve police professionalism and the standardization of criminal investigations across Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has issued a comprehensive policy directive following a recent conference with heads of police investigation units nationwide. This initiative aims to refine investigative practices and ensure that all personnel involved in criminal investigations are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively. The key components of the new policy include a strict process for the mobilization and demobilization of police personnel within and outside criminal investigation departments. Specialized detective training has been made mandatory for all investigative personnel, with offic...

 Court Orders Arrest of Mercy Chinwo’s Manager Over Alleged $345,000 Diversion A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a warrant for the arrest of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, over allegations of diverting $345,000. Justice Alexander Owoeye granted the warrant on Thursday following a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During the court session, EFCC counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari cited sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to support the request for Onyedikachukwu's arrest. She explained that the warrant was necessary to compel his appearance in court to face the alleged criminal charges. The EFCC stated that Mercy Chinwo had filed a petition alleging that her manager received royalties from her digital platforms and events without proper disclosure. It was further claimed that Onyedikachukwu diverted $345,000 without remitting her share. An affidavit submitted by...

 Insecurity: Ohanaeze Youths Urge Tinubu to Ignore Soludo, Fulfill Promise to Release Kanu The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC), the youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has criticized Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his recent statement suggesting that releasing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, would not resolve insecurity in the South-East. In a statement by OYC’s National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard Soludo’s remarks, which they claim do not reflect the views of the Igbo people. They also called on the President to fulfill his campaign promise, emphasizing an agreement reportedly brokered by Tinubu’s son, Seyi, with Kanu’s family. Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, had earlier revealed that Seyi Tinubu had reached a pact with the family before the 2023 elections to secure Kanu’s release in exchange for IPOB’s cooperation during the poll...

 Ondo LG Election: Police Impose Movement Restriction, Exempt Essential Workers, Warn Troublemakers Ahead of Saturday's local government election in Ondo State, the Nigerian Police have announced a restriction on vehicular and motorcycle movement during the polling period. According to CSP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the Police Public Relations Officer, the restriction will be enforced from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm as part of security measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful election. Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi emphasized that individuals planning to disrupt the election should reconsider, as the police will deal firmly with any offenders. Essential workers, including security personnel, healthcare providers, firefighters, and other emergency responders, are exempted from the restriction to enable them to carry out their duties. Commuters intending to use the state as a transit route have been advised to adjust their travel plans accordingly.

 PRESS RELEASE NATIONAL SECURITY: IGP CANVASES FOR REMOVAL OF THE NIGERIA POLICE FROM THE ENVELOPE BUDGETARY REGIME,  MORE BUDGETARY ALLOCATION FOR EFFICIENCY The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today, January 16, 2025, defended the 2025 budget for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) before the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. The IGP was accompanied by the Force Management Team and other senior officers. Present at the budget presentation were Senator Abdulhamid Mallam Maidori (Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs), Honourable Makki Yalleman (Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs), Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam (Minister of Police Affairs) DIG Hashimu Argungu Rtd. (Chairman Police Service Commission) and other distinguished and honourable members of the committees.  In his presentation, the IGP emphasized the need to remove the NPF from the envelope budgetary ...

  Flight attendant sacked for twerking on the job: ‘What’s wrong with a little twerk before work’ They deemed the stunt not-safe-for-twerk. An Alaska Airlines flight attendant who was sacked for twerking on camera has created a GoFundMe to support her while she seeks a new berth. The crewmember, named Nelle Diala, had filmed the viral booty-shaking TikTok video on the plane while waiting two hours for the captain to arrive, A View From the Wing reported. She captioned the clip, which also blew up on Instagram, “ghetto bih till i D-I-E, don’t let the uniform fool you.” Diala was reportedly doing a victory dance to celebrate the end of her new hire probationary period. Unfortunately, her jubilation was short-lived as Alaska Airlines nipped her employment in the bumjust six months into her contract. The fanny-wagging flight attendant feels that she didn’t do anything wrong. Diala has since reposted the twerking clip with the new caption: “Can’t even be yourself anymore, without the wo...

 Bandits Attack Hospital, Kidnap Staff, Kill ABU Best Graduating Medical Doctor Bandits have attacked the General Hospital in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, killed a medical doctor and kidnapped a yet-to-be-identified number of hospital staff. The attack occurred around 7:00 pm Tuesday, during which Dr Murtala Sale Dandashire was shot. According to a resident of the area, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the bandits invaded the hospital premises in a coordinated attack, creating panic among staff and patients and shooting sporadically. The resident confirmed that the injured doctor, who was shot in the leg, is currently alive and receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility. Dr  Dandashire, a Medical graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, garnered 13 awards, including the overall best graduating student in the Class of 2019, was shot at the General Hospital while attending to patients who came to seek medical intervention. Dr Dandas...

 Jill Biden 'disappointed' with Nancy Pelosi for role in forcing husband out: ‘We were friends for 50 years’ First lady Jill Biden expressed her disappointment with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a new interview with The Washington Post, providing rare public comments about the fractured relationship between her husband, Joe Biden, and Pelosi following the president’s departure from the 2024 race. “We were friends for 50 years,” the first lady said in an interview with The Washington Post published Wednesday. “It was disappointing.” Pelosi was among the top Democrats to express reservations about Joe Biden’s ability to defeat Donald Trump in November after the president’s halting debate performance in June. As Biden remained adamant he would stay in the race, Pelosi made waves in an interview as she opened the door to the possibility he should end his campaign. “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision becau...

 We don’t need your support for Tinubu’s policies  — FG replies Emir Sanusi The Federal Government early morning of Thursday told the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, that it does not need his stamp of approval of what it described as laudable policies of the government. The government also told the Emir, who was a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritize the greater good of Nigerians. These admonitions among others were contained in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in reaction to the recent comments made by the first-class monarch on the economic situation of the country. The Emir at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehimi in Lagos, reportedly said that he will not offer any advice to President Bola Tinubu’s led federal government on how to tackle the economic challenges facing the country. He was quoted to hav...

 Rivers: PDP appoints interim leadership after court sacked state exco Following the removal of Aaron Chukwuemeka as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State by a High Court on Monday, the party has appointed an interim leadership to stabilize its affairs. On Monday, the state High Court presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, in a ruling on interlocutory injunction sought by Edwin Woko and three others, restrained Chukwuemeka and his state executives from parading themselves as executive members of the PDP in the state. Woko and three others, all PDP members, challenged the congresses that produced Chukwuemeka’s executive committee. They argued that the congresses violated an existing court order, rendering it illegal. Justice Jumbo ruled that the purported ward, local government, and state congresses of the PDP lacked legal standing and were invalid from the outset. The judge, therefore, nullified the congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31,...

 Wike revokes govs, Bamidele, Anyanwu, Nnamani, Moro, 563 others’ land The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike has revoked the land allocations belonging to some governors and other political bigwigs. The Bayelsa and Imo States governors, Senator Diri Douye and Senator Hope Uzodimma, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu are among the 568 persons whose land allocations in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja were withdrawn by the Minister. According to Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister, withdrawal of the Right of Occupancy, R-of-O of the 568 land allottees were consequent upon the expiration of the extra two weeks grace period granted them to pay their Certificate of Occupancy, C-of-O bills. Other prominent Nigerians among the 568 allottees are former Governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Ni...

 Telecom tariff review: FG proposes 30-60% hike The federal government has proposed a 30-60% increase in telecom tariffs to sustain the critical telecommunications sector while ensuring affordability for Nigerians. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday, stated that recommendations from independent consultants, including KPMG, had been received. Rejecting demands by operators for a 100 per cent hike, Dr. Tijani explained that the government was considering a more moderate increase to strike a balance between affordability for consumers and the sustainability and continued growth of the sector. He said: “The telecommunications sector contributes over 16 per cent to our GDP, employs thousands of Nigerians, and is essential to the nation’s digital economy. However, it is crucial to ensure that services remain accessible while maintaining the sector’s viability.”

 Man City contract extension responsible for Guardiola’s marriage collapse – Report Pep Guardiola’s marriage fell apart because he’s a workaholic and went ahead to extend his contract with Manchester City. According to reports, his devotion to work ‘took a toll’ on his relationship, a close friend of the Manchester City boss revealed. Pep split from his fashion designer wife Cristina Serra after being together for three decades – with no official reason for the separation given. But a friend close to Pep, who did not want to be named, said: ‘I think they have grown apart. She left Manchester about five years ago to return to Barcelona. That has taken its toll. ‘He is a total workaholic and not being involved in their family fashion business together may have affected their relationship too.’ Guardiola, 53, extended his contract with the Cityzens and is expected to stay at the club until 2027.

 WE MOURN RT. HON. (DR.) OTUNBA ADEWUNMI ONANUGA (IJAYA) We join the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, fondly known as IJAYA, in mourning her devastating and sudden passing. Her death is an irreplaceable loss to Ogun State and the entire nation. Until her transition, she served diligently as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency. Her unwavering courage, loyalty, and commitment to the advancement of women and the well-being of her constituents were exemplary. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the leadership of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and all members of the Green Chamber. IJAYA’s contributions to humanity and public service remain a legacy we hold dear. As we grieve this extraordinary leader, we pray for the repose of her soul and strength for her family to bear this profound loss. May her memory inspire us to conti...

  Pope Francis falls at Vatican Pope Francis has suffered his second fall in as many months and bruised his forearm, the Vatican said Thursday, adding that he was wearing a sling. The 88-year-old, who has been in increasingly fragile health in recent years, fell at the Santa Marta residence where he lives in the Vatican but did not break any bones, the press office said in a statement. “This morning, due to a fall at the Santa Marta house, Pope Francis suffered a contusion on his right forearm, without fractures. The arm was immobilised as a precautionary measure,” it said.

 Petrol Production At Dangote Refinery Affecting European Market — OPEC The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says the production of petroleum products by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the importation of refined products from Europe. In its Monthly Oil Market Report published on January 15, 2025, the global body said with the refining efforts of the Lagos-based refinery, gasoline volumes produced in the international markets would have to find new destination markets. “The ongoing operational ramp-up efforts at Nigeria’s new Dangote refinery and its gasoline exports to the international market will likely weigh further on the European gasoline market. “Continued gasoline production in Nigeria, a country that has relied heavily on imports to meet its domestic fuel needs in the past, will most likely continue to free up gasoline volumes in international markets which will call for new destinations and flow adjustments for the extra volumes going fo...

 ASUU Calls For Rejection Of Tax Reform Bill The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly opposed the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, calling for its outright rejection due to its potential to undermine the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and further destabilize Nigeria’s higher education system. The union has criticized the proposed changes, especially the plan to abolish the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), warning that it could gravely affect public universities. In a briefing on Thursday in Makurdi, Raphael Amokaha, the Zonal Coordinator for ASUU-Nsukka Zone, along with other members of the Zonal leadership, highlighted critical issues with the bill. Recalling the historical struggle for the establishment of TETFund, Amokaha emphasized that the union is not only passionate about the agency but also deeply concerned about its impact. The union also criticized the proposed shift of funding from TETFund to the newly established National Education Loan Fund (...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES NIGERIAN SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS ON MAKING PRESIDENT BIDEN'S HONOURS LIST   President Bola Tinubu congratulates six distinguished Diaspora Nigerians named by President Joe Biden among the 400 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in the United States.    This prestigious recognition, established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, is the highest honour bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers.   This year's awardees, announced by President Joe Biden on January 14, 2025, are employed or funded by 14 participating United States government agencies.    The Nigerian honorees include Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa; Ijeoma Opara, Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavior...

 SANWO-OLU MOURNS GAC MEMBER, SUNNY AJOSE Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of the former Head of Service and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose. The Governor described the death of the All Progressives Congress (APC) apex leader in Badagry as a great loss to Lagos State, particularly the ruling party, considering his unique position as a retired public servant and one of the great mobilisers in the ruling party.   The Governor who also commiserated with GAC members, leaders, and members of APC in Lagos State, particularly in Badagry Division, said the demise of Chief Ajose has created a vacuum in the ruling party.   Ajose, the Head of Service during President Bola Tinubu's tenure as Governor of Lagos State and former Deputy Chairman of the APC in Lagos, died after a brief illness on Wednesday at 78 years.   Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publi...

 LASG WARNS ESTATE RESIDENTS AGAINST UNWHOLESOME PRACTICE, DISREGARD FOR RULES, REGULATIONS   Lagos State Government has warned residents of government-owned estates against unwholesome practices by some of the residents in disregarding the rules and regulations as contained in their allocation letters. In recent times, the Ministry of Housing has witnessed reported cases of energy theft, discarding of shared facilities and refusal to honour payment of estate dues. These negative reports are disturbing acts of flouting rules and regulations in some State government estates occupied by allottees who either purchased the houses outright or got the home allocations through the Rent-To-Own Scheme. The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai issued this warning in the wake of an enforcement carried out at Lateef Kayode Jakande Estate at Igando, where some residents were caught perpetrating energy theft by bypassing the installed electrical connections of their flats. Ho...

 Gaza ceasefire: South Africa, Egypt welcome deal South Africa and Egypt have welcomed a deal on the Gaza Strip ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was reached after more than a year of negotiations, TRT Afrika reported. “I welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza after over a year of strenuous efforts, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US,” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on social media. He emphasized the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. “This agreement highlights the importance of quickly providing critical aid to the people of Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, without any obstacles, until a sustainable peace is achieved through a two-state solution,” he said. Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting a just peace, remaining a steadfast partner in achieving it, and defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. 'Lasting peace' In a statement, South Africa's foreign ministry called for "implemen...

 CBN Introduces Digital Innovations to Enhance Government Efficiency The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled two groundbreaking digital systems—the Document Flow System and the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) Naira Payment Solution—at an event held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at its Abuja headquarters. A press statement released on Thursday described the projects as key components of the “Digital First” transformation agenda initiated by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso in December 2023. “The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has launched two transformative initiatives: the Document Flow System and the MDAs Naira Payment Solution,” the statement read. In his remarks, Cardoso highlighted the Document Flow System as a major step in modernizing document management processes within the Bank. He explained that the system is designed to digitize operations, minimize paper usage, and streamline approval workflows, thereby improving efficienc...

  House of Reps decries weak auditing systems, blames corruption on financial mismanagement The House of Representatives has attributed Nigeria's pervasive corruption to weaknesses in the country's auditing and accounting systems, which have led to significant revenue losses and hindered national development. This concern was raised during the budget defense session with the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF), chaired by Hon. Bamidele Salam, head of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Highlighting the systemic gaps, Rep. Salam stated, “There are a lot of monies that ought to accrue to the government that we are losing due to weaknesses in our accounting systems, auditing processes, and overall financial management architecture. This also reflects in the budget performance of the Auditor General's office.” He emphasized the need for improved auditing coverage of major government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), noting that some key agencie...