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 Nigeria and France Strengthen Mining Cooperation, Commit to Upgrading Geological Infrastructure Nigeria and France have reinforced their partnership in the mining sector, committing to significant upgrades of Nigeria’s geological infrastructure. This includes the enhancement of geological laboratories, provision of advanced technology, and funding for geological data exploration through the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). During a meeting at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, both nations discussed policy alignment, expertise sharing, and investments in Nigeria’s mining industry. France also pledged to send a list of credible investors interested in Nigeria's mining sector. The collaboration focuses on sustainable mining, artisanal mining, geological exploration, and cadastral management, with an emphasis on training and technology transfer. Key commitments include upgrading Nigeria’s laboratories to international standards, building capacity for African ...

 NSC announces Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled the composition of its Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board, with former Nigerian international Yusuf Ali appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In a statement signed by NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the board has been tasked with establishing a sustainable system for elite athletes' development and welfare in Nigeria. The 13-member committee includes notable experts and sports professionals, including Mr. Bambo Akanni of Making of Champions, who will serve as a consultant and member. Prof. Ken Anugweje joins as an adviser and member, alongside Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun, and Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi. Also on the committee are former Olympian Mary Onyali, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, Sunday Odebode, and Olalekan Alabi. Bamiduro Olumide will serve as Secretary. According to Hon. Olopade, the members were carefully selec...

  Nigerian Gospel Artist and Pastor Nathaniel Bassey singing at USA President Donald Trump's inaugural breakfast prayer today Watch video below. 

 SANWO-OLU RECEIVES NEW LAGOS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER •Congratulates Meranda on her emergence as first female Speaker   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday received the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, and new Principal Officers of the House. The Speaker and the Principal Officers were received by Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during a courtesy visit, shortly before the commencement of the weekly State Executive Council meeting at Lagos House, Ikeja. Governor Sanwo-Olu led the Speaker and her delegation to the Council Chamber, where the Speaker and State Executive Council members pledged to continue a harmonious work relationship between the two arms of government in Lagos State. The Principal Officers that accompanied the Speaker were Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojeed Fatai (Ibeju-Lekki I); Majority Leader, Hon. Temitope Adedeji (Ifako Ijaiye 1); Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Richard Kasunmu (Ik...

 Biden Hosts Trump at White House Ahead of Inauguration US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, to the White House on January 20, 2025, for a courtesy visit ahead of Trump's inauguration as the 47th US President. The Bidens greeted the incoming president and First Lady upon their arrival in Washington, DC. Brief exchanges were made before both couples proceeded inside the White House, marking the ceremonial transition of power. Shortly after, the Trumps departed for the US Capitol, where Donald Trump would officially take the oath of office as the nation's next leader. More photos below. 

 NiDCOM Investigates Death of Nigerian Man in South African Police Custody The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has initiated an investigation into the death of a 50-year-old Nigerian, Jeremiah Okoye, who reportedly died while in police custody in Limpopo, South Africa. NiDCOM spokesperson Abdulrahman Balogun confirmed the probe on Saturday, following reports of Okoye’s death on January 13. Okoye, a resident of Polokwane, Limpopo Province, had lived in South Africa for 22 years before his untimely death. Originally from Eziniffite Nnewi, Anambra State, his death has sparked concern among the Nigerian community in South Africa. The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), Frank Onyekwelu, condemned the incident, highlighting ongoing issues of police brutality against Nigerians. He called for justice and urged citizens to remain law-abiding while authorities investigate the circumstances. Onyekwelu stated, “These recurring deaths of Nigerians ...

 Kogi State Immunizes Over 77,495 Children Against Polio More than 77,495 children in remote areas across seven local government areas of Kogi State have been immunized against polio as part of efforts to sustain the state’s decade-long polio-free status. The State Immunization Officer, Grace Ojofedo, revealed this to journalists on Monday following the conclusion of the "Big Catch-Up" Polio Immunization Programme. She explained that the exercise targeted communities missed or inadequately covered during last year’s immunization campaign. “The programme was conducted in seven LGAs in the state. A total of 80,608 vaccines were administered, immunizing 77,495 children,” Ojofedo said. The exercise, held between January 6 and January 13, 2025, recorded a 99% coverage rate, despite a 5% wastage of vaccines. Ojofedo commended UNICEF for its critical support, which she said has been pivotal in maintaining the state’s polio-free status. She assured residents that the government remai...

 LAUTECH Students Protest Over Lecturer Absences and Rising Transportation Costs On January 20, 2025, students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Iseyin campus, staged a protest against the ongoing absence of their lecturers. The Iseyin campus, which houses the College of Agriculture, was established by Governor Seyi Makinde as part of Oyo State's educational initiative. The students voiced their frustration over the repeated absence of lecturers who travel from the Ogbomoso campus, and also expressed concern over the increased transportation and accommodation costs since the resumption of classes after the last holiday. One anonymous student shared that agriculture department students were also protesting the lack of necessary facilities at their farms and raising concerns about transportation and housing costs. The students are calling on the state government and the education committee to intervene and resolve the issues promptly.

 World Bank Bans Nigerian Firms and CEO for Fraudulent Activities The World Bank Group has imposed a 30-month ban on two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, as well as their Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam, for engaging in fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices related to Nigeria’s National Social Safety Nets Project. The World Bank’s investigation revealed major violations of its Anticorruption Framework during a 2018 procurement process. The companies and Mr. Didam were found to have misrepresented conflicts of interest in their bids and unlawfully accessed confidential tender information from public officials. Additionally, Viva Atlantic Limited and its CEO were involved in falsifying experience records, submitting forged authorization letters, and offering bribes to project officials.

 Two Oil Thieves, Vessel  Bag Jail Terms in Uyo   Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Calabar, on Monday January 13, 2025 convicted and sentenced Olufunsho Dayo Chevy, Uwem Udo Nya  to various jail terms for oil theft alongside a vessel, MT New Angel and a company, Edi Eurolink Distribution. They were prosecuted by the Uyo Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge that verged on stealing and unlicensed dealing in petroleum products. The charges reads: “That you, MT New Angel, Edi Eurolink Distribution, Olufunsho Dayo Chevy, Uwem Udoh Nya, Olusaneku Patrick Victor (at large), Ezie Kenneth Othuke (at large), Imo Tammy Wisdom (at large), Ege Isaiah (at large), Obanla Sunday John (at large), Asuquo Okon Iwait (at large), Yoosu Alex  Aonodue (at large), Nwaigwe Kingdom (at large), Ezechukwu Stanley Nnamdi (at large), sometime in June 2024, at Calabar within the jurisdiction of this honourable court without a...

 A 5-year-old Illinois girl found hypothermic on bus after daycare not only forgot her, but refused to help locate her. When Caitlyn Gonzalez arrived at Kindercare in Arlington Heights, Illinois she was shocked when staff had no idea where her 5-year-old daughter, Dior, was located.  After checking records, the staff of Kindercare informed Caitlyn there was no record that Dior had been picked up from school that day. This sent Gonzalez into full scale panic and she began pleading with staff to call the police in an effort to locate her daughter. However, her pleas fell on deaf ears as staff adamantly refused to call the police.  At this point, Caitlyn could not wait around for the staff to decide to do something and frantically ran from the building to begin searching for Dior. That's when the answer to this mystery hit her like a ton of bricks. Dior must still be on the bus. Caitlyn ran to the bus used to transport the children to daycare and sure enough Dior was there. ...

 Two teenage girls charged in the shocking and brutal death of a 13-year-old girl.  When the Columbia Police and Fire department arrived on the scene of a fire at a vacant residence in Capitol Heights, South Carolina on January 15th, they had no idea the tragedy that awaited. As fire crews arrived at the vacant home they were met by smoke billowing from the home. When firemen made entry to the home, while extinguishing the flames, they discovered a deceased individual on the floor in the home. Police soon identified 13-year-old Ka'Niyah Baler, who had recently been reported missing, as the deceased. Ka'Niyah had suffered traumatic injuries to her face and body, stab wounds, as well suffering severe burns to her body. Ka'Niyah was a foster child and had only recently been placed in Columbia. She had a history of running away and had been reported missing on January 12th. Police have now made a shocking arrest of a 15 and 16-year-old girl in connection with Ka'Niyah's...

 Tinubu Appoints Zahrah Audu as PEBEC Director-General On January 20, 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed Princess Zahrah Audu as the new Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). This appointment is part of efforts to attract foreign investments and enhance Nigeria’s business environment. The announcement was made in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and shared with journalists in Abuja. Prior to her appointment, Audu, an entrepreneur and technology expert, served as the technical adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment. She succeeds Jumoke Oduwole, who was recently appointed Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment following a cabinet reshuffle. The statement highlighted that Princess Zahrah Audu’s appointment is a key move to strengthen Nigeria’s economic growth and business landscape, emphasizing her expertise and potential to bring about transformative changes.

 Rivers LGA Chairman Appoints 100 Aides, Just Weeks After Naming 130 Special Assistants Chijioke Ihunwo, Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, has appointed an additional 100 special assistants, only weeks after naming 130 new appointees to his team. On January 18, Ihunwo shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I have appointed an additional one hundred persons as Special Assistants to help me achieve my plans for my people.” The new appointees include Augustina Elodi, Obi Chima, Abi Chinazor Clara, Ginikachukwu Onyeagusi, Chigozie Emmanuel Esinulo, Sunday Confidence Onyinyechi, and Nworgu Namdi Emmanuel. Earlier this month, Ihunwo also named 130 special advisers, urging them to serve diligently for the benefit of Obio/Akpor LGA. This follows a similar pattern, as in July 2024, he had appointed 100 special assistants during his tenure as caretaker committee chairman. Ihunwo, a close ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has faced ...

 Putin Congratulates Trump, Seeks Dialogue on Ukraine and Nuclear Arms Control Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on his inauguration day, expressing hope for renewed dialogue between Moscow and Washington. During a televised meeting with Russia’s Security Council, Putin highlighted his willingness to discuss critical global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and nuclear arms control. “We see the statements by the newly elected president and his team about restoring direct contacts with Russia,” Putin stated. He also welcomed Trump’s commitment to preventing global conflict, particularly his emphasis on avoiding World War Three. Putin’s comments reflect cautious optimism within the Kremlin that Trump could help ease tensions between the U.S. and Russia, which have reached their lowest point since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. However, Russian officials remain wary of potential setbacks due to the complexities of U.S. forei...

  Tonto Dikeh Testifies In Streams Of Joy Church:How God used me to reunite my dad, sister after 47 years Actress and politician Tonto Dikehshared a heartfelt story during the Sunday service at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Streams of Joy International Church in Abuja. A video that appeared on social media showed her on the church altar, explaining how God brought her family back together. As a mother, she talked about how she embraced a prophetic message from Pastor Jerry Eze a few weeks earlier, focusing on restoring broken relationships. Tonto shared that she didn’t remember losing anyone at first, but as someone who loves to pray, she embraced the prophecy, believing in God’s plan for her life. A few days later, after praying about the prophecy, she got a message on social media from a woman claiming to be her long-lost sister. Tonto, who recently spoke to the Yoruba community, recalled that her father had mentioned a daughter he lost touch with at birth while living abroad after separati...

  Governor Makinde Completes Houston Half-Marathon Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State successfully completed the Houston Half-Marathon on January 19, braving freezing temperatures of 1°C to finish the 21-kilometre race in 2 hours and 53 minutes. This marked an improvement over his performance in the 2022 Berkeley Half-Marathon in San Francisco, California. Sharing his experience on X (formerly Twitter), Makinde expressed pride in his accomplishment despite the harsh weather conditions. He wrote, “Glad to have completed the Houston Half Marathon in 2 hours 53 minutes today. Despite the freezing 1°C temperatures, I finished faster than the Berkeley Half Marathon which I ran about 2 years ago. Yesterday, I also participated in a 5k fun run, finishing in 38 minutes.” The Houston Half-Marathon is one of three races featured at the Chevron Houston Marathon, an annual event that draws thousands of participants and over 200,000 spectators globally. This year, Ethiopian runner Addisu Gobena...

 POLIO: LASG FLAGS OFF OUTBREAK RESPONSE CAMPAIGN The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, has launched the 2025 Polio Outbreak Response Campaign, reaffirming its commitment to eradicating polio and safeguarding the health of its children.  The ceremony, held at the Simpson Primary Healthcare Centre, was led by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Widad Jumoke Mustafa, a member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO). In her address, the First Lady emphasised the state government’s proactive measures to keep Lagos polio-free, highlighting the critical importance of the campaign in preventing the debilitating effects of poliomyelitis, which can result in paralysis or death. "Through this initiative, the state government is securing the future of countless children in Lagos State. The health and well-being of our children remain a top priority for this administration,...

 Bandit Leaders Surrender Arms and Captives in Batsari, Katsina State.  Following intense military operations by the combined forces of Op FASAN YANMA, bandit leaders Abu Radde and Umar Black, operating in Batsari and Safana LGAs in Katsina State have surrendered their arms and captives. This move marks a significant step towards ending banditry and criminality in the region. The surrender ceremony, which took place on January 19, 2025 at Batsari, was attended by all stakeholders, including military representatives, to ensure transparency. The bandits handed over four AK47 rifles and 15 captives, comprising three males, eight females, and four children. It was emphasized that this surrender was not a negotiation or peace meeting, but rather a crucial step towards the bandits' complete disarmament and release of all kidnapped victims. The surrendered arms, which are in good condition, are now in the custody of the 17 Brigade, while the rescued captives have been handed over to ...

 BENUE UNIVERSITY SET TO COMMENCE ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS OF PATIENTS 20th January, 2025     Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Makurdi is set to move from the paper system of medical records keeping to the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to enhance patient care, reduce costs, minimise errors, and improve communication among healthcare providers. This is even as the chief medical director of BSUTH, Dr Stephen Hwande, disclosed in one of his interviews that he is committed to transitioning the hospital to electronic patient management for better care and reduced costs. Dr Hwande also informed that his office had received over ten resignation letters following the introduction of biometric capturing, where all staff of BSUTH sign in as they resume work and out when they are closing. He added that the action is not to witch-haunt anyone but to operate a system where all staff are committed to their duty. Hwande stated, “In less than one month si...

 Niger Tanker Explosion Death Toll Rises to 98 The death toll from the Dikko tanker explosion has increased to 98, with 69 others injured and 20 shops destroyed, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). The agency's Director-General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the updated figures in a statement issued on Monday in Minna. The explosion occurred on Saturday morning around 9 a.m. along the Dikko-Maje road near Baddegi fuelling station in Gurara Local Government Area. The tragedy unfolded as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was being transferred from a crashed tanker to another. The fuel ignited after coming into contact with a generator used in the process, triggering a devastating explosion. The incident resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and property damage worth millions of naira. Authorities, including the Niger State and Federal Government, have expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged support for those affected. Th...

 EFCC  Arraigns Ex- AMCON MD,  Ahmed Kuru, 4 Others for 76bn, $31.5m Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday,  January 20, 2025, arraigned a former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, current Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, and Receiver Manager of Arik Air, Kamilu Omokide, alongside Union Bank Plc and Super Bravo Limited. They were arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos on a six-count charge bordering on  alleged theft of properties belonging to Arik Air and abuse of office. They pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. Details,  later.

 South African police hunt alleged illegal mine kingpin South African police have launched a manhunt for a Lesotho gang member believed to have controlled operations at an illegal gold mine where 78 bodies were recovered last week during a police siege, from which he escaped, Reuters reported. The alleged kingpin, known as "Tiger," surfaced from the mine in Stilfontein while it was under police surveillance and escaped from custody with the help of officials, a statement from the South African Police Service said on Monday. "Extensive investigations and tracing operations are underway to find those officials who aided his escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells," the statement said. Police were widely condemned for the months-long operation in which they cut off food and water supplies to the miners in an attempt to force them out of the mine to face arrest. The stand-off culminated in a state-sponsored rescue operation last week in which 24...

 South Korean Court Extends Detention of Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol A Seoul court has extended the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing concerns over potential evidence tampering related to his failed attempt to impose martial law last month. The court granted investigators an additional 20 days to hold Yoon, who has been in custody since his arrest on January 17. The 64-year-old leader faces charges of insurrection over the December 3 martial law order, which triggered widespread political unrest. Yoon’s arrest followed weeks of standoffs between investigators and his presidential security team, who resisted a prior detention attempt. His supporters have staged frequent protests, with some disrupting legal proceedings. After the court’s decision on Sunday, demonstrators stormed the courthouse, damaging property. Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable in a democratic society. Yoon’s lawyer announced his refusal to coo...

 End Bad Governance Victims’ Families Demand Justice, Compensation Families of those killed during the End Bad Governance protest have urged the government and police to take responsibility for the tragic loss of innocent lives. During a press conference organized by the Victims Support Initiative Nigeria (VSIN) in Kano on Monday, the families called for justice and compensation, condemning what they described as reckless actions by law enforcement officers. Yahya Ibrahim, a grieving father, shared the heartbreaking story of losing his 5-year-old son to a stray bullet in their family compound. “My son was simply playing in our compound, too young to even understand what a protest was. Yet, a policeman’s bullet ended his life. The Inspector General’s denial of this incident adds to our pain and shows the lack of accountability,” he said. The families demanded a thorough investigation into the killings and punishment for officers who misused firearms. They also called for financial c...

 PRESS RELEASE INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN POLICING: POLICE FOIL MULTIPLE BANDIT ATTACKS ACROSS SEVERAL STATES, INTENSIFIES FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING. As Operatives Neutralize Threats, Recover Sophisticated Arms, Ammunition, Rescues 207 Abducted Children. The Nigeria Police Force in line with its commitment at the beginning of the year to adopt a more proactive approach in its efforts to combat crime across the nation, has once again recorded milestone achievements through intelligence-led policing. On January 18th 2025, Police operatives attached to the Kogi State Command got information of a group of armed bandits holding a strategic meeting for possible attack at a forest in Budon, Kogi State. Gallant operatives of the Command were mobilized and deployed to the scene. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits engaged the police operatives in a fierce gun duel. Fortunately, the bandits were overpowered, with one bandit neutralized and 4 others arrested. The operatives also r...