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 Putin, Sisi discuss situation in Middle East Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday spoke over the phone with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and praised Cairo’s mediation for achieving a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. According to a Kremlin statement, Putin also commended the role of other countries that contributed to sealing the deal, Anadolu Agency reported. The leaders also exchanged views on the situation in Syria, emphasising the need for "unconditional respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country, ensuring the legitimate rights of all its citizens, regardless of their political beliefs and ethnic and religious affiliation," the statement said. They also "thoroughly reviewed" different aspects of bilateral relations in areas such as trade, agriculture and humanitarian efforts, as well as the implementation of joint projects, including the construction of Egypt's first nuclear power plant, El Daba...

 FG Alerts Public to Anthrax Outbreak in Zamfara The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has issued a public alert regarding an anthrax outbreak in Zamfara State. Mr. Ben Goong, Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, confirmed the outbreak occurred on a farm in the state. Anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, affects both animals—such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife—and humans. It can cause high morbidity and mortality and spreads through contact with infectious spores present in contaminated animal products or by-products. Symptoms of anthrax include fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major body openings. The ministry has urged stakeholders and states neighboring Zamfara to take immediate preventive measures to curb the disease's spread. The public is advised to: Report unusual illnesses in animals or humans. Follow preventi...

 Lagos Assembly Urges Sanwo-Olu to Enforce Laws Against Manhole Cover Theft The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enforce environmental laws to address the rampant theft of manhole covers and illegal waste sourcing by scavengers. During a session led by Gbolahon Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), lawmakers discussed the environmental damage and financial burden caused by these activities. Yishawu emphasized the importance of manholes on Lagos roads and urged the government to replace stolen covers to prevent accidents and further damage to infrastructure. The Assembly proposed several measures, including: Enforcing existing environmental laws. Educating Lagosians on waste sourcing and recycling. Registering scavengers and scrap dealers through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Introducing whistle-blowing strategies and community involvement to curb illegal activities. Enhancing road security with streetlights and CCTV cameras. Desmond Elliot (...

 Marco Rubio Sworn In as US Secretary of State by Vice President James Vance Marco Rubio, a seasoned politician, attorney, and diplomat, has officially taken office as the United States Secretary of State. The swearing-in ceremony, conducted by Vice President James Vance, took place on Tuesday. Rubio's appointment follows his unanimous confirmation by the Senate (99-0) on Monday, making him the first permanent member of Donald Trump’s cabinet in his second term as President. As Secretary of State, Rubio will play a critical role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly regarding relations with China and Latin America. During his Senate foreign relations committee hearing, he endorsed Trump’s “America First” approach, describing it as a “commonsense realization.” Rubio's prior roles include serving as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives (2006–2008) and as a US Senator. His extensive legislative experience is expected to shape his diplomatic strategies in his new ro...

 Sen. John Fetterman Wears Shorts and Sneakers to Trump's Inauguration and Sits in the Front Row Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman wore shorts and sneakers to the U.S. Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Despite chilling temperatures that moved the inauguration inside, Fetterman, 55, was seen sitting in the front row in the Capitol Rotunda as attendees took their seats before the ceremony began on Monday, Jan. 20. The senator was also wearing a black hoodie to the event, where he joined guests such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos to watch Trump take office for his second term.

 Ex-Convict Arrested with Human Skull at Ogun Burial Ground The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation, and Safety Corps, known as So-Safe Corps, has apprehended a 54-year-old man, Adelani Oriyomi, at a burial ground in Kere, Obada-Oko, Abeokuta, for allegedly attempting to exhume a human skull. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Corps Commander, Soji Ganzallo, through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander Moruf Yusuf, detailed the arrest. “At about 2:35 a.m. on January 21, 2025, officers of the So-Safe Corps on routine patrol noticed suspicious activity behind a church. The suspect, identified as Adelani Oriyomi, was caught trying to conceal himself. When the coast seemed clear, he resumed digging a tomb to allegedly retrieve a human skull. Our officers immediately apprehended him,” Ganzallo said. Oriyomi, a resident of Kere, Obada-Oko in Ewekoro Local Government Area, reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation. He admitted to previ...

 Press Release   7 Nations Endorse Nigeria’s Bid for UNESCO Media Institute - Information Minister  Nigeria has secured the endorsement of seven countries and received commitments from twenty others for the establishment of the UNESCO Category II Media and Information Literacy Institute, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced on Tuesday when he received a delegation from UNESCO, which is in Nigeria to assess the readiness of the country to host the Institute.     “Already, we have had the support from about seven sister nations. About twenty have already indicated their desire to support Nigeria and we know that at the next sitting of the UNESCO Board, Nigeria will be given the final hosting right of the MIL in Abuja, within the premises of the National Open University of Nigeria,” he said. The Minister expressed delight at the positive feedback from the inspection team regarding Nigeria’s preparedness and reaffirmed...

 Melania Trump's chic black-and-white moment at the Commander-In-Chief inaugural ball on January 20, 2025 Melania Trump turned heads in a ravishing black-and-white gown as she danced with Donald Trump. The strapless dress featured a square neckline and a dramatic black zig-zag pattern that cascaded gracefully down the length of the gown. The dress’s figure-hugging silhouette and a daring thigh-high slit added a modern edge to the classic design. The ensemble was completed with a floor-sweeping hemline, perfectly tailored to Melania’s chic style. For the accessories, Melania opted for white pumps, a diamond ring and a black choker necklace adorning a crystal brooch. Her glam featured a shimmery smokey eye, glossy pink lips, blushed cheeks, and a luminous highlighter. She rounded off her inaugural ball look with loose, side-parted waves hairstyle. One more photo below.  . 

 Speed Darlington regains his freedom His lawyer, Stan Alieke, who announced this on social media this evening, wrote 👇  “Delighted to announce that our client, Mr Darlington Achakpo Aka Speed Darlington (Akpi) has regained his freedom after two months of illegal incarceration. For the record, as his team of lawyers, we will be exploring every angle of the law to ensure that he gets justice for his fundamental human right which was deprived of him by the Nigerian Police Force and for the unfair/ unjust treatment he was subjected to. Mr Achakpo extends his gratitude to everyone who threw in their support and Special thanks to my colleagues, Mr Marshal Abubakar Esq, Barr Deji Adeyanju, Barr Hamza Nuh, Barr David. More photos below. 

 LANDS BUREAU COMMENCES PROPERTY AUDIT FOR REGULARIZATION PURPOSES WITHIN LEKKI CORRIDOR  The Directorate of Land Regularization under the Lagos State Lands Bureau has commenced property audit exercises targeting properties without proper land titles in government acquisition/revocation areas within Thera Estate, Miracle Avenue, Sangotedo, Ajah, and Greenland Estate, Olokonla, Eti-Osa. The team, under supervision by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago and led by Esv. Olayinka Wasiu, Director of Land Regularization, alongside Esv. Kayode Bombata as well as other relevant government officials, focused on engaging residents on the importance of land regularization. During the exercise, residents were educated on the benefits of obtaining proper land documentation and the potential risks of dealing with land grabbers.  Esv. Wasiu reiterated that the Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting its residents by ensuring proper documentation of properties, promo...

 Ogun Completes Process of Allocating 100 Hectares of Land to Nigerian Navy for Naval Base, Dockyard Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday said his administration has completed the formalities of allocating about 100 hectares of land at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state for the purpose of citing a Naval Base and Dockyard for the Nigerian Navy. Governor Abiodun also stated that the state government has waived all fees and charges, which amounted to several billions, and has forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy to the Naval headquarters. The Governor made this statement in his office when he received the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, in his Oke-Mosan Office, Abeokuta. He said: "In view of the prospective activities that we are envisaging in our riverine areas, the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, gladly obliged us and accepted that it is important for us to have a naval base ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES PEACE, JUSTICE, DEVELOPMENT IN OGONILAND President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured Ogoni leaders on Tuesday in Abuja that his administration would prioritise peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area.   At a meeting at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu passionately called for unity and reconciliation, urging the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment.   "We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry," he said.   President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate the negotiations as he called for inclusive consultation and mutual understanding.   The President commended the delegation for embracing the Federal Government-led dialogue and emphasised the need for collaborati...

 Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Property in Lagos   Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, ordered the final forfeiture of a property, a u-shaped two-storey building in Lagos,to the federal Government of Nigeria.   The property is situated in the premises of Goodwill Private Schools, Ikorodu, Lagos State.   The judge gave the order, following a motion ex- parte  dated January 8, 2025 and filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel, Hannatu  KofarNaisa.    The court had, on November 8, 2024, granted an interim forfeiture order of the property and also directed the publication of the same in a national newspaper for any interested party to show cause why the property should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.   Moving the motion for the final forfeiture order at Tuesday’s sitting,  counsel to the EFCC told the court that the proper...

 Ogun Police Arrest Two for Vandalizing Government Cables and Iron Rods Operatives from the Owode Egba Police Division have arrested two individuals, Agbo Jeremiah (34) and Sunday Ngbuta (29), for allegedly vandalizing and stealing cable wires and iron rods in the Ogunmakin area of Ogun State. The suspects were apprehended around 7 PM on Monday after the driver transporting them and the stolen items alerted the police. Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrests, stating that earlier in the day, officers from Safer Highway had noticed two men near Macpherson University carrying rolls of cable wires and iron rods. Suspicious of the items' origin, the officers were alerted when the men asked for help transporting the load. The police then stopped the vehicle at Ogunmakin’s overhead bridge and arrested the suspects after they were unable to explain how they obtained the items. Investigations are ongoing.

 Spanish Prime Minister Proposes Property Purchase Ban for Nigerians and other Non-EU Nationals to Combat Rising Housing Costs  Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has proposed a ban on property purchases by non-EU nationals in Spain as part of efforts to tackle rising housing costs. Speaking at a rally in Plasencia, western Spain, on Sunday, Sanchez announced, “We will propose banning non-EU foreigners who are not residents, along with their families, from buying property here, as they are doing so to speculate.” Earlier, on 13 January, Sanchez presented a plan to impose a tax of up to 100% on property purchases by non-EU nationals, such as Nigerians, who do not live in Spain. This is part of broader measures aimed at increasing the housing supply and controlling demand. A source close to Sanchez clarified that the ban is still under discussion, with the main focus currently on discouraging non-resident purchases through higher taxes. Spain is grappling with a housing shorta...

 Don't Be Surprised I Failed Woefully As Delta State FA Chairman - Okocha Cries  “I failed woefully (as Delta FA chairman),” Okocha told Lagos Talks FM today and was quoted by SCORENigeria. “If I remember, I did not complete my tenure, I walked away. “I raise my hand I didn’t achieve anything as Delta FA chairman.” “The structure will not allow people like us to succeed,” he said. “The level of corruption in all sectors in Nigeria is too much. “There are too many people with personal interests around and they won’t allow you to work.

  Controversial Nigerian transgender, Bobrisky, has called the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the most wicked organisation in Nigeria. Bobrisky made this statement while reacting to the Commission’s plea asking Nigerians to show empathy and humanity towards its official who was shot dead during one of its night raids in Anambra State. In a series of posts on Instagram Stories on Monday, Bobrisky accused EFCC of hypocrisy, stating that the police are “100% better.”

  The Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji has revealed that only 100,000 Point of Sale (POS) operators have officially registered their businesses with the commission as part of its POS formalization project. Magaji said this during the in-house enforcement and compliance training for state offices on Monday in Abuja, Magaji said that the training,  with the themed “Re-engineering the Commission for Compliance and Enforcement Mandates” would ensure efficient management of corporate entities. He called for a paradigm shift in the commission’s operations, emphasising the importance of compliance and enforcement functions beyond the routine registration of businesses. The registrar-general said that advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) could handle routine operational tasks like business registration, freeing resources for more complex compliance and enforcement activities. He reiterated the success of the PoS Formalisation Project...

 Electric transformer vandal electrocuted in Aba, others apprehended A suspected vandal, identified as Obioma Joseph Nwadinma, has been electrocuted in Abia State while attempting to vandalize an. electricity transformer at Abayi Ogbuligba Junction in Osisioma Ngwa LGA. His accomplice in the attempted theft was arrested by members of the public while trying to flee. According to Edise Ekong, the Brand and Communication Manager for Aba Power, one of the vandals, Obioma Joseph Nwadinma, who was in his 20s, met his demise while attempting to steal upriser cables from the 500kVA distribution transformer but was electrocuted as he tried to escape the scene. In another development, another individual, Isaac Ude, was arrested while tampering with prepaid meters at the Tonimas building, located at 10 Diobu Avenue off Aba-Owerri Road in Aba North LGA. The suspected thief was apprehended by residents of the area and was handed over to Aba Power’s security team and the police. Ekong praised t...

 Carlo Ancelotti addresses rumors about leaving Real Madrid  “I’ve absolutely NOT decided to leave Real Madrid… I hope to stay for FOUR more years, same as Florentino Pérez”. “That would be perfect in order to do a BIG FAREWELL TOGETHER in 2029!”. 👀🧨

 Onitsha North Mayor Applauds Governor Soludo's Launch of "Operation Udo Ga-Achi" for Enhanced Security in Anambra By Chioma Nwankwo/Claribel Udah/Chika Obi  The Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, has commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the launch of "Operation Udo Ga-Achi," a comprehensive security initiative aimed at bolstering safety across the state.   The initiative, unveiled at the International Conference Center in Awka, is designed to safeguard the lives and property of Ndi Anambra and visitors, addressing the state's evolving security challenges.   Mayor Nwora described "Operation Udo Ga-Achi," also known as "Agunaechemba," as a transformative step in combating insecurity, highlighting its focus on collaboration between local and federal security agencies to deliver robust protection for citizens.   Applauding Governor Soludo for signing a new homeland security law, which provides a legal ...

 Moroccan drivers kidnapped in Burkina Faso released Four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped in West Africa over the weekend were released in Niger, officials said, AFP reported. The drivers were the latest victims of insecurity in the Sahel, an arid swath of land south of the Sahara, where armed groups have been carrying out attacks in recent years. The four were transporting electrical equipment from Casablanca to Niamey, the capital city of Niger, and had been on the road for more than 20 days travelling the 3,000-mile (4,950-kilometer) truck route. They were then reported missing on Saturday, said the secretary-general of Morocco's Transport Union and a Moroccan official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the kidnapping. The Moroccan Embassy in Burkina Faso late on Monday informed the union that the four drivers had been freed and were safe in Niamey. “They will be brought back soon,” said Echarki El Hachmi, the union's se...

 Health Workers Fleeing Nigeria, Hospitals Facing Exodus Due to Poor Pay – CMDs Warn Reps Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Nigeria’s teaching hospitals have raised concerns over the mass exodus of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals due to poor remuneration. They warned that hospitals may soon face an acute staffing crisis, despite federal investments in health infrastructure. At the 2025 budget defense session before the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, CMDs, including Professor Wasiu Adeyemo of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Professor Jesse Abiodun of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, described the alarming rate of resignations. Prof. Adeyemo revealed, “Medical workers resign almost daily. In one or two years, our hospitals could be empty. Consultants earn less than $1,000 monthly, leading to mass departures for economic reasons.” He also outlined LUTH’s 2024 budget performance, highlighting a total allocation of ...

 Edo Governor Orders Investigation into Alleged DSS Assault on Journalists Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered an investigation into the alleged assault on journalists by a Department of State Services (DSS) official during the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal proceedings at the High Court in Benin. In a statement by the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chairman Festus Alenkhe and Secretary Andy Egbon commended Governor Okpebholo for his swift intervention, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of media practitioners. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Okpebholo for his prompt response, which sends a strong message that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated in Edo State,” the statement read. The NUJ acknowledged the governor’s directive for a thorough investigation by the security agency and praised his efforts to foster a secure environment for media practice in the state. “As the governor continues to ...

 Ijaw Council Cautions Against Planned Protest Over NDDC Leadership The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, has issued a warning to the Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organizations (CNDCSOs) and the Niger Delta Ex-agitators’ Forum over their planned protest concerning the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). IYC argued that the coalition’s claims are baseless and fail to acknowledge the progress made under the current NDDC administration. While recognizing the historical grievances and challenges faced by Niger Delta communities, the IYC emphasized that the allegations of financial misconduct, political favoritism, and mismanagement are unfounded and contradicted by the positive developments occurring within the NDDC. Comrade Ginah Ikio, IYC Central Zone’s Information Officer, stated that the Ogbuku-led NDDC has prioritized equity and transparency, ensuring that all nine member states are fairly represented in terms of projects and employment opp...