PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Alleged N110b Fraud: Why Yahaya Bello’s Accomplice  Sought Refund on Property-Witness   The trial of a former Kogi State governor, Yahya Adoza Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu continued on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court with the First Prosecution Witness, (PW1), Fabian Nwaora informing the court, that Yahya Bello’s accomplice, Shehu Bello, opted for a refund from EFAB Property Limited, the sum of N 550 million (Five Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) he paid for a property when he learned that the said property has come under the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and linked to Yahaya Bello.   The witness, Chairman of EFAB Property Limited,  further disclosed that the property Shehu Bello bought was located at No.1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja.   Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, he narrated that “We p...

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE ARRESTS CEO OF AAS, COMMENCES INVESTIGATION INTO FRAUD, FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION.  Dismisses Harassment Claims. The Nigeria Police Force hereby announce the arrest of one Mr. Jesam Michael, the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS), in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation following a report made earlier by Mr. Michael to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Investigation Unit (SIU), in which he alleged that he had been defrauded of the sum of USD 87 million by one Mr. Abayomi Segun Oluwasesan. Upon the arrest of Mr. Oluwasesan, he admitted to the charges but contested the amount involved, asserting it was significantly lower than claimed by Mr. Michael. Notably, concerns have emerged regarding a subsequent forfeiture agreement between the parties, which led to the recovery of various assets from Mr. Oluwasesan. The suspicion arose from Mr. Michael's decision to transfer the recovered properties into his personal name rather than that of his...

 Blackface Writes Open Letter to 2face and Annie Idibia Amidst Divorce Drama In the midst of the ongoing divorce drama between 2face and Annie Idibia, Blackface has penned an open letter addressing the situation, offering his perspective and possibly shedding light on the complexities of their relationship. More photos below. 

 NNPC Restores Sight to Over 1,000 People, Including Two Minors Born Blind The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), through its NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, has restored sight to over 1,000 individuals in the South-West, including two minors born blind. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Foundation launched a free cataract screening and extraction campaign to combat preventable blindness. A medical team led by Professor Grace Feyisayo Adepoju successfully performed surgeries on 9-year-old Mohammed Lukman and 6-year-old Adeleye Maria, both born with congenital cataracts. The initiative benefited 800 patients in Ogun State and 200 in Lagos State. Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps and improving access to medical care nationwide. The Foundation plans to extend the programme to the remaining five geopolitical zones, aiming to restore over 6,000 individuals' sight ...

 UNIZIK Lecturers Protest Five Years of Unpaid Salaries Over 1,000 lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, have staged a protest over the non-payment of their salaries for the past five years. The affected lecturers revealed that 12 of their colleagues, employed during the same period, have died while waiting for their wages. Carrying placards, the lecturers pleaded for immediate payment, stressing that the current economic hardship has worsened their plight and that of their families. One of the lecturers, Ibezim Echezona, lamented the loss of their colleagues due to financial struggles, stating, “We have buried 12 members, including one who was alive just last December. We need answers—who is holding our salaries, the university or the federal government?” Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, a blind lecturer at the Center for Disabilities and Special Needs Research, said he has not received any remuneration since his employment in 2019, despite working diligently. He recounted h...

 PRESS RELEASE FG POISED TO  REVIVE ALUMINUM SMELTING COMPANY OF NIGERIA (ALSCON) The Federal Government has began significant initiative to revive the Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), a pivotal player in the nation’s industrial landscape. The revival will reinvigorate the local economy, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria's position in the global aluminium market. The Minister of Steel Development Prince Shaiubu Abubakar Audu while emphasizing the importance of resuscitating the project during his Two-Day Facility Tour of the Aluminum Smelting Company of Nigeria in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State from  Monday 27th January to Tuesday, 28th January 2025, stated that, the revival of ALSCON is not just about aluminium production but about creating a robust industrial base that will attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth, adding that the present administration is committed to making Nigeria a hub for aluminium production in Africa.  Prince Audu,...

 Court Revokes Bail, Issues Arrest Warrant for UNIUYO Professor in Electoral Fraud Case The Akwa Ibom High Court on Wednesday revoked the bail of Professor Ignatius Uduk, a University of Uyo (UNIUYO) academic facing trial for alleged electoral fraud during the 2019 general elections. The ruling came after Uduk failed to appear in court for the second consecutive hearing, and his lawyer, George Ezeugwu, was also absent. Justice Bassey Nkanang, presiding over the case, granted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)'s application to revoke Uduk's bail. INEC had charged Uduk, a former Collation/Returning Officer for Essien Udim Constituency, with abandoning duties, announcing false election results, and perjury. The defendant’s lawyer had sent a message to the court, stating that both Uduk and his counsel were ill. However, Justice Nkanang acknowledged the health issues but upheld INEC’s request for bail revocation and issued an arrest warrant. The case, which has fac...

  Trump Signs Law Targeting Migrant Criminals Amid Crackdown on Immigration President Donald Trump signs the "Laken Riley Act," a law mandating the pre-trial detention of undocumented migrants charged with violent crimes, as part of his broader crackdown on illegal immigration.  The law, passed shortly after his inauguration, targets migrant criminal suspects and follows the tragic case of Laken Riley, a student murdered by an undocumented migrant. The move is part of Trump's administration’s wider effort to secure US borders, intensify deportations, and extend protections for Venezuelan migrants while pursuing controversial reforms within the government.

   Mozambican national rapes an infant in Selwane village  A horrific crime has left the Selwana Village community in shock and outrage after a 1-year-8-month-old child was brutally raped. The incident occurred at Selwana Village, Matshelapata Dinoning. The suspect, the child’s stepfather and a Mozambican national, is currently at large. The child’s mother, who is the suspect’s girlfriend, has been accused of neglecting her children. Her absence during the incident has raised concerns about her parenting. This incident highlights a larger issue, as community members had previously reported concerns about the mother’s neglect. Last year, a good Samaritan reported the poor condition of one of the children’s clothing, prompting community intervention. The police are investigating the matter, and the community is urged to cooperate fully. Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Lulekani police station. The community remains in shoc...

 STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ON THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EASTERN DRC AND DEATHS OF SOUTH AFRICAN SOLDIERS *WEDNESDAY, 29 JANUARY 2025* Fellow South Africans,  Following the recent intensification of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa has lost 13 brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace. The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel group M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).   On behalf of the government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones and colleagues. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant fight for peace.  We honour and mourn them. All necessary support is being provided to the families of the deceased and the families of the injured. The proc...

 Ogun Only Recognizes Constitutionally Established Courts. ....says no group can bring Sharia through the backdoor  The Ogun State Government has warned against any attempt to establish a Sharia Court in the state. The state government, in a statement personally signed by the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, noted that Sharia Courts cannot be legally constituted by individuals or groups without legal backing. The government was reacting to a notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in the state. According to the statement, Ogun State only recognizes courts established through the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution, adding that a Sharia Court does not form part of the legal framework operating in the state. The statement reads: "The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Shari'ah Court in Ogun State. "No Sharia Court is authorized to operate within Ogun State. The courts that are legally empowered to adj...

 I No Longer Recognize The APC; I Don't Believe My Party Wants To Tackle Nigeria's Challenges, Says Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai Former Kaduna State governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed deep concerns over the capacity of the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu's administration to address the nation’s challenges. Speaking at a conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Monday, El-Rufai criticised the party's leadership and accused the administration of targeting opposition parties for destruction. Addressing participants at the event organized by several pro-democracy organizations, including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), El-Rufai lamented the decline in the APC's internal democracy, Daily Nigerian reports. “I no longer recognise the APC. No party organ of the APC has met for the past two years. No...

 Plane crash in South Sudan kills 20 oil workers A small aircraft carrying oil workers in South Sudan's Unity State crashed on takeoff from its oilfield airport on Wednesday, killing 20 people, the region's information minister said, Reuters reported. The plane had departed for the capital Juba when it went down, Gatwech Bipal said. The passengers were oil workers of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), a consortium that includes China National Petroleum Corporation and state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation, he said. Among the dead were two Chinese nationals and one Indian, he added. President Salva Kiir said engineers and technical staff were among the dead, and pledged a thorough and swift investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Bipal gave no more details on the circumstances. Media reports had initially put the death toll at 18 but Bipal told Reuters two survivors had later died. One person survived. Several air crashes have occurred in war-torn South Su...

 A Texas man may face arrest after TikTok video of him using his friend's 3-month-old baby to clean snow off of his car goes viral. Although the man has not yet been identified by name the incident is under investigation by Port Arthur P.D. Chief of Police, Timothy Duriso, stated, "It's a sad situation. I know people go on social media and they are looking for clicks. But this is not a deal where you should put a baby on a windshield." He said the man could be charged with child endangerment once the results of the investigation are turned over to the DA. Chief Duriso also stated police have been to the man's apartment to confirm if the 3-month-old baby was okay. He stated that the state police believe the baby is okay. It has been confirmed it is indeed a three-month-old baby and the child was okay according to the mother and officials. Duriso stated two women were present during the video. One of the women is the baby's mother.  CPS have also confirmed they ...

 A Mississippi woman was kidnapped from a Nissan Plant yesterday morning. She jumped from car to escape her attacker only to be fatally struck by another vehicle. This sad saga began Monday morning at the Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi when Glynis Jackson (who was a mother of 3) was forced into a car. Her kidnapper was her ex-boyfriend, 29-year-old Joshua Andrews. Holmes County Sheriff Willie March has gone on record saying she jumped from the vehicle. She had been shot at this point. After forcing Glynis into his vehicle, Andrews fled down I-55. While going through Holmes County, Glynis reportedly attempted to escape the vehicle by jumping from the car. Tragically she was struck and killed by another motorist. Glynis was discovered deceased near the 161 mile marker. Police have confirmed she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds in addition to being struck by the vehicle. There was a gun discovered on scene. It's not clear if Glynis grabbed the weapon before jumping from the c...

  "🍼🎉 Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, born on Wednesday, 22nd January, at 12:57pm.  The baby was born weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces. The King and Queen, and other members of The Royal Family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.  Princess Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.  Her Royal Highness and her daughter are healthy and doing well, and the family are enjoying spending time together with Athena’s older siblings, Wolfie and Sienna."- The Royal Family.  One more photo below. 

 King Charles Says It Is Vital to Remember Past Evils as He Becomes First British Monarch to Visit Auschwitz King Charles appeared emotional today as he joined world leaders in Polandto commemorate 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In what was the first visit by a British monarch to the site of the former Nazi concentration camp, the King joined other Heads of State placing a light in front of an empty train car in memory of the millions who lost their lives during the Holocaust. Earlier in the day, the King gave an impassioned speech in which he emphasized the importance of remembering the evils of the past to shape our future.  “To be in Poland on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as we commemorate eighty years since the liberation of Auschwitz, is both a sombre and indeed a sacred moment,” the King began in his address at the Jewish Community Centre in Krakow, where he met with Holocaust survivors. “It is a moment when we recall the six million Jew...

  From Fire To Ice: Heavy Hail Falls In Hollywood Hills Hail bounced off rooftops and covered roads in the Hollywood Hills Sunday as the area saw its first rainfall since wildfires ravaged parts of Los Angeles County. It was the most rainfall since April of last year, and it sent a mudflow into Palisades Drive, closing the road. Watch video below. 

 My former manager behind false paternity claims about my son – Mercy Chinwo alleges Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has accused her former manager of bullying and spreading false information about her personal life. In a video posted on Instagram, Chinwo detailed her ordeal, revealing that she relocated from Lagos to Port Harcourt due to safety concerns caused by his actions. She also alleged that her former manager withheld her royalties for two years and launched online attacks to tarnish her reputation. Among the accusations, Chinwo claimed he falsely linked Pastor Nathaniel Bassey to her child, driven by a personal vendetta against the pastor. The allegations arise as part of an ongoing dispute between Chinwo and EeZee Tee, with Chinwo’s lawyer accusing EeZee Tee of attempting to extend her contract from five years to 12, a proposal she rejected. She said, “A man claimed I sued him. Came online, made videos to tarnish my image. He looked at me and said, ‘I made you who you are, and...

 Y2025 BECE: LAGOS EXAM BOARD KICK-STARTS E-REGISTRATION, PAYMENT The Lagos State Government, through its Examinations Board, has kick-started the e-Registration and Payment for the Year 2025 Basic Education and Certificate Examination (BECE), on Monday, January 27th and scheduled to end on Friday, April 26, 2025. The e-Registration and Payment are in line with the Lagos State Government policy to ensure a seamless and hitch-free registration process which does not require School owners' physical presence at the Examinations Board. Speaking on the process, the Director, Mr. Orunsolu Adebayo stated that Schools are to use the newly issued code to facilitate the registration process and Public Junior Secondary Schools will be expected to download their Offline Data Capturing Application via https://bece.examsboard.lagosstate.gov.ng.  Likewise, Approved Private Junior Secondary Schools, Schools with Special Permission and Continuing Education Centers (CEC) should visit the Lagos ...

 Kogi Allocates ₦4bn for Malaria Prevention Initiative The Kogi State Government has earmarked over ₦4 billion for malaria prevention efforts across the state's healthcare system. Governor Ahmed Ododo announced this at the launch of a statewide malaria prevention campaign, which includes the distribution of free anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and over three million insecticide-treated nets to healthcare facilities. According to a statement by the governor’s media adviser, Ismail Isah, the initiative aligns with Ododo’s commitment to improving public health and tackling the high malaria prevalence in the state. Citing the 2024 World Malaria Report, Ododo highlighted that Africa accounted for 94% of global malaria cases in 2023, with Nigeria contributing 30% of the recorded 5,970 deaths. He noted that Kogi’s malaria prevalence rate of 16% exceeds the national target of less than 10%, making urgent intervention necessary. The governor emphasized that the distributed m...

 Abia Govt Distributes 53 Transformers to Rural Communities to Boost Electricity Supply The Abia State Government has begun distributing 53 newly procured transformers to various communities across the state to enhance electricity supply. According to a statement from Divine Nwankwo, Head of the Information Department at Government House, Umuahia, the first batch was allocated to 11 communities on Tuesday. Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, described the initiative as part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring reliable electricity, a crucial factor for industrialization and economic growth in Abia. He emphasized that the beneficiaries were selected on a "first come, first served" basis and urged community leaders to safeguard the transformers from vandalism, as they were funded by taxpayers' money. Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, Eze Innocent Ezeala of the Ibe Uzo Amawom – Oboro ...

 FG Prepared to Receive Deported Nigerians from US – NiDCOM The Federal Government is prepared to receive Nigerians deported from the United States, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Corporate Affairs, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stated that an inter-agency committee, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the National Security Adviser’s office, has been set up to manage the situation. However, Balogun noted that NiDCOM has not received any official information regarding Nigerians currently being processed for deportation. This comes amid reports that 3,690 Nigerians in the US face deportation as part of Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants.

 Champions League set for dramatic finale - how it stands The Champions League's inaugural league phase is set for an exciting final day with 25 of the 36 teams still awaiting their fate. All 18 games will be played at the same time - at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday, with 16 matches having something on the line. Manchester City are in major danger of elimination after last week's 4-2 defeat at Paris St-Germain, while Liverpool are through, Arsenal are almost there and Aston Villa and Celtic - who meet - are somewhere in between. The 'as it stands' table will be constantly updating with teams' hopes potentially relying on other results. It marks the first season of the new format, a change from the old four-team groups with two going through from each - where sometimes there was nothing to play for by the end. "It's been brilliant, instead of the borefest we've had for years on the last matchday," wrote ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on social medi...

 Sowore Pleads Not Guilty to Cybercrime Charges Over ‘Illegal IGP’ Comment Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has pleaded not guilty to cybercrime charges brought against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges were filed by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following Sowore’s remarks on his verified X handle, where he referred to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.” Sowore appeared before Justice Liman of the FCT High Court and was arraigned around 10:00 a.m. when the charges were read to him. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. Meanwhile, several of his supporters staged a protest outside the court in response to his arraignment.

 IWA Urges FG to Remove Security Roadblocks in South East The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) has called on the Federal Government to dismantle security checkpoints in the South East, citing the hardship they impose on residents and their role in escalating insecurity. According to IWA, these roadblocks have become hotspots for harassment, human rights violations, and criminal activities. The group argued that the region was relatively calm until the deployment of security forces, which they claim has worsened the situation. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, IWA President Lolo Nneka Chimezie urged the government to review the activities of security agencies in the South East to prevent further loss of lives and property. She alleged that some security personnel were complicit in crimes in the region and called for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable. Chimezie also condemned what she described as inflammatory statements capable of inciting ethnic conflict...

 Alaafin Disbands Unauthorised Coronation Committee The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owode I, has ordered the immediate dissolution of an unauthorised coronation committee allegedly formed without his approval. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan, the monarch warned that any further activities or meetings related to the committee would be considered illegal and would not be tolerated. He emphasized that all matters concerning his coronation must receive prior approval from his office. Titled “Coronation Committee Setup in Oyo Town—Notice of Cease & Desist,” the statement read in part: “Let it be known to all and sundry that any committee or activity being set up or promoted without the prior consent and approval of His Imperial Majesty and his office shall be deemed unauthorised and will not be allowed to exist.” Oba Owode directed all individuals involved to immediately cease any engagement with the committee. He further clarified that any fundraising efforts for the ...

 PDP Governors’ Forum pays condolence visit to Makinde over brother’s passing Peoples Democratic Party, Governors Forum, have joined scores of mourners to pay condolences visit on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over the demise of his sibling, Engineer Sunday Makinde. Bauchi State Governor, cum Chairman of the forum, Bala Mohammed and Rivers state’s Governor, Siminalaye Fubara, who doubled as the vice Chairman, brought the condolence message of the forum to Governor Makinde at his Ikolaba residence. Delivering the message, Governor Mohammed, said despite knowing Governor Makinde to be a strong person, there is need to show solidarity to the bereaved as an African tradition. According to Governor Mohammed, the deceased, Engineer Sunday Makinde lived a fulfilled life, having contributed positively to the growth and development of Nigeria. The Bauchi state Governor, prayed God to give Governor Makinde, immediate family of the deceased and people of the state, fortitude to bear the i...

 Trump says Microsoft in talks to buy TikTok The United States President Donald Trump says Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok. According to a report by Reuters on Tuesday, Trump spoke to reporters on Monday. Although the president declined to provide a full list of US firms interested in the sale, he said there was “great interest in TikTok”. “I like bidding wars because you make your best deals,” Trump said. On January 19, TikTok was shut down in the United States following a federal ban over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership. The ban temporarily forced TikTok offline, leaving over 170 million US users without access to the platform. It also led to TikTok being removed from Apple and Google’s app stores in compliance with federal regulations. However, on his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of the ban by 75 days, allowing TikTok to resume operations. Addressing reporters after signing the order, Trump said th...

 Transgender soldiers file lawsuit challenging Trump’s military ban                                                                                                                                                                                        Some Transgender soldiers have filed lawsuits challenging US president Donald Trump’s  ban on transgender people from serving in the US Military. In addition to the executive order restricting military service for trans people, Trump issued an executive order hours after his inau...

  National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has reaffirmed his position, stating that he can only be removed through a national convention, as he was elected through the same process. Anyanwu made this declaration during a meeting with stakeholders from the South East zone, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC). Anyanwu recounted how he had informed the party of his intention to contest the governorship of his state in 2023 and had requested a three-month leave, asking his deputy to take over temporarily. However, he alleged that former South East Zonal Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, had conspired against him, deceiving Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State into believing that Anyanwu's resignation was necessary. The PDP National Secretary emphasized that his position is protected by the party's constitution, which stipulates that a national officer can only be removed through a national convention. This development has exacer...

  JAMB Announces 2025 UTME Registration and Examination Dates The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the schedule for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). According to the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the sale of UTME forms will commence on January 31, 2025, and end on March 5, 2025. Direct entry candidates can purchase application documents and e-PINs from March 10, 2025, to April 7, 2025. The Mock-UTME is scheduled for April 5, 2025, while the main UTME examination will take place from April 25, 2025, to May 5, 2025. Candidates who opt for the mock exam will pay ₦8,200, while those who choose not to take the mock exam will pay ₦7,200. The breakdown of the fees includes: - UTME/DE JAMB application fee: ₦3,500 - Reading Text: ₦1,000 - CBT Centre Registration Service Charge: ₦700 - CBT Centre UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500 - CBT Mock Service Charge: ₦1,500 - Bank Charges: ₦500 - CBT Mock-UTME Centre Charge: ₦1,500 In addition, JA...

 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 "𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬" - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 Nigeria's Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has vowed to put an end to "Miracle Examination Centres" across the country.  These centres, often affiliated with private secondary schools, promise students success in exams, undermining the integrity of Nigeria's educational system. According to Dr. Alausa, the Tinubu administration is determined to sanitise the education sector and tackle the menace of examination malpractice head-on.  The Minister emphasized that allowing cheating in exams disincentivizes hardworking students and undermines the quality of education. To address this issue, the government has planned to train five universities, which will, in turn, train other public institutions nationwide. This move aims to improve the quality of Nigeria's tertiary education system. Dr. Alausa stressed th...

 𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐂 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun implementing some of the recommendations made by stakeholders following the 2023 general elections.  This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a visit from the new European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja. According to Yakubu, INEC has already started reviewing its planning tools, including the Strategic Plan and the Election Project Plan, to improve future elections.  Since the 2023 elections, the commission has received reports from numerous national and international observer groups, including the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM). These stakeholders have made a total of 23 recommendations, with eight requiring action from INEC and 15 needing action from other stakeholders, including the...

  The Abia State government has reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State Chapter.  This assurance was given by Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. The MoU was reached after JUSUN embarked on a strike, and the state government has pledged to pay the salaries and entitlements of judiciary workers. Kanu stated that the government is "irrevocably committed" to honoring the terms of the MoU. Regarding the payment of salaries, Kanu explained that the necessary paperwork is being finalized, and members of JUSUN were expected to receive their payments by the end of Tuesday. However, delays occurred due to the extensive paperwork involved in processing large wages. In addition to the MoU, the Abia State government is also investing in the construction of moder...