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 LSWMO ENGAGES RESIDENTS OF LASG ESTATES The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) recently held a sensitisation engagement with the Executives and Residents of the State Government Estates. The Stakeholders forum, with the theme: “Environmental and Health Impacts of Untreated Wastewater and Faecal Sludge Discharge into the Environment by Built Estates in Lagos State”, had critical stakeholders in the environment sector in attendance.  The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resource, Tokunbo Wahab said that as Lagos State continues to evolve as a global economic hub, the State faces the dual challenge of rapid urbanization and inadequate wastewater management. Mr. Wahab, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi Akodu, reiterated that despite the State Government's continued investments in sanitation, several unhealthy and illegal wastewater disposal practices persist, which endangers public health and e...

 Southern African bloc pledges support for DRC as rebels push on Southern African leaders pledged "unwavering" backing to the Democratic Republic of Congo after advances by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, which captured the biggest city in its mineral-rich east. The southern African grouping SADC also called at crisis talks in Zimbabwe for leaders from eastern and southern African to meet over the escalating conflict in the eastern DRC, AFP reported. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit "reaffirmed its solidarity and unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," according to the final statement on Friday after the talks. The DRC is one of the 16 member nations of the regional grouping, and its President Felix Tshisekedi attended the meeting in Harare virtually. Soldiers killed The talks were convened after 13 soldiers from South Africa and three from Mala...

 Ghana President Mahama picks new central bank chief Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has chosen Johnson Asiamah as the West African country's next central bank governor, pending approval by the Council of State, the presidency said on Friday, Reuters reported. The current governor, Ernest Addison, is due to retire from the bank at the end of March and will go on leave from February 3. Asiamah previously served as a second deputy governor of the central bank between 2016 and 2017, the president's office said in a statement, adding that he had extensive experience in monetary policy and had worked at the Bank of Ghana for over 23 years. President Mahama won the December presidential election on a promise to “reset” the country on various fronts during a campaign that prioritised the economy. He unveiled his key cabinet appointments earlier this month, naming Cassiel Ato Forson as Finance Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor as Energy Minister, and Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as ...

 Chadian President Welcomes 'Final & Complete Departure' of French Army Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno welcomed the "final and complete departure" of the French army during an official ceremony on January 31, Sputnik reported. He emphasized that the decision to end the French military presence was aimed at strengthening Chad's national sovereignty. This event marked the departure of French troops after the return of the Sergent Adji Kosseï military base in N'Djamena to the Chadian authorities on January 30.

 “Recovery of vandalized government property worth ₦1 billion! The FCT Joint Task Force, led by CP Olatunji Disu, intensifies its crackdown on scavenging and vandalism in the Federal Capital Territory—a major stride in protecting public assets. #FCTPoliceCommand #Security” More photos below. 

  President Tinubu Appoints Abba Abubakar Aliyu as REA Managing Director President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abba Abubakar Aliyu as the substantive Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).   His appointment comes as part of the administration’s efforts to enhance rural electrification and improve energy access across underserved communities in Nigeria. Aliyu is expected to lead initiatives aimed at expanding electricity infrastructure and fostering sustainable development in rural areas.   Further details on his tenure and objectives are expected in due course.

 Uganda's top court bans civilian trials in military courts Uganda's top court said on Friday that trying civilians in military courts was unconstitutional and ordered any ongoing prosecutions to stop immediately, Reuters reported. The ruling will offer relief to a key opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, who has been undergoing trial by the country's general court martial, his lawyer Erias Lukwago said, adding that the defendant would now not appear in court on Monday as originally scheduled. "All charges or ongoing criminal trials or pending trials before the courts martial involving civilians must immediately cease," Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo said, reading the lead judgement of a panel of Supreme Court justices. All ongoing trials must be transferred to civilian courts, he said. Besigye, a long-time opponent of President Yoweri Museveni, was detained in neighbouring Kenya in November. He was subsequently brought home and charged with several firearms and ...

 Female Tenant Attacks Landlord with Pestle in Enugu Over Eviction Notice A heated dispute over eviction took a violent turn in Enugu as a female tenant allegedly attacked her landlord with a pestle, leaving him with severe head injuries.   The altercation reportedly began after the landlord asked her to vacate the property. Witnesses say the disagreement escalated, leading the tenant to strike him with the heavy kitchen tool.   The landlord has been rushed to the hospital for treatment, while authorities have taken the suspect into custody for further investigation.

  Lagos Federal High Court Remands 13 Chinese Nationals and Company Over Fraud, Impersonation, and Alleged Threat to Nigeria’s Constitutional Order The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of 13 Chinese nationals and Genting International Co. Limited over allegations of impersonation, fraud, and attempts to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional structure.   The suspects are facing charges related to fraudulent activities and security threats. Further legal proceedings are expected as investigations continue. More photos below. 

  SPAR Bans Use of Nylon Bags Popular retail chain SPAR has announced a ban on the use of nylon bags in its stores as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.   The move aims to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly alternatives. Customers are encouraged to bring reusable bags or opt for available biodegradable packaging options.   Further details on implementation and customer guidelines are expected soon. More photos below. 

 UPDATE ON THE TRAGIC  INCIDENT DURING ROUTE MARCH IN YABA LAGOS Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred this morning,  Friday 31 January 2025, during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State. The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State.  The exercise had earlier been announced on various media platforms  to create public awareness.  Tragically, a driver in a private vehicle recklessly ran into the participating troops resulting in the death of a soldier with others sustaining various degrees of injuries. The deceased has been  deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos.The 81 Division Military Police in conjunction with other relevant security agencies are conducting a thor...

  PRESS RELEASE POLICE REITERATES 3RD PARTY INSURANCE ENFORCEMENT BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1ST As IGP Directs Due Enforcement Nationwide In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., the Nigeria Police Force once again reiterates the enforcement of the Mandatory Third Party Insurance which will commence on February 1st, 2025. This initiative aims to reinforce road safety measures and ensure that all vehicle owners comply with the stipulated insurance requirements to protect themselves and others on the road. The Nigeria Police Force cautions vehicle owners and operators against non-compliance with this essential regulation. Failure to possess valid Third Party Insurance will result in strict enforcement actions, including fines or penalties or both, as mandated by relevant extant laws.  Effective February 1st, all vehicle owners nationwide are required to possess valid Third Party Insurance as they move about, and those with...

 Sudan's paramilitary chief admits setbacks as army makes advances The commander of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, on Friday acknowledged setbacks as the country’s army made advances in the capital Khartoum, Anadolu Agency reported. In a recorded video, Hemedti urged his fighters to focus on future gains and ignore the areas recently retaken by the army. � “To all forces on all fronts, do not dwell on what the army has taken from us—whether it is the General Command (in central Khartoum), the Signal Corps (in Bahri), Jili town (north of Khartoum), or Wad Madani (capital of Al-Jazira state),” he said. � He called on his troops to concentrate on their next objectives rather than on lost territory. � Army gains Hemedti claimed his forces could drive the army out of Khartoum again, as they had done before. His remarks came after recent military gains by the Sudanese army, which broke the RSF siege on its General Command headquar...

 Four feared dead, others injured as driver rams into soldiers in Lagos Four soldiers attached to the Myoung Barracks in the Morocco area of Shomolu in Lagos are feared dead, while others sustained injuries after a suspected drunk driver crashed into them. It was gathered that the soldiers were doing their morning marching parade when the incident happened Friday morning. According to reports, the Toyota vehicle had three young men as the occupants. Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing, with injured soldiers scattered across the road. “There’s blood everywhere. I was spared because I was at the back,” said one of the soldiers who survived the accident. According to sources, the vehicle involved was carrying three young men believed to be Yahoo Boys (internet fraudsters). The driver lost control and rammed into the unit near the Myoung Barracks Army Sports Camp. One of the occupants fled the scene immediately, while the other two were caught and beaten to a pulp by an angry...

 Alleged N868.4m Fraud: Witnesses Narrate how Former Acting Accountant General Diverted Defence Ministry’s Funds   The trial of former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku began on Friday, January 31, 2025 before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja with witnesses narrating how the defendant as former Director, Finance and Account in the Federal Ministry of Defence opened multiple bank accounts through which he allegedly diverted the ministry’s funds.   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  is prosecuting Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge, bordering on money laundering to the tune of N868, 465,000 (Eight Hundred and Sixty-eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand Naira). At Friday's proceedings,  Prosecution Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, presented two witnesses. The first, Prosecution Witness, PW1, Eucharia Ezeobi, a Zenith Bank staff, while being led in evidenc...

 2025 UTME: JAMB Reschedules Registration to Monday The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a shift in the commencement of 2025 UTME registration to Monday. In a statement issued on Friday, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, explained that the adjustment was necessary to allow the board to implement essential modifications to its registration process. “These changes follow the recent suspension of certain law programs at selected universities, as communicated to the Board by the Council for Legal Education. Additionally, JAMB discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres gained approval through deceptive means, necessitating further scrutiny and disapproval of such centres,” the statement read. JAMB acknowledged the possible inconvenience the delay may cause to candidates and stakeholders and extended its apologies. “The additional time will be used to ensure all necessary adjustments are made for a seamless registration process...

 NYSC DG: Corps Members to Receive N77,000 Monthly from February Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has announced that corps members will begin receiving a revised monthly allowance of N77,000 starting in February 2025. Speaking on Thursday to the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members in Katsina, Ahmed confirmed that the allowance increase has been factored into the 2025 Federal Government budget and will take effect once the budget is passed. “January has already ended, but once the budget is approved, corps members will start receiving N77,000 instead of the current N33,000 by next month (February),” he stated. Ahmed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and security of corps members, urging them to serve with dedication in appreciation of the gesture. He also assured corps members that they would not be deployed to areas with security risks, stating: “We will not post corps members to locations facing...

 ENUGU POLICE DEBUNK AND DESCRIBE VIRAL WHATSAPP KIDNAPPING REPORT AS FALSE AND MALICIOUS The Enugu State Police Command informs the public that the viral WhatsApp post alleging that “four persons were kidnapped and taken into the bush on Tuesday evening at Api-Opi, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road” is false, malicious, and clearly intended to incite fear and panic. There was no such incident recorded on the said day and time along the road. Furthermore, the claim that the alleged kidnappers operated for over 30 minutes unchallenged on a well-patrolled road is not only baseless but also a product of misinformation. For the avoidance of doubts, the road is heavily monitored by security forces, making such an occurrence as peddled highly improbable. The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), challenges the individual behind the post to provide verifiable proof of their claims or be prepared to face the full consequences of spreading false information. Consequently, he has dir...

 Mexican President Criticizes Google for Approving Gulf of Mexico Name Change Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday condemned Google’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico on its Google Maps platform following an order by U.S. President Donald Trump to change it to the “Gulf of America.” Presenting a letter addressed to Google, Sheinbaum asserted that the United States cannot unilaterally rename a body of water it shares with Mexico and Cuba. This follows Google’s announcement on Monday that the name change will take effect for U.S. users once it is officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System. However, while Google Maps will display “Gulf of America” within the United States, it will retain “Gulf of Mexico” in Mexico. Users outside both countries will see both names on the platform. Coretvnews recalls that Sheinbaum and Trump have previously clashed over the issue. The Mexican president once joked that if renaming places were an option, North America could be ...

Nigeria's House of Representatives is open to discussing the abolition of the death penalty, according to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. This announcement comes amid a global trend towards abolishing capital punishment, with over 130 countries having already done so. Kalu made this statement during a meeting with representatives from the Death Penalty Project and the British High Commission in Abuja. He noted that while Nigeria has not carried out any executions since 2014, the death penalty remains legal for crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and treason. The Deputy Speaker emphasized the need for reform in the criminal justice system, citing the current statistics of death row inmates in Nigeria and worldwide. He also highlighted that the Constitution Review Committee, which he chairs, has examined the implications of the death penalty, considering its moral, ethical, and practical effects on Nigerian society. Kalu stressed that the goal of these discussions is not to diminish ...

 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐔𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐤𝐮 Bode George, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and member of the party's Board of Trustees, has revealed why he fell out with Nyesom Wike, whom he initially supported in opposition to Atiku Abubakar before the 2023 presidential election. According to George, the root of the problem lies in the disruption of the PDP's zoning arrangement by Iyorchia Ayu, the then-national chairman, and Atiku. He claimed that the party's top positions were unfairly zoned to the northern region, prompting him to temporarily support Wike's group during the 2023 general election build-up. George explained that he tried to reason with Atiku and Ayu before taking sides with Wike, but they refused to listen. However, he eventually dumped Wike's group when he discovered they planned to support Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congres...

 Anambra Enforces Law Requiring Hotel Lodgers’ Identification The Anambra State Government is enforcing the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which mandates hotel operators to collect and submit identification details of all guests, including government-issued IDs, to the President-General of the community. These documents will be forwarded to local and state authorities. Hotel owners who fail to comply face penalties, including forfeiture of their facilities. However, many locals are concerned the law will harm the hospitality industry, as guests may be discouraged from checking into hotels due to privacy concerns. A hotel owner expressed fears that it would drive business away, with Anambra residents already seeking accommodation in neighboring Asaba.

 NBA Calls for Suspension of Imo High Court Activities Over Safety Issues Lawyers in Owerri, Imo State, have called for a one-week suspension of activities at the Justice Oputa High Court due to safety concerns. The Owerri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by Barrister Chris Ihentuge, raised alarms about vibrations in the court building, which has faced structural problems since its construction under former Governor Rochas Okorocha. Judges, including Justice Onyeukwu, have reported vibrations during court sessions, with one judge also expressing concerns about the building’s safety. Ihentuge called for a temporary halt to court activities until experts can assess the building’s safety, emphasizing that the risk to life is unacceptable. He also criticized the ongoing absence of a Chief Judge in the state for nearly three months, attributing it to the growing challenges within the judiciary. The court’s poor infrastructure, including inadequate lighting and ventilati...

 FCCPC Urges Nigerians to Report Loan Apps Engaging in Harassment The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on Nigerians to report loan apps and businesses that engage in harassment over unpaid loans. The commission emphasized that no consumer should live in fear due to aggressive debt recovery tactics.   This follows ongoing complaints about unethical practices by some digital lenders, including threats, blackmail, and unauthorized access to customers’ contacts. The FCCPC has been working to regulate online lending platforms and has previously sanctioned several operators for violating consumer protection laws.   Nigerians facing harassment from loan apps are encouraged to report such cases to the FCCPC through official channels to ensure appropriate action is taken.

 Trump Warns BRICS Nations of 100% Tariffs Over US Dollar Move President Donald Trump has threatened the BRICS countries with 100% tariffs if they move away from using the US dollar for international transactions. Trump issued the warning via his Truth Social platform, stating, “The idea that BRICS nations are trying to abandon the Dollar, while we stand by and watch, is over. We will demand a commitment from these countries to not create a new BRICS currency or back any alternative to the US dollar. If they refuse, they will face 100% tariffs and lose access to the US economy.” BRICS, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in early 2024 with the addition of Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the UAE, and Indonesia joined in January 2025. The group seeks to counterbalance the influence of the G7, the leading Western economic powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized the US dollar’s dominance and is pushing for a new payment system within BR...

 Man who repeatedly burnt Quran in Sweden shot dead A man who repeatedly burned the Koran in Sweden in 2023, causing outrage in Muslim countries, has been shot dead, according to media reports on Thursday.  Police confirmed that a man was killed in a shooting in Sodertalje, near Stockholm on Wednesday night. Salwan Momika, 38, a Christian Iraqi known for burning Korans at multiple protests, was due to receive a court ruling in Stockholm on Thursday on charges of inciting ethnic hatred. Momika was being investigated by the Swedish authorities, with charges of incitement against ethnic communities pressed against him. However, the court postponed the decision, stating that “one of the defendants has died.” Police stated that they were alerted to a shooting in the city of Södertälje, where Momika resided. The shooting took place indoors, and upon arrival, officers found a man who had been “struck by gunshots.” The man was subsequently taken to hospital, according to the statement...

 Adult film Star Falls From Hotel Balcony While Allegedly Filming X-Rated Scene With Two Men Anna Beatriz Pereira Alves, also known as Anna Polly, fell to her death from a Brazilian hotel balcony after inviting two men to film X-rated scenes for an adult site. Police have not ruled out the possibility of a crime. The two men reportedly gave conflicting accounts of what occurred before the plunge . No arrests have yet been reported. A police homicide unit is analysing hotel CCTV images as part of its investigation and has already quizzed staff. Alves' mobile phone was collected as evidence. The results of the post-mortem have not been made public and it is not yet clear if there was a presence of drugs in Alves' system or anything suggesting she was a victim of sexual violence. Investigators have described their ongoing probe as 'complex' and say they are keeping an open mind on the adult entertainer's death - which they say could be an accident or a crime.  The woma...

 Poverty has made me remain in politics since 1987, says Amaechi A former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has disclosed that his involvement in the political system had been shaped by poverty and necessity. Amaechi made this remark at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria held earlier this week, aimed at discussing pathways to good governance and political integrity in Nigeria. He declared that Nigerian politicians are in power to steal, kill, and retain power. Amaechi said: “None of you here seated can defend the votes. If you have complained, complain, Nigerians have been clapping for you,” he said. “The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up. “It happened in Ghana before the election of the last president. Two days, a lot of us were called to intervene. But why did they do that? The people were ready to die. “You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you — not even me. If you want a pa...