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 Nigerian Entertainment Industry Mourns as Actress Pat Ugwu Passes Away The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of Nollywood actress Pat Ugwu at the age of 35. A colleague of the deceased, Emeka Okoye, announced her passing on social media, describing it as an "unusual death." "Rest in peace sis. Pat ugwu. @patpat_ugwu so we no get to work again? Death whyooo ? God please . Rest in peace PAT. May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord. God please protect all my colleagues especially those am close to. This unusual D£@th is frightening . I proclaim life to everyone close to me this 2025 in the precious blood of Jesus. Amen." May her soul rest in peace 🕊️.  More photos below. 

  Tiger Woods Announces His Mom Kultida Has Died: 'She Was My Biggest Fan' Tiger Woods’ mother, Kultida Woods, has died, the golfer announced on Tuesday. She was 81. “It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable,” Woods, 49, shared on social media Tuesday, Feb. 4. He continued, “She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible. She was loved by so many,  but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. Love you Mom.” Kultida was seen attending the golfer’s TGL match in south Florida last week, NBC Sports reported. Kultida and Tiger’s father, Earl, were married for 37 years until his death in May 2006. While Earl was a sol...

 It's Not Within My Constitutional Mandate To Interfere With Ogbaru Local Govt. Administration--Anambra Assembly Speaker, Udeze By Chizoba Okeke  The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze says his official duties as Speaker are too numerous that he has no time to impinge on the administration of Ogbaru Local Government Area. In a press statement in Awka endorsed by the Speaker's Special Assistant on New Media, Franklin Osuagwu, Hon.Udeze noted that he has achieved a lot for his Ogbaru people as a Legislator such as various empowerment schemes, employments, attraction of road projects especially the Atani-Ozubulu road as well as rehabilitation of failed portions of Atani road. The Speaker also cited as one of his personally funded development projects in Ogbaru, the ongoing gigantic Agricultural Processing Plant in Atani, which he said, will serve the entire communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area when completed, in addition to his recent appea...

 PRESS RELEASE  NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGES STRATEGIC  ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS TOWARDS EMERGENCE AND  IMPLEMENTATION OF NCS ACT 2023  1. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) proudly recognises the invaluable  contributions of stakeholders in shaping and actualising the Nigeria Customs Service  Act (NCSA) 2023. This landmark legislation, which replaces the long-standing  Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and other related laws is a product  of extensive consultations, constructive dialogue, and collaborative efforts with key  industry players, government agencies, and other stakeholders. Their insights,  expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in ensuring a  robust legal framework that enhances efficiency, promotes innovation and strengthens transparency in customs operations.  2. In line with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of NCSA 2023, the NCS is  implementing a 4% charge on the Free O...

 FDA Approves Clinical Trials for Pig Kidney Transplants in Humans The US Food and Drug Administration has greenlit clinical trails for organ transplants from genetically modified pigs. The study led by United Therapeutics Corp will begin with six patients facing end-stage renal disease — eventually being expanded to include 50 kidney failure patients. The first transplant is expected to occur in mid-2025. According to a statement released by the company on Monday, patients will receive a UKidney transplant followed by a 24-week post-transplant follow-up period. Participants will continue to be followed for the rest of their lives — including for survival, UKidney function, and monitoring for zoonotic infections4 — during this time. The first cohort will comprise of six transplants at two centers — with a 12-week waiting period between the first and second transplants. Data will be reviewed after this group of patients reaches at least 12 weeks post-transplant in order to determine...

 Kenya downplays US funding freeze on Haiti mission The Kenya-led security mission fighting armed gangs in Haiti will not be affected by a disruption in US funding, Kenya's government spokesman has said, TRT Afrika reported. More than $13 million in US funding has been frozen under President Donald Trump's 90-day pause on foreign aid. Kenya's government said the Haiti mission is supported by the UN Trust Fund for Haiti where several countries, including the US, had already contributed $85m that was enough to sustain its operations. "The fund remains well resourced to support the mission until the end of September 2025," government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said in a statement. UN operation He said the government was working to transition the Haiti security mission into a UN operation. The Multinational Security Support mission, while approved by the UN Security Council, is not a United Nations operation and currently relies on voluntary contributions. There are nearl...

 At least 17 students die in fire in northern Nigeria At least 17 students died in a fire in northern Nigeria's Zamfara state on Tuesday night, a state police spokesperson said on Wednesday, Reuters reported. The students at an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda town in Zamfara State, who were between seven and 17 years old, died in the blaze while around 12 others were taken to hospital with severe burns, the police said. Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar said an investigation was ongoing to ascertain the cause of the blaze. Hussaini Adamu, who lost two children to the inferno, said the fire started in a nearby house and spread to the Islamic school.

  A heartbreaking incident has unfolded in Imo State, where a pregnant woman lost her life during a Cesarean Section (CS) operation allegedly performed by a doctor who relied on a YouTube video for guidance. The deceased woman's husband, Onyekachi Eze, reported the incident to the Imo Police Command, accompanied by Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop. Eze revealed that the tragic event occurred at Lebechi Hospital in Owerri, the state capital. According to Eze, his wife was in labor, and the doctor on duty deemed an operation necessary due to bleeding. However, in a shocking turn of events, Eze claimed that the doctors used their phones to watch a YouTube video on how to perform the surgery in his presence. To make matters worse, Eze lost both his wife and unborn child during the botched operation. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for accountability and improved medical standards. Following the report, the police arrested the owner of Lebechi Hospital, as...

 Drug war: UNODC assures NDLEA of further support, partnership ...Marwa lists fresh drug use survey, NDCMP, test kits, training, others as areas of needs The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, of further support and renewed partnership in its ongoing effort to rid the country of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The assurance was given on Wednesday 5th February 2025 when the new Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure led a team of his top officials on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja. While acknowledging the leadership role NDLEA plays in drug law enforcement in Africa and particularly the West African sub-region, the UNODC chief said his visit was to re-engage with the Agency on how to cascade the successes recorded at the national level to the states. ...

 PRESS RELEASE FCT POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS SUSPECT OVER FATAL ALTERCATION IN UTAKO MARKET The FCT Police Command has arrested one Onu Simeon following a fatal altercation that led to the death of Ifeanyi Chukwu at Utako Market, Abuja. On February 5, 2025, at about 09:30 AM, the Command received a distress call regarding a fight in Utako Market. Police operatives swiftly responded to the scene, where Ifeanyi Chukwu was found lying unconscious on the ground. He was immediately rushed to NNPC Hospital, Utako, by police operatives, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. Preliminary investigations revealed that Onu Simeon of Anguwan Biggy, Jabi Daki Biyu, and one Ifeanyi Chukwu of Kuchigoro, Lugbe, had earlier engaged in a dispute over a space to display their goods for sale. The disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Ifeanyi Chukwu suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. His remains have been deposited at a general hospital for further investigation, w...

 Tunisian court hands lengthy prison terms to top politicians A Tunisian court sentenced a number of top politicians, former officials and journalists to long prison terms on Wednesday, defence lawyers said, the latest move in what critics say is an attempt to stamp out opposition to President Kais Saied, Reuters reported. Among those sentenced on charges of conspiring against state were Rached Ghannouchi, veteran head of the Islamist-leaning Ennahda party, who was handed a 22-year term, and former Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, who received 35 years. Ghannouchi, 83, has been in prison since 2023, receiving two sentences of a total of five years in separate cases. Mechichi has been living abroad since 2021, a few months after Saied sacked him and shut the elected parliament, a step the opposition described as a coup. "These are unjust and political rulings that aim to eliminate political opponents", said Mokthar Jmai, one of the lawyers, adding that they would appeal against...

 At Least 17 Pupils Dead In Zamfara State As Fire Guts Islamic School No fewer than 17 pupils of an Almajiri school have lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed their school in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State. It was gathered that the incident occurred on Tuesday night, and raged for nearly three hours before it was brought under control. It was learnt that there were scenes of panic as the fire spread rapidly through the school premises, trapping several of the young pupils. Meanwhile, several other pupils sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. A source, Zagazola Makama, also confirmed this on Wednesday on his X handle, saying that eyewitnesses described the fire as devastating, noting that efforts to contain it were hampered by its intensity. He added that local authorities and emergency responders arrived at the scene to offer help, but by then, the fire had already resulted in significant casualties. More photos below....

 Adamawa Government Faces Lawsuit Over Fufore Emirate Creation The Adamawa State Government has been sued over the creation of the Fufore Emirate in Fufore Local Government Area. The emirate was established in December 2024 following the passage of a bill by the state House of Assembly, which was later signed into law by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. It was among seven new emirates and chiefdoms created across the state. Legal Challenge Against Emirate’s Legitimacy The lawsuit, which surfaced on Wednesday, coincided with the coronation of Emir Mohammad Ribadu at the emirate’s headquarters in Fufore town. The plaintiffs—Alhaji Musa Halilu Ahmed, Alhaji Mustapha Dahiru Mustapha, and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmadu—are challenging the legality of the emirate's creation and the emir's appointment. Court Proceedings Documents have been served to the state government, with the case filed at High Court No. 4 in Yola. The defendants include: Adamawa State Government Governor Ahmadu Fintiri Attorney ...

 Only 450 Staff Affected, Not 900 – Kaduna Electric Responds To Strike Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Electric) has clarified that 450 staff members were disengaged, contrary to reports by the workers union claiming that 900 employees were affected. This clarification comes amidst an ongoing indefinite strike by workers protesting the company’s management decisions. The strike, which began on Monday, was initiated by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in response to the alleged mass layoffs and other grievances, including non-payment of pensions and inadequate work conditions. Workers blocked the entrance to Kaduna Electric’s headquarters, halting operations and leaving residents without power. NUEE officials have expressed strong opposition to the management’s actions, labeling the planned layoffs as “unacceptable” and emphasising that they will continue their protest until their demands are met. The management’s letter, dated January 31, 2025, ind...

 Shehu Sani Slams El-Rufai Over Allegations Against Governor Uba Sani, Says The Ex-Governor Is Coming To Equity With Dirty Hands Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has criticized ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his recent allegations against the incumbent Governor, Uba Sani.  The former governor had accused Uba Sani of collecting N150 billion from President Bola Tinubu and refusing to disclose it to the people of Kaduna State. In response, Shehu Sani, in a strongly worded statement, accused El-Rufai of hypocrisy, listing several financial allocations the ex-governor allegedly received during his tenure from former President Muhammadu Buhari but failed to account for. According to Shehu Sani, El-Rufai received and did not disclose: 1. Millions of dollars in Paris Club refunds from the Buhari administration. 2. Billions in excess crude funds allocated to Kaduna State. 3. Billions in ecological funds for environmental projects. 4. Billions in special grants through the Ce...

 NAHCON Announces New Deadline for 2025 Hajj Registration   The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has announced an extension of the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.   This decision follows appeals on behalf of intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration on time. The extension was announced during a Zoom meeting between NAHCON and key Hajj stakeholders on the night of Tuesday, February 4, 2025.   Prof. Usman urged Executive Secretaries (ES) of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with NAHCON to ensure timely transfer of funds. This is crucial for securing accommodations that have already been inspected and booked.   It is important to note that Saudi Arabia has set February 14, 2025, as the deadline for contract signings. This means all payments must reach the designated IBAN account in Saudi Arabia before that date to be recognized o...

 A man named Thabo Sithole from Namakgale, Phalaborwa, was apprehended for allegedly stealing air conditioners at Majeje village.  According to reports, he successfully stole four air conditioners before being caught in the act while attempting to steal a fifth one. The community marinated him before he was handed over to the authorities. More photos below. 

 Two Phalaborwa police officers to appear in court for allegedly stealing scap metal. Two police officers, aged 43 and 50, stationed at Phalaborwa, are set to appear before the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court on 24 February 2025, to face theft charges. The officers were allegedly involved in corrupt activities, specifically the unauthorised sale of copper exhibits seized during various criminal cases in Phalaborwa. According to reports, the pair was authorised to dispose of the copper exhibits on 1 February 2024. However, instead of following proper procedures, they sold the exhibits in five separate transactions, receiving cash payments. Only a quarter of the amount received was deposited at the police station’s finance department. Further allegations suggest that on 9 February 2024, the female officer returned to a local scrap metal dealer and sold additional copper without authorisation, receiving an undisclosed amount of cash. The money was never deposited at the SAPS finance dep...

 PDP BoT Convenes Emergency Meeting Over Anyanwu, Ude-Okoye Leadership Dispute The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently holding an emergency meeting to address the party's ongoing leadership crisis. Among those in attendance are BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and former governors Achike Udenwa, Sam Egwu, Babangida Aliyu, Senator Ben Obi, and Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The meeting comes amid tensions over the PDP National Secretary position, following a physical altercation between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye at the PDP national secretariat last week. The dispute began when Anyanwu vacated the position to contest the Imo State governorship election, and Ude-Okoye was selected by the party’s Southeast arm to replace him. However, a legal battle ensued, leading to a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Enugu, which declared Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary. Despite the ruling, Anyanwu insists...

  I used to borrow Sikiratu Sindodo’s clothes – Funke Akindele recounts humble beginnings Famous Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele has admitted to borrowing clothing from her colleague, Sikiratu Sindodo on film sets. Funke said this when discussing the hurdles she encountered before her career debut. The actress, who is now on holiday in Ghana with Eniola Badmus and content creator Kamo, said she intends to utilize her career problems to inspire people. In a viral video shared on her Snapchat, Akindele acknowledged the massive roles her colleagues, Sikiratu Sindodo and Iyabo Ojo, played in her rise. Recounting her humble beginnings during a conversation with her best friend, Eniola Badmus, she stated, “They didn’t give us any roles. One of those men, I just keep looking at him, but I won’t mention his name. “I remember back then when I used to borrow dresses from Tayo Sindodo. Sindodo would help me choose nice ones from her tops if I was going to a movie set. “There was a day when ...

 Trump first sitting president to attend Super  Bowl between Chiefs and Eagles Donald Trump will make history by becoming the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl when the NFL season reaches its climax in New Orleans. Donald Trump will make history by becoming the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl when the NFL season reaches its climax in New Orleans this weekend, the White House said Tuesday. A White House official confirmed US media reports that Trump will attend Sunday's game at the Caesars Superdome, where the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles Trump is the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, and his presence comes amid feverish security preparations in the city, in the week of the deadly New Year’s Eve terror attack, in which 14 people were killed and scores more were injured.  According to The Guardian, the president will also sit down for a pre-recorded interview that will be aired on the pregame show fo...

 Grammys: Janelle Monáe brings down the house with Michael Jackson moonwalk Actress, singer, songwriter, and rapper Janelle Monáe can now add “Michael Jacksonimpersonator” to her résumé. The 10-time Grammy nominee brought down the house with her cover of M.J.’s “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” complete with a moonwalk, during the ceremony’s Quincy Jones tribute on Sunday night. Monáe performed while wearing a Jackson-esque sparkly tuxedo, bedazzled socks, and sunglasses. She danced with her microphone for much of the routine, and then pushed it aside as she hot-stepped effortlessly around the stage. At one point, Monáe removed her black jacket (which Taylor Swift caught and proceeded to wear) and revealed an “I [heart] QJ” tank top in honor of the iconic record producer who died on Nov. 3, 2024 at age 91. He won a whopping 28 Grammy Awards throughout his career, including most recently in the Best Music Film category for the short “Quincy” in 2018. On the red carpet, Monáe told En...

 Trump Withdraws US From The UN Human Rights Council, Halts Funding For UNRWA Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN human rights council and prohibiting future funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). US funding to UNRWA was suspended in 2024 under Joe Biden’s administration, after Israel accused a handful of UNRWA employees of participating in the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023. A series of investigations, including one led by the French former foreign minister Catherine Colonna, found some “neutrality related issues” at UNRWA – but emphasised Israel had not provided evidence for its headline allegation. Trump’s first administration cut funding to the agency in 2018 before the Biden administration restarted it again in 2021. The first Trump administration also withdrew the US from the UN’s Human rRghts Council in 2018 and the Biden administration rejoined the body three years later. Donald Trump spoke to reporters as he signe...

 Appeal Court Affirms Order for Union Bank Subsidiary to Refund N75.5m Excess Charges The Court of Appeal in Lagos has upheld a Lagos State High Court ruling ordering Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, a subsidiary of Union Bank Plc, to refund N75.5 million in excess charges to Abimbola Foods Limited, along with accrued interest until full repayment. In a lead judgment delivered by Justice Ntong Ntong, the appellate court ruled that Union Homes breached the terms of its loan agreement by calling in an N18 million loan prematurely and continuing to debit the respondent’s account by N16 million after terminating the transaction. The court also upheld the order for Union Homes to release Abimbola Foods’ property title documents used as loan security and imposed a N200,000 cost against the bank. The justices condemned the excessive charges as exploitative and cautioned other banks against similar practices. Abimbola Foods had accused Union Homes of violating their banker-customer relat...

 Why Brazil Celebrates Valentine’s Day in June While many countries honor Valentine’s Day on February 14, Brazil takes a different approach, celebrating love on a unique date with its own cultural influences. In Brazil, the holiday is called Dia dos Namorados, which translates to “Lovers’ Day” or “Boyfriends’ and Girlfriends’ Day.” Although it shares common traditions like exchanging gifts, flowers, and chocolates, it is not linked to Saint Valentine. Instead, Dia dos Namorados is observed on June 12, the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day (June 13). Saint Anthony is highly regarded in Brazil as the patron saint of marriage, believed to bring love and prosperity to couples. On this day, partners typically enjoy romantic dinners—either at home or in restaurants—and exchange thoughtful gifts. Singles are also included in the festivities, as many nightclubs, bars, and movie theaters host special events catering to those without a partner. One key reason Brazil doesn’t celebrate on February 14...

 Tinubu Increases 2025 Budget from ₦49.7 Trillion to ₦54.2 Trillion President Bola Tinubu has revised the proposed 2025 budget, raising it from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion due to additional revenues generated by key government agencies. In letters addressed to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, which were read during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu explained that the increase was driven by: ₦1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), ₦1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service, and ₦1.8 trillion from other government-owned agencies. Following the announcement, Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for urgent review, assuring lawmakers that the budget would be finalized and passed before the end of February. More details to follow…

 THIRD-PARTY MOTOR INSURANCE POLICY ENFORCEMENT: ENUGU POLICE BEGIN FULL IMPLEMENTATION ...CP Kanayo warns against unprofessional conduct by enforcement officers, solicits motorists' cooperation. The Enugu State Police Command is notifying the public that it has commenced full enforcement of the Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy across the state. This follows the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, mandating nationwide enforcement of the policy in compliance with the Insurance Act 2003 and the Motor Vehicle (Third-Party Insurance) Act. The enforcement takes effect from February 1, 2025. The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has instructed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Patrol Teams, and State Command's Traffic personnel to ensure strict compliance with this directive. He emphasises the need for professionalism, respect for citizens' fundamental rights, and zero tolerance for...

 BUK Land Dispute: No Land Is Worth a Human Life – Emir Sanusi The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for peace and patience following a deadly clash over land ownership between residents of Rimin Zakara and Bayero University, Kano (BUK). The dispute resulted in multiple fatalities. During a visit to the affected area after returning from pilgrimage, Emir Sanusi offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the injured. He urged residents to avoid violence and allow legal processes to determine ownership. Sanusi emphasized that both the community and BUK claim legal rights to the land, stressing the importance of an evidence-based resolution through the courts and dialogue. He announced plans to form a committee with representatives from the state government, BUK, security agencies, and community leaders to seek a peaceful settlement. “No land or property is worth the loss of a human life,” the Emir stated, calling for unity and justice. The crisis escalate...

 Fatal Head-On Collision in Ogun Leaves One Dead, Six Injured The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into a fatal road accident that claimed one life and injured six others near Ajobo village along the Abeokuta-Ibadan Road. The crash, which occurred around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, involved a Lexus ES 350, driven by 26-year-old Abiodun Michael of Isolu, FUNAAB Road, Abeokuta, and an Opel Zafira 1.8 Space Wagon, driven by 55-year-old Popoola Ishola Kayode of Odeda, who died at the scene. Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, said eyewitnesses blamed the accident on reckless driving by Michael, who was heading towards Abeokuta. “While navigating a sharp bend, the Lexus driver failed to slow down, lost control, and veered into the opposite lane, crashing head-on into the Zafira’s driver’s side,” the statement read. Kayode died on the spot, while six passengers sustained varying injuries. Upon...

 Senate Approves Dismissal of Three Resident Electoral Commissioners The Nigerian Senate has approved the dismissal of three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) who had been suspended since 2023 for violating provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act. The decision followed a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the Senate to formally terminate the appointments of the Resident Electoral Commissioners for Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states. Presenting the motion, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi cited Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Senate to approve such dismissals. The affected officials include: -Dr. Nura Ali – Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sokoto State -Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari – Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamawa State -Professor Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu – Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abia State Bamidele noted that the officials were initially suspended in 2023 over allegations o...

 Uganda detains officials over $17m stolen in central bank hack Uganda's police have detained nine finance ministry officials as part of an investigation into accusations of hacking the central bank's electronic systems that resulted in theft of 62 billion shillings ($16.87 million), the ministry and police said. In November last year, State Minister for Finance Henry Musasizi confirmed reports in local media that the central bank's accounts had been hacked and money stolen. Those detained include the senior most official of the ministry's Treasury department, the police and the finance ministry said, Reuters reported. Some officers attached to the accountant general's office at the ministry "were summoned and detained by the Criminal Investigations Department to facilitate conclusion of the investigations," the finance ministry said in a post on its X account late on Tuesday. The ministry did not give the names of those detained or their number. Police sp...

 NIMC Approves FIC for Participation in ID4D Project The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has granted approval for FIC Professionals Network Plc to participate in the Identity for Development (ID4D) Ecosystem Enrolment Service. FIC, a recognized stakeholder in the financial inclusion sector, recently collaborated with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to introduce the Agency Banking Certification (ABC) program for aspiring financial inclusion professionals. The company met all necessary requirements before being approved for the initiative. The approval was confirmed in a letter dated January 23, 2025, signed on behalf of the NIMC Director-General/CEO, Engr. (Mrs) Abisoye Coker-Odusote. The Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project is a transformative initiative aimed at providing a secure and verifiable digital identity for all Nigerians. It seeks to enhance service delivery, improve governance, and create new opportunities in t...

 ABU Zaria Appoints Prof. Adamu Ahmed as New Vice-Chancellor Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has named Prof. Adamu Ahmed as its new vice-chancellor. The announcement was made on Wednesday morning by the university’s Public Affairs Directorate. Prof. Ahmed was selected by the institution’s Governing Council, led by Chairman Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, during its 209th special council meeting. A professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ahmed previously served as the Director of the Directorate of University Advancement. He is also the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Education, Kano. “Prof. Ahmed’s appointment was announced at 6:15 am today (Wednesday, February 5, 2025) during the 209th (Special) Council meeting presided over by its Chairman, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, CFR,” the university’s statement read. He succeeds Prof. Kabiru Bala as vice-chancellor of ABU.

 NORTH CENTRAL CHRISTIANS RALLY BEHIND GOV. ALIA, THROW WEIGHT BEHIND HIM 5th February, 2025       Christian leaders of the North central under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have expressed full confidence in the leadership of the Executive governor of Benue state, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. The group which described him as an excellent example of good governance, made this known in Makurdi the Benue state capital during an interactive session with the governor. Led by its Chairman, CAN, North-Central Zone, Rev. Dr. Samson Jonah the group thanked the Governor for making the Christian community in the North central zone to be very proud of one of theirs who is making a huge difference in leadership. They said the developmental strides of the governor in the region is a glowing example of what a Christian in leadership should do which is in line with what the bible says ” when the righteous is in authority, the p...