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 500lb rapper sues Lyft 'after driver refused to take her over fears she'd burst his tires' A plus-sized rapper has sued Lyft after claiming a driver refused to pick her up over fears she was too big to fit in his car and could 'burst his tyres'.  Dank Demoss, 36, real name Dajua Blanding, filmed her interaction with the Lyft driver earlier this month, showing her arguing back and forth over whether she could fit into his vehicle.  'I can fit in this car,' Demoss said.  'Believe me, you can't,' the driver responded in the clip.  Although the driver said he would refund her ride so Blanding wouldn't be charged for the trip, she sued the taxi service claiming she was discriminated against.  'I've been in cars smaller than that,' she told Fox2, 'I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.'  After Blanding shared the video to her Instagram,many jumped to the driver's defense and said she should have listened to his ...

  Japan Airlines and Delta Airlines planes collide on Seattle runway Two planes have collided on the runway at a major US airport.  Footage shows a Japan Airlines plane entangled with a Delta Air Lines jet at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on Thursday morning (AEST). The incident occurred around 10.17am Seattle time on Wednesday between the S Concourse and the south airport maintenance hangars. The Japan Airlines aircraft was taxing when it rammed the back of the packed US carrier, reportedly striking the tail of the parked aircraft. Terrified passengers, who were located between S Concourse and the south maintenance hangars, were astonished to see the wing embedded into the tail from outside their windows. No injuries were reported and there was minimal impact to airport operations. Images online showed the Japan Airlines wing cut right through the Delta tail.

 Irv Gotti, Co-Founder of Murder Inc. Records, Dies at 54 Irv Gotti — who co-founded the hitmaking Murder Inc. Records label and helped make early 2000s superstars out of Ja Rule and Ashanti — has died after suffering a stroke, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. He was 54 years old. Multiple sources close to his family told TMZthat Gotti died on Wednesday in New York City. Though, the cause of death is currently unclear. In recent years, Gotti had been dealing with a number of health problems, suffering a stroke last year due to complications from his diabetes. "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving 'Irv Gotti' Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched," his family said in a statement. They called him an "incredible man, a true visionary who transformed t...

 Italy helicopter crash kills salami heir and at least 2 others in horror smash One of Italy’s top salami moguls has died after a helicopter crashed into his family’s castle grounds, killing three. Cured meats heir Lorenzo Rovagnati, 41, visited the medieval estate, in Castelguelfo di Noceto, by helicopter from Milan nearly every Wednesday. But this time, his Agusta Westland AW109 crashed shortly before 7pm as a dense fog sat hung over Parma, a province that lends its name to Parma ham. Both pilots also died in the crash Rovagnati had two children with Federica Sironi, who is pregnant with a third. ‘I can’t believe it’, said Luciano Casiraghi, the mayor of Biassono, where Mr Rovagnati lived on the outskirts of Milan ‘I learned with shock and deep sadness the news of the untimely demise of our fellow citizen Lorenzo Rovagnati due to a tragic accident in Castelguelfo. ‘Lorenzo was a good, honest and hardworking young man, loved and valued by all who knew him in the company and beyond...

 Two heroic firefighters decide there was no time to wait for backup. They crawled through an inferno to save a young woman with cerebral palsy trapped inside. Two brave firefighters from San Bernardino, California put it all on the line when they crawled through conditions so volatile, their protective gear melted in the intense temperatures.  When firefighters arrived at a single story home in San Bernardino on Monday, February 3rd, the home was fully engulfed in flames. They immediately came in contact with the homeowner who was frantically telling them her 23-year-old daughter who suffered from cerebral palsy was still inside. That is the very moment when Jessie Quiceno and Nic Turner knew there was no time to wait for help. The pair rushed head first into the blazing home. These brave men had to crawl on their hands and knees from blazing room to blazing room trying to locate the young woman. The conditions were so deadly that it was melting their protective gear and ever...

 A former Okaw Valley Middle School teacher has been sentenced (again) to 5 years for child grooming and solicitation of a minor.  Jason Engler, 45, is already serving a 3 to 5 year sentence at Graham Correctional Center for one victim that was his student. The victims were both middle school age.  Mr. Engler reportedly sent pornographic images of himself to students as well as keeping a journal about not only marrying one victim and taking her to Ohio but fantasy fiction about another victim. He was arrested in the summer of 2024 for both victims.  After the first arrest when he was released with an ankle monitor, he tried to get in contact with another victim. He was arrested again immediately after his first arrest.  When the parents of one victim came forward to the school and explained that Mr. Engler was stalking and harassing their child, the school stated that "he was just a nice guy". They explained he was just friendly.  I have seen the photograph...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES AfDB PRESIDENT, DR AKINWUNMI ADESINA AT 65   President Bola Tinubu congratulates President of the African Development Bank, AfDB, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, on his 65th birthday.    The President rejoices with the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, whose leadership of national and multilateral institutions continues to set new standards of innovativeness, transformation, and sustainable development.   President Tinubu affirms that the numerous recognitions and awards bestowed on the versatile and cerebral technocrat are well deserved, following his track record of inspiring growth and development, mainly targeting the poor and vulnerable to reduce poverty.    The President acknowledges Dr. Adesina's impactful leadership at the helm of the AfDB, which took the institution to historic heights by raising the capital base from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion.   President Tinub...

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE APPREHENDS 82 SUSPECTS FOR FINANCIAL, CYBER RELATED CRIMES. As Police Parades Suspects Involved in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud. The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended 82 suspects in the month of January 2025, for various financial and cyber related crimes including internet fraud, romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, transnational fraud, and several other cyber offences. Through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), the Force has successfully apprehended 32 suspects across the nation in a significant crackdown on cyber-related crimes. These operations highlight the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to the Action Plan and the zeal of redeeming the reputation of our country, and taking the country out of the FATF Grey List. In a press briefing today February 6th 2025, at the NPF-NCCC, the Force paraded some suspects linked to several fraud schemes that has defrauded individ...

Sudan army reclaims three more towns from RSF The Sudanese army continued to make more military gains on Thursday against its rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in central Sudan, Anadolu Agency reported. Local media said that army forces seized control of the towns of al-Maseed, al-Nuba, and al-Tayyi in Al-Jazirah State. With the new gains, the army is now closing in on Giad city, a stronghold for RSF forces in central Sudan, and on Abu Quta town, some 50 kilometres from the capital Khartoum. Social media activists published videos showing army troops inside the recaptured towns. More gains "We are determined to liberate every area from the (RSF) militia,” army spokesperson Abdel Moneim Abdel Basit said in a video statement. On Tuesday, the Sudanese army announced regaining control of al-Kamlin, the largest city in northern Al-Jazirah State. On January 11, the military declared its entry into Wad Madani, the capital city of Al-Jazirah, nearly one year after losing...

 Tech Giant, IBM Announces Exit From Nigeria And Ghana, Others African Nations International Business Machines (IBM) has revealed plans to exit Nigeria, Ghana, and other key African markets, transferring its regional operations to MIBB, a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Midis Group. The transition will take effect from 1 April 2025 as part of a new operating model in select African countries. MIBB will assume responsibility for marketing and selling IBM’s range of products and services across 36 African nations. This includes providing direct access to IBM’s software, hardware, cloud solutions, and consulting services. According to an email sent to TechCabal, MIBB will also oversee operations, support, and customer relationships in the region. IBM has had a significant presence in Nigeria for over five decades, playing a crucial role in the country’s technology landscape. The company provided infrastructure and consulting services to key sectors, including banking, tel...

 Ogun Govt Reportedly Seals Portable's Building, Hotel The Ogun State Government has allegedly sealed the uncompleted building and hotel belonging to Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable. Portable posted a letter along with images of the bar on his social media platforms, indicating that the government cited reasons such as lack of proper development approval and inadequate airspace for the impending closure. In his caption, Portable recounted that more than 20 people, including artists and patrons, were apprehended, with their vehicles, motorcycles, and phones confiscated. Furthermore, he alleged that the government has also sealed his new, incomplete building and hotel. Portable appealed to the government to reconsider their decision, highlighting that he uses the bar to host events, promote local talent, and support his family. He also pointed out his contributions to the community, which include the installation of streetlights and the facilitation of ro...

  The Ebonyi State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has embarked on an indefinite strike in seven local government areas, effective February 6, 2025. This decision was made due to the non-payment of three months' salaries to some teachers in the affected areas.¹ According to a statement by the union's secretary, Bassey Asuquo, the affected local government areas are: - Ebonyi - Edda - Ezza South - Ezza North - Ivo - Ishielu - Ohaukwu The union expressed disappointment that despite earlier notices, several local government chairmen failed to clear the backlog of outstanding salaries. As a result, the NUT declared an indefinite strike, instructing its members to adhere strictly to the directive and ensure immediate enforcement. The union emphasized that the failure of local government chairmen to meet their obligations is unacceptable and vowed to continue the strike until its demands are met. The NUT urged its members to remain steadfast and support the strike act...

  A hotel owner in the Bucknor, Isheri Oshun area of Lagos state has been arrested and charged with sodomising a 16-year-old secondary school student. The accused admitted to the crime but denied allegations that he used the teenager for ritual purposes. According to Edozie Christian, the father of the victim, his son and four of his fellow students were lured to the hotel where they were allegedly sodomised by the hotel owner. The victim reportedly ran mad after opening up to his mother about the incident. The hotel owner, who was arrested by the police, confessed to having sex with the teenager twice but vehemently denied using him for rituals.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT PRESIDENT TINUBU ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP OVERHAUL AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.    These changes are effective immediately.   At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.    Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.   To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the su...

 South Africa hopes to host Trump ahead of G20 Summit South Africa hopes that US President Donald Trump will visit the country later this year for the G20 Summit, which it will be hosting, Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said. South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the G20 in December, becoming the first African country to lead the group of powerful nations. ‘‘We are still hoping that President Trump will visit South Africa ahead of the G20 Summit, when we get that final round of heads of state,’’ Magwenya told reporters in Cape Town, Anadolu Agency reported. Magwenya said it remains President Cyril Ramaphosa’s intention to welcome Trump on a state visit, and they hope that there will be time for the two leaders to play a game of golf. They hope the visit will accord the two leaders the opportunity to engage on a range of issues, including bilateral and those of mutual interest. “We have been trying to urge the president (Ramaphosa) to steal a bit more time an...

 Malawi president orders withdrawal of troops from DR Congo Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered defense forces to begin preparations for a withdrawal of its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a statement said, according to Reuters. The Malawi troops are part of a contingent of soldiers from the Southern African regional bloc deployed in Congo to help it tackle armed insurgents. The bloc extended the military mission late last year. "President Chakwera has ordered the MDF (Malawi Defense Force) commander to begin preparations for the withdrawal of Malawian troops... to honour the declaration of a ceasefire by the warring parties there and to pave way for their planned negotiations towards a lasting peace," the statement said. A rebel alliance, which includes M23 fighters, had declared a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons starting on Tuesday. But the M23 armed group launched a new offensive on Wednesday as it resumed its advance towards Bukavu, a ...

 Gen. Abubakar Aliyu Becomes Second Nigerian Army General to Parachute from Moving Plane Gen. Abubakar Aliyu has made history as the second General in the Nigerian Army to parachute from a moving aircraft at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, showcasing exceptional leadership and bravery. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aliyu’s feat places him alongside Lt.-Gen. KTJ Minimah, a former Chief of Army Staff, who was previously the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump. Aliyu, who was accompanied by Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) cadets, emphasized that the jump was more than just a personal milestone—it symbolized courage, leadership, and commitment to the Nigerian Army’s future. “For the cadets who jumped with me, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership,” he said. By leading from the front, Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s ethos: ‘No Guts, No Glory’, demonstrating tha...

 Deputy Senate President Launches ₦2.79bn Loan Scheme for North-West Farmers The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, has introduced a ₦2.79 billion loan initiative aimed at empowering farmers across the 186 Local Government Areas in the seven North-West states. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Barau—who represents Kano North Senatorial District—stated that the programme seeks to create 558 young farmer millionaires in the region. Under the "Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the North-West (BIARN)", three farmers will be selected from each LGA across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara. Beneficiaries will receive an interest-free ₦5 million loan to invest in farming, with the initiative set to begin in April 2025. Barau, represented by his Special Adviser on Policy and Monitoring, Prof. Bashir Fagge, emphasized that the scheme aims to restore the North-West’s agricultural prominence, ensuring food security and economic growth. He noted that...

 UEFA Weighs Scrapping Extra Time in Champions League Knockouts UEFA is considering eliminating extra time in Champions League knockout rounds to ease player workload, with discussions gaining traction. According to The Guardian UK, the proposal would see matches go straight to penalties after regulation time, though any changes are unlikely before the current TV rights cycle ends in 2027. Concerns over congested schedules, particularly with the expanded Champions League format and the FIFA Club World Cup, have fueled the debate. Supporters of the idea argue that scrapping extra time would: Reduce strain on players, especially those in summer qualifying rounds. Help clubs with smaller squads compete more fairly. Provide broadcasters with more predictable match durations. UEFA acknowledged that the issue has been informally discussed but has not yet been formally proposed for approval by its executive committee.

 Plateau Government Arrests Over 100 Illegal Miners in Crackdown The Plateau State Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development has apprehended more than 100 illegal miners in Jos, the state capital, as part of efforts to tackle environmental degradation and safeguard natural resources. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Yabilsu Dogo, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, stating that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the police to curb the increasing threat of illegal mining. Dogo emphasized the environmental hazards posed by unregulated mineral extraction, warning that illegal mining has resulted in severe land degradation, weakened soil structures, and a heightened risk of sinkholes and subsidence. He attributed last year’s building collapses in Jos to unchecked mining activities, which compromise structural integrity and make infrastructure more susceptible to collapse. He also revealed th...

 Kano Assembly Defends Governor’s Decision to Extend Service for Key Officials The Kano State House of Assembly has defended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s authority to extend the service tenure of civil servants beyond the statutory 60 years of age or 35 years of service, citing civil service regulations. The Assembly’s Public Relations Secretary, Kamaluddin Sani Shawai, addressed concerns raised in a January 6 letter from Barrister Usman Dan Abdullo, who urged the Assembly to challenge the governor’s decision to grant two-year extensions to several officials, including the State House of Assembly Accountant, the Head of Civil Service, and judiciary staff. Shawai clarified that such extensions have occurred before and, despite opposition and legal challenges, the government remains firm on its stance. Meanwhile, Barrister Dan Abdullo argued that the governor’s decision violates the Nigerian Constitution and the National Labor Act.

 Ologbodiyan predicts fresh crisis for PDP over national chairmanship position Amid the yet-to-be-resolved crisis destabilising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the opposition party may face a worse crisis if it fails to address one of the issues that contributed to its failure in the 2023 presidential election. Ologbondiyan said the party would face another crisis if it failed to zone its national chairmanship position to the North Central region.  Ologbondiyan said this when he appeared on Channels TV’s morning programme, Sunrise Daily, on Thursday, February 6, 2025.  The PDP has been in disarray since 2022, following its national convention, which produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its 2023 presidential candidate. This did not go down well with some party members, as disgruntled PDP governors led by Nyesom Wike worked against the party. Currently, the PDP is divided o...

 Nasarawa: Governor Sule Removes Two Traditional Rulers Over Resource Control Conflict Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has removed two traditional rulers following a violent dispute over resource control. The decision aims to restore peace in the Afo chiefdom of Udu Ward and Mararaba Udege. Governor Sule made the announcement on Wednesday while briefing journalists after assessing the damage caused by recent clashes in Nasarawa Local Government Area. The conflict, driven by leadership and resource control issues, resulted in three deaths and the displacement of several residents. Emphasizing the need for unity, the governor urged the Afo people to prioritize reconciliation over violence. “Often, crises stem from a lack of understanding among ourselves. This community belongs to the Afo people but is also home to other tribes. It is time for us to embrace one another and focus on development,” Governor Sule stated. To ensure a smooth transition, he announced plans to establ...

 Police Seek Public Assistance to Reunite Missing Child Found in Adamawa The Adamawa State Police Command has called on the public to help locate the family of a missing child, Firdausi Sani, who is currently in the care of the Doubeli Divisional Office in Yola North LGA. According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Suleiman Nguroje, the young girl was found and brought to the station by a Good Samaritan. Nguroje urged anyone with information that could help reunite Firdausi with her family to contact the Doubeli Divisional Police Officer at 07033022600.

 China Files WTO Complaint Over U.S. Tariffs China has officially filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the new tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese goods, the WTO announced on Wednesday. The complaint follows the imposition of a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, which came into effect on Tuesday. In response, China has introduced its own tariffs, including a 15% levy on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal imports. The WTO confirmed that China has requested consultations with the U.S. to address the issue. These consultations offer both parties a chance to resolve the matter without further litigation. If the dispute remains unresolved after 60 days, China could request a formal panel to review whether the tariffs comply with WTO rules. If the panel rules in China’s favor, Beijing could impose its own retaliatory tariffs in line with the damage caused by the U.S. tariffs. Trump, ...

 NIS to launch contactless passport application system in Europe on Friday The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it will roll out the contactless passport application system in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland on Friday.  This is according to a statement from the NIS issued on Wednesday by its spokesman AS Akinlabi. “This initiative set for launch on 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes,” the NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nanna Nandap said when she paid a courtesy call on the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa in Abuja. Akinlabi said the move followed “the roll-out of the contactless passport application system in Canada on 5th November 2024”. “For emphasis, the Contactless Passport Application which is currently available on Google Play Store (NIS mobile), is designed to allow Nigerians to renew their passports without vi...

 Ex-NYSC DG, Others Kidnapped by Bandits in Katsina Bandits have reportedly abducted Brig. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State, during an attack in the early hours of Thursday. During the raid, the assailants killed one person and kidnapped at least nine others, while also looting homes and taking valuables. The attack, which occurred around 12:30 a.m., saw the armed bandits firing sporadically to instill fear among residents. When contacted, Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, declined to comment, stating via SMS that he was unable to speak at the moment. More details to follow…

  Missing Anambra Lawmaker Azuka Found Dead The decomposing body of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly who was recently declared missing, has been discovered. Sources confirmed on Thursday morning that a joint security team located his remains near the 2nd Niger Bridge. The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, verified the discovery in a text message, stating, “Yes, our operatives are currently at the scene. I will provide further details as they become available.” Azuka, who represented Onitsha I North Constituency, was kidnapped by gunmen on December 24, 2024, while returning home via Ugwunaobankpa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha.

 Be patient with Tinubu, he means well for Nigeria – Wike tells Nigerians FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has assured Nigerians of better days ahead under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Wike, who was in Ibadan to commiserate with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on the loss of his elder brother, asked the citizens to be patient with the President. According to the minister, Tinubu means well for Nigerians as the policies initiated by the current administration were designed to achieve results. “On the current state of the nation, I would just say that the people should be patient. But this country was something else a few years ago. This country was gone and if we want a remedy, with what Mr President is doing today, we need to be patient. It will take time,” Wike said. “So, on the policies that Mr President is putting in place, they will have some effects and people will have to feel them but, at the end of the day, we will achieve what we are supposed to achieve. “For me, no...

 South Korea Blocks DeepSeek Over Data Concerns South Korean ministries and police announced on Thursday that they have blocked access to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, after the company failed to respond to inquiries from South Korea’s data watchdog regarding its user data management practices. DeepSeek, which launched its R1 chatbot last month, claims to rival leading U.S. AI models at a fraction of the investment cost. However, South Korea, along with France and Italy, has sought clarification on how the company handles user information. Following DeepSeek’s lack of response, several government agencies, including the defense ministry, police, and trade ministry, confirmed they have implemented access restrictions to prevent potential security risks. The defense ministry stated that it has blocked DeepSeek on military-related PCs with internet access and reinforced security guidelines for soldiers regarding generative AI use. Similar restrictions have been placed by the finance...

 IBEDC Workers’ Strike Triggers Blackout in Ogun Workers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in Ogun State have embarked on an indefinite strike, citing grievances such as non-implementation of the minimum wage, unpaid pension deductions, and alleged unfair dismissal of 17 staff members. The protest, which began on Thursday morning, has led to the closure of IBEDC offices in Abeokuta and affected electricity services across the state. The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) insists the strike will continue until their demands are met. IBEDC’s management has yet to respond to the workers' concerns.

 Reps Propose Creation of 31 New States Across Nigeria The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee has proposed the creation of 31 additional states, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria to 67. The proposal, read by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during plenary in Abuja, outlines the addition of six new states in the North Central, four in the North East, five in the North West, five in the South-South, and seven in the South West. Some of the proposed states include: North Central: Okun, Okura, Confluence, Benue Ala, Apa, and FCT State North East: Amana, Katagum, Savannah, and Muri North West: New Kaduna, Gurara, Tiga, Ari, and Kainji South East: Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, and Aba South-South: Ogoja, Warri, Ori, and Obolo South West: Torumbe, Ibadan, Lagoon, Ijebu, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha The committee emphasized that any state creation must meet constitutional requirements, including approval by the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Govern...

 Okpebholo suspends Edo Attorney General, LG commission Chairman Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie. The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, announced the suspension in a statement on Thursday. He said the governor also approved the suspension of the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani. The two top officials were suspended over allegations of “grave official and financial interactions,” the SSG noted. The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations. “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions. “The suspension is with immediate...

 Cruciate knee ligament injury for Man Utd's Martinez Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury which the club believe is set to rule him out for the rest of the season. The 27-year-old was taken off on a stretcher late on during the home defeat by Crystal Palace on Sunday with an issue United boss Ruben Amorim described at the time as a "serious situation". "Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation," Manchester United said on Thursday. "Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way." Martinez's absence will be a blow for Amorim as he tries to improve the fortunes of the Old Trafford side. United are 13th in the Premier League after the defeat by Palace, which was the club's seventh loss in 13 home games this season. Th...

 NCAA Responds to Trump’s Ban on Transgender Women in Female Sports The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order barring transgender women from competing in female sports. Trump signed the "No Men in Women’s Sports" executive order on National Girls & Women in Sports Day at the White House, emphasizing the exclusion of biological males from women’s competitions. In response, NCAA President Charlie Baker stated that the order establishes a "clear, national standard" for sports eligibility. He added that the NCAA Board of Governors would review the policy and take necessary steps to align with it in the coming days. “We strongly believe that clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards would best serve student-athletes, rather than a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court rulings,” Baker said, as reported by Fox News.

   Veteran Nollywood Actor Columbus Irisoanga Passes Away Renowned Nollywood actor, Columbus Irisoanga, widely known as ‘Igbudu’, has passed away. The news of his death was shared by veteran actress and politician, Hilda Dokubo, in an Instagram post, describing the loss as a significant blow to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Nollywood. “There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State, and Nollywood,” she wrote. His passing comes just days after the death of Nollywood actress Pat Ugwu, who died at the age of 35.

 SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES AfDB PRESIDENT, ADESINA, ON 65TH BIRTHDAY    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, congratulated the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, on his 65th birthday. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, as a good ambassador of Nigeria and Africa. The Governor said the AfDB President has distinguished himself in office as the head of the international organisation. He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I want to congratulate the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, on his 65th birthday. "Dr. Adesina is worth celebrating for being a good ambassador of Nigeria and Africa at large. He has been a good administrator and technocrat in different public offices ...

 Reckless Truck Driver Maims LASTMA Officer in Lagos A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday at the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos State when a reckless truck driver lost control of his vehicle, crushing and severely injuring an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The driver of the fully loaded trailer, registered as KTG 33 ZZ in Bauchi State, was reportedly speeding excessively when he lost control, resulting in the devastating crash. The incident happened just as the LASTMA officer was beginning his afternoon shift, highlighting the dangers posed by careless driving on public roads. Preliminary investigations revealed that the trailer was coming from Agidingbi via Oba Ogunji Road, heading towards Omole Junction in the Ogba area when the driver, traveling at high speed, lost control and struck the officer. The impact caused severe injuries, including multiple fractures to the officer’s right leg and hand. He was immediately rushed to the Lagos State Univers...