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  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is pushing for stricter penalties, including the death penalty, for individuals convicted of peddling fake and dangerous medicines. According to NAFDAC's Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency is seeking cooperation from the judiciary and the National Assembly to make this proposal a reality. Adeyeye emphasized the need for stiffer penalties, citing a recent case where a children's medicine was sold at different prices in the same mall. Upon testing, the medicine was found to have no active ingredients, rendering it deadly. She likened such fake medicines to silent killers, harming innocent children without warning. The NAFDAC chief also highlighted the issue of weak laws and light sentences, which encourage criminals to continue their illicit activities. She pointed out that some offenders receive only a five-year prison sentence or a fine of N250,000, an amount they can easily pay. To effectiv...

 Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers During Insurance Enforcement in Kogi The Nigeria Police in Kogi State have arrested two suspected armed robbers, identified as Mohammed Chelim and Oneh Mohammed, along the Harbour Bay-Egume Road. The suspects were apprehended during the enforcement of Third-Party Insurance, following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. Recovered Weapons and Investigation Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Ovye Aya, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Friday, revealing that the suspects were found in possession of two locally made pistols. “During interrogation, they failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their movements, prompting a search that led to the discovery of a locally made pistol,” the statement read. Police Commitment to Security The Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, commended the officers for their vigilance and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to working...

  You can avoid getting pregnant instead of going through an abortion - Ayra Starr’s mother advises women  In a video she shared on TikTok, the singer’s mother noted that having an aborti0n might come with complications and if a woman keeps the child, they should be ready to miss lots of seasons because they will want to be responsible for the life they brought into the world.  She also noted that women need to think carefully before the pregnancy comes. According to her, it may not also be worth sl33ping with different men after the pregnancy just to raise the child.  She went on to advise that this can be avoided when women go through family planning. Watch video below. 

 LASG RESOLVES LAND ISSUES WITH FAMILIES, SEEKS PEACE FOR RESIDENTS OF SHASHA The Lagos State Government has made a significant breakthrough in resolving a long-standing land dispute by giving over 8,827.570 square meters of land to relevant families at Afoka, Shasha in Alimosho Local Government of Lagos State. The resolution is a major milestone in the state's efforts to address lingering land disputes.  The Commissioner for Housing, Hon Maruf Akinderu-Fatai, stated that the return of the disputed land to the families, as directed by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, demonstrates the state government's commitment to finding amicable solutions to disputes, promoting peace and development and understanding within our communities. The directive of Mr. Governor is sequel to a lawsuit which was later referred to the Lagos multi-door courthouse for amicable settlement. The mediation process ended with an agreement and a consent judgement was thereafter delivered ...

 SANWO-OLU, FASHOLA, MERANDA, OTHERS PAY TRIBUTE AS REMAINS OF FORMER LAGOS HOS IS LAID TO REST Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda; wife of Lagos Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; and former Governor Babatunde Fashola on Friday attended the funeral service of former Lagos State Head of Service and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose. Other dignitaries at the funeral were former Deputy Governors, Senator Oluranti Adebule and Princess Sarah Sosan; wife of first civilian Governor of Lagos, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; members of the House of Representatives and Lagos Assembly; religious, political and traditional leaders, as well as family and friends of the deceased and people of Badagry community, among others. The funeral service was held at the LTV 8 Ground, Blue Roof Pavilion, Agidingbi, in Ikeja and was presided over by offici...

 LAGOS ENHANCES ROAD SAFETY, TRAFFIC EFFICIENCY WITH ADDITIONAL INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS In a move to improve road safety and streamline traffic management, the Lagos State Government has deployed four new Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) sites across four locations in the state. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during a press briefing on Thursday in Alausa. According to the Commissioner, the new ITS sites will complement existing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and other Traffic Management Solutions (TMS), reinforcing the state’s commitment to creating a safer and more efficient transportation network. Mr. Osiyemi explained that the ITS is divided into two main categories; checkpoint sites for speed monitoring and e-police sites for detecting traffic violations. He said the checkpoints have been installed at Alapere (80 km/h speed limit) and Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way (60 km/h speed li...

 Anambra State Unveils Unizik Modern  Bus Terminal For Efficient Mass Transit  By Michael Ezenwata The Anambra State Government has commissioned the Unizik bus terminal Awka for inter state,intra state and inter Awka city mass transit. The project tagged the first 'Anambra Comfort Line' located at Ifite Awka was powered by Prince Okechukwu Ndigwe ,Managing Director Don- Grey International limited. The Anambra State Commissioner for Transport Mrs.Patricia Igwebuike commissioned the project with a promise to partner with the managers of the mass transit project. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chief Michael Obiekwe,the commissioner remained hopeful that the Soludo administration is poised to impact meaningfully in the transportation industry. She promised that the state government will give a befitting look to the Ifite Awka Road for the ease of vehicular movement. The Acting Vice Chancellor of Unizik, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu in a press statement...

 Anambra State Wins Big: Attorney General Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje Secures Supreme Court Victories By Chinelo okeke  Anambra State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Chika Ifemeje, and C.C. Madukaife (Esq), have achieved a remarkable milestone by securing victories in two criminal cases at the Supreme Court in Abuja. The cases, Ikenna Obi versus Anambra State and Osadebe versus Anambra State, concluded with the court ruling in favor of the state after thorough deliberations. Reacting to the victories, Director of Public Prosecutions, Nneka Umeozulu (Esq), praised the Attorney General's consistent success in both appeal and high courts, highlighting her remarkable expertise. She noted that since taking office, the Attorney General has efficiently managed case files, provided timely legal opinions, and eliminated backlogs, resulting in satisfied litigants who commend her determination . The Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ndirika ...

  DR. ABDULLAHI UMAR GANDUJE COMMISSIONS DSS ROAD NOW GANDUJE DRIVE IN IMO STATE  ON the 6Th of February 2025, His Excellency Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (APC National chairman) alongside Governor Hope Uzodimma commissioned the newly reconstructed DSS road now renamed  Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Drive in honor of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The newly completed road strategically links Orlu Road and Onitsha Road, enhancing connectivity and easing movement within the state capital.  Governor Uzodimma highlighted the project's importance, noting that it was constructed as a dual carriageway with a dual drainage system and solar-powered street lighting—features designed to ensure durability, improve safety, and boost economic activities. While celebrating the completion of this vital project, Governor Uzodimma assured Imo citizens of  more developmental projects strategically situated to stimulate economic activities. More photos belo...

 1 US Soldier, 3 US Military Contractors Killed In Phillipines Plane Crash One U.S service member and three defense contractors were killed Thursday when a plane contracted by the U.S. military crashed in a rice field in the southern Philippines, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said. The aircraft was conducting a routine mission “providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies,” the command said in a statement. It said the cause of the crash was under investigation. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines also confirmed the crash of a light plane in Maguindanao del Sur province. It did not immediately provide other details. The bodies of the four people were retrieved from the wreckage in Ampatuan town, said Ameer Jehad Tim Ambolodto, a safety officer of Maguindanao del Sur. Indo-Pacific Command said the names of the crew were being withheld pending family notifications. Windy Beaty, a provincial disaster-mitigation officer...

  Marc Jacobs Goes Wild With Wacky Spring ’25 Shoes — From Horned Boots to Elongated Satin Pumps Marc Jacobs unofficially kicked off New York Fashion Week with his spring 2025 show at the New York Public Library, where he also showed last season. Tracee Ellis Ross, Nara Smith, Lisa Rinna, Nicky Hilton and Sofia Coppola were among the guests at the show, an evolution from fall.  The models walked down the runway in inflated, stiff, doll-like dresses with bulbous dimensions. The contorted silhouettes even made it in to the designs of the collection’s shoes. This collection was titled “Courage.” In show notes, Jacobs is quoted as saying “Fear is not my enemy — it is a necessary companion to creativity, authenticity, integrity and life.” Watch video below.

 In Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, a high school student was allegedly gang-raped by three teachers from her school, police said. All three accused have been arrested, and a case has been filed against them under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, based on the complaint by the girl’s mother. After the incident, the girl had been absent from school for over a month. Only then, upon enquiry from the principal, the mother revealed the alleged assault. The principal immediately advised her to file a police complaint and report the matter to the District Child Protection Officer. The girl has been admitted to the hospital and is receiving treatment. The Krishnagiri all-women police team has arrested the three accused teachers, who are now in 15-day police custody.

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: IGP APPOINTS CP SHOGUNLE TO HEAD SIS, CSP CHIMA OGARASHI AS Force Marine Officer As Police Enhance Waterways Security, Set to Unveil New Gunboats In a strategic move aimed at bolstering internal security and swifter responses to violent crimes, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Shogunle to head the Special Intervention Squad (SIS); Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation; and Safe School Protection Squad. Also, as part of the IGP’s initiatives to improve security and combat crime along our inland waterways, the IGP has appointed CSP Chima Ogarashi as the new Force Marine Officer (FMO). The new SIS head, CP Shogunle, is a highly experienced officer in the department of operations, Public Relations, and certified in several other various capacities. He will lead the SIS in addressing various security challenges and also serve efficiently as the head of E...

 ICPC Arrests NSCDC Deputy Commandant and Former Navy Admiral Over Alleged N3 Billion Fraud. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Adam Imam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, over the alleged diversion of more than N3 billion. Yusuf, who was at large until now, was taken into custody from his Gwagwalada, Abuja residence and is set to face prosecution. ICPC investigations revealed that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (rtd.), allegedly orchestrated the fraud through Yusuf and former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum (rtd.). The alleged scheme reportedly involved the diversion of public funds using 92 fictitious companies that were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). An investigation by the ICPC traced these funds to Lahab Integrated, Gate Coast Properties, and other affiliated companies, leading to the acquisition of...

 Proposals for 30 New States Fail to Meet Constitutional Requirements – Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stated that none of the 30 proposals for new states have met the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution. In a statement issued on Friday by his media office, Kalu clarified that the parliament has not taken a position on the matter but remains committed to following due process. He explained that the creation of a new state requires a two-thirds majority approval from the Senate, House of Representatives, state houses of assembly, and local governments. Since the current proposals fall short of these criteria, applicants have been invited to resubmit their requests after ensuring full compliance with the constitutional guidelines. “We are a people’s parliament, and we have not taken a stance on state creation,” Kalu said. He emphasized that 30 applications, not 31, were received, noting that Ibadan S...

 Edo Commissioner Faces Contempt Charge Over Acting LG Chairman Appointment The suspended chairman of Oredo Local Government Area (LGA), Dr. Tom Obaseki, has threatened to file a contempt of court charge against the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, over the appointment of an acting council chairman. Obaseki, through his counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the commissioner to withdraw the appointment letter given to Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni, the Head of Local Government Administration, or face legal action. In a letter addressed to the commissioner, Afolabi described the appointment as unlawful and a violation of an existing court order, emphasizing that Obaseki remains the legitimate chairman as reaffirmed by a mandatory injunction granted by Justice Ikponwonba in Suit No: B/307/2024. He warned that failure to comply would result in contempt proceedings, stressing that the Edo State Government had already be...

 South Africa begins national mourning for soldiers killed in DRC In a sombre gesture, President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the South African national flag be flown at half-mast for seven days to honour the South African Defence Force members who lost their lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, TRT Afrika reported. The President, in a statement on X, says the directive, which starts Friday, February 7, 2025, is issued as the country mourns the “tragic and devastating loss of 14 South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.” “President @CyrilRamaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country for a period of seven days from today, Friday 7 February 2025," a statement from the presidency on X read on Friday. President Cyril Ramaphosa also paid tribute to the soldiers while delivering the first State of the Nation Address under the Government...

 Two Dead as Small Plane Crashes Into Bus in São Paulo A small plane crashed on a major avenue in São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday, killing two people before colliding with a bus and exploding, authorities confirmed. The King Air F90 aircraft had just taken off from Campo de Marte Airport when it skidded hundreds of meters along the road before impact. Firefighter chief Ronaldo Melo stated it was unclear whether the pilot was attempting an emergency landing. The pilot and sole passenger onboard were killed, while six bus passengers sustained injuries but managed to escape before the explosion. Local television footage showed thick smoke plumes, but firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. Investigators are examining the scene and interviewing witnesses to determine the cause of the crash. More photos below. 

 Badminton Federation of Nigeria appoints Blessing Ekwe Chisalam as Chief Operating Officer The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has appointed sports management expert, Blessing Ekwe Chisalam, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a strategic move aimed at advancing the sport’s growth in the country. Ms. Blessing, a passionate sports scientist, holds a master’s degree in sports management and has a strong background in sports administration. Her expertise comes at a time when Nigerian badminton is experiencing rapid development, both at the grassroots and international levels. The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has emphasized the need for sustained efforts to build on these achievements, stating that the BFN must “not rest on its oars” as the sport continues to gain momentum. BFN President, Francis Orbih, expressed confidence in Ms. Blessing’s appointment, highlighting her qualifications and alignment with the federation’s ...

 Portable Declared Wanted as Ogun Government Arraigns Nine Associates for Assault The Ogun State Government has arraigned nine associates of controversial singer Portable for allegedly assaulting government officials, while the artist himself is reportedly on the run. The suspects appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, facing five charges, including armed violence, obstruction, assault, and intent to kill. They allegedly attacked officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development at Portable’s Odogwu Bar in Sango-Ota. According to Police Prosecutor Sunday Ekong, the defendants—armed with cutlasses and guns—assaulted town planners who were enforcing the sealing of Portable’s uncompleted hotel and building for lacking proper permits. The singer was accused of leading the attack but is currently at large. The court granted the suspects N5 million bail each, requiring registered bond agents as sureties. The case was adjourned to March 17 for hea...

 Nasarawa Governor Fires Special Advisers, Aides Over Poor Performance Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dismissed all Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants, citing their failure to effectively implement government policies and programs. He announced the immediate dismissal on Friday during the swearing-in of the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, at the Government House in Lafia. At the event, Commodore Yahaya Owuna (rtd.) was also inaugurated as the sole administrator of Udege Administrative Area, alongside the newly appointed chairman and board members of the College of Education, Akwanga. Governor Sule emphasized that the reshuffle aims to enhance governance and improve service delivery in the state. While acknowledging the contributions of the dismissed aides, he thanked them for their service and urged them to continue supporting the state’s development.

 Man City to face Chelsea in Champions League quarters Manchester City will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League, while Arsenal have been drawn against Real Madrid. Women's Super League champions Chelsea will travel to City for the first leg before hosting Gareth Taylor's side in the second leg. Arsenal, winners of the competition's previous format in 2007, will host the second leg against Real Madrid after qualifying as group winners. It is the first time that three English teams have progressed to the last-16 stage. Should Arsenal progress, they will avoid meeting a fellow English team until the final as they have been drawn against the winners of Bayern Munich versus Lyon in the semi-finals. Chelsea or City will face the winners of the tie between two-time German winners Wolfsburg and current holders Barcelona. The draw means Chelsea and City will face each another four times within the space of 12 days across three competitions. The two...

 Nasarawa: Governor Sule Swears in Former Attorney General Magaji as SSG Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has officially sworn in Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Magaji, who holds the traditional title of Matawalle Toto, took the oath of office on Friday during a swearing-in ceremony at the Government House in Lafia. Additionally, Commodore Yahaya Owuna (Rtd.) was inaugurated as the Sole Administrator of Udege Administrative Council, a move aimed at resolving intra-ethnic tensions within the Afo communities in the area.

 Tanker Overturns on Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway, Causes Heavy Traffic A 33,000-litre tanker carrying automated gas oil (diesel) overturned on the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway near the Army Gate in Onitsha, Anambra State, causing significant traffic disruption. The accident occurred around 7:05 am on Friday as the tanker attempted to enter a filling station along the expressway. Reports indicate that the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to spill part of its content onto the road before emergency responders arrived. Authorities cordoned off the Awka-bound lane, diverting vehicles to the Onitsha-bound lane, resulting in heavy congestion in the area. Fire service personnel promptly arrived and sprayed chemical foam compound to prevent a fire outbreak, while security operatives worked to manage traffic. However, some residents were seen scooping spilled diesel from the gutters. Confirming the incident, State Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa stated that the tanker rolled backward ...

 136 Plateau Communities Overrun by Armed Groups – Stefanos Foundation A recent Stefanos Foundation report has revealed that 136 communities across five local government areas (LGAs) in Plateau State have been overrun by armed groups, with Barkin Ladi and Riyom identified as the most affected. These areas have been largely deserted, with evidence of occupation by unfamiliar groups following years of coordinated attacks. During a three-day prayer conference in Miango, Bassa LGA, organized in collaboration with Flame International (UK), Stefanos Foundation’s Programme Coordinator, Mark Lipdo, warned that similar patterns of territorial occupation are spreading to other parts of Nigeria. According to the foundation’s research, conducted between December 6 and 20, 2024, a spatial analysis of the northern and central senatorial zones of Plateau State revealed: 79 communities completely deserted 33 communities overrun and occupied by suspected Fulani groups 21 communities partially deser...

  The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if the recently approved 50% increase in telecommunications tariff is not reversed. This ultimatum was given by TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, during an interview on Thursday.¹ Osifo condemned the proposed tariff hike, describing it as ill-timed and a deliberate act of economic oppression against Nigerians. He emphasized that the TUC will not hesitate to take action if the government fails to rescind its decision. When asked about the possibility of a strike, Osifo responded affirmatively, stating that the union will indeed "down tools and enter the streets" if their demands are not met. The TUC president also advised the government to address the root cause of the problem, which he identified as forex management, rather than merely treating the symptoms. He argued that providing economic stability would be more beneficial to telecommunicat...

 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into allegations made by Niger Republic's military leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing the Nigerian government of colluding with France to destabilize Niger's internal security. The allegations, which the Federal Government has described as "baseless",¹ claim that Nigeria is facilitating the terrorist group Lakurawa, allowing them to establish bases in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. Additionally, Tchiani alleged that foreign military bases in Nigeria are being used to target Niger's oil pipelines and create security threats. The Senate's investigation was prompted by a motion brought by Senator Shehu Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. Buba expressed concern over Tchiani's implication of Niger...

  After a storied 16-year career with Real Madrid, former left-back Marcelo has announced his retirement from professional football. The 36-year-old, who won numerous accolades with Los Blancos, including six La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies, shared the news in a heartfelt video on social media. Marcelo reflected on his remarkable journey, which began when Real Madrid signed him at just 18 years old. "What a journey. Real Madrid is a unique club," he said, expressing his pride at becoming a "true 'Madrileno'". During his time at Real Madrid, Marcelo made 546 appearances, scoring 38 goals, and won several other titles, including two Copa del Rey trophies and four Club World Cup victories. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez praised Marcelo as "one of the greatest left-backs in Real Madrid and world football history", describing him as "one of our greatest legends". Marcelo also had a distinguished international career, ...

  Nigeria is experiencing a surge in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries flocking to the country for kidney transplants. According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, this trend is driven by the affordability and high-quality medical expertise offered by Nigerian hospitals. Shettima cited the example of 13 patients from the United States who recently underwent kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre in Nigeria. He praised the hospital's Chief Medical Director, Dr. Olalekan Olatise, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as "a very decent man who is highly altruistic" in his commitment to medical excellence. However, Shettima acknowledged the financial burden on patients, many of whom struggle to afford transplants and post-transplant care. He highlighted the need for sustainable healthcare financing models to support patients. The Vice President also reflected on his tenure as Governor of Borno Stat...