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  Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, paid a condolence visit to the family of late elder statesman Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area. The governor expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, the Kiagbodo community, and the entire Ijaw nation. Oborevwori assured the family of the state government's full support throughout the burial arrangements and pledged assistance to ensure Clark receives a dignified burial. He described Clark as a household name in Nigeria, who lived a fulfilled life with robust integrity and commitment to the development of the Niger Delta and the country at large. The governor acknowledged Clark's indelible mark on the country's history, citing his boldness, courage, and sharp memories. Oborevwori recalled his last conversation with Clark, who commended his performance as governor. Mrs. Rebecca Okorodudu, Clark's eldest child, thanked the governor for his condolence visit and assured him of their continued...

  The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to optometrists working in state-owned medical institutions, prohibiting them from diverting patients to their private clinics. This directive was given by Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, during the maiden meeting of optometrists in the state's civil service. Dr. Emeka-Obasi emphasized that any optometrist found guilty of patient diversion will face strict sanctions. She highlighted that the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau was established by Governor Alex Otti's administration to provide affordable, standardized, and accessible eye-care services to all citizens. The Administrator also urged optometrists and other medical personnel to demonstrate commitment and professionalism by reporting to work daily and avoiding absenteeism. She reminded them that the Bureau was established by an Executive Order on July 15, 2024, to focus on the eye care sector. Mrs. Okoroafor ...

 Ugandan opposition veteran Besigye charged with treason A Ugandan magistrates' court charged detained opposition politician Kizza Besigye with treason on Friday, rejecting his lawyer's pleas that he be transferred to hospital to help him recover from ill health stemming from a hunger strike. Treason carries the death penalty in Uganda. This is the second time Besigye has faced treason charges stemming from allegations he tried to overthrow the government, TRT Afrika reported. The 68-year-old opponent and critic of longtime President Yoweri Museveni appeared in court in the capital Kampala on Friday looking frail and in a wheelchair. It was his first appearance at a civilian court since the Supreme Court stopped his military trial last month. He was briefly hospitalised at the weekend and a government minister this week said his health condition was alarming. His lawyers say he was "kidnapped" in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, with his aide Obed Lutale in November and ...

 Rwanda blasts US sanctions on its minister over DRC fighting Rwanda late on Thursday condemned the US decision to impose sanctions on its minister over M23 rebels fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, describing it as “unjustified and unfounded.” The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the economic sanctions against Rwanda's Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe, a former army commander, saying that he was central to his country's support for the M23 rebels, Anadolu Agency reported. The US also imposed sanctions on Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 rebel spokesman, along with two companies he controls — Kingston Fresh, a UK-registered food services company, and Kingston Holding, a French-based mining consultancy. In a statement, Rwanda's Foreign Ministry said the sanctions were not a solution to the ongoing conflict in Congo. 'Unwarranted interference' “If sanctions could resolve conflict in eastern Dem...

 Museveni denies Ugandan troops in DR Congo to battle M23 Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni on Friday denied his troops intended to fight M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, after sending troops to secure an eastern Congolese town, AFP reported. He spoke out as the routing of DRC forces by the M23 armed group prompted the United Nations to warn of the risk of a wider regional war. "With the deteriorating security situation in eastern Congo, we secured the permission of the Congo government to deploy" against local militias, particularly the ADF group, Museveni said in a post on X. "Our presence in Congo, therefore, has nothing to do with fighting the M23 rebels," he added. Seized territory The M23 has seized territory in the DRC's North and South Kivu provinces in a deadly assault over recent weeks. Further north, Ugandan troops have secured the city of Bunia, working with Congolese forces, Museveni's Foreign Minister Henry Oryem sai...

 PRESS RELEASE OSUN LG ELECTIONS: INTELLIGENCE REPORTS INDICATE HIGH SECURITY THREATS, VOLATILITY   – NPF Advises Immediate Suspension The Nigeria Police Force has received credible intelligence indicating a high likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the planned Local Government elections proceed in Osun State. These reports gathered from joint intelligence gathering reveal that various groups, including political elements and other interest parties, are mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine the democratic order. Given this imminent threat to security, the NPF strongly advises the Osun State Government to suspend the planned elections forthwith in the interest of public safety and national stability. The Force has assessed the current security landscape and determined that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could escalate into widespread unrest, endangering lives and property. The Nigeria Po...

  I wouldn’t be acting my age – Nollywood Actress Sikiratu Sindodo makes special announcement as she marks 49th birthday in grand style Nollywood actress Tayo Odueke, better known as Sikiratu Sindodo, is celebrating her 49th birthday today, February 21st, 2025 Taking to her Instagram page, the light-skinned Yoruba actress shared photos of herself with her birthday gifts as she revealed that she wouldn’t be acting her age, despite getting older. Am I getting older??? ABSOLUTELY Am I going to be acting my age? NO. Am Grateful Lord Piscesqueen Piscesseason”. In another post, Tayo Sindodo shared a video of herself on top of a car as she expressed gratitude to her Maker. “+ONE Alhamdulilahi Alhamdulilahi”. Some of her colleagues took to her comment section to send some birthday wishes. Alesh Sanni wrote, “Happy birthday maami Mercy Aigbe wrote, “Happy birthday Olori Omoh One wrote, “Happy birthday sis Lola Magret wrote, “Happy birthday Temitayo. Llnp darling More photos below. 

 Why Would Someone Wish me Death? – Veteran Nollywood Actor Dele Odule Cries Out Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule has shared his frustration over rumours of his death and alleged arrest by fake bloggers Speaking via his verified Instagram handle, the thespian particularly called out a blogger for sharing a photo of him with the caption “RIP” He assured his fans that he is alive, adding that there is nothing wrong with him. Odule wondered why anyone would want him death, describing it as barbaric. “There’s nothing wrong with me, I am very much alive. I don’t understand why someone would wish me dead. This is barbaric, uncalled for, and not fair,” he said. He also addressed another false report that claimed he was arrested for child molestation with his handcuffed image. Odule questioned the motives behind these rumors, asking “For what? What is your problem? Are you alright? Don’t try to bring me down. If you come at me, you’re coming at God because you are not fighting me but Go...

 “Funke Akindele Gave Me Food And Money For 3 Month, But When I Wanted To Date Her She Refused Me”- Rasak Ajani Speak On His Relationship With Colleagues Rasak Ajani, a well-known Yoruba film star, has disclosed the nature of his relationship with actress Funke Akindele. He also mentioned how the actress hosted him at her home for three months. In a video that was posted on the official YouTube channel of Talk2dunnis TV during an interview, he made it known that Funke Akindele gave her food and money for three months but that the two of them weren’t dating each other. In his statement, he said, “Funke Akindele accommodated me in her house, and we used to go out and do things together. Anytime I tried to go out to work, she didn’t allow me to go, and she preferred to give me the money they would pay me for the job. Funke Akindele gave me food and money for 3 months, but we didn’t date each other. I always eat any kind of food I feel like eating, and she made almost everything availa...

 Amotekun Arrests Faremi Ojo for Attempted Murder In Ekiti Operatives of the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps have apprehended a 28-year-old ex-convict, Faremi Ojo, for allegedly threatening his family members' lives and attempting to murder them.  Ojo, a resident of Ilupeju-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area, was arrested on Monday, February 17, 2025, following a complaint lodged by one of his brothers. According to the complainant, Ojo had been issuing threats against his family and community since his release from prison, where he served time for dealing in human parts for money rituals. The suspect allegedly: - Strangled his father - Broke into his brother's house and stabbed him in the head with a screwdriver - Attempted to kill other family members before fleeing Eyewitnesses confirmed that Ojo instilled fear in the community, frequently wielding cutlasses, incantation horns (afose), a cane, a knife, and other dangerous weapons reportedly laced with charms. Amotekun operatives...

 2025 SPORTS FESTIVAL QUALIFIERS: LSSC ASSURES LAGOS ATHLETES OF BETTER WELFARE The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu has assured athletes of improved welfare and high-quality training as they prepare for the 2025 National Sports Festival South-West Zonal Eliminations Ball Games in Ibadan, Oyo State. He gave the assurance during a visit to Team Lagos’ camp at Bishop Akinade Hostel, Igbo-Igunnu, Bariga, where the athletes are gearing up to compete for slots in the South-West region. Team Lagos will face off against Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo in eight ball Games: football, hockey, cricket, abula, beach-volleyball, basketball, volleyball, and handball at two designated venues: Ilaji Sports/Resort Centre, Akanran, and the state-owned Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan. Fatodu emphasised that the Lagos State Sports Commission is fully prepared for the 2025 NSF Zonal Eliminations because of the strong support from the state government. He urged the athle...

  Atiku, El-Rufai visit Edwin Clark’s family to offer condolences   Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led a delegation, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to offer condolences to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader who passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.   In a heartfelt gesture, both political figures visited the bereaved family to express their sympathies over the loss of one of the most respected voices in the Niger Delta region.   Atiku disclosed the visit in a video shared via his X handle on Friday, February 21. Atiku wrote: "Today, I led a delegation that included the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, #elrufai, on a condolence visit to the family of foremost statesman and nationalist, Chief Edwin Clark. I prayed for comfort for the family of the man whose work was defined by his pan-Nigerian credentials. "I reminded them that the ...

 PRESS RELEASE February 21, 2025 *Re: Trending Video on Facebook Showing Police Officers Mishandling a Civilian* 1. The Abia State Police Command is aware of a trending video on Facebook depicting some police officers manhandling a civilian. The incident is alleged to have occurred along Lagos Street, Umuahia on 20/02/2025 2. The officers involved have been identified, and are currently under interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). 3. The public will be updated after necessary administrative actions are taken against the erring officers. 4. The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, strongly condemns this act of unprofessional misconduct and incivility toward members of the public. He reiterates that under his leadership, the command is committed to ensuring a professionally competent, Rule of law complaint, and people-friendly police force in line with the vision of the Inspector General of Police. 5. The public is hereby advised t...

 South Africa to invite Zelensky for talks on ending Ukraine war South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Friday he would invite Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky soon to discuss an "inclusive peace process" to end a conflict sparked by Russia's 2022 invasion, AFP reported. While South Africa has sought to display neutrality in the war between Russia and Ukraine, it has been accused of leaning towards Moscow. "I welcome the constructive engagement I had with President @ZelenskyyUA and I look forward to hosting him in South Africa soon for a state visit," Ramaphosa said on X. The two leaders had agreed on "the urgent need for an inclusive peace process that involves all parties," Ramaphosa said. "South Africa remains committed to supporting the dialogue process between Russia and Ukraine," he said. Zelensky meanwhile thanked Ramaphosa for supporting "Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and said he hoped fo...

  Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that none of the 31 proposals for new states met the constitutional requirements. As a result, the submission deadline has been extended to March 5, 2025, for applicants to fulfill the necessary provisions. Speaking at a two-day retreat in Akwa Ibom, Kalu disclosed that over 200 bills seeking amendments to the 1999 Constitution have been received, covering areas such as federal structure, local government autonomy, revenue allocation, security reforms, and electoral processes. To enhance transparency and public participation, the committee plans to establish a situation room in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) to track and address public concerns during the amendment process. Additionally, zonal public hearings will be held across the six geopolitical zones to gather further input from stakeholders.

 Cooperative Society CEO Bags One Year for N2bn Fraud in Calabar   Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in  Calabar has  convicted and sentenced  the Chief Executive Officer, Micheno Multi-purpose Cooperative Society,  Uno Michael Eke to one year imprisonment  for conspiracy, obtaining property by false pretence and money laundering to the tune of N2 ,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira)   He was jailed after pleading guilty to four-count amended charges preferred against him by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.   Count One reads “That you, Uno Michael Eke (being the President/Chief Executive Officer of Micheno Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society); Registered Trustees of Micheno Multi Purpose Cooperative Society, MMCS,  Aya Kanu Aya,  (Alias Mbakara) being the Vice President of Micheno Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (now at large), sometime between June and...

 Nigeria Senate: I Have Been Denied My Privileges – Natasha Speaks on Clash with Akpabio Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has claimed she has faced numerous challenges in the Senate. Speaking during an interview on Brekete Family, a Human Rights Radio and Television program hosted by Ahmed Isah, popularly known as "Ordinary President," Natasha opened up about her struggles. Her remarks come after a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on Thursday over a seating arrangement. The dispute began when Natasha discovered that her designated seat had been reassigned. Refusing to accept the change, she challenged the decision, leading to a tense confrontation. In a viral video, she was seen boldly telling Akpabio, "I’m not afraid of you." Addressing the incident on Brekete Family, Natasha alleged that many of her privileges had been revoked. "I have been going through a lot but remained silent to avo...

 2027: CSOs Advocate for Single-Day General Elections in Nigeria As the 2027 general elections approach, civil society organizations (CSOs) have called for all elections to be conducted on a single day to reduce costs and inefficiencies. This proposal was discussed on Friday in Abuja during a policy dialogue organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development. Speaking at the event, Dr. Iroro Izu, a political scientist at Nile University, Abuja, argued that the current staggered election system is unsustainable given the high costs incurred by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He pointed out that countries such as the United States, Brazil, and India have long adopted single-day elections. “This approach will save government funds, prevent unnecessary economic losses, curb voter disenfranchisement caused by the bandwagon effect, and minimize electoral fraud,” Izu stated. Similarly, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, pioneer Executive Director of Centre LSD...

 Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Emefiele’s $4.7M, N830M, and Properties A Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, has ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and multiple properties linked to former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The judge dismissed an objection from an interested party before granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s application, filed by counsel Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, for the forfeiture of the funds held in First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank accounts operated by individuals and entities including Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, and Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd. The seized properties include: 94-unit, 11-floor building under construction at Ikoyi, Lagos AM Plaza, an 11-floor office space in Lekki, Lagos Imore Industrial Park 1 in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Two Chevron Nigeria properties ...

 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Draw Revealed [Full Fixtures] The draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 was conducted on Friday, setting up several exciting matchups. Defending champions Real Madrid will face city rivals Atletico Madrid in a highly anticipated clash, while Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen will battle in an all-Bundesliga showdown. Elsewhere, Arsenal will take on PSV, and Liverpool will go head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain. The first-leg matches are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with return fixtures set for March 11 and 12. Full Round of 16 Fixtures: Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Borussia Dortmund vs Lille Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen PSV vs Arsenal Feyenoord vs Inter Milan PSG vs Liverpool Benfica vs Barcelona

 Speaker Abbas pledges National Assembly's support for North West Development Commission Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has assured the newly established North West Development Commission (NWDC) of the National Assembly's full support, emphasizing the high expectations placed on the commission to address the region's pressing challenges. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NWDC board at his office on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas highlighted the critical role the commission is expected to play in tackling issues plaguing the North West region, including insecurity, unemployment, and drug-related problems. "We will be putting a keen eye to see how you people are faring," Abbas stated. "Never in the history of Nigeria and the North West have we faced challenges as severe as those we are experiencing now. From insurgency to banditry to unemployment, the North West is the worst hit, according to statistics." He stressed the impo...

 U.S. ends protections from deportation for half a million Haitians The Trump administration is throwing out protections that shielded roughly half a million Haitians from deportation, meaning they would lose their work permits and could be eligible to be removed from the country by August, AP reported. The decision, announced Thursday, is part of a sweeping effort by the Trump administration to make good on campaign promises to carry out mass deportations and specifically to scale back the use of the Temporary Protected Status designation, which was widely expanded under the Biden administration to cover about 1 million immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security said in a news release that it was vacating a Biden administration decision to renew Temporary Protected Status — which gives people legal authority to be in the country but doesn’t provide a long-term path to citizenship — for Haitians. People with the protection are reliant on the government renewing their status wh...

 PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, ANAMBRA STATE, CP IKIOYE ORUTUGU, fwc, mnips, PhD, ON 21ST FEBRUARY 2025, AT ANAMBRA STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, AWKA Protocols. Distinguished members of the press, the purpose of this briefing is to provide clarity on the ongoing investigation into the two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a serving member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. Additionally, I will highlight some of the significant achievements of the Command within the period under review. It is important to reiterate that this unfortunate incident occurred two days before I formally assumed office as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, on 10th February 2025. However, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case on 18th February 2025, I deemed it necessary to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security...

 Breaking News EFCC Hands Over $120, 548.43, N70, 602,841.46 to Foreign Victims of Fraud As a gesture of its commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes and offering restitution to victims of fraudulent practices, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  has handed over a total sum of $120, 548.43 ( One Hundred and Twenty Thousand,  Five Hundred and Forty Eight United States Dollars, Forty three cents and N70, 602,841.46 (Seventy Million, Six Hundred and Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty One Naira,  Forty six kobo) to American, Spanish and Swiss victims of local fraudsters.   Details later More photos below.