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 PRESS RELEASE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL UNITY AND FAIR REPRESENTATION IN APPOINTMENTS The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) wishes to address recent insinuations circulating, particularly on social media, regarding the composition of Federal appointments. The Government categorically refutes claims of lopsidedness and emphasizes its unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and national unity. All appointments are made in strict adherence to federal character principle, as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Altered). It is notable to mention that, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and tenets of justice in all appointments. This Administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demogra...

 11th April 2025 PRESS RELEASE THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE, IGP KAYODE EGBETOKUN PhD, NPM COMMISSIONS NEWLY BUILT UGBORIKOKO DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND TWO OPERATIONAL VEHICLE DONATED BY TANTITA SECURITY SERVICE NIGERIA LTD. It was all celebrations and excitement as the good people of Ugborikoko community in Uvwie LGA witnessed the commissioning of the newly built Ugborikoko Modern Police Station. The building which was built and furnished by Tantita security service Nigeria LTD contains state of the art facilities which includes a constructed quarter guard post, a dedicated generator house, drainage construction to ensure a healthy and safe environment, and reconstruction of the police hall giving it a modern and functional design. The commissioned project also includes two hilux vehicles for operational mobility,  30KVA soundproof generator and a 30KVA solar system to ensure uninterrupted power supply, CCTV cameras and computer systems to enhance surveillance and digita...

 FREE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV, TB IN ANAMBRA STATE By Chisom Okafor A major milestone in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis was recorded recently in Anambra State, as the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) hosted a high-level stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the implementation of a Global Fund-supported initiative offering free health insurance to persons living with HIV and TB. The meeting, held in Awka, brought together a cross-section of key actors in the healthcare sector, including the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; the Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi; representatives of the Global Fund; the World Health Organization (WHO); and the State Program Manager (SPM), others. In his address, Dr. Obidike emphasized that the state government remains fully committed to breaking barriers to healthcare access for vulnerable populations. He described the initiative as a bold step toward equity in health service delivery ...

 Nkpor LandLord Association Cries Out To Idemili North Mayor Over Dilapidated Road By Chiedu Uche Okoye/Amaka Iloanya The Nkpor Unity Landlord Association at Umusiome-Nkpor has cried out to the Idemili North LGA chairman, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, for help regarding the Udo trunk road, which is an important artery that links Nkpor to neighbouring towns.  The trunk road, which bisects Ogbe-etiti, Umusiome-Nkpor, is plied by drivers, who do make detour during rush hours, when the major roads are congested with crawling traffic. But sadly, now, the road, which is an important link road, is in a state of disrepair. It is impassable, too.  Due to the deplorable state of the road, which makes it not motorable, residents of the area park their vehicles outside their residential area and trek to their houses and they are afraid that the condition of the road would worsen when the rainy season sets in, thereby compounding their plight.  The legal adviser of the Landlord Association...

 Anambra Assembly Passes Bill to Amend Law on Mission Schools of Nursing and Midwifery By Chizoba Okeke  A Bill for a Law to amend Anambra State Mission Schools of Nursing and Midwifery (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2025 has been passed by Anambra State House of Assembly. The bill aimed to strengthen the legal framework establishing the mission schools of nursing and midwifery across the state, streamline their operations, and align them with modern standards in nursing education and healthcare delivery. The mover of the motion, and member representing Aguata Constituency II, Chief Tony Muobike, explained that the amendment was necessary to address gaps identified in the principal law and to further empower the institutions to deliver quality training in line with national and international best practices. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze said the passage of the amendment bill reflects the Assembly's commitment to supporting health sector and building a competent workforce for...

 Anambra Government launches ‘Open Government Partnership’ Plan 2 to interface with its citizens  By Maureen Agbala/Chris Chikelue Anambra State Government has created a direct platform known as ‘the Solution Lens’ with the sole aim of interfacing with individuals or groups in the quest for information about government activities and sites of amenities provided in the state. This came up at the launching of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan 2 initiative which was held in Awka on April 8.The event was cohosted by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Anambra State Information, Communication and Technology Agency led by Mr. Fred Agbata. While declaring the event open, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake said that a new era is birthed in the state where openness in governance is the key.She added that part of what the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo promised the state during his campaign was an open government poli...

 PDP Governors, Leaders Reject Coalition Plans, Focus on Rebuilding Party for 2027 Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and key party figures have ruled out joining any coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, choosing instead to concentrate on revitalizing and strengthening the PDP. The resolution was made during an overnight meeting from Wednesday to Thursday in Abuja, where party leaders agreed to channel their resources into rebuilding the party rather than pursuing new political alliances. The decision follows recent remarks by former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who suggested a possible coalition of opposition forces to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. However, the Abuja meeting, attended by prominent PDP stalwarts, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal renewal. Among those present were former Senate Presidents David Mark and Bukola Saraki, former governors Ahmed Makarfi (Kadun...

  Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal met with former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State on Friday. The visit was revealed by Imran Wakili, a supporter of El-Rufai, in a post on X, where he highlighted El-Rufai’s continued respect for Buhari. The meeting coincided with reports of Atiku, El-Rufai, and Tambuwal engaging opposition leaders in Kaduna State as part of a broader political strategy. Atiku recently announced the formation of a coalition, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 general elections. The coalition, unveiled during a press conference by the Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders in Nigeria, seeks to unite opposition forces to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a related development, Adewale Adebayo, a former Social Democratic...

 BENUE APC CRISIS: I'M GOING NOWHERE - GOV. ALIA 11th April, 2025      Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has disclosed he is not leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for another party, despite the ongoing crisis in the state’s APC. The governor made this clarification during a media chat yesterday at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, saying that such insinuation is coming from mischief-makers. “I am not going anywhere, for the records,” he said, adding that those pushing that narrative do not wish him and the state well. “I am not stupid to follow the bandwagon of mischief makers to take the state down into the dungeon again. “I came into politics to restore Benue to its lost glory; otherwise, I would have remained a priest. I would have remained in a local environment with my people. I have to fulfil my contract with God and the masses. “The previous administrations did the little they could, but the immediate past did nothing,” Alia ...

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE, SECURITY FORCES, DEAL BLOW TO VIOLENT CRIMES, RECOVER BANDITS OPERATIONAL ASSETS.  As Police Operatives Neutralize Armed Bandits, Rescue Kidnapped University Student. The Nigeria Police Force has once again achieved significant victories in the fight against various types of violent crime, including armed banditry and kidnapping. Successes from these coordinated operations have resulted in the neutralization of armed bandits, the disruption of their networks, and the safe rescue of a kidnapped university student. Police Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command, in a collaborative effort with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante outfits conducted two successful operations that dealt a severe blow to armed banditry in the state.  On April 10th, 2025, at about 4:15 AM, a joint security team, led by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force proceeded to a suspected bandit route in Dutsen Wori vi...

 #PhotoNews Niger State Government receives the seventeen (17) kidnapped victims rescued in Kaduna State, who were abducted on 3rd March, 2025 at Loto Village, via Kuchi Sarkin-Pawa, Niger State  The rescued victims were received by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Com. Yakubu Garba with other State Government functionaries at the State Police Headquarters, Dutsen-Kura Minna today 11th April, 2025. More photos below. 

 A Georgia man sentenced to life in prison for the strangulation death of his girlfriend mistakenly released due to clerical error. The victim's family is shocked and living in fear after a mistake in paperwork lead to their loved one's killer walking free. Kathan Guzman was arrested in August of 2022 on charges of necrophilia, malice murder, aggravated assault and felony murder. These charges were in connection to the death of 19-year-old Delila Grayson. Delila was found deceased in the bathtub of a Clayton County, Georgia home.  Kathan Guzman was ultimately found guilty of the charges and sentenced to life in prison in October, 2024. However, as of the time of the writing of this article... he is still a free man after a major mess up by Clayton County officials. According to the Clayton County DA, Guzman walked free on March 27th. The DA's office said they are disappointed by the mistake and hope the convicted killer is back behind bars soon. The family of Delila is comp...

 Alleged N5.78bn Fraud: Another Witness Confirms Ex-Governor Ahmed’s Kwara UBEC Loan The Sixth Prosecution Witness, PW6, Suleiman Oluwadare Ishola in the ongoing trial of the former governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, has corroborated the testimonies of earlier witnesses that the Ahmed’s administration borrowed the funds of Kwara State’s Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC to offset backlog salaries of workers and pensioners in the state. Ahmed and Banu are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on amended 14-count charge, bordering on stealing and mismanagement of  UBEC funds in the state to the tune of N5.78billion. Testifying on Friday, April 11, 2025, Ishola, who served as the Accountant-General of Kwara State between 2013 - 2019, told Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin that, the sum of N1billion being a matching grant from UBEC was borrowed b...

 EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged Possession of  Counterfeit  $4,350 in Lagos  The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, arraigned one Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju on a four-count charge bordering on alleged currency counterfeiting before Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. Olanrewaju is facing trial for alleged possession of 98 pieces of $50 USD, totaling $4,350 USD One of the counts reads: “That you, Moshood Mustapha Olanrewaju (Male), adult, sometime in January, 2025, in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession 21 pieces of counterfeit $50 USD (Fifty United States Dollars) bank note,  totaling $1,050 (One Thousand and Fifty United States Dollars), with  serial numbers MB61754676C, MB61754979C, MB61754988C, MB61754449C, MB61753319C, MB61753235C, MB61753885C, MB61754732C, MB61754432C, MB61754435C, MB61753868C,...

 Australia’s leading fertility clinic, Monash IVF, has admitted to a serious mistake involving the accidental transfer of an embryo to the wrong mother.  The error, which the clinic attributed to “human error,” was discovered in February when the birth parents requested that their remaining embryos be transferred to another fertility clinic. During the process, an extra embryo—belonging to a different patient—was found in storage. Monash IVF immediately launched an internal investigation, which confirmed that an embryo from another patient had mistakenly been thawed and transferred to the birth mother. The clinic said no other similar errors were uncovered. The identity of the patients involved and the custody details of the child have not been disclosed. However, the birth parents were informed about the mistake within a week of the discovery. “All of us at Monash IVF are devastated and we apologise to everyone involved,” said CEO Michael Knaap in a public statement. He added...

 UN Condemns Surge in Child Rape Amid DR Congo Conflict The United Nations has strongly condemned the alarming rise in sexual violence against children in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where nearly 10,000 cases of rape and abuse were reported in the first two months of 2025 alone. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said on Friday that between 35% and 45% of the victims were children, with initial data suggesting that a child was raped every 30 minutes during the conflict's peak this year. Speaking from Goma, Elder described the crisis as systemic, calling it a deliberate "weapon of war" used to terrorize communities. “We’re seeing survivors as young as toddlers,” he said, urging urgent global action. Elder emphasized the need for more prevention, survivor-focused support, and secure reporting systems, stressing that the figures may represent just a fraction of the actual abuse due to stigma and fear.

 Naira-For-Crude policy will bring down petrol prices — PETROAN   The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed strong support for the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of the continuation of the Naira-for-Crude policy — a move the association believes could mark a turning point in the country’s energy sector. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, said the association is optimistic that the policy, combined with the recent drop in global crude oil prices, will lead to more affordable fuel prices for Nigerian consumers. We want to sincerely commend the Federal Executive Council for its decision to fully implement the Naira-for-Crude policy,” Obele said. “This is a strategic move aimed at reducing our dependence on foreign exchange, enhancing local refining capacity, and ultimately stabilizing the downstream sector.” The Naira-for-Crude policy involves the sale of crude oil...

 Over 100 Killed as Heavy Rains Batter India and Nepal More than 100 people have died since Wednesday following torrential rains across parts of India and Nepal, officials confirmed. In India’s Bihar State alone, 82 fatalities were reported due to rain-related incidents, while 18 others died in Uttar Pradesh from storms and lightning. In neighbouring Nepal, at least eight deaths were recorded. The Indian Meteorological Department warned of continued thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across central and eastern regions through Monday, amid rising concerns over extreme weather events. More photos below. 

 Tesla Launches First Showrooms in Saudi Arabia Amid Sluggish Global Sales Tesla, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has officially entered the Saudi market with the opening of its first showrooms in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The launch, announced Thursday, comes as Tesla’s global sales decline and its U.S. presence faces challenges. Country Manager Naseem Akbarzada confirmed that EV charging stations will begin operating in the three cities starting Friday. Despite low demand for electric vehicles due to cheap fuel and limited infrastructure, the Saudi EV market tripled last year, with government plans to install 5,000 chargers by 2030. Economist Mohammed Al-Qahtani praised Tesla’s entry but called for deeper investment: “We don’t want just a showroom; we want a factory.” Saudi Arabia has been pushing EV production, with major investments in Lucid Motors, Hyundai, and the local EV brand CEER. More photos below. 

 China Not Afraid of U.S. Pressure – Xi Jinping Warns Trump Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared that China is "not afraid" amid rising tensions in the ongoing trade war with the United States. Speaking in Beijing during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Xi warned that “there are no winners in a trade war” and stressed China’s resilience against “unjust suppression.” The statement comes after the Trump administration hiked tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%. Xi emphasized China’s commitment to self-reliance and vowed to remain focused despite external pressures.

  Trump to Undergo First Health Exam of Second Term President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo his first physical examination of his second term on Friday. At 78, Trump remains the oldest U.S. president to take office and has often touted his physical and mental fitness despite his fondness for fast food. Announcing the checkup via Truth Social on Monday, Trump said, “I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done.” The White House has yet to comment on the scope of the exam or details to be released. This checkup will be the first since Trump survived an assassination attempt last July, where a bullet grazed his ear during a rally in Pennsylvania. A report from his former physician, Ronny Jackson, described the injury as superficial. While presidents aren’t required to disclose medical details, Trump has historically released limited health information. During the 2024 campaign, he frequently contrasted his fitness with that of then-President Joe Biden, ...

 UK Pledges Additional £350m Military Aid to Ukraine The UK has announced an extra £350 million in military aid to Ukraine, aimed at supplying new drones and repairing armoured vehicles. Defence Secretary John Healey made the announcement at a Brussels meeting of 50 allied nations co-hosted by the UK and Germany, as part of efforts to pressure Russia to end its invasion. Healey noted the package is part of a broader £1.5 billion commitment made in February, adding the support will strengthen Ukraine’s defence and benefit British industry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth joined the meeting virtually. Healey reaffirmed UK’s support, saying, “We stand with you in the fight and we will stand with you in peace.”

 Amnesty International Condemns NBC Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song Amnesty International Nigeria has criticized the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s song “Tell Your Papa”, calling it a violation of free speech and access to information. In a statement via Facebook, Amnesty described the ban—which labels the song “Not To Be Broadcast” due to its criticism of government—as an abuse of power. The group urged President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate reversal, stressing that dissent is not grounds for censorship. Amnesty also faulted NBC’s use of the Broadcasting Code, calling it flawed and incompatible with Nigeria’s international obligations. The group warned that such actions threaten media freedom, silence artists, and stifle creative expression. The ban has also drawn backlash from SERAP, which issued a 48-hour ultimatum for its reversal.

 WIKE INTRODUCES SWEEPING LAND REFORMS IN FCT Effective April 21, 2025, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved comprehensive reforms in land administration to improve transparency, revenue, and development. Key Highlights: - Area Council Allocations Regularised:   Over 250,000 pending land documents from Area Councils to be vetted; valid ones will get statutory titles. Allottees will have 60 days to complete payments or forfeit the offer. - Mass Housing Titles for Buyers:   Properties in Mass Housing estates to be titled directly in favour of buyers, not just developers. New framework begins April 21, 2025. - Development Deadline Set:   All land allottees must develop plots within 2 years of receiving the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O), or risk revocation. - 21-Day Payment Window for New R-of-Os:   Allottees must pay all required fees and submit acceptance within 21 days of offer. Late payments will be invalid. These reforms aim to curb land speculation, elimi...

 Tunisia Releases 11 Russians Held Over Alleged Terrorism Eleven Russian nationals detained in Tunisia last November over suspected terrorism links have been released and are set to return home, Russian state media reported Friday. The group, found near the Algerian border in Haidra, was initially accused of involvement in terrorist activities but was never formally charged. Russian media described them as tourists, though Tunisian authorities reportedly seized equipment deemed inconsistent with tourism. According to Russia’s TASS news agency, the Russian embassy confirmed their release, stating the group would depart Tunisia on Friday aboard two flights. While Tunisia is a popular travel destination for Russians due to its visa-free access and affordability, Haidra — though home to ancient Roman ruins — is not a typical tourist stop.

 CONMEBOL Proposes 64-Team Expansion for 2030 World Cup CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez has proposed expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, highlighting the tournament’s centennial significance. Speaking at CONMEBOL’s 80th Ordinary Congress, Dominguez said the expanded format would honor the 100-year anniversary of the World Cup, which will be hosted across six countries on three continents: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The 2026 edition will already see an increase from 32 to 48 teams.