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 TIME 100 GLOBAL HONOUR: LAGOS TOURISM MINISTRY SALUTES MO ABUDU The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on behalf of the Ministry, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Mo Abudu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife Group, on her prestigious recognition as one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2025. Describing the honour as remarkable and well-deserved, the Commissioner applauded Ms. Abudu for her unparalleled impact on the global creative landscape through storytelling, media innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to changing the African narrative. Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka noted that Ms. Abudu’s latest recognition stands as a proud moment for Lagos State and the Nigerian film industry, affirming the vibrancy and excellence of local talent on a world-class platform. “Mo Abudu’s trailblazing work continues to redefine what is possible within Africa’s creative economy. Her journey is a pow...

 Otti Urges Swift Completion of Eastern Railway Corridor Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to fast-track the completion of the Eastern railway corridor, particularly the stalled Umuahia–Enugu section. Otti made the appeal while hosting NRC’s new Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, in Umuahia. He expressed concern over the delay in the project, initially scheduled for completion in early 2024, and emphasized the importance of transportation to economic growth. The governor also pledged full state support for securing NRC assets in Aba and highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the state’s transport system, including the Umuahia Railway and Bus Terminal project. Dr. Opeifa reaffirmed NRC’s commitment to connecting major South-East cities to the national rail network, aiming to boost the economy and reduce transportation costs.

 7-Year-Old Kaduna Boy Loses Legs After Father’s Brutal Punishment For Stealing Biscuits   The Kaduna State Government has rescued 7-year-old Abubakar Sani after his father, Sani Tanimi Maishago, allegedly poured boiling water on his legs as punishment for stealing biscuits in Lere Local Government Area. According to reports, Maishago tied the boy’s legs before scalding them and, along with the child’s stepmother, locked him in a room without proper food or care for over 20 days. Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, visited Abubakar at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, where doctors were forced to amputate both legs below the knee due to severe infection and tissue decay. "The boy’s condition was reported to the ministry about nine days ago. By then, his legs were infested with maggots and severely rotten," the commissioner said. Both the father and stepmother have been arrested and will face prosecution. Salisu reaffirmed the state’s commi...

 PRESS RELEASE 17th April 2025 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND EXTENDS GREETINGS TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL AND ANNOUNCES SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE UPCOMING EASTER CELEBRATION In anticipation of the forthcoming Easter celebrations scheduled for the 18th and 21st of April 2025, the Bauchi State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+),mni wishes to assure the residents of Bauchi State that the command is fully prepared to fulfil its statutory obligation to protect the lives and properties of citizens before, during, and after the celebrations. The command is committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment throughout this period, working with other sister security agencies and pertinent stakeholders. To this end, the Commissioner of Police has mandated the deployment of sufficient personnel, including conventional police units and tactical teams, along with necessary logistical support, to guarantee robust security at all str...

 Indiana foster mother has been sentenced for the death of a 10-year-old boy in her care. She sat on the boy until he passed away.  UPDATE: Jennifer Wilson was sentenced to 6 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections on Friday, April 11th. The court suspended 1 year of the sentence. Due to the sentence being related to a level 5 felony she is required to serve 75 percent of the 5 years.  Wilson had initially pleaded not guilty but changed her plea to guilty in October of 2024. The original story is below. --------------------------- 48-year-old Jennifer Lee Wilson was arrested in Berrien County, Michigan, on July 13th. The arrest comes after a warrant for reckless homicide was issued in connection to the April 25th death of 10-year-old Dakota Levi Stevens. Dakota had been placed in the care of Wilson around a month before the incident in which he lost his life. First responders were called to a home in Liberty Township, Indiana, on April 25th to the report of an unre...

 Georgia mother is facing charges after she is investigated for putting a dog leash on her toddler and forcing him to smoke a joint. The Hall County Sheriff's Office has announced additional charges in a disturbing case that they began investigating last year. The sheriff's office initially began an investigation last year after being contacted by Habersham County Sheriff's Office. They reached out about 24-year-old Brooke Bestpitch forcing her child to smoke marijuana.  According to Habersham County deputies Bestpitch abused her toddler by putting a dog collar around his neck and forcing him to smoke marijuana. Bestpitch was charged with reckless conduct in connection to those allegations on February 6th. She posted a $1,300 bond and was released.  However, authorities were not done with Bestpitch and obtained a search warrant for her phone. During a search of Bestpitch's phone, deputies found images of her toddler being hog-tied with belts and yarn. They also found a ...

 A 4-year-old Indiana girl has passed away after seven dogs fatally attacked her inside of her grandmother's home.  Her grandmother had passed away from a medical emergency a short time before the fatal attack.  An unimaginable tragedy unfolded inside of a Huntingburg, Indiana home on Monday, April 14th.  According to reports, 53-year-old Olivia Regalado and 4-year-old Evelyn Lopez were found deceased at a home on the 100 block of North Goeger Street.  Officials believe Olivia Regalado passed away due to a medical emergency while in the home with the child. This left little Evelyn alone in the home with her deceased grandmother and 7 dogs. Tragically, for some unknown reason, the dogs attacked the young child after her grandmother's passing. When the first responders arrived on scene, Evelyn was still clinging to life, however she later succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital. All seven dogs in the home (6 pit bulls and a poodle mix) were sedated before b...

 PRESS RELEASE  17/04/2020 Abia State Police Command Assures Christian Faithfuls of a Secure and Joyful Easter Celebration  The Abia State Police Command extends warm Easter greetings to all Christian faithfuls in the state. As we observe this sacred occasion commemorating the resurrection of Christ, may joy, peace, and blessings abound in your hearts and homes. In line with our commitment to ensuring public safety, the Command has activated a comprehensive Operation Order to provide robust security measures before, during, and after the Easter celebrations. Security personnel have been strategically deployed across Abia State to guarantee the safety of life and property. Regular and special patrols of major roads, worship centers, recreational spots, and other public areas are ongoing. These efforts, alongside other covert and overt operations are aimed to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Easter celebration for all. We call on all Abians to be vigilant and security-consc...

 Lagos Court Jails  Businessman, Company for Refusal to Accept Naira as Legal Tender Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, April 17,  2025 convicted and sentenced a businessman, Aniogor Godswill Obiajulu and his company, ICE BY CW to five years imprisonment for their refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender   Obiajualu, alongside ICE BY CW, was arraigned  on Thursday on a two-count charge bordering on refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender. Count one reads: “That you, ICE BY CW and Aniogor Godswill Obiajulu, on the 10th day of December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria's legal tender) by accepting the sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand US Dollars) as a means of payment for the purchase of one diamond Clover bracelet and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.” Coun...

 Rwanda should cease all military support of M23 - Trump’s Africa adviser Massad Boulos, US President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa has reaffirmed Washington’s position that “Rwanda should seize all military support of M23 and withdraw all Rwandan troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) territory,” Anadolu Agency reported. The DRC and some Western countries including the EU and the US accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group. Rwanda, however, denies the allegations. Speaking at an online news conference following his visit to the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, Boulos said he also discussed with Rwandan President Paul Kagame the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in the DRC whose members are blamed for the 1994 genocide. Calling the risk of FDLR a “major element” of any peace deal, Boulos said: “Everybody has to feel comfortable with those terms, and they have to feel safe from any such threats, whet...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TINUBU'S RETURN TO NIGERIA President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria's governance even though he is away in Europe. His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.   The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.  His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.   The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.  We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.   Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the Preside...

 Chinese National in Viral Video Denies Bribery, Apologises for Misunderstanding A Chinese national seen in a viral video interacting with Nigerian Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers in Kaduna has denied allegations of bribery, stating the encounter was misinterpreted. In a statement issued by Mr. Jiang, the Chinese delegation clarified that no bribe was offered or requested, describing the incident as a goodwill gesture in appreciation of the officers' professionalism. The statement emphasized that the exchange, which was openly captured, stemmed from a cultural tradition of expressing gratitude and was not intended as a payoff. The delegation apologized for the public misunderstanding and reaffirmed their commitment to Nigeria, requesting continued security support for their operations.

 Zambia president pardons ex-defence minister jailed for corruption Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has pardoned former defence minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, popularly known as GBM, who has been serving a five-year prison sentence for corruption, TRT Afrika reported. Mwamba was freed on medical grounds amid a social media storm on the state of his health in prison. Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu told journalists on Thursday that the former minister had petitioned the president in February for his release, the public broadcaster ZNBC reports. Mwamba has withdrawn his appeal against the conviction as part of the conditions for his release, it adds. Worsening cancer Last month the former minister moved to court to seek his release on medical grounds in order to receive treatment abroad for worsening prostate cancer, according to local reports. His lawyers were quoted as saying that the required treatment was unavailable in Zambia. Mwamba served as defence minister under Presi...

 Rivers Lawmaker Accuses NBA of Bias, Demands N300m Refund A federal lawmaker from Rivers State, Solomon Bob, has slammed the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its criticism of the state of emergency declared in the state, accusing the body of hypocrisy and political bias. Bob defended President Bola Tinubu’s March 18 emergency declaration, saying the NBA lacks the authority to challenge presidential powers under Section 305 of the Constitution. He also accused the NBA of striking a secret deal with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, claiming it received N300 million from the state government to support its upcoming Port Harcourt conference. Describing the payment as a bribe, Bob demanded the immediate return of the funds, warning that state authorities must act to recover the money if the NBA fails to comply.

 Chinese, Nigerian Arraigned for Possession of 7,200kg Pangolin Scales The Nigeria Customs Service has arraigned a Chinese national, Zheng Chao Hong, and a Nigerian, Amaka Marcus, for illegal possession and attempted sale of 7,200kg of pangolin scales—an endangered wildlife species. They pleaded not guilty before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos. The offence allegedly occurred in August 2024 across Ogun and Lagos states. The court granted them N5 million bail each, with strict surety conditions, and adjourned the trial to July 14, 2025.

 LAGOS ATTORNEY-GENERAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE JUSTICE SOTUMINU AT VALEDICTORY COURT SESSION The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, on Tuesday, addressed the legal community in a solemn valedictory court session to honour the life and legacy of former Chief Judge of Lagos State, late Hon. Justice (Dr.) Ibitola A. Sotuminu (OON), held at the Lagos State High Court, Osborne Foreshore, Ikoyi. Mr. Pedro highlighted her remarkable dedication to advancing the judiciary, gender equality, and legal reform. He also praised her philanthropic efforts through the founding of the Home Concept Foundation for Elderly Support (HOMECOF), and her national recognitions, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2008. Pedro urged everyone to draw from her example, stating that every judge present should remember that integrity on the Bench is not an ornament but an obligation.  "Let every legal practitioner strive not only for competence ...

 NBA Port Harcourt Slams Rivers Sole Administrator, Alleges Constitutional Breaches The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, has issued a scathing condemnation of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, accusing him of constitutional violations and undermining democratic governance. In a press statement signed by the eight Branch Chairmen of the Body of Chairmen Rivers State, the NBA expressed “deep concern” over the state’s governance following the imposition of a state of emergency. The lawyers’ body described the Sole Administrator’s actions, including the suspension of elected officials and recent appointments, as “unlawful, provocative, and injurious” to democratic institutions. “The NBA unequivocally condemns the actions of the Sole Administrator, which violate the spirit and letters of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the statement read. The association warned that the continued disreg...

 Human Rights Lawyer Demands ₦100 Million Compensation for Teen Freed from Wrongful Detention Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called on the Nigerian Police Force to pay ₦100 million in compensation to 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, who was wrongfully detained for months on armed robbery charges. Quadri, who gained attention during the 2023 elections for standing in front of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, was freed on Thursday by Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi in Lagos, following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins. Speaking to journalists in Apapa after the ruling, Effiong praised the DPP for upholding justice but condemned the police for what he described as a “corrupt scheme” to frame the teenager. He demanded the immediate removal and trial of the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and other officers involved in Quadri’s arrest, accusing them of act...

 Nigeria Records No National Grid Collapse in Four Months, Says Power Minister The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced that Nigeria has not experienced a national grid collapse in the past four months of 2025, marking a significant improvement in the country’s power sector. Speaking at the sixth Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Adelabu attributed the stability to enhanced generation capacity and ongoing power reforms. “In the last four months, Nigeria has maintained a stable electricity supply without grid disturbances,” Adelabu said. “Previously, the grid would collapse at 5,000 megawatts, but we recently achieved a peak of 5,801.63 megawatts without any collapse.” The minister also highlighted the impact of the April 4, 2024, tariff hike for Band A electricity customers, which led to a 70 percent increase in sector revenue and a ₦700 billion reduction in tariff shortfalls. Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emp...

 JOINT SECURITY TEAM ARRESTS SIX SUSPECTS WHO ALLEGEDLY HIRED SICK PERSONS TO BEG FOR ALMS IN OBA A Joint Security Team comprising Police from Oba Divisional Police Headquarters and Anambra Vigilante Operatives on 16th April 2025 at 6.30 pm during a raid in an uncompleted building at Isu village, Oba arrested six (6) suspects who allegedly hired sick persons to beg for alms from members of the public. The suspects are Doris Basil ‘f’ aged 28 years, Peter Ezedike ‘m’ aged 38 years, Susan Monday ‘f’ aged 27 years Ogechi Okoro ‘f’ aged 27 years, Solomon Sunday ‘m’ aged 29 years and Kenneth Achi ‘m’ aged 29 years.  The Operatives also recovered six mobile phones and Eighty-two thousand, four hundred naira (#82,400) in denominations of #50, #100 and #200 Naria notes and took in safe custody four ill persons from appearance suffering from brain tumour, breast cancer, and other terminal sicknesses. The Operatives also provided first aid for the sick persons and sought higher interven...

 Somalia-US launch deadly air strikes in battle to recapture key town The Somali army on Thursday killed 47 al-Shabaab terrorists in separate attacks, including o ne in Aadan Yabaal in the Middle Shabelle region, a strategic town taken over by the al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group the day before. The Somali Information Ministry said in a statement that the airstrike on Adan Yabaal was carried out with support from US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and targeted a terrorist gathering and hideout in the town. “Preliminary reports indicate that 12 Khawaarij operatives, including senior leaders, were eliminated. Importantly, there were no civilian casualties,” the statement said, Anadolu Agency reported. The Somali government uses the term "Khawaarij" to refer to terrorists. Al-Shabaab capture The air raid comes a day after the al-Shabaab group seized Adan Yabaal, which is 245 kilometers (152 miles) from the capital, Mogadishu. The town has strategic military significance and serves as a...

 Gunmen Attack Senator Natasha’s Family Home in Kogi Armed assailants attacked the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the early hours of Tuesday in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi LGA of Kogi State. Security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident on Thursday via X, citing intelligence sources. The Senator’s Chief Security Officer, Yakubu Ovanja, reportedly informed authorities that three armed men stormed the premises around 1:00 a.m., damaging parts of the building, including windows. Police from Okehi Division responded promptly, with no casualties or arrests reported. Preliminary investigations are underway, though the motive remains unclear. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has yet to comment publicly on the incident.

  Filipino Screen Legend Nora Aunor Dies at 71 Veteran Filipino actress and national icon, Nora Aunor, has died at the age of 71. Her daughter, Lotlot de Leon, confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, without revealing the cause of death. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress, and a true National Artist of the Philippines,” the statement read. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Nora Aunor rose to fame in the 1960s as a singer before becoming one of the Philippines’ most revered actresses. She was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022, the country’s highest recognition for performers.

Water Crisis Deepens in Nasarawa Eggon as Residents Resort to Unsafe Sources Residents of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area in Nasarawa State are grappling with severe water scarcity, resorting to stagnant ponds and muddy pools for their daily needs due to the collapse of public water infrastructure. Communities now rely on contaminated water for drinking, cooking, and bathing, raising serious health concerns. Locals described the water as foul-smelling and visibly dirty, but said they have no alternatives. “We’ve not had tap water in over two months,” said Adefu Ruth, a resident of Angwan Kuje. “We’re forced to use this dirty water.” Despite the presence of elected officials and the Commissioner for Water Resources—an indigene of the area—residents say there has been no visible intervention. Some criticized local leaders for neglecting the community after election campaigns. Efforts to get a response from the commissioner were unsuccessful. A ministry staffer, speaking anonymously,...

  DRTS Blames Abuja Number Plate Scarcity on Irregular Supply The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) in the Federal Capital Territory has linked the current shortage of vehicle number plates in Abuja to inconsistent and inadequate supply from the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Plant. In a statement on Wednesday, DRTS assured residents that steps are being taken to resolve the issue. The agency also warned against fraudsters posing as officials to exploit the situation, urging the public to avoid unauthorized agents and use only the official self-service portal. It emphasized that approved fees for number plates are published on its website and urged vehicle owners to reject inflated charges. DRTS said it is collaborating with security agencies to arrest and prosecute impostors, reaffirming its commitment to transparent and efficient service delivery.

 Terre Haute, Indiana: An ambulance was involved in an accident with two children while the children were riding their electric bikes.  Tragically one child lost their life due to the injuries they sustained. The other child is in critical condition after striking the ambulance. This tragic event occurred at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15th near South 13th Street and Wheeler Avenue. According to reports, a Trans Care ambulance was responding to a call involving a single car accident. Sadly, as they began to head to the scene while still moving slowly,  an accident occurred involving the two juveniles.  As first responders arrived on scene the Trans Care personnel were providing emergency care to the young victims. The two juveniles were rushed to a nearby hospital where one passed away as a result of their injuries. The second juvenile was life-flighted to an Indianapolis hospital with life threatening injuries.  Eyewitnesses near the scene stated that the ambul...

 NEMA Raises Concern Over Drug Abuse, Prostitution in Borno IDP Camp The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised the alarm over rising cases of drug abuse, prostitution, and other social vices in the Muna IDP camp in Borno State, which houses over 48,000 displaced persons. Speaking during a town hall meeting on Wednesday, NEMA’s North-East Zonal Coordinator, Abdullahi Sirajo, urged parents and community leaders to partner with authorities in curbing the growing menace, particularly among youth. Sirajo, represented by the agency’s Head of Operations, Manir Gidado, said the meeting concluded a five-day sensitisation drive aimed at promoting disaster preparedness and community resilience. Camp residents also voiced concerns about the deteriorating social environment, especially the exposure of children and vulnerable groups to harmful influences and worsening food insecurity.

 A fluffed Panenka, controversy & 'statement win' for Arsenal It was a night Arsenal fans will never forget. A dramatic 2-1 win against Real Madrid in a hostile Bernabeu secured the Gunners just a third Champions League semi-final - and a first since 2009 - after an impressive first-leg 3-0 win. Bukayo Saka's saved early Panenka penalty and Kylian Mbappe's overruled spot-kick ensured the Gunners' progress wasn't without incident - but it was ultimately a win that will send a message to the rest of Europe. Saka made up for his indiscretion with a second-half opener and, despite William Saliba gifting Vinicius Junior an equaliser soon after, the Gunners never looked in trouble as Paris St-Germain await, with Gabriel Martinelli securing the win late on. "One of the best nights in my football career," said manager Mikel Arteta. "We played against a team with the biggest history. It has been an inspiration for all of us on this competition. "T...

 SWAN Urges Gov Abiodun to Boost Publicity for National Sports Festival The Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to give greater publicity to the upcoming National Sports Festival, warning that current underreporting is creating a communication gap. In a communiqué issued after its congress in Abeokuta, SWAN emphasized the need for a functional media center at the MKO Abiola Stadium and urged the rehabilitation of dressing rooms and the medical bay to meet global standards. SWAN also appealed for land allocation to revive the abandoned FIFA Goal project, noting it comes at no cost to the state. While commending the state’s investment in sports infrastructure, the group advised against concessioning the stadium after the festival, advocating instead for public access to promote talent discovery.

 Poisoned Garden Eggs Kill 36 Cows in Plateau At least 36 cows have died and 42 others are critically ill after reportedly consuming poisoned garden eggs in Tafi Gana junction, Bassa LGA of Plateau State. Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the area, Ya’u Idris, said the garden eggs were deliberately laced with poison and scattered in the grazing area. Security agencies, including the GOC 3 Division, have visited the scene and promised a thorough investigation. The incident follows a deadly attack in nearby Zikke village that claimed 52 lives, raising fears of renewed tensions between farming and herding communities. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has since imposed restrictions on night grazing, cattle transport, and motorcycle movement after 7 p.m. to curb escalating violence.

 Anambra Health Workers Urge Soludo to Implement Full CONHESS to Avert Strike Health workers in Anambra State have appealed to Governor Charles Soludo to implement 100% of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), warning that failure to do so may trigger fresh industrial action. Speaking in Nnewi on Thursday, Charles Nwoye, spokesperson for the Organized Health Sector Unions and Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, said workers had been denied full CONHESS benefits since its approval in 2010 and its review in 2023. He noted that while doctors enjoy full CONMESS implementation, other health workers receive only 50%, despite previous efforts that raised implementation to 90% at the Teaching Hospital level. Nwoye urged the governor to fulfill his campaign promises by prioritizing the health sector, which he said is vital to achieving his vision of making Anambra the “Dubai of Africa.”

 Court frees boy who stood before Obi’s convoy months after detention The Magistrate Court in Apapa has freed the 17-year-old minor, Alabi Quadri, who went viral ahead of the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi freed him following the legal advise of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Details later…

 Army Appoints Anele as First Female Spokesperson The Nigerian Army has named Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Anele as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, making her the first female officer to hold the position. Anele, a member of Direct Regular Course 15 and a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, will assume office on April 22, 2025. She succeeds Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre. Before her appointment, Anele completed a six-month strategic course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and was posted to the Department of Civil-Military Relations. She also previously served as the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff.

 Reps Postpone Meeting with Rivers State Sole Administrator The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has postponed its scheduled interactive session with the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), originally set for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The shift follows a formal request from Vice Admiral Ibas to defer the meeting to a later date. The committee had earlier summoned the administrator for a detailed discussion on recent developments in Rivers State. According to a statement from House Spokesperson Hon. Akin Rotimi, the committee acknowledged the request and is working to fix a new date for the session. “The committee remains committed to transparent and effective oversight and will announce the new date once it is finalized,” the statement read.

 Nigeria, Niger foreign ministers discuss terrorist threats amid diplomatic tensions The foreign ministers of Nigeria and Niger have held talks on cross-border security, terrorism and economic cooperation, despite tensions between the two neighbours since the July 2023 coup in Niger, TRT Afrika reported. It comes after Nigeria this month renewed calls for the release of Niger's deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held at the presidential palace in Niamey in strict detention. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar travelled to Niamey for talks with Niger's Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare, in only the second visit by a senior Nigerian official since the coup, following that of General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's defence chief, in August. "The discussions took place in a climate of great cordiality and provided an opportunity to examine in depth the challenges facing the two countries," said a joint statement by the two ministers. The talks focused on...

 'Terrorists' burn homes, churches in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province At least two churches and 95 homes were burnt in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province in a fresh wave of attacks that police attributed to terrorist groups, Anadolu Agency reported. Orlando Modumane, the spokesperson for the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), told Anadolu news agency on Wednesday that the suspected terrorists invaded the communities of Nkole and Ngura in Ancuabe district on Sunday but later disappeared, only to return the following day. “They invaded the two communities in broad daylight, armed with guns and machetes, and after setting ablaze the two churches and the 95 houses, they fled with 15 motorbikes belonging to the residents. There has been no record of deaths among the communities, but a lot of them had to flee for safety,” Modumane said. He did not mention any particular. Since 2017, the gas-rich region has been experiencing an armed rebellion that has displaced 10,000...

 Colombia Declares National Emergency as Yellow Fever Outbreak Claims 34 Lives Colombia has declared a national health and economic emergency following a deadly yellow fever outbreak that has killed 34 people out of 74 confirmed cases since January. Health Minister Guillermo Jaramillo said the mosquito-borne virus, which carries a fatality rate of nearly 50%, has spread beyond traditional rural zones, now posing a wider threat. The hardest-hit area is Tolima, where cases jumped from four last September to 22 by mid-April. Authorities are urging mass vaccination and caution during Easter travel. Travelers in and out of the country may soon be required to present vaccination cards. President Gustavo Petro attributed the outbreak’s spread to climate change and warned unvaccinated citizens to avoid high-risk regions, especially the coffee belt. Meanwhile, the U.S. CDC has raised its yellow fever alert for parts of South America, including Colombia.

 OSBC Sanctions Presenter Over Unauthorized Ponzi Scheme Broadcast The Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) has sanctioned a presenter for airing an unauthorised segment promoting the collapsed CBEX Trading Exchange Global scheme on Orisun FM, Ile-Ife. OSBC’s Public Relations Officer, Gbenga Faminu, said the misleading five-minute content was broadcast without editorial approval and was the independent action of the presenter involved. The corporation has launched an internal investigation, enforced corrective measures, and reaffirmed its commitment to ethical broadcasting. It also warned the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent investment schemes. The EFCC has launched a probe into CBEX, which defrauded investors despite prior warnings.

 DSS Reassures Corps Members of Safety in Abia The Department of State Services (DSS) in Abia State has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and security of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state. The assurance was given by the State Director of DSS, Ibrahim Abdullahi, during a visit by the Abia NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Gladys Adama, and her management team to the DSS headquarters in Umuahia. Abdullahi pledged continued collaboration and support, adding that the command would conduct a vulnerability assessment of all NYSC facilities in the state and take necessary action to enhance security. He also cautioned corps members against embarking on unauthorized trips due to associated risks and encouraged them to maintain a positive attitude and contribute meaningfully during their service year. Earlier, Mrs. Adama appreciated the DSS for its past support and sought further assistance ahead of the upcoming 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I orientation course. Following ...

 PRESS RELEASE VIRAL VIDEO: POLICE CONDEMNS UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, ORDERS IMMEDIATE DISCIPLINARY ACTION. As Force Cautions Against Abuse of Police Services The Nigeria Police Force has taken cognizance of a disturbing video making rounds in the media space, showing police officers receiving money from a Chinese national. The Force  has strongly condemned the conduct exhibited by the police officers in the video, describing it as unprofessional and unethical. The actions of the officers do not represent the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force. The Force has zero tolerance for such unprofessional behaviour and other forms of misconduct, which undermine public trust and confidence. The officers captured in the video have been identified and subjected to disciplinary proceedings. The Nigeria Police Force hereby cautions individuals and organizations privileged to the services of Police personnel, particularly as escorts and guards or other s...