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 501 Blind Candidates to Sit 2025 UTME — Okebukola Chairman of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), Prof. Peter Okebukola, has announced that 501 blind candidates will take the 2025 UTME across 11 centres nationwide on April 28–29. Okebukola confirmed that the candidates will write the same exams as others without lowered standards. He also revealed that 84 SSCE-qualified blind candidates will have their registration fees refunded on-site. Since 2017, JAMB has supported blind candidates with free accommodation, meals, transport aid, and exam materials under the leadership of Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede. This year’s exam will feature two formats: Fully-Braille and Fully Read-Aloud. Lagos and Kano have the highest number of blind candidates, with experienced professors coordinating the centres.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU TO GLOBAL LEADERS: THE TIME FOR CLIMATE ACTION IS NOW, NOT TOMORROW   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged world leaders to demonstrate unity, courage, and sustained commitment in addressing the worsening global climate crisis.   Speaking on Wednesday during a high-level virtual dialogue on climate and the just transition, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria's dedication to forging a paradigm shift in which climate action and economic growth advance together, not in opposition.   "The global climate emergency demands our collective, courageous, and sustained leadership. For Nigeria, the urgency of this moment is clear: we view climate action not as a cost to development, but as a strategic imperative.''   The meeting, co-hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inacia Lula da Silva, aimed to accelerate global climate ambition ahead of COP30, which Brazil will host....

 Ogun Arraigns Olu of Obafemi for Land Grabbing ...details how monarch defied House of Assembly and traditional council summons. The Ogun State Government on Tuesday arraigned the Olu of Obafemi in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Oba Taofeek Kayode Owolabi, for land grabbing. Oba Owolabi is a coronet Oba and a member of the Egba Traditional Council and is currently under suspension. Specifically, the government, in a statement on Wednesday by the Ministry of Justice, noted that the royal father was taken to court for conspiracy to sell property without authority, sale of property without authority, unlawful use of agents, forceful takeover of land, assault of a police officer, and obtaining by false pretence. According to the statement, which affirmed the monarch's presumption of innocence, Oba Owolabi is accused of laying an unlawful claim to 500 acres of land within Obafemi Owode town and deceiving a developer, one Dr. Michael Adeyemi, into paying him ₦75 million for the land. Th...

 Press Release  Minna-Abuja Inaugural Commercial Flight Indicates FG, States Synergy For National Development - Information Minister  The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has underscored the critical importance of robust collaboration between state governments and the Federal Government in advancing the nation’s developmental agenda.  The Minister, who stated this when the inaugural commercial flight from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, emphasized that sustainable national progress can only be achieved when all tiers of government work in synergy, pooling resources, aligning policies, and coordinating efforts to deliver impactful governance to the Nigerian people.  The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna was built by the administration of Umaru Bago in Niger State and named after the President.  “One of the key issues that we need to tal...

 Residents Of Kachia Commend Gov. Uba Sani, CDS Musa Over Military Base Project Residents of Awon Ward in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have commended Governor Uba Sani and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for approving the establishment of a military Forward Operations Base (FOB) in the Barga community. They described the development as a major step toward restoring peace and stability in an area long plagued by armed banditry and other security challenges. During a media tour of the project site in Barga, a community leader, Mr. Zanko Adamu, told Salama News that persistent attacks by bandits had forced many residents to abandon their homes and farmlands in search of safety. He said the establishment of the military base would go a long way in curbing the activities of criminal elements who have been using the area as a route to the Rijana forest—reportedly one of their major hideouts. Earlier, the councillor representing Awon Ward at th...

 Kaduna Police Deny Alleged IED Explosion Incident That Killed Boy, Injured Six, Says It Was Caused By Locally-Made Firearm Confusion has gripped residents of Abakpa in Kaduna North Local Government Area following an incident initially believed to be an improvised explosive device (IED) blast, which claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and left at least six others injured. The incident occurred around 8:00 am on Tuesday in the densely populated Josawa Road area, sparking panic as a loud explosion echoed through the neighborhood. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos, with residents fleeing in fear after the blast. The victim, identified as Abubakar Mohammed, was a resident of the area. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. However, in a statement released by the Kaduna State Police Command, authorities refuted claims of an IED explosion. Police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan stated that preliminary investigations revealed the incident was ca...

 Why NDLEA seeks drug test for corps members, others – Marwa …As NYSC DG visits Agency, wants enhanced collaboration Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has said the push for drug integrity test for youth corps members, prospective couples and others is not punitive but to discourage substance abuse and provide early treatment for those who test positive before their condition degenerate to drug dependence and other health challenges. Marwa stated this during a meeting with the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig Gen Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu who led top officials of NYSC on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 23rd April 2025. He congratulated the NYSC boss on his recent appointment while he described the scheme as a national treasure and a veritable instrument of national unity. According to the NDLEA boss, “the drug scourge has continued to devastate...

 PRESS RELEASE GLOBAL EXCELLENCE: IGP RECEIVES, CELEBRATES BEST GRADUATING STUDENT IN CHINESE UNIVERSITY Charges Personnel on Capacity Building In line with his commitment to promoting professional growth, academic excellence, and capacity development within the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025, received Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, following his outstanding academic achievement in the People's Republic of China. Sergeant Tanko, a dedicated officer attached to the INTERPOL Section of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), successfully completed a five-year law programme in China, under a government-sponsored scholarship. His academic journey began with a one-year mandatory course in Chinese language at Nanjing Normal University, after which he proceeded to Jiangsu Police Institute for his Bachelor’s Degree in Law. He distinguished himself ...

 EFCC Alerts Public on Fake Land Vendors in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested a fake land vendor,  Nwobo Williams Chibuike in Abuja.   He was arrested for allegedly defrauding members of the public through offers of  fake plots of land in Kurudu, Sabon Lugbe East Extension,  Kpeyegyi and Jikoyi Village Extension,  all in the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT.  Investigations showed that, Chibuike,  self-styled Managing Director of C&C Reality & Construction Limited,  Dream-Krest Homes and Properties Limited and Dan Faith Shelters Limited, was marketing fictitious and non-existing landed properties in several locations in the FCT and getting his victims to make payments ranging from  N60,000,000( Sixty Million Naira),  N24,000, 000( Twenty- Four Million Naira), N11,000,000( Eleven Million Naira) to N3, 500, 000( Three Million Five Hundred Naira) in locations su...

 LASPARK SWIFTLY CLEARS FALLEN TREES AFTER HEAVY RAINFALL Following the heavy rainfall on Tuesday night, April 22, 2025, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) swiftly activated its emergency response team to clear fallen trees across Ikoyi, Ikeja, and surrounding areas. Major operations were carried out on Alexander, McDonald, and Bourdillon Roads in Ikoyi, where trees blocked traffic. On Bourdillon, a large tree fell on power lines, prompting a controlled power outage in collaboration with EKEDC to ensure safe removal. Similar incidents were addressed at the Multi-Agency Complex, Alausa; Adekunle Fajuyi, Ikeja GRA; and Akin Adesola, Victoria Island. LASPARK teams worked overnight to restore road access and ensure public safety. The Agency appreciated residents’ cooperation and LAWMA’s support in clearing debris. LASPARK encourages the public to always report blown-over trees via its Emergency Hotline: 09017960980. Lasparklagosng  LAWMA  More photos below....

 Djibouti gives illegal immigrants one week to leave or face deportation Djibouti said Wednesday it would soon begin deporting "illegally present" foreigners, calling on them to leave the migration hub before the end of April, AFP reported. Many foreigners come to the Horn of Africa country to attempt the perilous journey across the Red Sea to wealthy Gulf countries in unseaworthy and overcrowded boats. In 2024, at least 558 people died while attempting the crossing, according to the United Nations. The interior ministry had already "invited those illegally present in our country to leave" by the end of April, Alexis Mohamed, advisor to President Ismael Omar Guelleh, told AFP, without saying how many people that involved. The decision "responds primarily to security and health concerns," Mohamed said. The coastal state is one of the least populated countries in Africa with roughly one million inhabitants, and is a haven of stability in the often-troubled r...

 Congo, M23 delegations leave Doha as peace talks stall - sources Delegations representing Congo's government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have left peace talks in Qatar with no immediate plans to return, sources from both camps told Reuters, after making no significant progress towards a ceasefire. M23 has staged an unprecedented advance since January, seizing eastern Congo's two largest cities and raising fears of an all-out regional war. As African mediation efforts faltered, Qatar last month brokered a surprise sit-down between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame during which the two leaders called for a ceasefire. That was meant to lead to direct talks this month between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23. But while the two sides sent delegations to Doha, the meetings quickly bogged down on technical details and potential confidence-building measures such as the release of Congo-held prisoners accused of links to Rwanda and M23, the...

 FG releases ₦50bn to settle ASUU, other university staff allowances The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, has announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu. This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo. Boriowo described the move “as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector. It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.” “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic sta...

 USCIS Now Demands Addresses, Biometrics from H-1B Visa Applicants The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing unusual Requests for Evidence (RFEs) in H-1B and I-140 visa cases, demanding applicants’ home addresses and biometric data—typically reserved for asylum or green card cases. Immigration attorneys have raised concerns over transparency and data privacy, as the RFEs cite vague “potentially adverse information” without explanation. Legal experts advise applicants not to respond without first requesting full disclosure under federal regulation. The move could impact thousands of international STEM and AI graduates, with over 1,500 reportedly already facing legal disruptions.

 Nigerian Poet Makes History as First African to Win Haiku Contest Nigerian poet Ibrahim Nureni has become the first Nigerian and African to earn recognition at the prestigious Maya International Haiku Contest, placing second in the 2025 English-language category. His poem, “a Gecko’s Silent, Sudden Strike on a Fly,” was selected from 464 English entries among 643 submissions from 40 countries. Describing the achievement as “surreal,” Nureni said it highlights Africa’s growing presence in global literature and hopes it inspires more poets across the continent.

 Russian Drone Strike on Ukrainian Bus Kills 9, Injures 49 – Zelenskyy Condemns Attack as War Crime A Russian drone strike hit a civilian bus in the Ukrainian city of Marhanets on Wednesday, killing nine people and injuring 49 others, Ukrainian officials said. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a deliberate war crime, stating on X that the bus was clearly a civilian vehicle transporting workers from a mining and processing plant. “It was an egregiously brutal attack on a civilian target – an absolutely deliberate war crime,” he said, urging an “immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.” Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 134 attack drones overnight across the country. Russia has not yet commented on the incident. The strike occurred as Ukrainian officials arrived in London for talks focused on initiating a ceasefire, despite the absence of several major world powers. Marhanets, located in south-central Ukraine, lies on the Ukrainian-held side o...

  Governor Bago Clarifies Dreadlocks Remark, Denies Discrimination Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has dismissed claims that his administration is targeting people with dreadlocks, stating his earlier comments were misunderstood. Addressing concerns over recent security measures, Bago clarified that the state’s focus is on tackling cultism, not hairstyles. “We have no issue with dreadlocks—only with the cult activities linked to them,” he said, stressing that law-abiding citizens with dreadlocks are welcome.  He labeled the backlash as media misrepresentation, saying, “We are not driving out dreadlocks, but eliminating cultism threatening public safety.” Watch video below. 

 Seyi Law Slams P-Square as Hypocrites for Opposing Tinubu After Performing at Buhari’s Inauguration Comedian Seyi Law has accused Nigerian music duo P-Square of hypocrisy for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration while having performed at former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 inauguration. In an interview with media personality Teju BabyFace, Seyi Law claimed P-Square and other colleagues opposed Tinubu’s 2023 candidacy due to biases, despite their past support for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Seyi Law recounted facing backlash from peers for backing Tinubu, noting, “The same people who are against the APC today once danced on the stage when Buhari was inaugurated.” He referenced P-Square’s performance of their hit song ‘E No Easy’ at Buhari’s event, contrasting it with their 2023 support for Labour Party’s Peter Obi, where they performed during his campaign. He further argued that even if the APC had fielded former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, critics wou...

 Benue Governor Rejects State of Emergency, Seeks Federal Support to End Violence Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for increased federal support to address the ongoing insecurity in the state, rejecting suggestions for a state of emergency. Speaking on Wednesday, Alia insisted that the security situation is manageable but requires urgent assistance from the Federal Government to halt attacks by armed herders. Alia emphasized that his administration has the capacity to stop the killings, citing a reduction in affected local government areas from 17 to six since he assumed office. “We couldn’t have trimmed it from 17 to nine and now to six if we didn’t have the capability. But we need help,” he said, underscoring the need for federal intervention to drive out invaders, many of whom he claimed are non-Nigerians speaking unfamiliar languages. “What we need is emergency help, not a state of emergency. We need absolute support to chase out these armed invaders and allow our ...

 Obi Cubana Names Biological Son as Next of Kin Amid Adopted Son’s Claim Nigerian businessman Obi Cubana has publicly declared his biological son, Alex, as his next of kin, following a claim by his adopted son, Chidi, on social media. Chidi sparked the controversy with a TikTok post captioned, “Nothing do my shoulder, I just realise say I be next of kin.” In response, Cubana shared an Instagram photo of Alex, captioning it, “Ancient and modern, eyes on the ball. @dtwalx aka next of kin.” He reinforced Alex’s status in a comment on another post, writing, “Correct boy, original next-of-kin.” The public exchange has drawn criticism, with many online accusing Cubana of handling the matter openly rather than resolving it privately with Chidi, fueling widespread debate on social media.

  Delta Governor Oborevwori Defects from PDP to APC Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday. The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the move in a phone conversation with journalists. Ahon stated that Oborevwori’s decision came after extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was driven by the interest of Delta State’s long-term development. Oborevwori, who secured the 2023 gubernatorial election under the PDP, was welcomed by senior APC officials. Political analysts describe the defection as a strategic realignment with significant implications for the 2027 general elections.

 OR Tambo Airport Police Officer Arrested for Murder A 33-year-old police officer stationed at OR Tambo International Airport has been arrested for murder following a fatal shooting at a tavern in Bakenburg, Limpopo. The suspect, Jan Sekhaolelo, allegedly shot 24-year-old Katlego Thubakgale during the early hours of Monday, 21 April 2025, after a confrontation between the two drivers. The incident occurred around 02:00 outside the tavern. Police were alerted and responded to the scene, only to learn that the victim had already been transported to a local hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, they found Thubakgale had been pronounced dead. It is reported that the suspect, although off duty at the time, transported the victim to the hospital himself. Thubakgale succumbed to a gunshot wound to the right cheek. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation. Sekhaolelo's official firearm has been confiscated, and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Inv...

 A Man from Clau-Clau Trust, Kabokweni, Nelspruit, sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his 11-year-old daughter It is reported that the man raped his daughter because he didn't want other men to penetrate into his daughter, he wanted to be the first to do it. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Nelspruit High Court today, 22 April 2025. According to reports, he continues to threaten his family even though he is in prison. According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s regional chairperson, Monica Nyuswa, the court also ordered his name to be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders, declared him unfit to work with children, and prohibited him from possessing a firearm.