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 SANWO-OLU AT HARVARD: LAGOS IS INVESTORS' DELIGHT With a GDP of $259b, a 25 million population, four seaports, and friendly government policies, Lagos is an investor’s delight, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.  “Lagos is a place where people come in without anything and become somebody. We are a business and commercial powerhouse,” he said on Wednesday.  It was another sales drive for the “State of Aquatic Splendour” at Harvard Business School where Mr. Sanwo-Olu spoke on “Building the Future: Lagos State Infrastructure-led Transformation”. He was a guest in Professor Hakeem Belo-Osagie’s course, “Understanding Africa: Business, Entrepreneurship, Political Economy and the Complexities of a Continent.” Belo-Osagie is a foremost Nigerian investment banker and businessman. For the Governor, it was an opportunity to share “Lagos’ bold vision and the tangible strides we are making in transportation, housing, innovation, and industrial growth”.  The students applaude...

 ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND UPDATE ON A TRENDING VIDEO  The Anambra State Police Command is aware of a trending video of a man allegedly on a hospital bed and claiming subversion of justice by the Police Command, the Nigeria Customs Services and very important stakeholders of the State, especially Prince Arthur Eze of Ukpo and the traditional ruler of Ukwulu. The Command observes the clip as an attempt to smear the reputation of the Organization and individuals have built over the years and shall invoke sections of cyber laws for necessary action.  The Command does not want to join words with the victim, knowing fully well that it was an act to seek public sympathy and divert attention on the Case under investigation.  However, the Command as confirmed by the victim in the video, responded swiftly by arresting the two suspects, recovered the arms and prevented the situation from further escalation. It is worthy of mention that the Police Command was not influenced ...

 INEC Open to Non-PVC Voting in 2027, Awaits Legal Amendments The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed readiness to allow eligible Nigerians without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2027 general elections, provided the necessary legislative amendments are made. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to enhancing voter access through technology while adhering to existing legal frameworks. The proposal stems from remarks by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a December 2024 consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja. Yakubu highlighted the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a key tool in modernizing the electoral process. He suggested that while PVCs would remain valid for current holders, future elections could permit voters to use computer-generated slips issued by INEC or downloaded from its official website fo...

 Abiodun Eulogises Otegbola as Former Senator is Laid to Rest Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, described Senator Ayodeji Otegbola as a distinguished politician and a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his life to public service and the development of Ogun State and the nation. Abiodun made the remarks at the funeral service of the late Senator Otegbola, held at the African Church St. Paul's Cathedral, Lagos East Diocese, Ilupeju, Lagos State. He said that the deceased made impactful contributions to the development of the country as a Senator and as a former chairman of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). He stated: "He was a man of impeccable character, a distinguished politician, and a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his life to public service and the development of our dear state and nation at large. His contributions as a Senator in the Third Republic and as a former Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority were marked by diligence and unwavering com...

  ATBU Bauchi Dismisses Lecturer Over Sexual Harassment The Governing Council of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi State has dismissed one Dr Usman Aliyu from the service of the institution. Zailani Bappa, Director, Information and Public Relations of the institution, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Bauchi on Thursday.  According to him, the approval of the dismissal of the lecturer was made during the 96th regular meeting of the institution held on April 11, 2025, after he was found guilty of having sexually harassed a married female post-graduate student of the institution. He said that the student is from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology of the institution. “Yes, it’s true, and that was because the lecturer was confirmed guilty of the offense by the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee of the institution. “The dismissal was in accordance with the chapter 3, item f,...

 Obidient Movement In Kaduna Plunged Into Crisis Over Leadership Imposition A rift has reportedly emerged within the Kaduna Obidient movement, an organic group largely responsible for Peter Obi's 2023 presidential aspiration, sparking concerns about the movement's unity and cohesion ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections. Sources close to the movement’s leadership alleged that the crisis stems from what they described as the imposition of leaders from the national level, which has led to discontent among some members. According to insiders, certain individuals from a single political camp in Kaduna State have been appointed to key positions without adequate consultation with other stakeholders, leading to accusations of nepotism and marginalization. They said the development has raised serious questions about the movement’s commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and representation. According to them, complaints have been made to the appropriate quarters, and the ex...

 Bandits Kidnap Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Amos In Kaduna The parish priest of St. Gerald Quasi Parish, Kurmin Risga, Kauru local government area of Kaduna State, Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Amos was on Thursday abducted by armed bandits. Rev. Fr. Amos was reportedly abducted from his residence at Kurmin Risga, at about 12:15 am. The Chancellor of Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet announced the abduction in a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna. “With profound sorrow, we write to announce that Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Amos, the Parish Priest of St. Gerald Quasi Parish, Kurmin Risga, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was abducted." “The sad event occurred on Thursday, 24th April 2025, in his residence, Kurmin Risga, at about 12: 15 am”. “While we solicit your prayers for his quick and safe release, we invite the general public to avoid taking the law into their own hands. “We will use every legitimate and available means to ensure that Rev. Fr Ibrahi...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH THE OLORUNTIMEHIN FAMILY OVER THE PASSING OF PROFESSOR BEATRICE OLUFUNMILAYO OLORUNTIMEHI President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences to the family of the renowned professor of Sociology, Mrs Beatrice Olufunmilayo Oloruntimehin, who passed away at 82. President Tinubu describes Professor Oloruntimehin, widow of Benjamin Olatunji Oloruntimehin, a professor of history, as a trailblazer whose life was defined by service, pursuit of knowledge, and devotion to God Almighty. She was a pioneering alumna of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. She earned a degree in Economics with a speciality in Sociology and later a Master's in Sociology from the University of Ibadan. She worked briefly at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) and later returned to the University of Ife for a full-blown academic career. "Her works, widely published and presented across continents, enriched global soci...

  World Immunization Week: Vaccines Saved 154 Million Lives in 50 Years – UNICEF UNICEF says vaccines have saved over 154 million lives globally in the past 50 years, calling them one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Speaking in Enugu at a media dialogue to mark World Immunization Week 2025, Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, announced the theme as “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible” and confirmed mass vaccination efforts across 12 Nigerian states. She urged sustained efforts to reach every child, especially in rural areas, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

 Three Business Robbery Suspects Arrested in Mahwelereng Mahwelereng police have arrested three suspects shortly after two business robberies were carried out on the morning of Wednesday, 23 April 2025. The suspects allegedly robbed a shop in Ga-Rauwele and a supermarket in Sekuruwe, using imitation firearms to steal cellphones, cigarettes, groceries, and cash. Acting swiftly, the Mahwelereng Visible Policing Unit tracked down the suspects' getaway vehicle, a white Chevrolet sedan, which crashed during a police chase on the N11 road. All three suspects were arrested on the scene. Stolen goods and two pellet guns were recovered from the vehicle. The suspects, currently under hospital care due to crash injuries, will appear in court soon. Investigations are ongoing. More photos below. 

 Wizkid, Rema, Tems, Asake, Tyla Nominated for Favourite Afrobeats Artist at 2025 AMAs The 51st edition of the American Music Awards (AMAs) is set to return with a strong African presence, as Nigerian stars Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Asake secure nominations in the Favourite Afrobeats Artist category. Joining them is South African Grammy winner Tyla, whose meteoric rise over the past two years has established her as a global force in African music. The category, launched in 2022, was first won by Wizkid, marking a historic moment that highlighted Afrobeats' growing international impact.

  Nigeria dominates African Weightlifting Championship with 12 Medals — 7 Gold and Counting Team Nigeria is lighting up the African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius, topping the medal table with a commanding performance that has seen the contingent bag 7 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze and counting as the competition enters its final stretch.  Leading the gold rush are Rafiatu Lawal (59KG) and Didih Onome (55KG), who each clinched three gold medals in their respective categories. Lawal, a 2022 Commonwealth Games champion, once again proved her elite status, dominating her category with strength and poise. “I came here prepared, and I knew I had to give it everything,” Lawal said. “The support from the Federation and the National Sports Commission has been incredible it gave us the edge. This gold is for Nigeria.” Onome, equally stellar in the 55KG class, highlighted the team’s resolve and patriotism. “We came to Mauritius on a mission to show the strength of Nigeria...

 NAF AIRCRAFT AIRLIFTS HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS NATIONWIDE In a remarkable display of commitment and excellence, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out a series of airlift missions, transporting hundreds of Junior Airmen and Junior Airwomen from Air Force Military School and Air Force Girls Military School, Jos, to various destinations across the country. The NAF iconic C-130 and ATR-42 aircraft soared across Nigerian skies, not for combat, but for care. This mission, driven by the visionary leadership of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, reflects the heart of his Command Philosophy: “People First, Mission Always.” For countless civilian parents and NAF personnel’s families, this was more than just a flight, it was a symbol of hope, love, and unity. Watching their children arrive home safely and swiftly boosted morale and reaffirmed trust in the Force that guards our skies. This is the Nigerian Air Force: not only Willing. Able. Ready. Also: Capable. Committed....

 EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja   Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate  of  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.  EFCC,  have arrested 13 suspected internet fraudsters.   They were arrested on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in their hideout in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja,  following credible intelligence on their  suspected involvement in internet-related activities.   Items recovered from the suspects include three laptops, 17 phones and two cars.   They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. More photos below. 

  The Carltonville Taxi Association has announced that drivers who fail to maintain personal hygiene, including not bathing, will be fined R1,500.

 Nigeria to Audit NNPCL, Targets 7% Economic Growth, Finance Minister Announces Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has revealed that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will soon begin, following a recent management overhaul aimed at enhancing transparency. Speaking at the Nigerian Investor Forum on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, Edun outlined sweeping reforms to bolster investor confidence and drive economic growth. Addressing global investors from institutions like J.P. Morgan, Edun highlighted Nigeria’s economic progress, with a 3.84% growth rate in Q4 2024 and 3.4% for the year. He emphasized the government’s target of 7% annual growth, driven by reforms in infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture. “We’ve laid the foundation to make Nigeria a prime destination for private investment,” Edun said, noting improvements in budget deficits, trade balance, and exchange r...

 SECURITY ALERT: FULANI TERRORISTS ABDUCT PASSENGERS IN TWO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES HEADING TO MAKURDI THROUGH ADOKA - NAKA  ROAD. The Fulani Terrorists of Nigeria have this morning, ambushed and abducted over 27 passengers who where following through Adoka-Naka Makurdi road. This happens at FULANI CHECK POINT in Jor Community, of Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue state. According to the released victims, an aged man in purple dress and a woman with the little baby, believed to be natives of Kogi State said, the Fulani terrorists, armed with sophisticated weapons ambushed their vehicles (a Hummer Bus and the Volkswagen Salon attached in pictures) where they ordered all passengers into the bush, but on trekking a certain distance, they terrorists decided to release both the old Man and the woman with a little baby on the basis of their ages, that they may not make the journey. The victims are currently stranded in Naka, as they arrived the NURTW motor park to share their tra...