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 El Clasico: Barcelona beat Real Madrid in thriller to move to brink of Liga title May 11, 2025  Barcelona mounted a spectacular comeback to beat Real Madrid 4-3 on Sunday and move to the brink of the La Liga title. Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick for Real Madrid but Raphinha’s double and goals from Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia gave Barcelona a seven-point lead on the reigning champions with three matches remaining. Hansi Flick’s side were knocked out of the Champions League in the semi-finals by Inter Milan on Tuesday and risked their season collapsing if they were beaten by Real Madrid, but they resisted after Mbappe’s early brace. Barcelona battled back to claim a fourth Clasico victory from four meetings this season, showing their dominance over Carlo Ancelotti’s side. “We’ve opened up an important gap, it was key to win this game after the Champions League (defeat), the fans have forgotten it and so have we, let’s enjoy this,” Yamal told Movistar. “It was important to wi...

 Army arrests 12 terror suspects in Kwara 11th May 2025 The Nigerian Army has arrested at least twelve persons in connection with acts of terrorism carried out by a breakaway group of the Boko-Haram insurgents known as ‘Mahmuda’, which reportedly occupied the Kanji Lake National Park. The group had before now allegedly maimed, exploited, terrorised , and took advantage of residents of neighbouring border communities in the Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara and Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Obinna Onubogu, who recently visited the camps in Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of Kwara state disclosed this on Saturday during a visit to have first-hand information about how the officers and men are faring as well as get updates on the operation disclosed this on Saturday. According to the GOC, “the twelve suspects arrested were picked up by the military at various locations in its raid of the Kanji Lake Nat...

 Nigeria, others affected as UK clamps down on care worker visas May 11, 2025 The United Kingdom has announced plans to abolish the care worker visa route in the coming months, a move that could impact thousands of Nigerians seeking employment in the UK’s health and social care sector. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Sunday said the visa pathway, heavily used by migrants, will be phased out as part of efforts to curb overall migration. The move, detailed in a white paper to be published Monday, is part of broader restrictions on employers using visas to fill lower-skilled roles. Cooper said the decision marks the end of a “failed free market experiment” that allowed widespread overseas recruitment. She told the BBC the changes would cut annual arrivals by around 50,000, though she declined to set a specific target for net migration. “It should come down significantly more” than 500,000, she told Sky News. The crackdown follows local election gains by anti-immigration Reform UK, ...

 Hamas announces imminent release of Edan Alexander, last known living American hostage  Sun May 11, 2025 Hamas has announced the imminent release of Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza. The head of Hamas’ negotiating team said they had been in contact with the US administration “during the past few days” in talks that “showed high positivity.” Following the communications, Hamas announced it will release Alexander as part of the steps toward a ceasefire that will see the crossings into Gaza opened and humanitarian aid brought into Gaza following an Israeli blockade that has lasted more than two months. “The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations, and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to stop the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed manner, and manage the Gaza Strip by an independent professional body,” Khalil Al-Hayya said in a statement. According to a source familiar with the matter, Steve Wit...

 First white South Africans board plane for US under Trump refugee plan May 11 2025 Katia Beeden, life coach and campaigner for white South Africans who want to apply for US refugee status, poses for a picture at her residence in Fish Hoek, Cape Town, South Africa, April 8,... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more May 11 - The first white South Africans granted refugee status under a programme initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump boarded a plane to leave from the country's main international airport in Johannesburg on Sunday. A queue of white citizens with airport trolleys full of luggage, much of it wrapped in theft-proof cellophane, waited to have their passports stamped, a Reuters reporter saw, before they entered the departure lounge for their charter flight. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. "One of the conditions of the permit was to ensure that they were vetted in case one o...

 MISSION READINESS MEETS MORALE IN KAINJI  On 10 May 2025, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, commissioned a series of strategic projects at NAF Base Kainji, reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence and personnel welfare. “These structures are more than buildings—they are critical enablers of air power projection,” he declared, as newly renovated officers’ quarters, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a refurbished Protestant Church, and a brand-new HQ for the 635 Armament Support Group were unveiled. Kainji, home to Nigeria’s elite Alpha Jet and A-29 Super Tucano fleets, now stands stronger—not just in firepower, but in spirit. The CAS emphasized that mission success begins with motivated people in the right environment, and these upgrades are key steps toward that goal. With each project, the NAF continues to build not just infrastructure—but resilience, readiness, and pride. More photos below. 

 Onitsha North Pays Tribute to Ex-Deputy Chairman in Emotional Valedictory Service By Claribel Udah,  Chioma Nwankwo, Chika Obi and Anthonia Amaechina In a heartfelt ceremony, the Onitsha North Local Government Area has bid farewell to the late Mrs. Ludumila “Government” Mba, former Deputy Chairman of the Council, with tributes flowing from civic leaders, family members, and APGA stakeholders. Under the leadership of Mayor Nweze Tony Nwora, the valedictory session held at the LGA Secretariat in  Onitsha celebrated Mrs. Mba’s enduring legacy. “Mama Government taught us the inner workings of governance and shaped the political journeys of many, including our Commissioner for Youth Development,” Mayor Nwora reflected. “Today, we honour a remarkable woman whose influence still guides us.” Mayor Nwora praised Mrs. Mba’s contributions to the council and noted that her eldest son, former Chairman Hon. Patrick Agha Mba—now Commissioner for Youth Development has built upon her ach...

 Sudan says it may halt South Sudan oil exports after RSF attacks Sudan's army-aligned government has told energy firms to prepare to stop handling crude oil from South Sudan, which relies on its neighbour for exports, after attacks on key facilities, according to a letter seen by AFP. In the letter dated Friday, the Sudanese energy and petroleum ministry informed its South Sudanese counterpart that "the risk of stoppage of export operations is very high" after a spate of drone attacks blamed on rival paramilitaries. A key pump station and a fuel depot in army-controlled areas of Sudan were struck this week, the letter said, as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have increasingly targeted government infrastructure across the country, impacting critical electricity and fuel facilities. The war between the regular army and the RSF since April 2023 has killed thousands, uprooted 13 million and sent ripples through East Africa and beyond. Vital oil exports Landlocked...

 Soludo Revolutionizes Anambra: President Tinubu Commissions State-of-the-Art Govt House and Lodge After 34-Year Wait By Uche Kalu  May 8, 2025, marked a historic milestone in Anambra State's annals. Created from the old Anambra State (now Enugu) on August 27, 1991, the state is known for its rich human and natural resources, encapsulated in its slogan 'Light of the Nation' - a shift from the original 'Home for All'. Since its inception, Anambra State has been led by several notable governors and administrators, including: Joseph Abulu, Mike Attah, Rufai Garba, Emmanuel Ukaegbu; Chukwuemeka Ezeife(late), Chinwoke Mbadinuju( late), Dr. Chris Ngige, Mr. Peter Obi, Dame Virginia Etiaba, Dr. Willie Obiano and Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. For over three decades, Anambra State operated without a befitting Government House and Governor's Lodge, a longstanding infrastructure gap. However, this jinx was finally broken when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the...

 Ezza/Effium War Settlement: APC, Senators Nwebonyi, Eze laud Gov Nwifuru May 11, 2025 The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ebonyi State Chapter, alongside Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) and Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central), have commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for restoring lasting peace in the war-torn Ezza/Effium community. The leaders praised Governor Nwifuru for his proactive steps, including the signing of a peace accord into law, the flag-off of land demarcation between the communities, and the creation of five new autonomous communities aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the area. APC Publicity Secretary, Chidi Sinbad Ogbuatu, in a statement, hailed Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, highlighting his commitment to peace and security: “His bold actions to restore calmness and unity between these two communities reflect his deep commitment to peace, security of lives, and properties. Governor Nwifuru’s approach has been practical, peaceful, and inclusive, showing that he i...

 God has revealed three persons who can stop Tinubu in 2027—Primate Ayodele In this interview with SUNDAY TRIBUNE, Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, shares his revelations concerning Nigeria’s political future, security challenges, and economic outlook. Known for his prophecies that have come to pass, Ayodele delivers yet another urgent warning as the 2027 elections approach. From Bola Tinubu’s presidency to global politics, prophetic signs, and regional intrigues, the cleric pulls no punches. IN 2022, you warned Nigerians against voting for Bola Tinubu. You also warned that the war in South Sudan will not end soon. You predicted what is happening in Haiti today. You warned that rebels would make Somali ungovernable. You were the first prophet to warn that Tinubu and the North would have issues. You also predicted that Babajide Sanwo-Olu will have issues with President Tinubu. You predicted long before Fubara became governor of Rivers State tha...

 You switched parties too, don’t preach loyalty – Rurum tells Kwankwaso The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, has called out Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso for what he described as “hypocritical and entitled” comments on the defection of prominent New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement issued on Saturday, Rurum, who represents the Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency, criticized the former Kano governor for accusing defectors of committing a “political sin,” noting that Kwankwaso himself has a long history of switching political parties. “This is someone who defected from the PDP to the APC in 2015, returned to the PDP in 2018, and then moved to the NNPP in 2022,” Rurum stated. “If switching parties is a sin, then Kwankwaso himself has a lot to confess.” The lawmaker was responding to comments made by Kwankwaso during a political meeting at his Miller Road residen...

 FIRS chairman driving strategic overhaul to meet N25.2trn revenue target — Aide The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, is spearheading a strategic transformation of the agency to position it for present and future responsibilities, according to Collins Omokaro, his Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy. Speaking on the agency’s 2025 N25.2 trillion revenue target, Omokaro said achieving the ambitious goal requires a deliberate, inclusive approach to reform and innovation within FIRS. He noted that under Adedeji’s leadership, the FIRS is expanding its human capital by recruiting skilled professionals and upskilling existing staff through targeted training programmes. “FIRS is no longer just a revenue-collection agency,” Omokaro said. “It is now a vital enabler of Nigeria’s economic stability and long-term prosperity.” He stated, “FIRS is at a critical point. We are redefining how we operate to meet both our present responsibilities and...

 Export volumes rise by 30% in one month at Lagos terminal APM Terminals Apapa, the largest container terminal in the country has recorded its highest volume of exports in one month since inception in 2006, it was learnt. The terminal had in April 2025, handled 8, 687 TEUs of export cargo, an over 30 per cent rise as against 6,606 TEUs recorded in April 2024. Steen Knudsen, Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, highlighted the positive trend of consistent growth in Nigeria’s export volumes over recent years. He emphasised that this development significantly benefits Nigeria’s trade balance, noting, “It’s advantageous for Nigerian shippers when ships depart our ports fully loaded with exports. Preventing ships from leaving empty positively influences the overall cost of shipments into Nigeria.” Attributing this upward trajectory to strategic enhancements implemented at the terminal, he said, “Our aim aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of transforming Nigeria into an expo...

 Rivers: Governance collapse led to emergency rule, FG tells S’Court ...Cites militants’ threats, attacks on oil facilities as triggers ...Seeks dismissal of suit by 11 PDP governors The Federal Government has formally tabled before the Supreme Court its reasons for imposing a state of emergency on Rivers State, citing collapse of governance and attacks on critical national economic infrastructure as key factors. It says it had no choice but to intervene. The government laid its position bare before the apex court yesterday in response to a suit filed by 11 states mostly controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The states are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara. The plaintiffs alleged that the Federal Government erred in law by imposing emergency rule on Rivers State. However, the federal government is disputing the plaintiffs’ claims. In an affidavit by the Special Assistant to the President and the Federal ...

 Ondo NNPP gov’ship candidate dumps party Mr Olugbenga Edema, the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the Nov. 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, has resigned from the party. Edema’s resignation letter addressed to the NNPP chairman in Mahin Ward 11, in Ilaje Local Government of the state, was made available to newsmen on Sunday in Okitipupa. He lamented the internal crisis in the party which he said was not good for any serious party ready to win elections. Edema, in the letter dated May 9, 2025, also said that the activities of party leadership negates the ethics of political parties, and as such responsible for his resignation from the party. According to him, since joining the party in June 2024, the party has being characterised with internal wranglings and rancour that have stunted its growth. “This is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties. "Joining our party ...

 Nigeria to locally produce paramilitary uniforms, boots Nigeria is on the verge of meeting the entire uniform and boot requirements of its paramilitary agencies from local sources, as the Aba-based shoe and garment factory prepares for full operations. This will be complemented by a leather processing tannery slated to commence operations in Kano State within the next three months. Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), disclosed this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of Erojim Investments Limited, Dr. Jimmy Ntuen. The development, he noted, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the procurement of locally produced goods under the Renewed Hope Agenda. According to a statement released on Sunday by ICRC spokesperson Ifeanyi Nwoko, the Aba factory—which operates under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative with the Nigeria Correction...