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 Lord Mayor Of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung, Alongside Husband, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, Joins UK Leaders At Buckingham Palace For Royal Celebration  The Lord Mayor of Leeds, United Kingdom, and Gimbiyan Jaba, Abigail Marshall Katung, together with her husband, the Lord Mayor Consort, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, were recently honoured with a royal invitation to attend a Garden Party hosted by His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. The prestigious event, held on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m., brought together distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom, in celebration of exceptional contributions to public service, community development, and national unity. The Lord Mayor and her husband joined many inspiring leaders and individuals at The King’s Garden Party, an esteemed tradition that underscores the monarchy’s recognition of civic responsibility and community engagement. The event also served as a platform for meaningful dialogue ...

 LASG URGES RESIDENTS TO CONFORM WITH STATE IDENTIFICATION REGISTRATION PROCESS The Lagos State Government on Thursday urged all residents to conform with the state's legal identification registration process in order for the Government to make adequate preparation in terms of infrastructure, health, education, environment as well as other sectors to accommodate the large influx of  people that come into the state on daily basis.  Speaking while featuring on an X Space programme:, "Ask Lagos Live”, with the topic: "Lagos, Why People Keep coming and the Challenges" Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab appealed to residents to ensure they register with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), saying it will not only allow government to identify them but also plan for them.  He said daily, about 6000 people come to lagos and about 3000 out of them come to stay, adding that in the past, it was not like that but the demography...

 LAGOS CHAMPIONS YORUBA HERITAGE AT WORLD EGUNGUN FESTIVAL, REINFORCING CULTURAL DIPLOMACY Lagos State has recently joined the vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture at the 2025 World Egungun Festival, held from May 14th to May 16th at Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan. The Lagos State delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MTAC), Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, who represented the Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka, at the three-day cultural extravaganza, showcased the state's deep commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba heritage. With the theme "Connecting Through Tradition and Culture", the event which was organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with the Adayeba Cultural Tourism Foundation served as a powerful platform for cultural exchange and a vibrant homage to the Egungun masquerade, a revered symbol of ancestral reverence in Yoruba tradition. Mr. Bajulaiye commend...

 PRESS RELEASE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION: IGP HOSTS CHAIRMAN, CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU, SEEKS STRONGER SYNERGY FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., today, Thursday, 22nd May 2025, received the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, Fcca, alongside members of the Bureau’s Board and Directors at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit, which had in attendance the Force Management Team and other senior officers, was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Code of Conduct Bureau in promoting ethics, transparency, and accountability in public service. In his remarks, the Chairman of the Bureau congratulated the IGP on his exemplary leadership and commended the strides recorded by the Nigeria Police Force under his watch in entrenching professionalism and ethical conduct. He noted that the visit was ...

 Plane crashes into residential street in U.S, several feared dead May 22, 2025 Investigators look through the site where a small plane crashed on a San Diego, California, residential street on May 22, 2025. The Federal Aviation Authority said a Cessna 550 crashed at around 3:45 am local time. The neighborhood is close to the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The crash left a “gigantic debris field” and damaged some 15 homes and parked cars, ABC News quoted the San Diego assistant fire chief as saying. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker / AFP) Several people are feared dead after a small plane crashed onto a California neighborhood before dawn Thursday, destroying homes and setting cars on fire. At least 10 houses were burned or hit by debris that spread over a wide area, and cars on both sides of a street were set on fire when the Cessna 550 slammed in to the ground in San Diego. “There are more than one fatality that we found so far, but we’re waiting to get the registered numbers that w...

 Court Winds Up Illegal Capital Market Firm in Lagos Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal  High Court sitting in Ikoyi , Lagos, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, ordered the winding up of a fraudulent collective investment scheme firm, CJC Markets Limited, over failure to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.   He gave the order, following the arraignment of the company  by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on a one-count charge bordering on investment fraud on Thursday, May 22, 2025.  A petitioner alleged that CJC Markets Limited, sometime in January, collected the sum of N30m( Thirty Million Naira) from one Wamyil Mangna, with a promise of a 30% Return on Investment, ROI. Investigation revealed that CJC Markets Limited is not registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, or the Security and Exchange  Commission, SEC, to carry out capital market operations or collect investments. ...

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE TERRORISTS, RECOVER ARMS AND AMMUNITION In a decisive blow against terrorism, troops of Operation Hadin Kai , in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have successfully engaged and neutralized several Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in separate operations. On May 21, 2025, troops encountered terrorists attempting to loot food items from a broken-down civilian vehicle in Rann. The swift response of the troops resulted in the elimination of six terrorists and the recovery of some AK 47 rifles with ammunition. In a related development, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) MOLAI, along with the CJTF, conducted a successful ambush at a terrorist crossing point near Komala, along the Maiduguri-Damboa road. The ambush resulted in the neutralization of some terrorists and the recovery of several motorcycles and IED materials intended for burial by the terrorists. More photos below. 

 In a surprising turn of events, Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, has issued a legal notice to veteran actor Paresh Rawal, demanding ₹25 crores in damages. The notice comes after Paresh Rawal’s sudden withdrawal from Hera Pheri 3, the much-awaited sequel to the popular comedy franchise. Sources reveal that Paresh Rawal had signed a contract to act in the film, participated in pre-production work, shot for a day, and was even involved in promotional activities. However, he recently stepped away from the project, reportedly saying he didn’t “feel like” being part of it. Akshay’s production team claims this abrupt exit has led to major financial losses and disrupted the production schedule. This is the first time Akshay Kumar has taken legal action against a fellow actor for unprofessional behaviour, indicating a growing call for professionalism and accountability in the industry. Insiders suggest that producers may now be less willing to tolerate sudden walkouts t...

 Kano Shuts Down 8 Entertainment Centres Over Indecency, License Violations The Kano State Film and Video Censorship Board has revoked the licences of eight entertainment centres for breaching cultural, religious, and regulatory standards. Executive Secretary Abba El-Mustapha said the closures target venues hosting vulgar shows, late-night events, and operating without approval. He warned that attempts to reopen under new names will face prosecution.

  Lagos arrests man caught in viral video dumping waste on roadside Operatives of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) have arrested a man, Ogunbadejo Olawale, for illegally dumping refuse by the roadside in the Alapere area.. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the arrest in a statement on his official X handle on Wednesday. According to Wahab, Olawale was caught in the act following coordinated surveillance efforts and tips from concerned residents. Wahab further described the incident as a blatant violation of the state’s environmental laws. The statement reads: "The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to environmental enforcement with the arrest of Mr. Ogunbadejo Olawale, a resident of No 25, Ajiboye Street, Alapere, Ketu, for illegal waste dumping. "The arrest was effected by a joint enforcement operation carried out by the operatives of...

 $25bn Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Tops Tinubu’s Agenda – Senator Ibrahim President Bola Tinubu has prioritised the $25bn Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim said at the African Parliament Union in Casablanca.  The 5,660km pipeline, expected to transport 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually through 13 African countries, aims to boost regional development and job creation. Ibrahim urged Morocco to ease visa restrictions for Nigerians, citing mutual economic benefits. The project is currently in its feasibility phase, with final investment decisions expected in 2025.

 2027: ‘So they can resume killing’ – Omokri knocks El-Rufai over ‘send Tinubu back to Lagos’ comment Public commentator Reno Omokri has knocked the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments against President Bola Tinubu. DAILY POST recalls that El-Rufai, while confirming a coalition ahead of the 2027 election, said the aim of the political alignment of opposition figures was to send Tinubu back to Lagos. “There was a very important meeting of the coalition we are putting together, to ensure that President Tinubu goes back to Lagos,” El-Rufai was quoted as saying. Reacting, Omokri, in a post on Facebook, claimed that El-Rufai’s comment indicates that the coalition is driven by selfish interests. He alleged that their intention is to sack Tinubu so they can “resume killing Southern Kaduna people and other Northern minorities, as they did under Nasir El-Rufai, the Butcher of Kaduna.” “Look at what Nasir El-Rufai said and ask yourself whether it makes s...

 Cultism drains Edo’s Economy: $1 billion investments lost annually, says Okpebholo Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that the state suffers an annual loss exceeding $1 billion in potential investments due to the persistent menace of cult-related violence. In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Governor expressed deep concern over the economic toll of cultism, describing it as a significant barrier to development, investment, and tourism in the state. He lamented that cult activities have not only endangered lives and property but have also driven away both local and foreign investors, undermining Edo’s economic growth. “In the past five years—long before I assumed office—cult-related violence has disrupted economic activities. Investors and business owners increasingly grew reluctant to engage with our state due to security concerns,” Okpebholo said. “What we’ve faced in Edo is more than a threat to public peace; it is a ma...

 Tottenham beat Man United to win Europa League Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy as Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal was enough to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final. Victory means under-fire head coach Ange Postecoglou has fulfilled a promise to deliver silverware in his second season at Spurs. Postecoglou, who said he would “never be a clown” in his pre-match address, brought smiles and unbridled joy to the faces of the 15,000 official, and many unofficial, Tottenham fans in Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium. Victory may not save Postecoglou from a Spurs exit in the coming weeks. But the Australian will leave as a hero after joining Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw in winning a European trophy with the north London giants. In addition to following the lead of Newcastle and Crystal Palace in making this a season of glory for clubs who rarely, if ever, win a trophy, Tottenham are also set to benefit from a £100m windfall after qualifying for next season’s...

 Shooting in Washington, DC Leaves Two Israeli Diplomats Dead; Investigation Underway Washington, DC – May 22, 2025  In a shocking act of violence that has sent ripples through diplomatic circles worldwide, two Israeli diplomats were shot and killed late Wednesday evening in Washington, DC. Authorities confirmed the shooting occurred near the Israeli Embassy in the northwest quadrant of the city, sparking an immediate investigation by local law enforcement and federal agencies. Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire around 9:30 p.m. near Van Ness Street NW. Upon arrival, they discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were later identified as senior officials attached to Israel’s diplomatic mission in the U.S. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims' names are being withheld pending notification of their families. Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, released a statement calling the incident "...

 Kenya says Tanzanian authorities have released activist May 22, 2025 DAR ES SALAAM, May 22   Tanzania has released a Kenyan activist who had been arrested after he tried to attend a hearing in the treason case against a detained opposition leader in Dar es Salaam, Kenyan authorities said on Thursday. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said it had received Boniface Mwangi in Kenya's southeastern Kwale County on Thursday afternoon. Kenya's foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, also confirmed Mwangi's release. Mwangi had attempted to observe opposition leader Tundu Lissu's first court appearance on Monday, in a case that has spotlighted a growing crackdown on opponents of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Lissu, who was shot 16 times in a 2017 attack and came second in Tanzania's last presidential poll, was charged with treason in April over what prosecutors said was a speech calling on the public to rebel and disrupt elections due in October  Mwangi was...

 Luka Modrić to Leave Real Madrid After Club World Cup May 22, 2025 — Madrid, Spain In a significant development that marks the end of an era, Real Madrid's veteran midfielder Luka Modrić is set to leave the club after the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025. The decision, confirmed by sources close to the player and the club, brings to a close one of the most illustrious careers in the history of Los Blancos. Modrić, 39, has spent 13 glittering seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including five UEFA Champions League trophies, three La Liga titles, and a Ballon d'Or in 2018. Known for his vision, passing range, and composure, the Croatian international became a symbol of excellence and consistency in Real Madrid’s midfield. While Real Madrid has not yet issued an official statement, reports suggest that the club and Modrić have mutually agreed that the Club World Cup will serve as a fitting farewell, allowing him to conclude his ti...

 Man sentenced to 50 years imprisonment for rape and robbery in Northem The Thabazimbi regional court has on Tuesday 20 May 2025, sentenced Phenyo Moilwa (36) to an effective 50 years imprisonment for raping and robbing two victims, 20 and 25 years in Northam in August and December 2022 respectively.  The court noted that during December 2022, the victim was in Northam town when she met the accused, who is from the same area at Mokgalwaneng village.The accused asked her to accompany him to the tavern, but instead of going to the tavern, the accused took the victim, threatened her with a knife, dragged her to the cemetery, and raped her. Afterwards, he robbed her of cash amounting to 300 rands.He then tied her with a rope and left her stranded at the bushes.The victim managed to get help from the passerby.The case was opened at Northam police station, and the docket was transferred to the Thabazimbi Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS). Warrant Offi...

 Notorious Teacher and Accomplices Remanded in Custody for Murder Khensani Mahlaule, a teacher from Giyani described as notorious, has been remanded in custody along with three accomplices after their bail application was denied for the second time. The four appeared at the Nkowankowa Magistrate's Court this morning. They are charged with the murder of Mahlaule’s husband, Raymond Themba Mathebula, a fellow teacher from Bode village. The case has been postponed to 19 June 2025 for further proceedings. More photos below. 

 BENUE: VACATE OUR LANDS BEFORE END OF MAY, TIV TRADITIONAL COUNCIL TELLS HERDERS 22nd May, 2025    In a bid to salvage the looming food security crisis in Nigeria and Benue state, the Tiv Area Traditional Council has given herders operating in Tiv Kingdom an ultimatum to vacate all Tiv lands by the end of May 2025. The ultimatum was issued at the end of an emergency meeting held at the Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko, Benue state. The meeting, which was chaired by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, was attended by all graded traditional rulers in Tiv Kingdom. According to the council, incessant attacks and killings of farmers by herders have brought farming activities in the kingdom to a standstill, particularly in Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, and Buruku Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue state. The council expressed fears that if the situation continues, it would lead to hunger in th...

 Governors of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday  passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and endorsed him as the party’s candidate in 2027.  The motion was moved by the chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State seconded the motion, which got the resounding support of the thousands of party faithful attending the APC summit at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

  Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Prices to N875-N905 Per Litre Nationwide Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a new reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), with prices now ranging from N875 to N905 per litre across Nigeria, depending on the region. The price cut, reflecting a N15 reduction per litre, was shared on the refinery’s official social media handle on Thursday and applies to all partner retail outlets, including MRS, Ardova, Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde Energy. Under the revised pricing, Lagos residents will pay N875 per litre, the South-West N885, the North-West and Central regions N895, and the North-East and South-South/South-East N905. Previously, petrol retailed at N890 in Lagos and N920 in the North-East and South-South. The refinery urged consumers to purchase fuel exclusively from its partner outlets and report non-compliance via its hotline: +234 707 470 2099 or +234 707 470 2100. “Our quality petrol and diesel are refine...

 Net migration fell by almost 50% in 2024 to 431,000, ONS says Net migration fell by almost 50% in 2024, compared to the previous year, the Office for National Statistics has said. In a report out this morning, it says: Long-term net migration is down by almost 50%. The number of people immigrating minus the number of people emigrating is provisionally estimated to be 431,000 in year ending (YE) December 2024, compared with 860,000 a year earlier. This change is driven by a decrease in immigration from non-EU+ nationals, where we are seeing reductions in people arriving on work- and study-related visas, and an increase in emigration over the 12 months to December 2024, especially people leaving who originally came on study visas once pandemic travel restrictions to the UK were eased. The provisional estimate for total long-term immigration for YE December 2024 is 948,000, a decrease of almost a third from the revised YE December 2023 estimate of 1,326,000 and the first time it has ...

  Thai Court Orders Ex-PM Yingluck to Pay $305 Million in Rice Scheme Damages In a ruling delivered on Thursday, a Thai court has ordered former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, currently in self-exile, to pay 10 billion baht ($305 million) in damages. The case relates to a controversial rice pledging scheme that led to her initial sentencing in 2017 to five years in prison for negligence. Yingluck, a member of the influential Shinawatra family, which has seen four of its members serve as prime minister, has been living abroad to avoid imprisonment. Her conviction stems from her failure to prevent corruption within the rice scheme, which offered farmers payments up to 50% above market prices, resulting in significant losses for the Thai state. The rice program, a key policy of Yingluck's Pheu Thai party, incurred billions of dollars in costs and left millions of tons of rice unsold. Thailand is a major global rice exporter, holding the position of the world's second-largest....

 Tinubu Submits ₦1.481 Trillion Rivers State 2025 Budget to National Assembly President Bola Tinubu has formally presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State to the National Assembly for consideration, following the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly. The proposed budget, totaling ₦1.481 trillion, was submitted in a letter addressed to Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, with a call for expeditious review. The budget prioritizes key sectors, with infrastructure receiving the largest allocation of ₦324 billion to drive development projects. The health sector is allocated ₦106 billion, including ₦5 billion designated for free malaria drugs. Education is set to receive ₦75.6 billion, while agricultural development is proposed at ₦31.4 billion. According to the proposal, these investments aim to create approximately 6,000 new jobs and foster growth in critical areas. President Tinubu urged the National Assembly to prioritize the bill’s consideration to ensure timely i...

 SDP’s Adebayo Rules Out Stepping Down for Atiku in 2027, Rejects Coalition Manipulation Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has firmly declared that he will not step down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general elections. Addressing speculations about a potential opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu, Adebayo emphasized that neither he nor Atiku can “use” the SDP, which he described as belonging to the Nigerian people. Speaking on Wednesday, Adebayo clarified that the SDP is open to those who align with its ideology but rejected the notion of the party being co-opted for external agendas. “The SDP cannot be used. You can ally with it and respect its ideology, but if someone thinks they can just use it, we are not available,” he stated. While acknowledging Atiku’s political experience, Adebayo noted that the former Vice President has not directly approached the SDP about coalition talks. “When...