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 Our Youths' Intake of Drugs is Destroying Their Lives, says NDLEA Boss By Chiedu Uche Okoye Madam Priscilla Ogubuike, Head of Drug Demand Reduction Unit, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), Awka, has lamented that our youths' lives are being destroyed by their use of illicit drugs.  She expressed her worry about the deleterious effects of hard drugs on our youths when she spoke on drug abuse on the occasion of the inauguration of the Idemili North Youths' Campaign Team at Idemili North LGA Headquarters, Ogidi on July 12. Ogubuike, who said that the abuse of mind-bending drugs by young people is affecting our society negatively, reeled out instances of how people committed homicide and other crimes while under the influence of drugs.  "In January 2025, a man took colos after which he flung his child against a wall. A girl was raped after she had taken drugs offered to her by rapists.  "And recently, in the middle-belt area, a young man knifed his mother t...

 IMO GOVERNMENT UNVEILS GLOBAL TECH PLATFORM, PARTNERS UC BERKELEY TO TRAIN 100,000 YOUTHS In a bold move to position Imo State as Africa’s emerging digital powerhouse, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has officially launched ImoTalentHub.com, a world-class digital talent marketplace connecting Imo’s tech professionals with global employers. The initiative, a major milestone under the government’s flagship Skill Up Imo program, is in strategic partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, and the U.S. Market Access Center. The platform is designed to place 100,000 Imo-trained tech talents in paid international roles by 2026. The Governor described the new platform as a gateway for Imo's young minds: software developers, AI engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and digital designers, to access job opportunities in global innovation hubs such as Silicon Valley, London, Dubai, and Lagos. Launched in 2022, Skill Up Imo was conceived to transition the state...

 Hartford Bakery, Inc. is voluntarily recalling several lots of artisanal bread due to possible contamination with undeclared allergens, according to a press release by the Food and Drug Administration. The recalled products were sold at Kroger and Walmart locations across Illinois. Here's what we know. What products are being recalled? Hartford Bakery Inc. is recalling six lots of its "Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf" and removing all units of product included in the six affected lot codes noted below. The recalled products come in a flexible plastic bag marked with the following information: Lot code T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, T10 174020406, found on the front panel of packaging. Net Weight 12oz (340g), UPC 24126018152 found on the bottom of packaging. An expiration date of 07/13/2025 found on the front panel of packaging. Why is the bread being recalled? It was discovered that approximately 883 loaves of ...

 A Family Day at Disneyland Turns into a Protest Event Against VP JD Vance JD Vance took his wife and three children to Disneyland this week but the visit sparked an unexpected scene. Around 100–150 protesters, backed by local leaders including Gov. Gavin Newsom, lined the gates with American and Mexican flags, shouting “go home” and condemning his immigration policies. Some park visitors even honked in support. Local officials said the incident highlights the divide between leaders and immigrant communities. Watch video below. 

Kevin Spacey Demands DOJ Release All Epstein Files Actor Kevin Spacey has publicly demanded the release of all documents and files related to Jeffrey Epstein, stating: "For those of us with nothing to fear, the truth can’t come soon enough." The DOJ and FBI recently confirmed there's no evidence of a hidden client list or foul play, but Spacey and others remain unconvinced. Previously linked to Epstein in civil filings, Spacey has consistently maintained his innocence—having been found not liable in a US civil case and cleared in a UK criminal trial. During the Cannes Gala earlier this year, he drew historical parallels to blacklisting, urging the entertainment industry to show moral strength in asking for truth and transparency.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU, VP SHETTIMA, DIGNITARIES BID FAREWELL AS FORMER PRESIDENT BUHARI LAID TO REST IN DAURA   Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been laid to rest at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, following funeral prayers and interment attended by numerous dignitaries led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   Large crowds lined the streets of Daura and gathered at the former President's residence to pay their last respects.   The former President's final journey began on Tuesday afternoon, when his body arrived from London at Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport in Katsina.   President Tinubu and other dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Umaru Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger Republic, Issoufou Mahamadou, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, governors and business leaders, escorted the late President's remains on t...

 CP OROTUGU COMMENDS THE PEOPLE OF NNEWI SOUTH LGA ON IMPROVED COMMITMENT TOWARDS THE POLICE AND SECURITY AGENCIES FOR SECURITY AND SAFETY OF THE AREA _Leads patrol to communities in the area to assess goodwill projects on the facelift of the Police facility at Amichi_ The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orotugu fwc MNIPS PhD today 15th July 2025 commended the good people of Nnewi South Local Government Area for their renewed show of commitment and support towards the Police and other security agencies operating in the area. This commendation followed a routine operational patrol led by the *CP*  to communities in the LGA, during which he assessed various community-led goodwill projects aimed at giving a facelift to the Police facility at Amichi. The *CP* in company of the Area Commander Nnewi, DPO Otolo-Nnewi, DPO Amichi and other senior officers in the convoy also visited the Local Government Chairman of Nnewi South and interacted with very senior st...

  Gary Coleman's Ex-Wife Shannon Price Fails Lie Detector Test About His Death Gary Coleman was the 4'8" star of the 1980s hit sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," an immediate sensation thanks to his snappy one-liner, "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" He battled kidney disease and financial ruin, losing his $18-million fortune, but the biggest scandal came when he died at 42 after a fall. After 15 years, Coleman's ex-wife Shannon Price is taking the extraordinary step of submitting to a polygraph test on the new A&E series "Lie Detector: Truth or Deception." Shannon is the one who called 911 after Gary's fall at home. She told the operator, "His head is bloody. There is blood all over the floor. I don't know what happened." Despite 15 years of speculation, she has always insisted she had nothing to do with his death. In a preview clip from the episode, the polygraph administrator tells Shannon, "And the r...

Nyekachi Douglas, who was the top 5 finisher at Miss World 2019, has announced that for the 3rd consecutive year she has registered for Miss Universe Nigeria 🇳🇬, but the national organization Miss Universe Nigeria contacted her to decline her participation, which would not make sense under their rules. Since her first participation in Miss Universe, Nyeka said she would try until she made it, and that this would be a perfect year after the excellent performance of Chidimma Adetshina , who finished as first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024. Watch video below. 

 Osun Politics Heats Up: Aregbesola defends legacy, slams Adeleke Former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has responded to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent statement that labeled his administration as the “worst in Osun’s history,” PM has gathered. Earlier that Gov. adeleke slammed Aregbesola, saying his tenure was riddled with maladministration and corruption. However, Aregbesola, through his media aide Ileowo Kikiowo,has  criticized the governor’s comment, saying it was an attempt to curry favor from the presidency amid defection rumour. He said that attacking others does not help the people of the state, but rather shows desperation. He highlighted his achievements while in office, including: Lowest unemployment, poverty, and crime rates in Nigeria during his tenure (as reported by the NBS and UNDP). Construction of over 1,200 km of roads, including 600 km of rural roads. Building 3,685 new classrooms. Support for over 27,000 small busin...

 Shocking Claim: Baba Fryo says African men allowed to cheat Veteran Nigerian musician Baba Fryo has claimed that African men can not be accused of cheating because the culture allows them to be polygamous. The singer stated that the concept of cheating in relationships is a Western concept. While speaking in an interview with the Honest Bunch, Baba Fryo emphasised that Africa practices polygamy. He stressed that the African culture allows a man to be with multiple women. The singer also stated that this grace does not extend to women. Baba Fryo went on to state that a man is a lord over his wife because he pays her bride price. “African men don’t cheat because African culture doesn’t condemn men cheating. It’s Western men who cheat. African traditions permit men to marry multiple wives. It’s women who can be held accountable for cheating because African men pay bride price. We don’t marry with flowers. We settle both families and community just to marry. After carrying out all the...

 APC will lose Lagos in 2027 – Primate Ayodele The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned that the All Progressive Congress (APC) will lose Lagos state if any candidate is imposed on the party by top members. In a statement signed by his media aide, Primate Ayodele stated that 2027 will not be an easy task for the ruling party in Lagos as people will stand against the rigging of the election. He advised the party to make the ticket open for everyone and allow the best candidate to win in order to retain the state; otherwise, it will be difficult to win the governorship election in Lagos state. “With a wrong candidate, Lagos will be on fire in 2027, as there will be no amount of rigging that will make the candidate win. APC should know what to do and let everyone go into the field to play, to enable the best person to emerge. They need the best hand to retain Lagos in 2027.” “For APC to have continuity, they will do a lot of work, the party w...

 Power: FG incurs ₦1,949bn gross tariff subsidy shortfall in 2024 The total gross electricity subsidy tariff shortfall incurred by the Federal Government to the power sector in 2024 amounted to ₦1,949 billion. According to data sourced from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s newly released 2024 Annual Report, the debt was incurred as a result of a lower-than-cost-reflective tariff as computed for the year under review. As a result, NERC said the government undertook to cover the resultant gap (between the cost-reflective and allowed tariff) in the form of tariff shortfall funding, which amounted to a total of ₦1,949.17 billion in 2024. The report, however, did not state whether or not the subsidy had to be paid by the Federal Government. Further analysis of the report showed that in the first quarter of last year, the gross tariff subsidy incurred by FG was ₦633 billion, in Q2 2024, the tariff shortfall dropped to about ₦380 billion, in Q3 same year, the shortfall cli...

 *ANAMBRA POLICE FOIL CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES OF ARMED HOODLUMS ACROSS THE STATE* _Arrest of Notorious member of Proscribed Separatist Group, Rescue of Three Kidnap Victims in Separate Operations, and Recovery of Arms and Incriminating Items_ The Anambra State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, *CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD*, continues to record major operational breakthroughs in its relentless efforts to rid the state of criminal elements. In a series of coordinated operations across different parts of the state, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, in the early hours of today, 15th July 2025, arrested one Gospel Ozioma Nneto, male, aged 31, aka “OZ,” a notorious leader of a proscribed armed separatist group. In another operation, the Divisional Police Officers of Nimo and Nteje, in collaboration with local vigilante operatives, successfully rescued three kidnapped victims held by suspected armed hoodlums. Items recovered from ...

 Ghana scraps fuel allowance for political appointees Ghana's President John Mahama has issued a directive scrapping payment of fuel allowances to all political appointees. It is an attempt by government to cut costs and channel public funds into priority areas, the president's spokesman said on Tuesday in a statement, TRT Afrika reported. Those expected to be affected by the directive include cabinet ministers and heads of public institutions picked by the president. "The president believes that leadership must also bear its part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make," Felix Ofosu said. President John Mahama was sworn into office in January after the gold- and cocoa-rich country experienced its worst economic turmoil in years. He won elections on a promise to “reset” Ghana. Last week, the IMF said the West African country was making headway in its economic reforms and debt restructuring that the government embarked on since coming into office six mont...

 Former President Buhari to Be Buried at Favorite Spot in Daura Compound Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a private hospital in London, will be laid to rest at his favorite sitting spot within his family compound in Daura, Katsina State. Preparations for the interment are underway, with dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, former governors, and other notable figures gathered at the graveside. Buhari, a Katsina-born politician, served as Nigeria’s military head of state and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. During his presidency, he spent at least 225 days on medical trips abroad, including a notable 104-day stay in London in May 2017. His final medical visit to a London clinic lasted 10 days to two weeks, though the specific ailment he was treated for remains undisclosed. Images from Daura show...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT   ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN VISA ISSUANCE POLICIES BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining and strengthening the longstanding and cordial diplomatic relations with the Governments of the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates.   The recent changes in visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens by these two countries have received the attention of the Federal government. Relevant Nigerian Ministries, Departments and Agencies are actively engaging to ensure that the concerns raised are addressed through appropriate and constructive channels.   The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records. It further explained that the visa policy adjustment is part o...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES REMAINS OF FORMER PRESIDENT BUHARI IN KATSINA AHEAD OF FINAL RITES IN DAURA President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport in Katsina. President Tinubu arrived at the airport from Abuja at 1:42 p.m. and inspected a guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force plane conveying the remains of his predecessor landed at exactly 1:51 p.m. Former President Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, President Buhari's wife Aisha, and other family members accompanied President Buhari’s remains to Nigeria. President Tinubu, along with Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou, and former Vice President Yemi Osinba...

President Tinubu seen walking behind Ex-President Buhari's coffin after it landed.  So sad.  INITIAL REPORT:  Body of Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Leaves UK to Nigeria for Burial in Daura The body of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82 in a London hospital on Sunday, is being flown back to Nigeria for a simple Islamic burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, currently in London alongside members of Buhari’s family, confirmed that the late president’s remains would be flown back for burial later the same day. “I just left his family at the hospital where he died, and the decision is that his remains will be taken to Daura for burial. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is also in London, will accompany the late president’s body back to Nigeria. In a social media post, Shettima reaffirmed Daura as Buhari’s final resting place and described his death as a “deep loss to the natio...

 MY MOTHER IS A WITCH GROSSES N100M AT CINEMAS  A recent movie launched by Niyi Akinmolayan, My Mother is a Witch, has grossed above N100 million at the cinemas in Nigeria.  According to box office statistics, this release is the 50th title to cross the N100 million threshold in the country.  Released on May 23, 2025, the movie explores childhood trauma and family relationships  The Nollywood chartbuster features Efe Irele,  Mercy Aigbe, Timini Egbuson, and Neo Akpofure among others. It was produced by Anthill Studios in collaboration with FrameFlixHQ.

 META DELETED 500K SPAMMY ACCOUNTS IN SIX MONTHS Meta announced that 500,000 spammy accounts with fake engagements were deleted in the first half of this year.  The social media giant also revealed that nearly 10 million accounts with fake profiles of popular content creators were deleted, demonetized, or neutralized one way or another to safeguard the integrity of the platform. The move forms part of a wider clampdown on impersonation and copycat content, aimed at giving more visibility to original creators. “We’re making progress, In the first half of 2025, we took action on around 500,000 accounts engaged in spammy behaviour or fake engagement, applying measures ranging from demoting their comments and reducing the distribution of their content to preventing these accounts from monetising. “We also took down around 10 million profiles impersonating large content producers," Meta revealed.