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 Kaduna State College of Nursing Sciences Staff Begin 3-Day Warning Strike Over Promotion Delays Staff of the Kaduna State College of Nursing Sciences have today, Monday, August 18, 2025, commenced a three-day warning strike over what they described as management’s persistent refusal to address staff promotion arrears. The strike, declared by both the Academic Staff Union and the Non-Academic Staff Union of the college, has led to the shutdown of all three campuses — Kafanchan, Tudun Wada Kaduna, and Pambegua. According to the unions, eligible staff have been denied promotions for three consecutive years —2023, 2024, and 2025 — despite meeting all the necessary requirements. They say the situation has dampened staff morale, stifled career progression, and weakened the quality of teaching, research, and service delivery at the institution. In a statement signed by Dr. Daniel Danboyi, State Chairman of the unions, made available to KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS on Monday, the staff emphas...

 🏰 King Charles has arrived at Balmoral Castle where he was welcomed by a Guard of Honour held by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.   🐴 His Majesty met the mascot of the Regiment: a Shetland pony called Corporal Cruachan IV.  The King’s arrival continues the long tradition of Monarchs spending their summers at Balmoral, which began with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the mid-1800s. More photos below. 

 LOBI STARS FC UNVEILS NEW TECHNICAL ADVISER 18th August, 2025     Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi and Permanent Secretary, Dr. Philip Nongo has unveiled the new Technical Adviser of the club. The new technical adviser of the club is Coach Bala Abubakar. Unveiling the new Technical Adviser of the club on Monday in Makurdi during a press briefing, the Chairman of the club, said the new Technical Adviser was competent even as he has the capacity to move the the club away from relegation. The Permanent Secretary, who is also the Acting Commissioner for Sport’s and Creativity, told Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), that they were doing everything possible to address the challenges responsible for the relegation of the club. He expressed confidence as the challenges were being addressed, the new Technical Adviser would have a smooth performance. Dr. Nongo informed that they were also rebuilding and restructuring the club in such a way that the cl...

 PRESS RELEASE The Editors, PUBLIC AWARENESS The Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the General public, particularly the residents of Yuli village, about a scheduled range exercise from August 19th to 20th, 2025. During this exercise, recruit constables will move along the Maiduguri bypass, and live ammunition will be heard in the designated range field.  To ensure everyone's safety, we kindly encourage the community to avoid the area during this period. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we carry out these essential exercises. We appreciate your understanding.  CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, Anipr, Mnisma   Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)   For: Commissioner of Police,   Bauchi State Command. 18th August 2025.

 Igbinedion promises to deliver House of Representatives-elect for Ovia Federal Constituency seat, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, has promised to listen, serve and deliver on her electoral promises.  Igbinedion won last Saturday’s by-election with a large margin.  Reacting to the electoral victory, Igbinedion described the victory as a shared triumph for every son and daughter of Ovia as well as a powerful affirmation of their collective resolve for progress and representation.  Igbinedion thanked the people of Ovia Federal Constituency and assured them she remained committed to serving them with renewed dedication, transparency, and compassion.  She appreciated Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy, Dr. Dennis Idahosa, for their strategic leadership and support throughout the campaigns.  According to her: “I am especially grateful to the Deputy Governor for his active role in leading party leaders, stakeholders, and loyal supporters across the 23 wards of our co...

 Bye-election: Defence minister refutes news of APC loss in Jigawa The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, on Sunday refuted news about the electoral loss of the All Progressives Congress at his polling unit, Babura Kofar Arewa Polling Unit 001, during the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency by-election held on Saturday, August 17, 2025. In a statement signed by the personal assistant on media and publicity to the minister, Mati Ali, the report was described as “false, untrue, and deliberately misleading,” insisting that it was the handiwork of mischief makers intent on distorting facts and tarnishing the minister’s image. He said, “Our attention has been drawn to the circulation of an election result from Babura Kofar Arewa Polling Unit 001, mischievously attributed to the Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni. This claim is false, untrue, and deliberately misleading. “We wish to categorically state that the report is nothing but the han...

 Ize-Iyamu makes history, assumes office as first female CMD of UBTH  Newly appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has formally taken charge of the hospital. She took over from Prof. Darlington Obaseki, whose two tenure of eight-year ended on Sunday, August 17. The professor of dentistry and orthodontics, made history when she became the first female and the first dentist to hold the position in the 52-year history of the institution. In her inaugural address, Ize-Iyamu described her appointment as a “dawn of new possibilities”. She pledged to anchor her leadership on compassion, innovation, and excellence in healthcare delivery. “As the first female to serve as CMD of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, I stand not as an exception, but as an example of what is possible when merit is sought and when opportunity meets with preparedness. “My vision is clear that UBTH CARES,” she declared, unveiling...

 1 in 4 Nigerian men tested are not biological fathers – Smart DNA report A new report from Smart DNA, Nigeria’s leading DNA testing centre, has revealed that one in every four Nigerian men who undergo paternity testing is not the biological father of the child in question, a statistic that continues to send shockwaves through the country’s evolving family landscape. The company’s 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, which covers the period from July 2024 to June 2025, offers a sobering reflection on the intersections of trust, family, migration, and modern science in Nigeria. Despite a slight decrease from 27% in 2024 to 25% in 2025, the high rate of paternity exclusion remains disturbingly consistent, sustaining what experts are now calling a quiet but growing social crisis.  “These findings are not just about science; they speak volumes about trust, relationships, and the economic and emotional realities of Nigerian families today,” Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart D...

 Before her death, Adelheid spoke about battling sickness while pursuing law The passing of Adelheid Babatz Nyarko London, the Ghanaian midwife who became a lawyer in May 2025, has left many h,eartbroken online.  An old video of her sharing the health s,truggles that nearly derailed her law journey has now resurfaced, drawing emotional reactions from Ghanaians. In the YFM Kumasi interview, Adelheid revealed:  “Because of the ups and downs and the stress, I had issues with my health. So I couldn't pass part one.  "I was very sad when the results came because I thought I gave my best, even through my sickness, but it didn’t go as planned.  "My sister and I were at home when the results came, and we cried for like a week.” Despite her struggles, she persevered and proudly graduated, becoming the first female lawyer in her family and the first midwife under the Ghana Health Service to transition into legal practice. Her death was reported on Sunday, August 17, 2025

 President Mahama Grants Prisoners Amnesty: 87 On Death Row And 911 Others To Return Home About 998 prisoners have been granted  amnesty by President John Mahama This followers recommendations by the Prisons Service Council and consultations with the Council of State.  In a statement from the government provided a breakdown of the categories of prisoners that have been granted amnesty.  According to the statement, the categories of convicts affected 787 first-time offenders, 87 people on d,eath row to be commuted to life imprisonment, 51 on life sentences to be commuted to 20 years in prison,  33 seriously ill persons were freed, 36 persons over 70 years old freed, two nursing mothers freed, and two prisoners freed based on petitions.  The president initially received 1,014 recommendations for amnesty.

 LAGOS STATE LAUNCHES CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATIVE, INTERVIEW PROTOCOL … Presents Certificates to Newly Certified Forensic Interviewers The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme and the Cece Yara Foundation, has officially launched the Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of children and ensuring the effective prosecution of sexual abuse cases. The protocol, the first of its kind in the state, provides a standardised, victim-centred framework for interviewing children who may have experienced sexual abuse. It is designed to minimise trauma during investigations, safeguard the dignity of child victims, and ensure that statements obtained are credible, admissible, and meet the highest investigative standards. Speaking at the event, the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described ...

 47 ISRAELI TOURISTS IN BOSNIA FOUND THEIR PASSPORTS IN DUMPSITE  Forty seven Israeli tourists in Bosnia and Herzegovina reported to authorities that they found their travel passports inside a dump site. The tourists reported that they left the passports at the reception desk of their hotel in Sarajevo - only to be told that they were missing before they turned up at a waste disposal site. The hotel management said the passports were accidentally thrown away by cleaners. But the Israeli tourists said they may have been targeted on account of their nationality.

 DIDIER DROGBA FILES 50-PAGE PETITION FOR ADEMOLA LOOKMAN International football legend, Didier Drogba, has filed a 50-page petition to Atalanta over the transfer deadlock for Ademola Lookman. The Chelsea scorer flew to Italy to personally deliver the petition to Atalanta, demanding for transparency and fairness in the manner Lookman's transfer is handled. Given that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) endorsed Drogba's petition, it is believed that Atalanta may consider giving out Lookman to Inter Milan that offered €45 million, even though Atalanta wants €45-€50 million for the 27-year-old Africa’s Best Player of the Year.

 POLICE ARREST NOTORIOUS ‘ONE CHANCE’ KINGPIN, BUST GANG AND RECOVER OPERATIONAL VEHICLE AND WEAPONS Operatives of Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a notorious ‘one chance’ kingpin and two members of his gang after responding to a distress call while on routine patrol along Agege Motor Road in Ikeja. The suspects: Bode Oludayisin aged 53, Michael Sowunmi ‘m’ aged 22, and David Olawaye ‘m’ aged 20 were apprehended following an alarm raised by a victim who was being robbed by the syndicate in their minibus. One of the suspects was positively identified as a wanted gang leader linked to a series of violent ‘one chance’ robberies across Lagos. Responding swiftly to the distress, the operatives intercepted the suspects inside an unregistered commercial minibus, which has now been confirmed as their operational vehicle. Recovered items from the suspects include a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone belonging to a victim, an axe, two concrete interlock bricks, several ...

 US tightens visa rules for Nigerians, scrutinises applicants' social media accounts The US has announced a new visa rule for Nigerians, requiring all applicants to disclose their social media usernames and handles from the past five years for vetting, TRT Afrika reported. ‘‘Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,’’ the US Embassy in Nigeria said in a statement on X on Monday, adding that visa applicants are ‘‘required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form.’’ The Nigerian government has yet to react to the latest visa information from the US. This directive comes as the US tightens its visa rules and imposes travel restrictions for countries around the world, mainly affecting African countries. In July, Nigeria urged the Trump administration to reconsider a restriction that limited the validity of temporary-stay visas for Nigeria...

 SIX EUROPEAN LEADERS ESCORT ZELENSKY TO MEET TRUMP Following President Trump's meeting with President Putin in Alaska on Friday, more than six European leaders agreed to accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet Trump on Monday. Given that Trump expressed willingness to meet with Putin and Zelensky after the Alaska summit, the European leaders reasoned that it's better to accompany Zelensky in talks with Trump. “Our goal tomorrow is to present a united front between Europeans and Ukrainians,” said President Emmanuel Macron of France. “I don’t believe Putin wants peace. I believe he wants Ukraine’s capitulation.” The group include France's Macron, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and President Alexander Stubb of Finland among others. They will be at the White House to help Zelensky strengthen Ukraine's position with Trump.

 ‎APC will win this November 8 election when things are put in place as it suppose to be. We are not looking for rigging, we are not looking for violence, we are law abiding and with proper vote cast, we will win the election- Nicholas Ukachukwu  ‎ ‎ ‎The All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate in Anambra state, Prince Nicolas Ukachukwu has accused Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo of using the local vigilant, popularly known as Udo Ga Achi to intimidate voters and the senatorial candidate of the his party, Azuka Okwuosa in the just concluded bye election held in Anambra South senatorial zone. ‎ ‎Prince Ukachukwu in a press briefing held in his Campaign office at Awka alledged that state government used the non state actors to scare voters and held his party’s agent hostage. ‎ ‎He described the senatorial result as orchestrated plan to manipulate the process. He equally urged his party faithful to remain calm ‎ ‎"We are all aware of how the state vigilante group put our ...

 ‎The First Coup Was Not An Igbo Coup; it was orchestrated by Like-Minded Nigerians  that Wanted Good Governance For All- Brigadier Gen Alabi Isama ‎ ‎Brigadier General Alabi Isama has categorically denied that the January 1966 coup was an "Igbo coup" intended to assert ethnic control, insisting that it was orchestrated by idealistic individuals committed to improving governance in Nigeria. ‎ ‎During an  interview with Edmund Obilo, Isama who personally knew Major Nzeogwu, rejected claims that the coup was driven by tribal motives. ‎ ‎He emphasized that the conspirators were mainly educated university graduates frustrated with the nation’s corrupt political leadership, and not seeking to promote Igbo rule.He remarked:   ‎ ‎"The first coup was a terrible disaster, targeting the northern officers and politicians. The leader happened to be Igbo-speaking, which led some to label it an Igbo coup. But that was not the case." ‎ ‎"The plotters, including Nzeogwu, were ...

 JAMB Inaugurates Committee to Probe 6,458 Cases of High-Tech Malpractice in 2025 UTME The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has launched a 23-member special purpose committee to investigate 6,458 cases of technology-driven malpractice detected during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The committee, inaugurated by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on Monday, August 18, 2025, in Abuja, is tasked with probing sophisticated forms of examination fraud and delivering a report within three weeks. During the inauguration, Prof. Oloyede expressed concern over the increasing complexity of exam malpractices, which have evolved from traditional methods to advanced technological schemes. He highlighted cases involving biometric and identity fraud, image blending, falsification of albinism, finger pairing, and attempts to breach the local area networks of some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. “This year, we encountered a number of strange things, and...

 Ryan Reynolds will officially reprise his role as Deadpool in Marvel’s upcoming crossover film Avengers: Doomsday, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter. While the wise cracking anti hero will appear in the movie, sources suggest fans shouldn’t expect him to fully join the Avengers team just yet. Reynolds’ return has been widely anticipated ever since Marvel teased its cast lineup earlier this year. The speculation grew stronger when the actor himself hinted at slipping back into the red suit. This news follows the success of Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, which officially brought the character into the MCU through multiverse storylines alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026, is already packed with a star-studded cast, including Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Robert Downey Jr. is also expected to return, this time as th...

 MURDER UPDATE: A 34-year-old suspect, Uncle Nceve, who allegedly stabbed and killed his girlfriend, Bongi Mhlongo, in Shawela Village, Giyani on Sunday, 17 August 2025, has been arrested on Monday, 18 August 2025, after a successful trace leading police to his place at Nsavulani village. The suspect will appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 20th August 2025, facing a charge of murder. EARLIER REPORT:  A devastating incident has rocked Shawela Block 23 outside Giyani, where a woman was allegedly brutally killed by her boyfriend from Nsavulani.  According to reports, she had attended a soccer tournament yesterday, and this morning her child made the shocking discovery of her lifeless body in the yard upon their return. 

 Anambra Govt, FG/IFAD-VCDP Empower Disability Cooperative in Ezira Community with Market Infrastructure By Henry C. Anagboso  The Anambra State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government’s IFAD/Value Chain Development Programme, has recently commissioned and handed over newly built market infrastructure (stores and Stalls) to members of Ezira Community Disability Cooperative in Orumba South Local Government Area. This significant achievement marks a milestone in the collaboration between state and federal entities to support local initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods for people with disabilities. The State Coordinator of IFAD/VCDP, Dr. Deborah Onyefulu said, "It is the first of its kind as the Programme hands over a market infrastructure to People with Disabilities since they were prioritized.  She explained that the cooperative met all the necessary criteria to benefit, adding that the new facilities will help members generate income, sell their farm p...

 By-Elections: *APGA Landslide Victories, A Vote Of Confidence On Soludo*  By Law Mefor  The November 8 Anambra State governorship election upon us, and the just-concluded by-elections in Anambra State in which the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates won the two seats by a landslide point to the fact that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has the coast clear for re-election. It was like a mock exam or a master of ceremonies testing the microphone in preparation for the main event.  It was a landslide victory for Chief Emma Nwachukwu (Onodugo) in the Anambra South Senatorial by-election, and it was the same walkover by Barrister Mimi Ikpeazu-Azikiwe in the Onitsha North 1 House of Assembly contest. As people were wont to say in the past, all the candidates of the other parties lost deposits.   APGA candidates taking about 70% of the total valid votes was unexpected. The opposition candidates were simply lost in the shuffle despite their go...

 Anambra Assembly Speaker, Udeze Congratulates Nwachukwu, Azikiwe On Senatorial, State Assembly Election Victory By Chizoba Okeke and Anastasia Agunwa The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon.Somtochukwu Udeze has described the election and declaration of Chief Emma Nwachukwu as Senator-elect and Ifeoma Azikiwe (Esq) as State House of Assembly member-elect, both of the All Progressives Grand Alliance as a true confirmation of the supremacy of APGA and commitment of the party faithful in the state. In his congratulatory message to the Anambra South Senator-elect, Chief Nwachukwu and Onitsha North One House of Assembly member-elect, Azikiwe, Rt.Hon.Udeze noted that Ndi Anambra South and Onitsha North One State Constituency have proven that APGA is surely on ground in the state. The Speaker who paid glowing tribute to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his dogged efforts and massive campaigns he led in the two elections, commended him particularly for his numerous accomplishme...

 Verydarkman should buy form and contest for Presidency or Senatorial position, Nigerian youths will support and vote for him- Mathias Ezeaku  in an online video, Mathias Ezeaku called on Verydarkman to summon courage and go into politics. He assured VDM that the youths of Nigeria are strongly behind and will support him. He noted that the people in politics now are old and need to be retired for young people with vision and courage to take over. He mentioned that Verydarkman embodies are the charisma of a good leader and thus he should hesitate to  contest for political position, especially the presidency.

ZENITH BANK CELEBRATES 35 YEARS ANNIVERSARY, RECOGNISES PIONEER CUSTOMERS AND LOND-SERVING STAFF Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank Plc marked its 35th year anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025. In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff, who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above. The ceremony brought together key stakeholders of the bank including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate 35 years of excellent and innovative banking services that has propelled the banking giant to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry. Among the eminent personalities who graced the occasion were the Vice President, Federal Republ...

 Rep Ikwechegh Defies Recall Threats Over Endorsement of Gov. Otti’s Re-election The member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, has dismissed threats by a group to initiate a recall process against him for endorsing Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid in 2027. The lawmaker, elected under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), insisted that his support for Otti reflects the developmental strides witnessed in Abia State and will not be swayed by opposition. Speaking through his Senior Media Director, George Ezeikpe, in Aba on Monday, August 18, 2025, Ikwechegh maintained that he committed no offense by acknowledging the truth about Governor Otti’s achievements. “What sin has Honourable Ikwechegh committed for saying the truth about what the Governor has done?” Ezeikpe stated. He emphasized that the lawmaker remains unfazed by the recall threats, asserting that Ikwechegh continues to enjoy robust support from const...

 Jim Iyke Sparks Controversy with Claim That Single Mothers Cannot Raise Proper Men Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has ignited a heated debate with his recent statement asserting that single mothers are incapable of raising “proper men.” The controversial remark, made during an interview on a popular Lagos-based podcast on Sunday, August 17, 2025, has drawn sharp reactions from fans, activists, and social commentators across Nigeria. Speaking on the podcast 'Real Talk Naija', Iyke argued that the absence of a father figure in a household led by a single mother often results in men who lack certain qualities he deems essential for masculinity. “It’s a tough truth, but single mothers, no matter how strong, cannot fully raise proper men. A boy needs a man’s guidance to navigate life’s complexities,” Iyke stated, emphasizing the importance of male role models in shaping character and discipline. The actor’s comments have sparked widespread backlash, particularly on social media platforms...

 SENATOR APPOINTS WIDOW AS AIDE Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra North Senatorial Zone has appointed Mrs. Justina Azuka as a legislative aide. Azuka is the widow of Justice Azuka, a deceased lawmaker that represented Onitsha North 1 State Constituency. He was kidnapped and subsequently murdered by his captors. Azuka was fielded on the ADC platform to fill her husband's position to be able to provide for her children, but she came behind Mimih Ifeoma Azikiwe of APGA. Following her loss at the polls, Senator Nwoye appointed Azuka as his Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties with a basic salary of N200,000. This appointment is to empower her to meet her family needs.