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 Nwifuru gifts N10m to Ebonyi man who trekked from Lagos to Abakaliki Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru on Sunday announced a N10 million gift for Jeremiah Obaji, a middle-aged man who trekked 17 days from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital. Obaji, is an indigene of the newly created Anioma autonomous community in the defunct Effium community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, arrived in Abakaliki on Sunday, making it a total of 17 days since he embarked on the journey. He said he decided to trek to Abakaliki to appreciate Governor Francis Nwifuru for restoring peace to the Effium community, which was ravaged by a communal war that claimed hundreds of lives and property worth billions of naira. Receiving him, Nwifuru assured that he will continue to ensure peace in different parts of the state as part of his People’s Charter of Needs manifesto. He commended Obaji for trekking such a long distance to Abakaliki to appreciate him and announced a...

 Senator Nwebonyi distributes educational materials to schools in Ebonyi ahead of school resumption. The Senate Deputy Chief Whip and Senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, on Saturday distributed educational materials worth millions of naira to schools in Ebonyi North senatorial zone, saying that the gesture was toward promoting quality education and learning in the zone. Performing the distribution at Ohaukwu Local Government Headquarters, Sen. Nwebonyi thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing an enabling environment for the growth of education in the state, noting that his effort is to complement the efforts of the state government. The items, include school desks, writing materials, and textbooks, which will be supplied to schools across Ebonyi North senatorial district. He noted that the procured 2,000 units of 3-in-1 desks will provide seating for about 6,000 pupils in both primary and secondary schools, adding that the exercise books, English and Mathem...

 UNIZIK SECURITY OPERATIVES ARRESTS TWO SUSPECTED R0BBER$  POSING AS SCAVENGERS INSIDE SCHOOL PREMISES Security operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, have apprehended two suspects, identified as Shehu Ibrahim and Sadiq Haruna, for allegedly stealing university property under the guise of scavenging. The suspects were arrested following an investigation into the theft of an air conditioning unit from the university's printing press. According to the UNIZIK Security Department, the duo had been moving around campus, claiming to be scavengers, while in reality, they were targeting and stealing valuable university equipment. During a search, a dagger component was reportedly found in the possession of one of the suspects, raising further concerns about their intentions and level of threat. The suspects were handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution in accordance with the law.  Meanwhile, the UNIZIK Security Department has reaffirm...

 Congratulations to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Ben Okolo onb on his initiation into the Ancient and Prestigious Agbalanze Society of Onicha Ado N'Idu Kingdom. The event attracted very respected dignitaries including His Excellency Prof Charles Chukuma Soloudo, Governor of Anambra State, Inspector General of Police represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG Frank Mba mni, Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG Williams Adebowale fdc, Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 13 AIG Abayomi Oladapo, and other very senior Police Officers and reputable individuals The Anambra Police Command is proud of this achievement and prays for God’s continuous guidance, wisdom, and strength upon DIG Ben Okolo as he continues to serve the nation and uphold the dignity of his cultural heritage. More photos below. 

 IGWE OKPUNO CELEBRATES IRI JI 2025 — A FESTIVAL OF HERITAGE, UNITY & GRATITUDE The ancient town of Okpuno came alive in a spectacular display of culture and tradition as His Royal Majesty, Engr. S.I. Okafor (Igwe Ogene of Okpuno), hosted the 2025 New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) at the Igwe’s Palace.  The event was a colorful celebration of harvest, heritage, and harmony, drawing together cabinet members, traditional chiefs, Nze na Ozo, and proud indigenes of Okpuno. The festival featured vibrant performances from dance troupes, masquerade displays, and jubilant youth showcases — all reflecting the deep cultural roots and communal pride of the people. Joining in the festivities was the Prince of Okpuno Kingdom and Mayor of Awka-South, Prince Chinedu Okafor (Ozor Ebubechukwuzo Na'Okpuno), whose presence was met with warmth and admiration. Youths rallied around the Mayor, celebrating his strong bond with the people and his unwavering commitment to grassroots leadership. The Awka-S...

 NCDC issues advisory as Ebola outbreak in DR Congo claims 15 lives The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an advisory following the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, on Saturday said the Central African nation reported that 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, had been recorded as of September 4, 2025. The DRC Health Minister, Samuel Roger Kamba, said the new outbreak is in central Kasai Province. However, the NCDC confirmed that there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. Idris said Nigeria has been placed on high alert, adding that surveillance had been heightened at entry points, healthcare facilities, and communities to prevent the spread of the disease. He explained that the outbreak has affected the Bulape and Mweka health zones, with investigations showing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and haemorrhage (bleeding). “Samples tested at th...

 PSG's Dembele and Doue out injured for rest of month European champions Paris St-Germain are set to be without Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue until October after both picked up injuries during France's World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine. Dembele will be out for around six weeks with a "serious" hamstring injury, while Doue is sidelined for about four weeks, according to the French club. Forward Dembele replaced the injured Doue at half-time of the 2-0 win on Friday, only to be substituted himself in the 81st minute. PSG begin the defence of their Champions League title at home to Atalanta on 17 September before they travel to Spain to take on last season's semi-finalists Barcelona on 1 October. Both players played a significant role as PSG won the Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League treble last season, with Doue scoring and named man of the match in their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the European final. They were later named in Uefa's team of...

 Rare Total Lunar Eclipse to Dazzle West Africa Tonight Residents of Nigeria and several West African nations are set to witness a spectacular total lunar eclipse tonight, starting at 8:00 PM West Africa Time. The celestial event, lasting approximately 83 minutes, will transform the Moon into a striking reddish hue, captivating stargazers across the region. According to the National Television Authority, scientists confirmed the eclipse will be visible across most of Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe. However, westernmost areas may miss early penumbral or partial phases due to the Moon rising closer to or during totality. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) noted that the eclipse will also be visible in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The Moon’s “blood moon” appearance results from sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere, casting a reddish glow on the lunar surface. NASA...

 Russia launches massive air attacks on Ukraine’s cabinet building Russia fired its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine early Sunday, killing two people and setting the seat of the Ukrainian government in Kyiv ablaze in an attack President Volodymyr Zelensky warned would prolong the war. An AFP reporter saw the roof of Ukraine’s cabinet of ministers in flames and smoke billowing over the capital. Drone strikes also damaged several high-rise buildings in Kyiv, according to emergency services. Russia has shown no sign of halting its three-and-a-half-year invasion of Ukraine, pushing hardline demands for ending the war despite efforts by the United States to broker a peace deal. Residents in Kyiv spoke of their frustration following the strikes. “This is already routine for us, unfortunately,” Olga, a 30-year-old resident of a damaged building, told AFP. The Russians first “grab the Shaheds (Iranian-designed drones), then the rockets come,” she said. The attack on Sunday was the fi...

 Regulating social media is a 'delicate balance' between control, free speech - Shehu Sani Former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has expressed concerns over the push to regulate social media in Nigeria, cautioning that such a move could suppress free speech and allow governments to evade accountability. In a statement via X on Sunday, September 7, Sani’s comments follow a recent demand by the Department of State Services (DSS) for X to remove a controversial post by activist Omoyele Sowore. In August, Sowore shared a video of President Bola Tinubu from a trip to Brazil, where he labeled the president a “criminal” and referenced alleged corruption claims.  The DSS subsequently wrote a letter to X on Saturday, requesting the removal of Sowore’s tweet and other related posts. While acknowledging that social media platforms can be exploited for harassment and violence, Sani emphasised that heavy-handed regulation could be detrimental.  He urged that any att...

 Top 19 most powerful countries in Africa By Abiodun Alfred Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing and most influential nations. This Top 19 list of the most powerful countries in Africa celebrates the leadership, economic growth, political influence, alliances and military strength that continue to shape the continent’s future. A true reflection of Africa’s rising power on the global stage. 19. SENEGAL 🇸🇳 Senegal Senegal is the westernmost country in the mainland of the old world . Culturally influential (Music and Arts), they’re politically stable and a respected voice in west Africa diplomacy. The state was formed as part of the independence of French West Africa from French colonial rule . Because of this history, French is the official language, but it is understood by only a minority of the population.  18. ZAMBIA 🇿🇲  On 24 October 1964, Zambia became independent of the United Kingdom as a republic in the commonwealth and prime minister Kenneth Ka...

 Primate Ayodele releases prophecies on Anambra, Ekiti, Osun governorship elections The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has released fresh prophecies regarding the upcoming governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele revealed that the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Anambra State can’t win the upcoming election without the help of God. He disclosed that Ifeanyi Ubah would have been the only one who could have defeated Governor Charles Soludo if he were alive. The popular prophet also cautioned Soludo to be careful over attempts to “rig him out of the election through the back door.” He disclosed that Soludo can only be defeated if the opposition forms a united front in the state. Primate Ayodele said: “Anambra: If Ifeanyi Ubah were alive, he would have been the one to unseat Soludo, but the current APC candidate doesn’t know what to...

 Dangote wants to bring back slavery – NUPENG says no going back on Monday’s strike The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has explained that it is embarking on strike action on Monday, September 8, 2025, because Dangote Refinery and its management want to bring back slavery into Nigeria’s workforce. The union made its position known in a statement released on Sunday, signed by Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olufemi, President and General Secretary. NUPENG had last week asked members to down tools over anti-labour activities by Dangote Refinery. However, stakeholders including the Petrol Tanker Drivers and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association, DTCDA, have kicked against NUPENG’s planned strike. But in update on Sunday, NUPENG insisted that Dangote-sponsored groups cannot stop its planned strike action. According to NUPENG, DTCDA is the recruiting company that was formed by Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata and Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the 10,000 CNG truck...

 "MY DEBTS ARE CRUSHING ME" - STRUGGLING TEACHER CRIES OUT FOR HELP Shadrach, a young teacher earning ₦30,000 a month, has made a heartfelt appeal to the governor and his spiritual leader, pleading for support as he battles a debt burden of more than ₦600,000. The debts, he said, piled up while he was in university and have since weighed heavily on him despite his determination to balance his life. “The more I tried to pay and live decently, the more the debt grew,” he lamented. According to Shadrach, he currently owes over ₦300,000 to a cooperative society, ₦150,000 to the school where he teaches, and another ₦150,000 to individuals. The mounting obligations, he admitted, have left him overwhelmed and in despair. Sharing his background, Shadrach revealed that he is of Tiv–Akwa Ibom descent. His mother hails from Vandeikya Mbayongo while his father, from Akwa Ibom, abandoned the family years ago. He is the grandson of the late William Tyavkase Ahenakaa. In his appeal, Shadrac...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES VP SHETTIMA, DR IYABO MASHA, OTHERS ON CONFERMENT AS FELLOWS OF THE NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SOCIETY (NES)   President Bola Tinubu congratulates Vice President Kashim Shettima and other distinguished Nigerians on their conferment as Fellows of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), recognising their outstanding contributions to economic policy, research, and development.   President Tinubu notes that the conferment on Monday, September 8, is a testament to their exemplary service, intellectual depth, and commitment to advancing Nigeria's socio-economic transformation.   He commends VP Shettima for his visionary leadership, deep insights, and relentless dedication to implementing the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in driving inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable development.   The President equally applauds Dr. Iyabo Masha, renowned economist and director of the Intergovernmental Group ...

 Governor Hope Uzodimma Flags Off 2025 Christian Pilgrimage Imo Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has charged 1,000 intending Christian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Imo and Nigeria. Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, Governor Uzodimma, urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves with excellence and reflect the values of true believers in Christ while in the Holy Land. Also speaking, the representative of the NCPC Executive Secretary,  Nwamaka Okpara, who is also the Zonal Coordinator of the NCPC South East Office, underscored the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage. She notes that the exercise is aimed at uplifting the faith and well-being of pilgrims through a life-changing encounter with God. For the first time, pilgrims will be airlifted directly from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, on September 14, 2025. One more photo below. 

 M23 rebels recapture town in eastern DRC as peace talks stall M23 rebels on Sunday recaptured the town of Shoa in Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province after clashes with pro-government forces, residents said, Anadolu Agency reported. Shoa, located in Masisi territory, had briefly fallen under the control of the Congolese army and allied Wazalendo militia on Saturday before the rebels struck back. “We are now under the authority of the M23 rebels, who attacked early this Sunday and forced out the Wazalendo who had been here since Saturday,” a resident, Steven Bwema, told Anadolu. The area was calm on Sunday after heavy exchanges of fire the previous day. Mineral-rich Masisi has been a flashpoint for more than three months as rebels and pro-government fighters vie for control. The territory is rich in gold, cobalt, and tantalum. DR Congo and a coalition of rebel groups, including the M23, signed a ceasefire deal in July in Doha, Qatar, known as the Declaration of Princ...

 AU chief demands 'acknowledgement of crimes, reparatory justice' from former colonial powers The chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has reiterated calls for "reparatory justice", demanding that former colonial powers "acknowledge historic crimes." Speaking at a summit bringing together African nations, Caribbean states, and the global African diaspora in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Sunday, Youssouf further demanded "meaningful reparations" for previously colonised countries. Additionally, the AU Commission chief demanded that former colonial rulers should "dismantle structural and systemic injustice" on Africa and the Caribbean communities, TRT Afrika reported. "The African Union stands proudly and firmly with our Caribbean brothers and sisters in every steps towards reparatory justice and true liberation," he said. Africa-Caribbean states' cooperation The second Africa-Caribbean Comm...

Ex-Astronomer HR exec caught on Coldplay kiss cam with her boss is divorcing her husband The woman at the heart of the Coldplay kiss cam scandal has officially filed for divorce from her husband. Ex-Astronomer HR chief Kristin Cabot was caught canoodling with then boss Andy Byron back in July, which led the pair to both resign from their jobs. Cabot, 52, was married to Andrew, a sixth-generation heir to the Privateer Rum fortune, at the time of the painful Coldplay concert blunder. She filed a divorce petition from Andrew Cabot less than a month after the Coldplay Kiss-Cam caught her canoodling with her boss. But the couple’s relationship had already been on the rocks, and Andrew Cabot played it cool when he found out his third wife had already moved on. “I texted Andrew right after it happened, and he said: ‘Her life is nothing to do with me,’ and said they were separating,” his ex-wife, Julia Cabot, told The Daily Mail. “He’s saying it has nothing to do with him, even though they wer...

 A worrying surge in HIV-positive cases has been reported in Hojai district of Assam, with 27 new cases detected between April and June this year. Among them is a pregnant woman, raising fresh concerns over the spread of the infection in the region. According to Dr. Basudev Malakar, Principal of Hojai Civil Hospital, 495 men were tested during the period, of which 26 were confirmed HIV-positive. Additionally, 882 pregnant women underwent screening, and one case was found positive. He attributed the increase mainly to unprotected drug use and unsafe sexual contact with infected individuals. Dr. Malakar appealed to the public to undergo immediate testing if they have used unsterilized needles or engaged in risky practices, stressing that actual cases could be much higher than reported. He reminded that HIV testing at civil hospitals is completely free of charge and urged patients to take precautions to prevent further transmission. To tackle the rising numbers, health camps offering ...

 Sokoto State Government Procures 10 Additional Patrol Vans, 150 Motorcycles To Fight Banditry In a bid to support security agencies in their fight against banditry, the Sokoto State Government has procured 10 new Hilux patrol vans and 150 motorcycles to enhance patrol in the areas affected by banditry in the state.  The Secretary to the state government,  Muhammad  Bello Sifawa who presented the keys of the vehicles to  representatives of the Police, Army, Air Force, and DSS, said the donation followed a request for logistical support by the security agencies to enhance their operations against insecurity in Sokoto State. According to Sifawa, the 10 vehicles are in addition to the 170 vehicles earlier procured and distributed by the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration since inception, aimed at equipping security operatives to effectively combat banditry He reassured the public of the administration’s determination to work hand in hand with security agencies to safeg...

 NLC, PETROAN back NUPENG on September 8 Face-off with Dangote Tensions are escalating between organised labour and one of Nigeria’s largest private sector employers, as the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has thrown its full weight behind the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, in a fast-developing dispute with the Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-union activities. Also, in support of the NUPENG/Dangote face-off, the Petroleum products retail outlets association of Nigeria, PETROAN has asked its members to begin warning  withdrawal of services for three days from Tuesday 9th  september, 2025. The NLC and PETROAN actions are propelled by a planned industrial action by NUPENG, which has threatened to stop fuel loading operations at the multibillion-dollar Dangote refinery facility beginning from Monday, September 8, 2025. At the centre of the conflict is the refinery’s plan to import thousands of compressed natural gas, CNG powered trucks to distrib...

 536 Suspended NPA Staff Cry Out Over 18 Years Unpaid Salaries, call for Justice Some staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA), whose salaries and allowances were allegedly stopped, have lamented untold hardship, after what they described as the unlawful suspension of their entitlements, for over 18 years. The affected staff, while briefing journalists in Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and order a thorough investigation into their plight. According to them, about 536 staff members were affected.  They alleged that they were neither retrenched, dismissed, or indicted for any wrongdoing. The group further alleged that despite a 2013 Federal High Court judgement in Ikoyi, Lagos, delivered in their favour, by Justice E.O. Abang, the NPA management has failed to comply.  They added that even after interventions from former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the House of Representatives and the Ministry of Transport in 2016, the NPA sti...

 2025 Christian Pilgrimage: NCPC Carries out Physical Inspection Of Pilgrims Aircraft in Turkey The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has undertaken an inspection of the pilgrims' aircraft in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of the official commencement of the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan. The Executive Secretary arrived in Turkey, where he was warmly received by the Executive Director of Atlasjet,  Serkan Yazicioglu, the NCPC-approved air carrier for the airlift of Nigerian Christian pilgrims this year. At the end of the inspection, the NCPC boss stated that one of the policy thrusts of his administration is adherence to the principle of due process, emphasizing that the Commission cannot afford to compromise on its set standards.  According to him, "The physical inspection of the aircraft is necessary to ensure that the aircraft meets the required specifications as codified in the contractual...

 Troops of 12 Brigade consolidate gains in ongoing security operations in Kogi State Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army have continued to record significant gains in the ongoing Operation EGWUA A TITE II in Kogi State in a sustained effort to rid the State of banditry and other contemporary security challenges while restoring peace in troubled communities. According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the operation which commenced on 1st September, 2025, saw troops of the 126 Battalion, led by the Commanding Officer and in conjunction with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF) come in contact with bandits along their axis of advance in Tunga general area and neutralized two bandits during fire exchange. The statement also noted that the commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army and Force Commander of Operation "Accord III" Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, led the troops further along axis of adv...

 South West Security: Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders  Ban Night Grazing, fire Arms possession by Herders Worried by the  incessant clashes between Herders and farmers in the south west zone leading to loss of lives and property, the cattle breeders Association in support of the council of Fulani Chiefs of South West Nigeria took some bold steps at addressing the problems head on. The group  during a press briefing in  Lagos Sunday expressed disaffection over  incessant criminal acts such as banditory, kidnappings,including farmland destruction as well as any form of farmer -herder conflicts that could be linked to the Fulani community as they also called on the security agencies to fish out the criminal elements and their conspirators within the host communities. 

 Road Accident on Benin-Sagamu Expressway A road accident occurred on Sunday afternoon on the Benin-Sagamu expressway on the RCC area of Akinbande when two passenger vehicles skidded off the road into a nearby bush. The drivers of the two buses attributed the accident to a blown rear tyre on the red Sienna bus that led the driver losing control of the vehicle, while  the MPV Mazda bus was attempting to overtake. Fortunately, other road users quickly rushed to the scene, rendering assistance and rescuing all passengers and drivers. Despite the severity of the accident, there were no reported fatalities. However, some passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. More photos below. 

 Osun: Governor Adeleke commissions farmers’ house, empowers 300 rice farmers Osun state Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation and food sufficiency while commissioning the Osun State Farmers’ House. The governor also distributed free inputs to rice farmers during an event held in Osogbo. Speaking at the event, the Governor declared that agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy and one of the five pillars of his development agenda. Gov. Adeleke said the commissioning of the Farmers’ House was a demonstration of his administration’s dedication to empowering farmers and guaranteeing food security. The State Commissioner for Agriculture noted that, beyond the procurement of tractors, the government has also distributed inputs such as cassava cuttings, cocoa seedlings, and oil palm seedlings, among others. The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) osun state Commended Gov. Adeleke, whom they say,...

 Africans Urged To Find Solution To Challenges In  Education Sector Experts in the Education sector say solutions to the multifaceted education challenges of African countries can only be genuinely addressed by Africans themselves if the sector is to experience growth.  This was their submission in a bid to address the challenges facing education within the continent at a summit held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The experts, led by the Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Ogun State, Prof. Timothy Anake, stated that almost three-quarter of the global out-of-school population is in Central and Southern Asia with 34% and sub-Sahara Africa standing with 39%. The experts noted that findings  Globally show that there are more boys out of school when compared to girls: 139 million boys to 133 million girls, a trend they noted started in 2007. The education experts, however, commended the new Nigerian Education Curriculum which they say is good for reshaping the educational ...