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 Tunisia's powerful union chief resigns, sources say, ahead of planned nationwide strike Nourredine Taboubi, head of Tunisia's most powerful labour union, resigned on Tuesday, union sources said, a month before a planned nationwide strike over President Kais Saied's escalating crackdown on dissent. Taboubi's departure could weaken the UGTT labour federation, which is widely seen as the last strong bastion of democratic civil society in the North African country. The UGTT had no immediate comment on Taboubi's reported exit. The one-million-member UGTT, which played a key role in Tunisia’s post-2011 democratic transition from decades of dictatorship, has sharply criticised Saied's accelerating drift back to authoritarian rule. The UGTT has called a nationwide strike for January 21, the first since Saied seized sweeping powers, to protest at his mounting crackdown on critics and demand wage negotiations. Saied’s critics say arrests of opposition leaders, civil soci...

 US 'not satisfied' with M23 withdrawal from Congo town, official says The Trump administration is not satisfied with the Rwanda-backed M23's withdrawal from a strategic town in eastern Congo, a senior U.S. official told Reuters, as residents reported persistent clashes nearby on Tuesday. M23 seized the town of Uvira, near the border with Burundi, on December 10, days after Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan leader Paul Kagame met President Donald Trump in Washington and reaffirmed a U.S.-brokered peace deal. The capture marked the rebels' biggest advance in months, fueling fears of regional spillover from fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands since January. After U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Rwanda's actions in mineral-rich eastern Congo were violating the peace deal, M23 last week pledged to withdraw to give peace talks a chance. While most M23 combatants have left Uvira itself, Washington is "not sat...

 DRC resumes cobalt exports after 10-month halt The Democratic Republic of Congo has resumed cobalt exports after a 10-month halt intended to stem falling prices due to global oversupply, the government said on Tuesday. The DRC is the world's leading producer of cobalt – a metal critical to top-range batteries, including those used in smartphones and electric cars. Initially imposed for four months, the ban was designed to stabilise the market "in the face of an overabundance of supply" internationally, the government said at the time. "Since Friday, the Democratic Republic of Congo has resumed exporting its cobalt," Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba told reporters, AFP reported. 'Sovereignty over raw materials' He stressed the suspension in February had been designed to ensure "national sovereignty over raw materials." The DRC produced 76% of the world's cobalt in 2024, according to the US Geological Survey. "How can we be the number-one...

 NIGERIA ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR Q4 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS IN VIRTUAL STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT  The Federal Ministry of Environment today held its Fourth Quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement virtually, where Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal presented key accomplishments from October to December under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. The session underscored Nigeria's commitment to environmental protection, sustainable resource use, biodiversity conservation, and climate action, aligning with the ministry's mandate to secure a quality environment for the health and well-being of citizens, fauna, and flora. Forestry and Afforestation Advances Significant progress was reported in reforestation efforts, with over 500,000 trees planted nationwide through departmental initiatives, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. More than 7 million drought-resistant seed...

 LAWMA HONOURS BEST PERFORMING STAFF … as corps member gets automatic employment The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has honoured outstanding members of its workforce, at a productivity award ceremony, held at its headquarters, Ijora-Olopa. The event saw a corp member getting automatic employment, while some temporary staff got full employment. The event, which brought together members of the management and staff from various departments, and operational districts, was meant to recognise and appreciate staff diligence, hard-work, professionalism and exceptional commitment to service delivery. In his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the awardees across various categories, for their resilience, discipline, and dedication to keeping Lagos clean.  He said “It will be a sin if hard-work is not recognised. All the work you do is worth more than anything, and this recognition is just a token to let you know tha...

 SANWO-OLU SWEARS IN OBASA'S SON AS AGEGE LG CHAIRMAN  •As Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa.took oath of office as Permanent Secretary     The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sworn in Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, the son of the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Mudasiru Obasa, as the Chairman of Agege Local Government.   Obasa, who had been acting in the role for some time due to the resignation of the former Chairman, Tunde Azeez, on health grounds, was sworn in on Monday, officially taking over the mantle of leadership and the responsibility to steer the affairs of Agege Local Government.   Governor Sanwo-Olu also swore in Mrs Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa as Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (OTCI).   Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said governance in Lagos is anchored on appointing capable and trustworthy individuals who app...

 Anambra first Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo gift 10 persons free Christmas Chicken Wife of Anambra Governor , Dr Nonye Soludo has annouced the names of people that were carefully selected for the Christmas chicken giveaway as announced on her page last week.  She instructed those selected to come to Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo's Headquarters, Road 13, House 6, Pita Ejiofor Street, Udoka Housing Estate, Awka, from 3pm today to collect their  prize and transport fare.  Below are the names of the lucky winners   1) Obiano Ngozi 2) Eucharia Ekwuazu Chukwuemeka 3) Nweze Chisom 4) Ichie Cyril  5) Chidozie Enendu 6) Ven Emmanuel IK Onovo 7) Chibuike Honesty Ezekonkwor 8)Maria Onuzulike 9)Hon Ibekwe Patricia  10) Nwamaka Igwedumma

 ‎Alex Otti restores power to 33 communities after 9year blackout ‎ ‎Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has restored electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, thereby ending nine years of blackout and neglect in the oil-rich communities. ‎ ‎The Power Restoration Project was executed by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, under the supervision of the Abia State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, in line with the promise made by the Governor to the people in March 2025. ‎ ‎Performing the power switch-on ceremony at Central Primary School, Obehie, on Monday, Otti—who rode to the event in the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle EV bus alongside members of his cabinet—recalled that he had promised to restore electricity to the communities and to investigate the case of Mr Promise Onwukwe, whom he said had now been restored to service, as promised. ‎ ‎Otti called on the people of Ukwa to protect the electrici...

 Residents Petition Soludo Over Alleged Illegal Land Takeover in Anambra Community. Rising tension has gripped Omalima Layout in Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, following allegations of an illegal land takeover reportedly carried out under the guise of government authority. Residents say panic broke out on Tuesday when armed men, allegedly claiming to be acting on “government directives,” invaded the area and prevented landowners from accessing their properties. According to multiple accounts, houses and perimeter fences were demolished, triggering fear, confusion, and widespread distress within the community. The incident led to a spontaneous protest by residents, who accused the invaders of forceful and unlawful land seizure and called for immediate intervention by the Anambra State Government. Chairman of the estate, Chief Moses, whose property was also reportedly affected, described the situation as devastating. He maintained that landowners in ...

 Anambra pressure group decries high cost or house Rent says two-bedroom flat with a parlour now goes for between ₦1 million and ₦3 million in Awka Tenants across Anambra State have raised an alarm over what they described as arbitrary and exploitative rent hikes, announcing the formation of a Pressure Group aimed at confronting alleged abuses by landlords, property agents and house managers The group was unveiled on Monday in Awka as a platform to address intimidation, harassment and what members called indiscriminate charges imposed on tenants in major cities across the State. Speaking on behalf of the group, its convener, Paschal Candle, said tenants were being subjected to excessive rent increases ranging from 150 to 300% alongside multiple fees such as caution fees, legal fees, security fees and agency commissions far above acceptable limits. According to him, property agents now charge between 5 and 15% while landlords continue to raise rents without regard for prevailing eco...

 Burning of tyres on the road is unacceptable in Awka- Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Boss warns resident  The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Dr. Ossy Onuko, has cautioned residents against burning tyres on newly constructed roads, warning that the practice damages asphalt and accelerates road deterioration. Dr. Onuko gave the warning in Awka while receiving Ward Chairmen of Awka South Local Government Area who paid him a courtesy visit to celebrate the victory of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in the recent gubernatorial election, where he emerged victorious in all 21 local government areas of Anambra State. He described tyre burning on roads as “terrible and unacceptable,” stressing that ACTDA has banned the act and that offenders will face the full weight of the law. According to him, once tyres are burnt on asphalt, the road is permanently damaged. Speaking on the Yuletide season...

 Enugwu-Nanka Village cries out to Government, World Bank, Others Over Gully Erosion Devastation The people of Enugwu-Nanka Village in Orumba North Local Government Area have cried out to the Federal and State Governments, as well as the World Bank and environmental agencies, to save the area from the devastating effects of gully erosion ravaging the community. Conducting the ABS crew around the affected sites, the Chairman of the Enugwu-Nanka Erosion and Flood Control Committee, Chief Emmanuel Osele, said the gully erosion has displaced over two hundred families who were forced to relocate to other areas, while many houses worth billions of naira have caved into the gullies, rendering several households homeless, with other buildings on the verge of collapse if urgent action is not taken. Chief Osele added that farmlands, access roads linking the village with neighbouring Amakor and Ubahu villages, and other critical infrastructure in the area have been swallowed by the gully, exp...

 Anambra State Taxes, Levies  and Presumptive Tax (Approved List for Collection) Law will take effect from January 1 2026. - Anambra Assembly The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed Anambra State Taxes, Levies  and Presumptive Tax (Approved List for Collection) Law 2025. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided during the plenary read out the bill for the third time and the House unanimously adopted it through voice votes. The law is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026. The provisions contained in the bill says any person who mounts a roadblock or causes a roadblock to be mounted for the purpose of collecting fees or levies in contravention of Sections 52 and 53 of the Anambra State Taxes, Levies and Presumptive Tax (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding ₦2 million or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both. The bill, which was deliberated upon at the Committee of ...

 Rector Calls for Unity, Love and Moral Renewal amidst Achievements  ....as Federal Polytechnic Oko Celebrates Christmas Carol of 9 Lessons By Uzo Ugwunze  The Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, has called on the school's management, staff and students to use the Christmas season to reflect on the love of God, unite together and share with each other, especially with the less privileged persons around them in humility and righteousness. She made the call during the 2025 edition of Carol of Nine Lessons which held at the Convocation arena, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, urging all management, staff and students of the polytechnic to uphold peace, discipline, and institutional pride as they join hands to move the institution to greater heights as proud and worthy ambassadors of the institution According to Dr. Awuzie, Christmas is more than a celebration. It is a call to unity, love and moral renewal. A peri...

 Comprehensive Medical Centre Awkuzu Marks End of Year with Celebration of Transferred Matrons, Ex Corps Members  By Ginika Oguji The entire family of Comprehensive Medical Centre Awkuzu (CMC) has celebrated its 2025 end of year with send forth ceremony and presentation of gifts to promoted matrons and  ex corpers  The event which was held at the hospital's open hall was well attended by the entire CMC Awkuzu Family.  In her opening remarks, the Chief Medical Director(CMD) of the hospital, Dr Adaobi Odina thanked the Staff for their efforts and dedication throughout year.  Expressing her gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout the year 2025, she noted that the end of year ceremony was also an opportunity to honour the former head matron that was recently appointed as head of the nursing unit of the state hospital management board with her second who was also transferred to the hospital board as well as to say a very big thank you to three ex corp m...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE  The editors, COURTESY VISIT: Bauchi State Police Command Hosts Corporate Affairs Commission's Officials The Bauchi State Police Command received a courtesy visit from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Bauchi State Office. The delegation was led by the Head of Office, Alhaji Abdulqadeer Yerima Giade (Ajiyan Giade), and accompanied by three other officials. The visit took place at the Police Headquarters, Yandoka Road, Bauchi. The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu psc(+), mni, hosted the officials. During the visit, Alhaji Giade stated that the purpose was to familiarize himself with the Commissioner and to strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the Police and the Commission in the state. He further highlighted plans for a public sensitization campaign to educate citizens on new business procedures and the seamless registration process offered by the CAC. He requested the support and cooperation of the P...

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE WELFARE: IG DECORATES 1 DIG, 7 AIGs, 13 CPs WITH NEW RANKS …Calls for Ethical, Results Driven Leadership The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, decorated newly promoted senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The ceremony featured the elevation of one Assistant Inspector-General of Police to Deputy Inspector-General of Police, seven Commissioners of Police to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and thirteen Deputy Commissioners of Police to substantive Commissioners of Police. The promotions followed a rigorous and transparent process conducted by the Police Service Commission after which 1,210 officers were promoted nationwide.  Those decorated were DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel; AIGs Ihebom M. Chukwuma, Olatokunbo Maxwell Olabisi, Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi, Lawal Babtunde Ayodeji, Emmanuel Agene, Alonyenu Francis Iduh, and Vungm...