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 Panama‑flagged cargo ship sinks off Western Sahara, Morocco's transport ministry says A Panama‑flagged cargo vessel, the Dura Bulk, sank off the coast of Western Sahara, Morocco's transport ministry said. The ship, which was carrying a cargo of clinker, a key ingredient in cement production, went down on Saturday after reporting water ingress en route to Laayoune's port in Western Sahara, the ministry said in a statement, Reuters reported. All crew have been rescued, and authorities opened an investigation into the incident, it added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Sunday said the National Assembly approved a hybrid system of electronic and manual transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act to prevent voter disenfranchisement and reduce apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections. Abbas explained that Nigeria’s limited internet penetration and unstable power supply made it impractical to rely solely on real-time electronic transmission across the country. Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Felix Costales, at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Abbas said, “Sometimes, people scream far beyond the exact level of the issue. “A lot of people think that we need to embrace electronic transmission in real-time in Nigeria, but within the very short period that you’ve been in Nigeria, you should be able to speak on the quality of our internet network. “You should know that even in advanced cities like Abuja, you are not guaranteed st...

 PRESS REL‍EASE REVOLUTION‍IZING UR‌BAN MOBILITY: A‍B‌IA STATE GOVERNMEN⁠T CO⁠MME⁠NCES CASHLESS P‍AYMENT S‍YSTEM F‌O‌R GREEN SHUTTLE BUS S‌ERVIC‍ES The Abia State Government ha‍s commenced the full rol‍l‌out of the Abia‌ Connect Ca‍rd, the official cashless payment system fo‍r th⁠e Green‌ Shuttle Bus Service, as part of the de⁠liberate efforts‌ of the administrati⁠on of H⁠is Excelle‌n‌cy, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti,‍ OFR, to modernize public t‍ranspo‌rtation and de‌liver a seamless commuting experience to Ndi Abia. This initiative, driven through the Ministry of Transportation, represents another mi⁠lestone in the ongoing transforma‌tion of critical public infrast‌ructure under the pre‌sent administration. It r⁠einforce‍s our commitment to buildi⁠ng a digital⁠, transp‍are‌nt, an⁠d effici‍ent transport ecosystem across the State. The transition to the Ab‍ia Connect Card al‌s‌o known as the “Abia‍ Sta‍te Card”, eliminates the i‍n⁠conveniences a‍ssociated with c⁠ash payments, includ‌ing del...

  ICPC recovers wiretapping equipment allegedly capable of tapping conversations and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai The commission said all the suspected items were retrieved in the presence of the former governor’s wife, Hadiza, and his son, Mohammed Bello, during a search on El-Rufai’s residence. The agency also alleged that the former governor declined to cooperate with investigators, opting to remain silent until he is brought before a court. It added that an aide of the former governor linked to the investigation had escaped from the country. The anti-graft body made the claims in processes filed before the court, where El-Rufai is seeking redress and release from detention. The commission also said it obtained a legal order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to detain el-Rufai for 14 days, which is due to expire on Thursday. It denied allegations of arbitrary detention and repression...

 Okpaligwe Amawbia Chief Uche Sunday Okonkwo Initiated into Ozo Society By Regina Igwebuike Chief Uche Sunday Okonkwo, the certified Traditional Ruler of Amawbia community, has been initiated into the prestigious Ozo society, marking a significant step toward his coronation as Okpaligwe Amawbia. The four-day ceremony, which began on February 26, was attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Mayor Awka South, Prince Chinedu Okafor, political appointees, traditional rulers, age grades, women folks, friends and well-wishers. The initiation involved traditional rituals, including kpololo ozo, washing of hands and legs, and festivities.  In his address, Chief Okonkwo expressed gratitude to Ndi Ozo, Ndi Nze, Amawbia Town Union Executive, friends, and well-wishers for their support. He promised to lead Amawbia to greater heights, restoring peace, unity, and lost glory, noting that Ozo title is a symbol of le...

 FAAN APPEALS FOR PATIENCE AND COOPERATION AS GO CASHLESS PROGRAMME COMMENCES The federal airports authority of Nigeria (FAAN) appreciates all motorists and airport users as the faan go cashless programme officially comes into full operation on Sunday march 1st 2026, at the access gates of the Murtala Muhammed international airport Lagos and  Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport Abuja in alignment with the federal government’s directive on cashless transactions.   FAAN on its x handle acknowledges the traffic build-up experienced at the access gates on sunday march 1st.  The authority says despite the wide publicity, notices, and repeated announcements issued ahead of the commencement date, a significant number of motorists opted to register for their go cashless cards at the gates on sunday which created pressure on the toll lanes and resulted in temporary gridlock.  FAAN remains deeply empathetic to the inconvenience experienced.  To ease the situati...

 Air India, IndiGo suspend all flights to Middle East India’s two largest private carriers IndiGo and Air India suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East on Saturday after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran. “In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended,” Air India said in a statement posted on X. IndiGo said it was also suspending flights temporarily in view of the safety and security of customers and crew. “Our teams are continuously monitoring the evolving situation and recalibrating operations to minimise disruption as much as possible,” the carrier said on X. New Delhi has historically balanced its ties with Israel while engaging widely with other Gulf nations, home to millions of Indian migrants. The region is also a critical source of energy for the world’s fastest growing major economy. The strikes on Iran come just a day after Prime Ministe...

 Carrick not interested in personal Glasner duel Michael Carrick says the chance to inflict damage on one of the men thought to be a contender to be Manchester United's next head coach will not be a motivating factor in Sunday's game against Crystal Palace. Palace manager Oliver Glasner is second favourite for the permanent role with most bookmakers, despite a troubled campaign in which he has openly criticised his club's board, lost in the FA Cup to Macclesfield and fallen out with supporters amid a struggling Premier League campaign. Interim United boss Carrick is now the favourite, thanks to five wins and a draw from his six games in charge. It is a record which, after Aston Villa's shock defeat at Wolves on Friday, means United will go third in the table for the first time since the end of the 2022-23 campaign if they beat Palace at Old Trafford. That is enough of a motivation for Carrick, who says there is no personal element to his preparations at all. "It is...

 Kelly Osbourne slams trolls for 'kicking' her while she's down, says she's 'going through the hardest time of my life' Kelly Osbourne has spoken out against the cruelty she’s been facing online following her appearance at the 2026 BRIT Awards, where she accepted a lifetime achievement award for her late father, Ozzy Osbourne.  In a heartfelt Instagram Stories post, the television personality condemned trolls for targeting her during a vulnerable time, saying that attacking someone who is already struggling reveals “a profound absence of compassion and character.”  She stressed that she refuses to be dehumanized while navigating the hardest period of her life. Her comments came just days after she addressed body-shaming remarks about her recent appearance. One particularly harsh comment referenced her father’s death, prompting Kelly to share it publicly and call out the abuse.  She expressed disbelief at how “disgusting” some people can be, adding that no one de...

 Susan Sarandon says she's been blacklisted from Hollywood for recent Gaza remarks Susan Sarandon says her outspoken advocacy for Gaza has had a major impact on her career. At a press conference in Barcelona ahead of the Goya Awards, the 77‑year‑old actress revealed she was dropped by her agency in 2023 after marching and calling for a ceasefire, making it “impossible” for her to work in Hollywood.  She explained that since then, she has only been able to find acting opportunities in Europe, including a play at London’s Old Vic and a recent film in Italy. Sarandon admitted that even abroad, casting has been difficult. She recalled that a director in Italy was warned not to hire her, though he ultimately did.  For now, she says she specializes in independent films and smaller projects outside the U.S. She contrasted the censorship she feels in America with Spain’s more vocal opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, praising Spanish leaders and actors like Javier Bardem for ...

Trump says 48 leaders killed in strikes on Iran in Fox News interview U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have resulted in the deaths of 48 leaders. Speaking in an interview, Trump described the operations as progressing rapidly, noting that the efforts have been ongoing for decades. “Nobody can believe the success we’re having,” he said, emphasizing that 48 leaders were eliminated in a single action and that the campaign is continuing at a fast pace.

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a nationwide mock presidential election ahead of the 2027 general elections. The exercise is designed to thoroughly test the commission’s result-transmission infrastructure and prevent a recurrence of the technical setbacks experienced in previous polls. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the disclosure on Sunday during the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026 held in Abuja. He assured Nigerians of the commission’s resolve to deliver the most credible election in the country’s history. “By the grace of God, the 2027 election will be the best Nigeria has ever had,” Amupitan declared. He noted that the 2027 electorate is more aware and understands the direct link between credible elections and national development. The planned mock presidential exercise will simulate a full nationwide presidential poll to confirm seamless transmission of results across state boundaries. Amupitan ex...

 NIGERIA AND CAMEROON SIGN TECHNICAL AERONAUTICAL SEARCH AND RESCUE AGREEMENT Nigeria and Cameroon Have Signed a Technical  Aeronautical Search and Rescue Agreement to Enhance Aviation Safety and Cooperation.  The Agreement was Formalized by the Minster of Aviation and Aerospace Development   Festus Keyamo and Cameroon's Transport Minister  Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibehe. It was Aimed to Strengthen Emergency Response,  Joint Operation and Communication Between the two Countries Rescue Coordination Centres. This Aligns with Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda,  Focusing on Safety, Regional integration,  And Protecting Lives of Citizens. More photos below . 

 LAWMA MD INTENSIFIES HIGHWAY SANITATION MONITORING, ENDS TOUR AT OLUSOSUN The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, on Saturday, conducted an intensified on-site assessment of highway sanitation operations as part of the Authority’s ongoing statewide waste evacuation and operational optimisation drive. The inspection covered key sections of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor, where targeted waste disposal interventions were strengthened to enhance cleanliness, traffic flow, and environmental compliance. The tour also extended to vegetal waste clearing activities along the median of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, with a focus on improving visibility, restoring orderliness, and sustaining routine maintenance standards along the corridor. During the assessment, the Managing Director reviewed operational deployment, equipment utilisation, workforce coordination, and overall service performance at the monitored locations. He stre...

 Somali army, Ugandan forces launch new operation against Al Shabab terrorists The Somali army, backed by Ugandan troops from the African Union mission (AUSSOM) and other foreign partners, launched a new operation named “Operation Rolling Thunder” in southern Somalia to target strongholds of the Al Shabab terrorist group, a Defence Ministry statement said on Sunday, Anadolu Agency reported. The ministry said the forces are focusing on dismantling key Al Shabab positions in the Lower Shabelle region and disrupting the Al Qaeda-linked group’s access to the routes used for terrorist activities. It said the operation aims to weaken Al Shabab’s operational capacity, remove remaining terrorists plotting attacks, and safeguard civilians along with key agricultural and production areas. The ministry vowed that Operation Rolling Thunder will continue until the terrorist group is “fully eradicated as a threat to peace, progress, and state-building in Somalia.” AUSSOM's mandate extended Al Sh...

 Kaduna-Based Cleric, Sheikh Gumi Hails Iran’s Supreme Leader As ‘Lucky Soul’ Who Died In Jihad   Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has reacted to reports of the death of Ali Khamenei, describing the Iranian leader as “a lucky soul” who “died in jihad.” In a post shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Gumi said Khamenei died “in jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere.” He added that Khamenei’s blood “will fuel the change in the ummah,” stating that the Iranian leader stood firmly for justice and “didn’t hide in bunkers.” Gumi wrote: “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: A lucky soul, he died in Jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere.”

 PRESS RELEASE  TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI CRUSH MULTIPLE ISWAP ATTACKS IN GAJIRAM, GAJIGANA , MAYANTI, RECOVER HEAVY ARMS AND AMMUNITIONS Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have once again demonstrated resilience and battlefield dominance by decisively foiling coordinated ISWAP attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, while intensifying offensive operations across Sector 2. The failed assaults, launched between the late hours of 28 February and early hours of 1 March 2026, underscore the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained pressure on their enclaves, logistics corridors and leadership structures. While the attack on Gajigana was successfully thwarted troops maintaining full control of their position, the encounters at Mayanti and Gajiram resulted in significant terrorist casualties and the recovery of substantial combat equipment. OPHK’s sustained offensive posture continues to deny t...

 Anambra Govt Inaugurates New Caretaker Committee for Nkwo Umunze Market, Warns Against Monday Closure By Ebele Iyke Odili / Amaka Isikala The Anambra State Government has inaugurated a new caretaker committee for Nkwo Umunze Market in Orumba South Local Government Area, following the dissolution of the former leadership over non-compliance with the state’s directive on Monday trading. The inauguration, carried out through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, is aimed at ensuring effective administration of the market and improved government revenue collection. Speaking during the inauguration, Chief Uba reiterated the state government’s position that markets across Anambra must operate fully on Mondays, noting that the sit-at-home order has since been relaxed in the state. He warned the newly constituted committee that failure to ensure full compliance with Monday trading activities would attract immediate dissolution. “We expe...

 South East Development Commission Move To Harness Anambra Agric Potentials By Chukwuka Ugokwe The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has stated its commitment to collaborate with the state government to attract investors to unlock agricultural potentials of the state. The Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development, SEDC, Dr Cliff Ogbede, made this known during an inspection visit with a Team from the State Ministry of Agriculture to Orumba and Ayamelum Local Government Areas. He said that they came to explore the agric potentials of the state for its proposed agro mechanization program for the betterment of the state as well as benefits of local farmers. "We are currently in Anambra conducting mapping, site inspection for our proposed agro mechanization program which we want to do with the state governments in the region. To achieve this, he said SEDC would attract investors who are interested in the sector and create enabling environment for t...

 ACTDA Demolishes Encroaching Structures for Road Expansion in Okpuno By Ukpa Ewa The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has commenced the demolition of fences and other structures encroaching on Ikenga Umuawulu Street, Okpuno, near Mable Arc Hotel, as part of efforts to expand and upgrade road infrastructure within the Awka Capital Territory. Speaking during the demolition exercise in Awka, the Head of Enforcement Unit , ACTDA Mr. Ukachukwu Okonkwo, said the road, which links the Pinnacle area to Abakaliki Street, is an existing interconnecting route that has served residents for many years. According to him, the expansion is aimed at improving traffic movement within the capital centre and aligning the road with approved urban development standards. He explained that affected property owners had previously been warned against building beyond the approved setback but failed to comply, necessitating the removal of structures obstructing the approved road alignment...