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  2025 GATI Report: Abia, Borno, Ekiti, Anambra, Kaduna, Osun, Delta, Kano, Enugu and Kogi Rank Performing States The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers (GOMEP) Nigeria has released the much anticipated 2025 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index (GATI) Report, with Abia, Borno, Ekiti, Anambra, Kaduna, Osun, Delta, Kano, Enugu and Kogi States emerging Top 10 performing states in the country. The Report unveiled at a press conference in Abuja, the Nigeria capital territory marks the second edition of the annual Governance Accountability and Transparency Index developed by the GOMEP Nigeria, an umbrella body of more than 75 online media editors and publishers across Nigeria. The annual report seeks to strengthen democratic governance by assessing how transparently and responsibly Nigeria’s 36 state governments conduct public affairs, while also reinforcing the media’s role as an impartial watchdog on governance, social justice and public interest. *Purpose of the ...

 GOVERNOR SOLUDO COMMITS SECOND TERM TO GOD AS ANAMBRA HOLDS INTERDENOMINATIONAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE By Christian Aburime  The International Convention Center (ICC), Awka, hosted Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, and other Clergymen who led the people of Anambra in a high-profile interdenominational thanksgiving service. The event, themed "Leading with Wisdom and Integrity," served as a formal thanksgiving service to mark the Governor’s first four-year of successful service to the people of Anambra State and the renewal of  mandate for a second term  which officially commences after his and the Deputy inauguration on March 17, 2026. Addressing the capacity crowd of clergy, traditional rulers, and citizens, Governor Soludo delivered an emotional reflection on his first four years in office. He attributed his successes to divine guidance and the overwhelming support of the electorate, who returned him to office with 73 percent of the total votes cast. "Every day,...

 Burial Date Fixed for Late Nollywood Actor Odira Nwobu. The burial arrangements for late Nollywood actor, Odira Nwobu, have been officially announced by his family. According to information now available to the public, the burial date for the popular actor has now been fixed for Friday 10th April- Saturday 11 April, as preparations continue for his final rites.  May his soul continue to rest in peace. Amen.

 TARABA SENATOR JIMKUTA SPLITS ₦500M DONATION AMONG MUSLIM, CATHOLIC & PROTESTANT BODIES  A Senator representing Taraba State, Sen. Jimkuta, has donated a total of ₦500 million to support religious activities among Muslim and Christian groups across the state, providing financial assistance for Ramadan programmes, church conferences, and the redevelopment of a burnt cathedral. The donation is aimed at strengthening faith-based activities and supporting major religious gatherings that attract thousands of worshippers annually in the state. Out of the total amount, ₦100 million was allocated to the Muslim Ummah to support activities during the ongoing Ramadan fasting period. Another ₦100 million was donated to the RCCN Zion Conference to assist with preparations and organisation of its annual conference. The lawmaker also approved ₦200 million for the CRCN Bethel Conference, one of the major gatherings within the Christian Reformed Church community. In addition, ₦100 million...

 Katie Price pleads for help to save son Harvey: 'I can't lose him' Katie Price has spoken out about her growing fears for her son Harvey’s health, revealing her desperation to secure medical support. Harvey, 23, lives with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes constant hunger and can lead to severe obesity.  Katie explained on her podcast that she worries he could suffer a fatal heart attack without intervention, and she has been trying unsuccessfully to get him approved for weight loss injections.  Turning to social media, she pleaded for private doctors to step in, saying she cannot bear the thought of losing him. The reality star described how Harvey’s weight has already impacted his daily life, noting that he struggles to walk, put on shoes, and even breathe properly at night.  Doctors have previously warned her that his size puts dangerous strain on his heart. Katie stressed that while she would never administer treatment herself, she feel...

 Tim Curry recalls Macaulay Culkin as a very nice kid who sometimes fell asleep on the 'Home Alone 2' set Tim Curry recently revisited his time working on Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, sharing behind‑the‑scenes memories that highlight the realities of filmmaking.  At 79, the actor reflected during a visit to The Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library, where he explored artifacts from his career and spoke with archivist Louise Hilton.  When asked about filming at the Plaza Hotel, Curry revealed that the glamorous setting wasn’t quite as magical for the cast, admitting his room only offered a view of a brick wall. His recollections underscored how everyday details often contrast with the movie’s larger‑than‑life feel. While the Plaza became an iconic part of the sequel’s story, Curry reminded fans that for the adult cast, it was still just work.  He also shared warm memories of Macaulay Culkin, describing how the young star would stay up late watching movies and sometime...

 Kate Middleton reveals she rarely drinks alcohol after her cancer diagnosis during brewery visit Kate Middleton recently shared that she has greatly reduced her alcohol intake since being diagnosed with cancer two years ago. While visiting Bermondsey Beer Mile in London, she declined a pint and explained that she now has to be more mindful about drinking.  Instead, she opted for a soda, while Prince William mentioned his preference for cider, recalling how he grew up enjoying it in the West Country.  The couple spent the day touring breweries and learning about the area’s long-standing beer traditions. The Princess of Wales revealed in 2024 that she had undergone major abdominal surgery, initially believed to be for a noncancerous condition.  However, post-surgery tests confirmed the presence of cancer, leading her medical team to recommend preventive chemotherapy.  She later announced that her treatment was successful and that her cancer had gone into remissio...

 Ed Sheeran gives update on wife Cherry Seaborn's health after operation to remove cancerous tumor Ed Sheeran recently reflected on one of the most difficult moments of his life: learning that his wife, Cherry Seaborn, had cancer while pregnant with their second child.  Speaking on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, he recalled how Cherry phoned him in February 2022 to share the news.  Doctors discovered a tumor when she was six months pregnant with their daughter Jupiter, but surgery had to wait until after the birth.  Sheeran described the experience as terrifying, especially as he was simultaneously coping with the deaths of close friend Jamal Edwards and cricket legend Shane Warne, while also preparing for a major copyright trial. Thankfully, Seaborn underwent surgery after giving birth and has since recovered. Sheeran explained that the ordeal shifted his perspective, making the lawsuit he had long dreaded feel insignificant compared to the real-life challenges h...

 Hailey Bieber says her pregnancy was a surprise and reveals she faced a scary condition Hailey Bieber recently revealed a health challenge that could have complicated her first pregnancy.  Speaking on the SHE MD podcast, the Rhode founder explained that before conceiving her son, Jack Blues, she learned she had a uterine septum a condition that can affect pregnancy outcomes.  Her OB-GYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, had cautioned her against getting pregnant until the issue was monitored, but Hailey admitted she wasn’t focused on starting a family at the time.  Life, however, had other plans, and she unexpectedly became pregnant. Once she shared the news, her doctor expressed concern, explaining that a moderate uterine septum can raise the risk of miscarriage and preterm delivery.  Hailey’s risk was estimated at 25–40% for miscarriage and 10–20% for early birth. As the pregnancy progressed, preterm delivery became their biggest worry.  Fortunately, her body adapted...

 The Asoro family has issued a public apology for their son's role in the viral bullying assault at Igbinedion Education Centre, expressing deep remorse, committing to counseling and moral reform, while respecting the school's expulsion decision amid an ongoing police probe. PRESS RELEASE: THE ASORO FAMILY  Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria  A HEARTFELT APOLOGY FROM THE ASORO FAMILY  In the  past few days, our family has been faced with the painful reality of a video circulating online. The video involves students of Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City, and sadly, our son is among those identified. Watching the video has been one of the most distressing and heartbreaking experiences of our lives as parents. We have watched it with shock, sadness, and profound embarrassnment. As a family, we are deeply ashamed that our child was involved in conduct that has caused pain and distress to another young student. To the student who was affected, we want to say from th...

 Opposition politicians denying me credit for roads I constructed not true Igbos — Gov Otti Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to accelerated development, declaring that delivering tangible projects remains the most effective reply to criticism and denial from political opponents. Speaking at a grand civic reception held in honour of the state's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, at Annunco Secondary School in Isuikwuato on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Governor Otti addressed claims by some opposition figures that his administration's completed roads and other achievements should be credited to previous governments. The governor expressed concern over what he described as deliberate attempts to undermine his Labour Party-led administration's record, particularly in infrastructure. He stated that such denials, driven by partisan differences, contradict the values associated with Igbo identity. “You...

 POLICE BUST KIDNAPPER'S HIDEOUT IN NASARAWA STATE ; RECOVER WEAPONS  The Nasarawa State Police Command, in its fight against crime has recorded another significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, as operatives successful bust a kidnapper's den, arrested a suspect, and recovered AK - 47 Rifle. According to a statement by the command's public relations officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), Nasarawa State Command, acting on credible intelligence successfully busted the hideout of a notorious kidnapper at Gidan Akuya Village in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State It states that, upon sighting the operatives, the criminals attempted to flee the scene but were immediately hunted down by the police leading to the arrest of one Forty Three years old Jibril Yunusa Meanwhile, a thorough   search of the hideout led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle one empty magazine and ...

 ADC RELEASES TIMETABLE FOR NATIONWIDE CONGRESSES The African Democratic Congress ADC has released the timetable for its nationwide congresses ahead of the party’s national convention. In a statement jointly signed by its  National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, and the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC states that polling unit and ward congresses are scheduled for April 7, 2026, while local government congress is scheduled for April 9 whereas state congress is fixed for April 11. The process will culminate in the party’s National Convention slated for April 14, 2026.

 FIRE BRIGADE RESCUES WOMAN FROM COLLAPSED PIT LATRINE IN MPIKA The Mpika Town Council Fire Brigade has successfully rescued an adult woman who fell into a collapsed pit latrine near Mpika Urban Clinic. According to a statement issued by the council, the incident occurred on March 14, 2026, around 16:31 hours after the brigade received a distress call reporting that a person had fallen into a pit latrine in the area. A fire and rescue team led by Christopher Silungwe was immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the team conducted a rapid assessment and deployed confined-space rescue techniques to safely extricate the woman from the pit. The casualty was later evacuated to Mpika Urban Clinic for medical attention and further evaluation. Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman had gone to use the toilet when the pit latrine structure collapsed beneath her, causing her to fall into the pit. Meanwhile, Divisional Fire Officer Mukonde has urged members of the public...

 CLARIFICATION ON ALLEGED “DISAPPEARING PRIVATE PARTS” CLAIMS IN CHINGOLA  March 15, 2026 – The Zambia Police Service wishes to clarify reports circulating in the public domain alleging that a man in Chingola, Copperbelt Province, is causing men’s private parts to disappear through physical contact. On March 14, 2026, around 16:40 hours, Chingola Central Police Station received a report from a 45-year-old male resident of Chingola. With the assistance of members of the public, he apprehended a 61-year-old male suspect, also a resident of Chingola, and brought him to the station.  The suspect was accused of tapping men on the shoulder, allegedly causing their private parts to disappear.The incidents reportedly occurred earlier the same day, around 15:30 hours, within the Central Business District of Chingola.  The complainant stated that after being tapped on the shoulder by the suspect, he felt a strange sensation and believed his private parts had disappeared. Four ...

 A police sergeant from Mankweng is behind bars after allegedly shooting his ex-partner seven times, leaving her fighting to recover in hospital. Sergeant Alfred Mokgoadi Malemela, 40, has made several court appearances at the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court, where bail was repeatedly denied. He has remained in custody for four months. Malemela pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder and contravening a protection order. Prosecutors say he shot his former partner, Victoria Ramaphoko, 38, in September. She survived the attack. He last appeared in court on 10 March 2026 and is expected back on 13 May 2026 for sentencing.

Floods have forced schools across parts of Limpopo to shut down. The Department of Education has suspended classes for two days as roads disappear under water and some school buildings show damage. Learners and teachers in the worst-affected districts will stay home while authorities assess the danger. Persistent heavy rain has hit the Vhembe and Mopani districts the hardest. Many roads are now impassable, cutting off access to several schools. Incidents and structural concerns have also been reported in Capricorn South and Waterberg, raising the risk of further disruptions if rainfall continues. The department has suspended schooling on Monday, 16 March, and Tuesday, 17 March in all affected areas. Officials say flooded roads and damaged infrastructure make it unsafe for learners and staff to travel or attend classes. Reports from schools include leaking roofs and water damage inside buildings. Some schools have also been targeted by burglars who stole nutrition programme food and ele...

 Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'adu Abubakar III visited President Tinubu at the State House Abuja on Sunday March 15. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'adu Abubakar III, met with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja today, March 15. This meeting is part of the president's ongoing consultations with religious and traditional leaders to promote peace, stability, and national cohesion  Recall that President Tinubu had a similar meeting with Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama earlier, amidst concerns over religious freedom and security challenges in Nigeria. The government has been engaging with key stakeholders to address these issues and promote interfaith harmony  More photos below. 

 Unknown individuals looted palliatives at our Owerri rally – City Boy Movement An empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement, a support group for President Bola Tinubu, descended into disorder on Saturday when a large crowd surged forward and looted items intended for distribution to beneficiaries across Nigeria's South-East region. The event, held at Heroes Square in Owerri, marked the official launch of the Renewed Hope National Tour and the City Boy Movement South-East Youth Tour and Empowerment Programme on March 14, 2026. It aimed to provide support to young people, market traders, and vulnerable individuals from Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, and Enugu states. Items prepared for distribution included shuttle buses, sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, barbing kits, wheelchairs for persons with disabilities, smartphones for content creators, generator sets, laptops, cash grants, farming kits, fertilizers, and hair salon equipment. According to the mov...

 “SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE REMAINS GOVERNMENT-FUNDED FACILITY” - LASG The Lagos State Government on Thursday reiterated that the recently reconstructed Senator Oluremi Tinubu (SOT) Primary Health Centre (PHC) remains a government-funded facility.  Speaking with the media after a monitoring tour of the facility situated at Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, stated that the facility was renovated to ensure that world-class medical services are accessible to residents in the community.  "The facility is still funded by the Lagos State government and was renovated to improve access to high-quality healthcare service delivery in the community. I want to inform you all that some of the services are free and other services that involve payment are highly subsidised", she said.  She explained that the District III team found out that after the renovation of the facility last year,  s...

 AGATU YOUTHS BLOCK OWETO-OTUKPO ROAD, DEMAND URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION ON KILLINGS IN BENUE  Hundreds of youths from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State blocked the Oweto–Otukpo highway on Saturday, protesting persistent attacks on residents by suspected armed herders. The demonstration, organized by the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, highlighted growing insecurity in the area and demanded urgent intervention from both the Federal and State governments. The protest began Friday and continued into Saturday, causing traffic disruptions along the Oweto Bridge. Agatu, predominantly an Idoma community, relies on farming and fishing, but decades of militia attacks have left many villages deserted. Over 15 communities have reportedly been overrun since 2013, with hundreds of residents killed or displaced. Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Agatu killings now” and “We do not need Fulani in Agatu.” Mr. Ebi Lucky, National Youth President of the Agatu ...

 UK-bound 74-year-old grandpa arrested at Abuja airport with 11kg cocaine in balloons - As NDLEA recovers large consignments of opioids at Ebute Ero, Idumota Lagos Island raids; intercepts 339,800 bottles of codeine shipment in Apapa March 15, 2026  A 74-year-old grandpa, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered in foil papers and balloons concealed in his luggage. The septuagenarian who claimed he was travelling to London, United Kingdom for vacation, was arrested by NDLEA officers at the departure hall of the Abuja airport while attempting to board a British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow London on Saturday 14th March 2026. During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefuly wrapped in foil papers...