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 GUINNESS WORLD RECORD OFFICIAL ATTEMPT : NSCDC SPEAKS AT 20 DAYS OF ELOQUENCE. The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ),  Prof., Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR approves the participation of the Corps' Personnel in "20 Days of Eloquence - Nigeria Speaks to the World," a Guinness World Official Record Attempt for the Longest Public Speaking Relay, scheduled to take place in Lagos from 1st April to 21st April, 2026. The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro charges participants drawn from the Command to represent the service to see themselves as Ambassadors  with the view to making the Corps proud at the very rare global speaking opportunity. The Dean, School of Eloquence ( West Africa's Only Certified Speaking Professional ), Mr Ubong Essien, CSP, arpa, welcomes the NSCDC participants; Assistant Commandant of Corps Adebimpe Bada and Superintendent of Corps Oluwaseun Abolurin today, Saturday, 11th April, 2026 to its g...

 U.S and Iran begin direct talks in Islamabad with Pakistani mediation, first high-level contact since 1979 Direct negotiations between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Pakistani mediation, have begun in Islamabad, according to Iranian media reports. The talks mark the most significant level of engagement between U.S. and Iranian officials since 1979, underscoring a rare diplomatic opening between the two long-standing adversaries. Despite the historic nature of the meeting, prospects for a breakthrough are seen as limited. Both sides are aware that a failure to reach an understanding could raise the risk of renewed conflict, but they remain far apart on key issues and continue to hold competing visions for a potential peace framework.

Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh wins sixth term with 97.81% of vote in landslide election   Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has secured a sixth term in office after winning 97.81% of the vote in Friday’s election, according to official results. Guelleh, 78, has led the small Horn of Africa nation for more than two decades, governing a country of roughly 1 million people. Last year, lawmakers removed presidential age limits, clearing the way for him to remain in power. Election officials said the vote was peaceful, with supporters gathering at the presidential palace on Saturday to celebrate the outcome. Guelleh faced only one challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar, a former member of the ruling party, in a contest widely seen by analysts as lacking meaningful competition. Opposition groups in Djibouti have often boycotted elections, citing limits on political freedoms. He came to power in 1999 after succeeding his uncle, former President Hassan Gouled Aptidon, continuing a...

 Bob Law, pioneering Black talk radio host of Night Talk, dies at 86 MINEOLA, NEW YORK - Bob Law, a pioneering Black talk radio host whose decades-long career helped shape national conversations on politics, culture, and community issues, died March 30 in Mineola, New York. He was 86. His daughter, Abina Law Napier, said he died in a hospital from kidney disease. Law became widely known for his influential overnight program “Night Talk,” a midnight-to-5 a.m. call-in show on WWRL-AM that was later broadcast nationally. Beginning in 1981, the program featured interviews with prominent figures, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. Maxine Waters, actor Denzel Washington, and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, alongside live listener discussions on issues such as economic empowerment, policing, identity, and social justice. Beyond broadcasting, Law was also an activist and organizer. Standing 6-foot-9, he participated in major political and cultural movement...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES APC SPOKESMAN FELIX MORKA ON HIS BIRTHDAY President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mr Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on his birthday. In a statement by Bayo Onanuga  Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, The President shares in the joys of the occasion with the National Executive Council (NEC), the National Working Committee (NWC), and all members of the party as Morka celebrates another year in good health.  President Tinubu acknowledges the pedigree of the APC spokesman, especially as a human rights advocate who worked extensively with civil society organisations before venturing into politics, bringing his vast experience in strategic communication to properly interpret and explain the party's manifesto.  It adds, the President states that Morka, who is also the chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), has continued to build understanding between t...

 Harrison Ford opens up about struggle with depression in early life Many people assume their lives are flawless, yet reality often tells a different story.  Harrison Ford, celebrated for his legendary career and iconic roles, recently revealed a deeply personal struggle that contrasted sharply with his public image.  In a rare moment of openness, the actor admitted that during his youth he endured a silent battle with depression, spending days confined to his room. Ford explained that his college years were marked by isolation and withdrawal. He described how even simple tasks, like attending class, felt overwhelming.  At times, he would order food, eat alone, and retreat back to bed, avoiding social interaction altogether.  His candid recollections painted a picture of someone not just mildly unwell, but profoundly affected by psychological distress. This revelation is striking given Ford’s reputation as a charismatic, fearless figure on screen.  His hone...

 Kamala Harris says she 'might' run for president in 2028 Kamala Harris, the former vice president, has hinted that she may pursue another presidential run in 2028 after her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election.  Speaking at the National Action Network Convention in New York alongside Rev. Al Sharpton, Harris acknowledged she is considering the possibility, noting her extensive experience in the Oval Office and Situation Room as preparation for the role.  The audience responded enthusiastically, chanting “Run again!” as she discussed the future of American leadership. Reflecting on her past campaigns, Harris recalled her first presidential bid in 2020, which ended before voting began, and her eventual rise to the Democratic nomination in 2024 after Joe Biden’s late withdrawal.  With only 107 days to campaign, she was unable to overcome Trump’s dominance in swing states and the popular vote.  Following the defeat, Harris authored a memoir titled 107 Days and...

 Iconic Batman & Dunkirk actor John Nolan, uncle to Christopher Nolan, dies aged 87 Actor John Nolan, known for his roles in The Dark Knight Rises and Person of Interest, has died at the age of 87.  His passing was reported by the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald, with his wife Kim Hartman remembering him as a “free spirit” and “the kindest person” she had ever known.  She praised his intelligence, wit, and devotion to family, noting that he was also a gifted teacher who could explain Shakespeare as easily as a golf swing. Born in London in 1938, Nolan trained at the Drama Centre before taking the lead in Romeo & Juliet at Richmond Theatre.  He went on to perform with the Royal Court Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company, later making his television debut in The Prisoner in 1967.  His career spanned decades, with appearances in series such as Doomwatch, General Hospital, and Crown Court.  He gained recognition for playing ex-MI6 agent John Greer in Pe...

 Traditional Ruler, Five Others Killed and Burnt by Gunmen in Brutal Imo Attack A tragic incident has thrown Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State, into mourning after unidentified gunmen brutally killed six people, including the community’s traditional ruler, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme. The victims were the monarch, two of his brothers, his driver, and his security aides. They were attacked on Friday, and after carrying out the killings, the assailants reportedly set the victims’ bodies on fire along with the traditional ruler’s official vehicle. Eze Ekwueme had recently returned to the community due to health challenges. His visit was aimed at reconnecting with his people, and earlier that day, he had attended a meeting with women in the area. Shortly after the meeting, he and those accompanying him were ambushed along Asa Awara Road by armed men who opened fire and killed them. Information circulating online, including a video of the aftermath, in...

 Photos: Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) CON, OFR was the Chairman of the occasion that attracted other dignitaries  including His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Executive Governor, Adamawa State and His Royal Highness Prof. Bulus Luka Gadiga, MBEGE KA MICHIKA at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Michika Annual Cultural Festival held in Michika LGA, Adamawa State on Saturday 11th April, 2026. Marwa seized the opportunity to address the gathering on the dangers of substance abuse and called for the support of all stakeholders for the ongoing efforts against the drug scourge.  ‎More photos below. 

 I Thought We’d Get Married - Sinitta Opens Up on Why Her Long Romance With Simon Cowell Fell Apart Sinitta has spoken openly about her long and complicated history with Simon Cowell, revealing the emotional reason their decades-long on-and-off romance never led to marriage. During Friday’s episode of I’m A Celebrity All Stars, the singer shared a candid moment with campmates as she reflected on the relationship that stretched over more than 20 years. The pair first met in a London nightclub in the early 1980s when Sinitta was still a teenager. Looking back, she admitted she always believed Simon would eventually become her husband. Speaking honestly, Sinitta said the relationship was difficult at times, especially because Simon was not always faithful, while she admits she became deeply attached. “He wasn’t a faithful boyfriend. He wouldn’t mind me saying it because he knows,” she said. “I was very possessive, but he kind of likes that.” She went on to explain that her feelings of...

 Navy Veteran and Lung Cancer Survivor, 85, Delivers Food for Uber Eats 5 Days a Week to Cover Medical Bills An 85-year-old Navy veteran who survived lung cancer has opened up about why he returned to work in his later years, revealing that mounting medical bills forced him out of retirement. Herbert “Bert” Coffen now spends several days a week delivering meals for Uber Eats, often with his wife Rae by his side, as the couple tries to stay afloat financially. Bert, who lives in Lee County, Florida, said he has been working for the delivery service for more than a year. While he once worked five days a week, his health has since forced him to cut back to three or four days. On a good week, he says the earnings are modest. “I make close to $100, $150 on a week, if it’s a good week,” he shared. The veteran explained that he and his wife had hoped to enjoy a peaceful retirement after relocating, but repeated health expenses slowly eroded the savings they had built over the years. “We h...

 Ben Affleck gifts Jennifer Lopez his portion of their $60 million mansion for free Ben Affleck has reportedly transferred his entire ownership stake in the Beverly Hills mansion he once shared with Jennifer Lopez, giving up his share of the property without receiving payment. According to TMZ, the former couple recently updated their property settlement paperwork, which included a “transfer of property among spouses.” While the document does not detail the terms, sources cited by the outlet say Affleck handed over his full interest in the $60 million estate at no cost. Representatives for both Affleck and Lopez had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting. The pair purchased the sprawling 38,000-square-foot Beverly Hills home for about $60.85 million in June 2023 while still married. The property features 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, and extensive amenities including a basketball court, and was originally intended to be their shared marital residence. However, ...

     The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to step down immediately, citing fresh allegations of bias towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) based on archived social media posts. The opposition party, which has previously criticised Amupitan’s leadership, made the demand on Saturday while reacting to claims that old tweets from an X (formerly Twitter) account linked to him showed pro-APC sentiments, including expressions perceived as supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The controversy intensified after US-based Nigerian scholar Farooq Kperogi published a column highlighting the alleged posts. Kperogi argued that the tweets undermine public confidence in INEC’s neutrality and urged the chairman to resign. He shared excerpts of the column on his X handle, sparking divided reactions on social media over the authenticity and implications of the post...

 OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE ABIA STATE CHAPTER OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) The attention of the Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has been drawn to a misleading and unacceptable statement credited to Elder Uchenna Erondu Uchenna Jnr, who currently represents Obingwa West Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly. He was elected on the platform of our party, the PDP, but has recently decamped to the All Progressives Congress. For the avoidance of doubt, we state categorically that he cannot and does not speak for Abia PDP. Having chosen to leave the party, he has forfeited any authority, whether moral or political, to represent or interpret the position of the PDP. At best, he now speaks for himself, and possibly for his new party, if so authorized. His claim that the PDP is endorsing an APC gubernatorial candidate in Abia State is not only false, but profoundly careless. It is a statement that raises serious concern as to the basis and intent behind...

 UNDILUTED ACCOUNT OF THE UN VISIT TO YELEWATA Let this be on record, Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is deliberate and desperate in denying the genocide in Benue State for only God-knows-why. I witnessed it firsthand yesterday in Yelewata, and I wept for our people.  I can bet that under Governor Alia, the future of our people feels uncertain and unsafe. The evidence is so glaring. The disappointment in Yelewata was so deep and visible in the face of our people.  Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have been in Yelewata to witness this painful denial that I have been hearing about. But our elder brother, Barr. Franc Utoo, gave us an assignment to do which will serve as a memorial for our slain family members and kinsmen, and that was what brought us there. What I saw broke me. That morning of yesterday, while traveling to the village with my brother Andy Nomsoor, we received a notification that the Deputy Secretary of the United Nations, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, was visiting Yelewat...

 NIGERIA SANCTIONS COMMITTEE PUBLISHES NAMES OF 48 TERRORISM FINANCING SUSPECTS The Federal Government has published a list of 48 individuals and organisations allegedly linked to terrorism financing, in a move aimed at tightening Nigeria’s crackdown on terror networks. The disclosure, made by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, signals a renewed push to disrupt financial flows sustaining insecurity across the country. Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges, including insurgency and banditry, with authorities increasingly focusing on cutting off funding sources. Financial tracking has become a key strategy in counterterrorism efforts. The list was released on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), the body responsible for implementing targeted financial sanctions. Those named are alleged to have direct or indirect links to terrorism financing. The government did not immediately provide detailed breakdowns of specific roles or transactions tied to each individu...

 Kuturmi Community Stakeholders Hold Security Dialogue With Military, DSS In Kaduna Over Abduction Of Residents The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), based in Awon Town, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has held high-level security consultations with military and intelligence authorities over recent abductions in the area. According to a statement from KUDA, the engagement brought together community stakeholders and senior security officials, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division, Kaduna—Nigerian Army—General ASM Wase, alongside other senior officers, as well as representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between security agencies and local communities to improve response to ongoing security challenges in Kachia Local Government Area, particularly following the reported kidnapping of 37 persons from Ariko and nearby communities. KUDA noted that the dialogue also address...

 Burt Reynolds told Sandy Duncan he 'wanted to kill' her at height of 'Barney' fame, she says Sandy Duncan, whose career spans seven decades with Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe nominations, is still remembered by many for her brief role in Barney & the Backyard Gang.  In 1988, during a Hollywood writers’ strike, Duncan accepted the part of “Mom” in the direct‑to‑video children’s series about a purple dinosaur.  Though she had already built a reputation in family entertainment with Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and voice work for Scooby‑Doo and The Fox and the Hound, she admitted later that she was surprised by the project’s simplicity and returned to her regular work after filming three episodes. The success of the videos led to PBS picking up Barney & Friends, and producers asked Duncan to reprise her role.  She recalled being pitched on the franchise’s future, including plush toys and merchandising, but declined the offer a decision she later regretted.  Despite...

 Pope Leo XIV and Trump clash over Iran war and immigration as Vatican-White House divide widens Pope Leo XIV and President Trump are engaged in an escalating public dispute over immigration policy and the war involving Iran, highlighting a widening divide between the Vatican and the White House on issues of war, diplomacy, and humanitarian concerns. The tension has grown as the pope sharply criticized Trump’s rhetoric about the conflict, calling threats suggesting widespread destruction of a civilization “truly unacceptable” and warning that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law. He has repeatedly urged restraint, diplomacy, and an end to inflammatory language surrounding the war. Leading U.S. Catholic figures, including Cardinal Blase Cupich and Cardinal Robert McElroy, have echoed those concerns, condemning civilian harm and questioning whether the conflict meets traditional just war standards, while other Catholic leaders have also criticized U.S. immigra...

 US Navy ships cross Strait of Hormuz in first transit since war began, amid efforts to restore commercial shipping confidence Several U.S. Navy ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday in a coordinated operation aimed at restoring maritime traffic through the critical waterway, according to a U.S. official. The passage, which was not coordinated with Iran, marks the first known transit of U.S. warships through the strait since the outbreak of recent hostilities. Officials said the operation was intended to bolster confidence for commercial shipping and reinforce freedom of navigation in international waters. According to the U.S. official, the vessels traveled from east to west into the Gulf before returning through the strait toward the Arabian Sea, completing a full transit of the narrow passage off Iran’s southern coast. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, handling a significant share of global oil traffic. Commercial activity thro...

 Section of Eiffel Tower’s original 1889 staircase set for auction, expected to fetch up to $176,000 A 137-year-old section of the Eiffel Tower’s original spiral staircase is set to be auctioned next May, offering buyers a rare chance to own part of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The nine-foot-tall piece, which includes 14 steps, once connected the second level of the tower to its summit before the staircase was dismantled in 1983 during modernization work to install elevators. The staircase was originally divided into 24 sections, with some pieces donated to museums and others sold to private collectors. The section now going up for sale is currently owned by a French businessman who has kept it in storage for decades after acquiring it in the original auction. It has since been restored by specialists who maintain the Eiffel Tower. Auction officials describe the piece as a rare historical artifact tied not only to the tower’s engineering legacy but also to its cultural...

 Netherlands becomes first European country to approve Tesla’s Full Self-Driving feature with restrictions, regulator says Tesla owners in the Netherlands will soon be able to use the company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature under strict conditions, marking the first time a European country has approved the system, regulators said Friday. The Dutch RDW vehicle authority said Tesla’s driver assistance system has been authorized for use in the country after more than a year and a half of testing on both public roads and closed tracks. Officials said the approval could eventually be expanded to other European Union member states, pending additional authorization. Drivers must remain in the vehicle at all times and continuously monitor the system while it is engaged. The approval brings the Netherlands closer to the regulatory approach already seen in the United States, where Tesla owners are allowed to use the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system. The technology can handle st...

 ADC crisis: Mark, PRP leaders hold closed-door talks The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party, in what appears to be a fresh round of political consultations amid the party’s lingering leadership crisis. The high-level meeting, held away from the public glare, brought together key figures from both parties, underscoring growing alignments among opposition actors at a time of heightened internal wrangling within the ADC. Those in attendance included the new National Chairman of the PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed; Mark; ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi; his PRP counterpart, Muhammed Ishaq; and former National Vice Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress, Salihu Lukman, among others. Baba-Ahmed, who recently assumed leadership of the PRP, had resigned his position as Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima in April...

 Abia Governor Alex Otti Visits Nigerian Breweries Facility in Aba After Fire Outbreak, Stresses Emergency Preparedness Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Friday made an unscheduled visit to a Nigerian Breweries Plc facility in Aba to assess the damage caused by a fire outbreak the previous day, while calling for heightened safety measures and continuous emergency preparedness across the state. The fire, which broke out around 3:20 p.m. on Thursday at an open space leased from the Nigerian Railway Corporation, was quickly brought under control by the Abia State Fire Service before 6:00 p.m. Officials confirmed that the blaze affected only empty crates and no bottles, with no casualties recorded. Governor Otti commended the swift and effective response of the state fire service, describing their intervention as timely in preventing the incident from escalating. Speaking at the scene, the governor expressed relief that the fire did not cause more severe damage, noting the unusual lo...

 FG DIRECTS WITHDRAWAL OF PASSPORTS FROM PERSONS WHO RENOUNCED NIGERIAN CITIZENSHIP The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to withdraw and deactivate passports held by individuals who have renounced Nigerian citizenship. In a statement, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Babatunde Alao, says the directive applies to persons whose renunciation has been formally approved by the President. The Minister explains that under the Constitution, individuals who renounce their citizenship cease to be Nigerians and are no longer entitled to hold national documents, including passports. Tunji-Ojo says the move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at preserving the integrity of Nigerian citizenship and preventing identity fraud. He adds that the government will continue to strengthen systems that support border security and facilitate legitimate travel.

 House Of Reps Loses Member Muhammad Danjuma Hassan ‎ ‎Member representing Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State, Muhammad Danjuma Hassan is dead.  ‎ ‎The lawmaker, who was Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, died in Abuja Friday evening after a brief illness at age 66. ‎ ‎House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi who announced Hassan's death, described his passing as a profound loss to the House of Representatives, saying the nation has lost one of its foremost Legislative Counsel and Legal Draftsmen.  ‎ In a statement, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen expressed shock over the death of Muhammad Danjuma Hassan, describing him as a brilliant and hardworking lawmaker who served his constituents and the nation diligently.  ‎ ‎The deceased lawmaker who was elected into the House of Representatives in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) will be buried later Saturday according to Islamic rites. ‎

 VP SHETTIMA COMMISERATES WITH THE MILITARY ON  BENISHEIKH ATTACK,  BORNO STATE  Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the loss of the brave soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, who died in a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State. The Vice President stated this in Maiduguri, Borno State during a condolence visit, urging Nigerian Military and Families of the victims to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss,  praising the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect.