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 Be Attentive to Your Husbands, Families - Catholic Cleric Urges Mothers on Mother's Day By Ifeyinwa Ogwo Rev. Fr. Francis Oranye, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Awka, urged mothers to give serious attention to their husbands' needs, just as they do for their children, emphasizing that husbands are also part of their responsibilities. He pointed out that some family issues stem from mothers not taking time to consider their husbands and ensuring their well-being. "Some mothers do not communicate with their husbands and prefer to connect only with their children, neglecting their husbands' faith. Can you openly condemn children who do wrong if they contribute more to the family?" he asked. He encouraged mothers to show care and interest in their husbands. He made this statement during the 9:30am Mass today at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, GRA, Awka, celebrating the 2026 Mother's Day observed by the Catholic faithful. He praised those who diligently ...

 Residents of Owelle-Ebo Community in Onitsha Lament Prolonged Power Outage By Amaechina Anthonia Chinyere Residents of Owelle-Ebo community in Inland Town, Onitsha, have expressed concern over the persistent lack of public electricity supply in the area. Some residents who spoke with our correspondent said the community has experienced irregular power supply for over two weeks, with electricity coming briefly at intervals before going off again. Mr. Chike Anali described the situation as unacceptable, saying residents have continued to cope only by the grace of God. He accused the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) of insensitivity, alleging that electricity bills are still issued despite poor supply. Also speaking, Mrs. Theresa Oruche said the power distribution company has failed in its responsibility and called for the firm to be handed over to a more capable operator that can provide efficient service. Mrs. Okeke Nkemjika described the situation as a total failure a...

 AIRLINE OPERATORS OF NIGERIA SUSPENDS PLANNED NATIONWIDE SHUTDOWN Airlines operators have suspended a planned nationwide shutdown of flight operations over what they described as crippling fuel prices. The suspension is, as a result, the government appeal to halt the action pending talks The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)  had warned  it would halt services from Monday, April 20, saying surging jet fuel costs has made operations unsustainable. AON, in a statement, said it agreed to pause the action following an appeal from Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo,SAN  who called for restraint and dialogue  The suspension was conditional pending the outcome of a meeting for all concerned parties scheduled for April 22, at the instance of the Aviation minister Soaring jet fuel prices have upended the global aviation industry as a consequence of the Iran war, forcing airlines to raise fares, curb growth plans, and rethink forecas...

 Republic of Congo’s prime minister Makosso resigns The Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso presented his resignation and that of his Cabinet to the president, paving the way for the formation of a new government, the president’s office said in a statement, Anadolu Agency reported. The move came days after the swearing in of President Denis Sassou Nguesso for a fifth term in office following his reelection in the March 15 polls of the central African nation, also known as Congo-Brazzaville. Pending the formation of a new government team, the outgoing ministers will ensure the management of current affairs, the government statement said. Makosso, who was appointed in 2021, “expressed all his gratitude to the Head of State for the trust he has enjoyed during the exercise of his functions and indicated that he remains at the disposal of the President of the Republic.” Conflict resolution During his swearing-in ceremony last week, Nguesso promised to “contribute...

AWKA TRADITIONALISTS, NDI EZEANI AND NDI ICHIE PLACE CURSE ON APGA MEMBERS OVER  ATTACKS ON OBI AUSTIN NDIGWE Awka prominent traditionalists, including Ndi Ezeani, Ndi Ichie, and the apex body of Omenani Awka, have invoked a strong traditional curse on members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for attacking His Imperial Majesty Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe MON, JP, whom they recognize as the authentic Ezeuzu III of Awka Ancient Kingdom. The fiery declaration came from Ogbuefi Toochukwu Nwosu, Chairman of Omenani Awka, the highest traditional institution representing the customs and culture of Awka people. Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, Ogbuefi Nwosu advised the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo to focus squarely on governance and development, and to leave traditional matters in the hands of traditionalists. *“A people that interferes with sacred traditions invites deadly consequences,” he stated emphatically.* *He further stressed that...

 GOVERNOR SOLUDO APPOINTS NWABUNWANNE OKONKWO AS PIONEER CEO OF ANAMBRA STATE DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT CORPORATION (ADIC) The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo (CFR) has appointed Nwabunwanne Okonkwo as the pioneer Chief Executive officer of the newly established Anambra State Development and Investment Corporation (ADIC) to execute the corporation’s mandate of attracting, financing and overseeing major business and infrastructure project development and private sector investment in Anambra State.  Nwabu is a finance lawyer with over 16 years experience in the financial service sector.  Prior  to his appointment at ADIC, Nwabu was the Managing Director of DLM Advisory, the investment banking arm of DLM Capital Group, a development investment bank leading innovative transactions in Nigeria, where he helped mobilise in excess of $1 billion to different governments and corporates across several industries in Africa. Nwabu is 39 years old and hol...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES MINISTER FOR WOMEN'S AFFAIRS, IMAAN SULAIMAN-IBRAHIM, ON HER BIRTHDAY President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on the occasion of her birthday. In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, the President describes Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who marked her birthday on Sunday, as a steady hand at a time when clarity of purpose and institutional discipline are essential to delivering meaningful social outcomes. President Tinubu notes that under her leadership, the Ministry of Women Affairs has sharpened its focus on protection, inclusion, and opportunity, with renewed emphasis on building systems that do not only respond to vulnerability but also prevent it. He further observes that her public service record reflects a consistent pattern of taking on complex mandates and leaving behind stronger structures, clearer direction, and measurable progress. The Pres...

First baby born through surrogacy celebrates her 40th birthday: 'How lucky am I' Jill Brand, the first baby born through gestational surrogacy, marked her 40th birthday on April 17, 2026. Her birth in 1986 was historic, representing the first time a woman gave birth to a child with whom she had no genetic connection.  Jill, now a mother of three, reflected on the milestone in a joint interview with her mother, Sandy, and shared her gratitude for her parents’ perseverance and love, noting that her late father, Dr. Elliot Rudnitzky, played a pivotal role in pioneering the practice. The journey to Jill’s birth was marked by heartbreak and determination. After Sandy lost her ability to carry children and endured the devastating loss of a baby following complications, Elliot proposed the idea of surrogacy.  Initially dismissed by many doctors, the couple eventually found support from Dr. Wulf Utian, who believed the concept had potential.  His willingness to explore the idea l...

 Actress at center of Hollywood's dirtiest divorce 'now lonelier than ever' after suffering brutal loss Actress Alice Evans is facing profound grief after losing her father, David Evans, in March 2026, just six months after the death of her brother Tony.  At 57, the 102 Dalmatians and Vampire Diaries star now has only one surviving immediate family member from what she calls her “OG family.”  These personal losses compound years of turmoil, including her bitter divorce from actor Ioan Gruffudd, who has since remarried Bianca Wallace and welcomed a daughter. Friends say the back‑to‑back deaths have left Alice feeling “lonelier than ever,” as they represent the disappearance of the family unit she relied on most.  In a heartfelt tribute, she remembered her father’s wisdom, humor, and encouragement, noting how his lessons continue to shape her and her daughters.  She expressed hope that her father, mother, and brother are reunited, free from the struggles of life o...

 I’m Not Leaving Him - Vanessa Trump Backs Tiger Woods Through Crash Fallout and Treatment Vanessa Trump is standing by Tiger Woods as he deals with the aftermath of his recent car crash and legal troubles. According to a source, Vanessa has been quietly present through it all, especially as Tiger focuses on getting the help he needs.  The golfer is currently undergoing intensive therapy following the rollover accident that happened near Jupiter Island, Florida, on March 27. Those close to the situation say Vanessa has been fully in support of that decision. She believes stepping away for private treatment was necessary and has encouraged him to take it seriously. Her support, they add, has not wavered. Even with the challenges, their connection appears solid. Insiders describe their relationship as tight, something that has held up even during difficult moments. Vanessa, who has reportedly had concerns in the past, is said to have handled them gently, choosing to stay support...

 LSWMO, JICA PUSH FOR INTEGRATED WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN LAGOS In a renewed push to strengthen wastewater management systems in Lagos, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has engaged the Japan International Cooperation Agency Survey Team to advance a comprehensive model for wastewater infrastructure development, focusing on system integration, efficiency and long-term urban resilience. During a high-level meeting with the team at LSWMO Headquarters in Ikeja, the General Manager, LSWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, described the Agency as an integral component of the State’s environmental architecture, playing a critical role in reducing pollution and safeguarding public health.  According to him, LSWMO as an institution of the State Government where policies, programmes, and initiatives on wastewater are implemented, coordinated and effectively regulated is at the forefront of driving sustainable wastewater solutions in line with global best practices. While ta...

 NIGERIAN ARMY KICKBOXING TEAM EMERGED CHAMPIONS, SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDING THEIR TITLE  The Nigerian Army (NA) Kickboxing Team has emerged overall winner at the just concluded National Kickboxing Open Championship, held at the National Stadium, Abuja, from 13 to 18 April 2026. Demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience, the NA team topped the medals table with an impressive haul of eight gold, three silver, and one bronze medal.  The championship brought together top tier athletes from various state teams, clubs, and sister security agencies, making the Army’s achievement a notable display of excellence in combat sports.Throughout the competition, Nigerian Army fighters exhibited superior conditioning, tactical ring craft, and discipline across multiple weight categories. Their outstanding performances secured the team’s position as overall champions of the tournament.  The victory highlights the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to developing combat sports as a...