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 PRESIDENT TINUBU NAMES BIANCA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU AS MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, NOMINATES AMB. SOLA ENIKANOLAIYE AS MINISTER OF STATE President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections. A statement by the President Tinubu's Special Adiviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga notes that Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the same vein, the President nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation. Until his nomination, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. The statement further adds that Enikanolaiye is a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant with over ...

 FG DECLARES MAY 1ST AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY The Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st May, 2026, as public holiday to mark International Workers’ Day. In a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, says the declaration was made on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The Minister congratulates Nigerian Workers and commends their contribution to national development. He urges workers to remain committed to productivity, patriotism, and dedication to duty. Tunji-Ojo equally assures that the government remains committed to improving workers’ welfare and creating an enabling environment for economic growth. He calls on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while reflecting on unity and hard work as key to nation-building.

Celebrating 15 Years - Prince William and Kate Share Sweet Family Moment Prince William and Kate Middleton have marked a major milestone in their marriage, celebrating 15 years together with a new family photo. The couple shared a relaxed and intimate image on April 29, showing them sitting on the grass with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.  All five appeared at ease, dressed casually, as they enjoyed a quiet family moment outdoors. The caption read simply, “Celebrating 15 years of marriage,” accompanied by a heart emoji. The anniversary comes with added meaning, as parts of their journey together are closely tied to places they have called home.  Earlier in the week, Prince William visited Wales, a location that holds personal significance for the couple.  They lived there for several years in Anglesey, both before and after their wedding in 2011. Last year’s anniversary also carried sentimental value. The pair spent the occasion...

 That Stuff Is Real - Billie Eilish Shares What Changed Her Mind About Astrology Billie Eilish is opening up about a topic she once brushed off, astrology, and she is doing it in her usual unfiltered style. In a recent interview with Elle, the Grammy-winning artist admitted her views have changed completely over time. She said there was a period when she had no patience for conversations about zodiac signs, often shutting them down quickly. Now, she sees things differently. Eilish explained that a past relationship shifted her perspective. After dating someone born under Gemini, she said her curiosity turned into belief. Since then, she claims she can easily recognize the traits associated with that sign. She did not hold back while describing her experiences. According to her, women born under Gemini tend to be lively and fun to be around, while her encounters with men of the same sign have been far less positive. The conversation also turned inward when she was asked about her ow...

 Keith Urban Finds a New Groove With Surprise ‘Flow State’ Project Keith Urban is opening up about a new creative chapter that began as a simple studio experiment and gradually turned into a full album project. Speaking ahead of his induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, the 56-year-old musician shared that his upcoming work, Flow State, was never originally planned as a formal release.  He explained that it started casually after he bought a new studio space and simply wanted to test it out with a few recordings. What followed, he said, was an unplanned dive into a sound that felt familiar and refreshing. The project leaned heavily into yacht rock influences, a style he revisited with a sense of nostalgia and enjoyment rather than commercial intent. Urban described how early studio sessions quickly expanded. What began as a couple of tracks gradually grew over months into a full collection, eventually forming a complete album without any structured plan behin...

 Sam Vanderpump refused liver offer to not 'subject' mother to disease impact Sam Vanderpump, known from Made In Chelsea, has revealed he turned down his mother’s offer to donate part of her liver.  The 29‑year‑old lives with congenital hepatic fibrosis and polycystic kidney disease, which have progressed to end‑stage liver failure.  Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he explained that his instinct was to protect loved ones from the risks of donation, saying he didn’t want to subject family members to the impact of his illness. Over time, however, Vanderpump learned more about the safety of live liver donation. He noted that only a small percentage of volunteers are accepted after extensive testing, and that the UK has recorded no fatalities among live donors.  This new understanding has made him more open to the idea, and his brother is currently undergoing tests to see if he could be a match.  Vanderpump appeared on the programme alongside his wife Alice, who a...

 LAGOS GOVERNMENT MOBILISES MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE TO GAS TRUCK ACCIDENT ON EKO BRIDGE … Activates Public Safety Measures The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has activated a full-scale emergency response following a lone accident involving a 10-tonne gas truck on Eko Bridge, outward Apongbon, earlier today.   Upon arrival at the scene, LASEMA’s response team confirmed that a fully-loaded gas truck, registration number LSR 716 XD, carrying 10,090kg of cooking gas, fell on the bridge after its front tyre burst while in motion. The impact caused the truck to lose control, collide with the road median, and overturn. The accident resulted in continuous leakage of gas and damage to one solar-powered street light on the bridge.    In line with Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu’s directive on rapid emergency intervention and public safety, a multi-agency operation is currently ongoing to manage the incident and prevent ...

RE: VIRAL VIDEO ON UNAPPROVED NURSERY SCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEXTBOOK The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is aware of a viral video circulating online concerning alleged inappropriate content found in an English language textbook for Nursery pupils being used in a school, posted on a social media by a mother. The Ministry, however, wishes to assure parents, guardians, educators, and the general public that immediate steps have been taken to investigate the matter, as the Hon. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has directed the commencement of investigations into the matter.   According to a statement issued by the Ministry, findings confirm that the textbook in question is not among the books reviewed, approved, or recommended by the Lagos State Government for use in public or approved private primary schools in the State. Preliminary findings indicate that the school featured in the video is located somewhere in Oj...

 Two people have been arrested after a Pitbull was discovered hanging from a tree by an extension cord. 35-year-old Jalisa Brown and 27-year-old Dejhaun Jones have been arrested in a shocking and heartbreaking case out of Evansville, Indiana. Police became aware of the case when animal control officers were called to a disturbing scene on March 25th.  A deceased Pitbull was found hanging from a tree near Cross Street and South Evans Avenue. Jalisa and Dejhaun are facing charges of animal cruelty and t*rt*re. Dajhaun Jones is being held on a $7,500 bond, and Jalisa Brown has a $ 1,000 bond. These arrests come after witnesses came forward saying Jalisa admitted the dog was hers. Jalisa claimed that her boyfriend (Dejhaun) had hanged the dog after it had attacked another dog. Both Jalisa and Dejhaun have officially denied any involvement in the dog's passing.   According to an affidavit, two more individuals have been named in connection to the passing of the dog. ...

 EFCC Not Only Fights Fraudsters,   It Also Commends  Upright Nigerians-  Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  Mr Ola Olukoyede has disclosed that the Commission places a premium on commending upright Nigerians for upholding anti-corruption values as well as holding fraudulent ones accountable for their criminal engagements.  He made this disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday,  April 29, 2026 while making a speech at the Business Grant Award Ceremony convened by the Jerry Eze Foundation.  The EFCC boss narrated how the Commission investigated Pastor Jerry Eze , Founder of Streams of Joy International for money laundering for six months and found out that he was not involved in any form of financial crime.  “ I want to let Nigerians know that EFCC is not just about investigating and prosecuting fraudsters,  it is also appreciating and commending Nigerians who are not involved in an...

 EFCC Re-arraigns Lawyer for Alleged N15.7 million Land Fraud in Enugu The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has re-arraigned one Barrister Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu on a 20-count charge bordering on forgery, possession of forged documents and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N15, 700, 000. 00 (Fifteen million, Seven hundred thousand Naira) Nwobodo was initially arraigned on January 27, 2025 on a five-count charge before the same Court and he pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him, thereby setting the stage for his trial. He was granted bail based on self-cognizance.  During the course of trial, counsel to the EFCC, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Chikezie Raymond Edozie presented six witnesses and tendered several exhibits which were all admitted in evidence. When the matter came up on April 23, 2026...

 NAF INTENSIFIES INTELLIGENCE-LED AIR STRIKES AS CAS ORDERS ZERO COMPLACENCY IN BAUCHI The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to intensifying intelligence-led air strikes and sustaining decisive operational pressure on terrorist and bandit elements during a strategic visit to Bauchi State on 29 April 2026. Addressing personnel at the Headquarters Special Operations Command (HQ SOC) and co-located units, he emphasized the need to align strategy with execution, stating that “this Command remains central to safeguarding our sovereignty and delivering decisive airpower in support of ongoing operations. We will keep our eyes open so our citizens can sleep with theirs closed.” He further directed that all missions must remain intelligence-driven, precise, and outcome-focused, stressing that “every mission must count” in defeating threats to national security. During the visit, the CAS conducted a compreh...

 INTERIOR MINISTER, TUNJI-OJO SEEKS UNIFIED ECOWAS INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR BORDER MANAGEMENT The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the establishment of a unified information system for ECOWAS member states. In a statement, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Babatunde Alao, says the Minister made the call during a meeting of Immigration and Border Management Ministers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Tunji-Ojo notes that the absence of an integrated database across the sub-region limits effective migration management and calls for a shared platform to harmonise visa, residency, and identity data. He also emphasises the need to prioritise border funding based on the specific realities of each country, noting that border management has both security and economic implications. The Minister calls for stronger collaboration among ECOWAS states, warning that weaknesses in one country can impact others across the region. He adds that improved data sharing and coo...

 FORCE LEADERSHIP ORDERS DISMISSAL, PROSECUTION OF OFFICERS INVOLVED IN EFFURUN SHOOTING The Nigeria Police Force hereby provides an update on the disciplinary actions taken following the fatal shooting incident of 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State, which resulted in the death of Mr Mene Ogidi. Sequel to the earlier directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, all officers connected to the incident were immediately withdrawn from the Delta State Command and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they were subjected to expedited disciplinary proceedings. The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), alongside other internal disciplinary processes, has concluded its review. Findings established unequivocally that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms. His actions were unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath to prot...

AWKA TOWN DRAWS BATTLE LINE WITH GOVERNOR SOLUDO OVER DEMAND TO CANCEL EGWU IMO AWKA  FESTIVAL FOR APGA CONVENTION AND PRIMARIES Prominent traditionalists and chief priests of Awka Ancient Kingdom have issued a strong warning to the Anambra State Government, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and non-indigenes to hands-off the sacred dates and processes of the Egwu Imo Awka Festival. In a decisive gathering held at Obu Imoka, key custodians of Awka tradition including High Chief Priest Nkwo keh Okoludoh (aka Akadiana Awka), the Oracle of Awka Great Ancient Kingdom (Imoka Chief Priest Obuzulu), Ashiakponnu, Ezeani, Otochali Omenana Awka Chief Nmegbuaneze, Ndi Akajiofor, and Awka Traditional executives reaffirmed that no external force, political pressure, or government directive can alter the festival dates once fixed by the deities and announced through proper traditional channels. The tension arose after the President General (PG) of Awka Town Union and his executives were reported...

 USF murder suspect denied bond after arrest in killings of two Bangladeshi doctoral students, court rules  A man accused of killing two University of South Florida doctoral students from Bangladesh will remain in jail without bond after a judge ordered him held pending trial during a brief court hearing Tuesday in Tampa. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is also barred from contacting witnesses or the victims’ families under the judge’s order. He faces two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon and could face the death penalty if convicted, though prosecutors have not said whether they will pursue capital punishment. Abugharbieh did not appear in court for the hearing. His public defender declined to comment on the case. Authorities say Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27 and doctoral students, disappeared on April 16 after last being seen in the area where Limon shared an off-campus apartment with Abugharbieh and another roommate. A relative said the couple had been considerin...

Two stabbed in London’s Golders Green amid surge in antisemitic attacks, police detain suspect  Two people were stabbed in London’s Golders Green neighborhood on Wednesday in what community security officials described as a targeted attack in an area with a large Jewish population. A local Jewish security patrol group said its members detained a male suspect shortly after the incident, which it said appeared to involve an attack on Jewish members of the public. Police were called to the scene after reports of a man armed with a knife running along a main road and attempting to stab pedestrians. The group said two victims were wounded and were treated at the scene by a volunteer emergency medical service before being taken for further care. Officers reportedly used a taser during the arrest before taking the suspect into custody. The attack drew swift condemnation from senior political leaders. The British prime minister described it as an antisemitic assault and said attacks on Jew...

 Former FBI Director James Comey expected to surrender after indictment over Instagram post tied to Trump '86 47' controversy James Comey is expected to self-surrender on Wednesday in the Eastern District of Virginia after being indicted over a social media post that sparked allegations it amounted to a threat against President Donald Trump, sources familiar with the matter said. The case stems from a since-deleted Instagram post made nearly a year ago in which Comey shared a photo of seashells arranged on a beach forming the numbers “86 47,” captioned, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.” Supporters of the president pointed to the slang meaning of “86” as “remove” or “get rid of,” arguing the message was a veiled threat toward Trump, the 47th president. A federal grand jury in North Carolina returned a three-page indictment charging Comey with one count of threats against the president and successors and one count of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. Prosecutor...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PLATEAU LEADERS COMMIT TO PEACE AT INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH PRESIDENT TINUBU; FG APPROVES N2BN FOR VICTIMS. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, told stakeholders from Plateau State to return home with open minds to seek peace and put a permanent end to the recurring crises in the state.   Towards this end, the President challenged the leaders, led by the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to review past government White Papers on security crises and to propose implementable resolutions for the government's consideration.   Speaker after speaker at the meeting, including the youths, identified the key issues of indigeneship, religion, ethnicity, and farmer-herder clashes that fueled past conflicts. They promised to work hard to ensure peace prevails in the state.    The meeting attended by a 32-man delegation was a fulfilment of President Tinubu’s promise to meet Plateau st...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES RABIU ABDULLAHI UMAR AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NMDPRA President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest. The President has also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. This decision, made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Mr Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery. He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and ...

 SENATE APPROVES PRESIDENT TINUBU’S 516 USD LOAN REQUEST Senate clarifies that  the 516.3 million USD loan request it approved this Wednesday for the federal government is a financial lifeline to  avoid delays in the execution of the Sokoto Badagry superhighway project. National Assembly Correspondent, Lami Ali reports that this latest loan from the Deutsche Bank AG,  was an alternative to an earlier package sourced from a Bank in the middle east, which Nigeria has been unable to receive due to the Iran war. Lawmakers while approving the loan expressed optimism that the road would significantly reduce travel time between the North and South of Nigeria thereby enhancing economic activities across the Corridor. The Sokoto Badagry Super highway covering 1000 kilometers stretches from Illelah in Sokoto State, through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun states to Badagry in Lagos. Meanwhile the Senate during the plenary confirmed appointees of President Tinubu among them L...

 MINISTER OF SOLID MINERALS ALAKE CALLS FOR UNITED AFRICA FOR MINERAL ECONOMY The Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Dele Alake has called for a stronger regional cooperation among African nations to position the continent as a formidable force in global mineral supply chains. Speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, Alake said Africa stands at the centre of a new industrial era driven by critical minerals, clean energy technologies, digital transformation and advanced manufacturing. A statement by the Special Assistant to the minister on media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Alake noted that while Africa possesses vast deposits of lithium and other rare earth minerals, the continent continues to capture only a fraction of the true economic value generated from its resources. Alake therefore called for the rapid expansion of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which was established in January 2023 by sixteen ...

 Dangote increases petrol price to N1,275 per litre The Dangote Refinery has increased its petrol price, raising its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit by N75 per litre, while also suspending product sales following a disruption in its Proforma Invoice process. Price data from Petroleumprice.ng and confirmation from a Dangote refinery official on Wednesday showed that the petrol loading price rose from N1,200 per litre to N1,275 per litre, while coastal supply prices increased to N1,215 per litre. The change followed operational adjustments and has started affecting the downstream petroleum market. The official confirmed the development, saying “Yes, the increase of PMS to N1,275 per litre is true. Coastal price is N1,215.” According to another source, the refinery stopped its Proforma Invoice entry process at about 4pm on Tuesday, April 28, disrupting normal supply scheduling across its loading system. The source mentioned that the suspension led to an immediate halt in both p...

 LASPA REAFFIRMS EXCLUSIVE MANDATE ON PARKING MANAGEMENT IN LAGOS STATE ‎ The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has reaffirmed its statutory mandate as the sole agency responsible for the management and regulation of all forms of parking within Lagos State. ‎The General Manager of LASPA, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu made this known while addressing recent developments concerning a purported jurisdictional claim over parking management by an alleged local government official. Reacting to an unauthorised communication reportedly issued by the council’s parking manager, Mrs. Adelabu described the letter particularly as it was not conveyed on official council letterhead as misleading, invalid, and a clear misrepresentation of the legal framework governing parking operations in Lagos State. ‎She emphasised that LASPA remains the only government agency legally empowered to oversee parking across the State, in line with laws enacted by the Lagos State House of Assembly and supported by a coll...

 2027: Shehu Sani Obtains APC Senatorial Nomination Forms For Kaduna Central Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has secured the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat. The development confirms his official entry into the race ahead of the 2027 elections, as political activities intensify within the ruling party.  Sani, a former civil rights activist who previously served in the Senate, remains a notable figure in Nigeria’s political space. The APC had earlier announced that the sale of nomination forms would run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms will close on May 4, 2026.  Screening of aspirants is slated for May 6 to May 9 across various elective positions. Primary elections are scheduled to commence on May 15, 2026, beginning with the House of Representatives, and will conclude with the presidential primaries on May 23, ...

 PRESS RELEASE CP MONDAY AGBONIKA VISITS PTS OGIDA, COMMENDS ORDERLY CONDUCT OF RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, today paid an inspection visit to the Police Training School (PTS), Ogida, Benin City, venue of the ongoing Nigeria Police Force recruitment examination exercise. During the visit, the Commissioner of Police interacted with applicants participating in the examination and encouraged them to give their best, reminding them that the recruitment process is entirely free, transparent, and merit-based. He emphasized that the exercise is designed to be fair and just, offering every qualified applicant an equal opportunity to serve the nation through the Nigeria Police Force. CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, also commended the officers of the Nigeria Police Force and personnel of the Police Service Commission for the high level of organization, professionalism, and orderliness observed throughout the exercise. He expressed s...

 France calls on nationals to leave Mali ‘as soon as possible’ France on Wednesday urged its nationals in Mali to leave “as soon as possible”, citing weekend attacks by jihadists and Tuareg separatists and an “extremely volatile” security situation, AFP reported. “Travel to Mali is still strongly discouraged, regardless of the reason,” the foreign ministry said in its updated travel guidelines. “French nationals are advised to make arrangements to leave Mali temporarily as soon as possible on the commercial flights that are still available.”

 Mali's leader says situation 'under control' in first speech since terrorist attacks Mali's leader insisted the situation in his country was "under control" as he made his first public address since the terrorist attacks over the weekend. Terrorists and Tuareg-led separatists are still positioned in the Sahelian country's north, three days after launching a wave of attacks, in what President Assimi Goita acknowledged was a situation "of extreme gravity". Goita had made no public appearance or statement for three days, but on Tuesday evening he made a speech to the nation on state TV, AFP reported. "As I am speaking to you, security arrangements have been reinforced. The situation is under control and clearing operations, search efforts, intelligence gathering and security measures are continuing," he said. He urged the population to "stand up against division and national fracture", saying the West African country needed ...