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  The Nigerian government has formally submitted the necessary documentation to the Government of Finland for the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran agitator. This move was confirmed by Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, during a broadcast on Channel TV on December 31, 2024. The submission marks a significant step in Nigeria's efforts to address the actions of Ekpa, who is accused of inciting unrest and promoting terrorism and secessionist activities within the country. General Musa explained that all the required legal documentation for Ekpa’s extradition had been sent to Finnish authorities for review. He expressed confidence that the necessary legal procedures would follow, noting that the Nigerian government had provided substantial evidence to support its case. The extradition request follows Ekpa's arrest by Finnish authorities in November 2024, along with four other individuals, on suspicion of involvement in terrorist-related activities. These inclu...

… Urges Nigerians to kindle the fire of love, empathy and charity Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured the people of the state that there would not be any slowing down in the new year the speed of transformation witnessed by the state in the year 2024. This was even as he urged Nigerians to kindle the fire of love, empathy, and charity to move the nation forward in the new year. Mbah stated this in his New Year message on Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to an inclusive development and all-bracing economic opportunities. “The high expectations that have arisen as a result of the successes of the outgoing year are understandable. We cannot afford to temper your expectations with excuses, or by lowering our deliverables. “So, as we behold the dawn of a New Year, we can rest assured that there will be no tapering down on the social and economic re-engineering we have set off across Enugu State. “We went through 2024 with the spritely dash of a sprint runner. 2025 will b...

Two young men, Stanley Omeke and Igbonasi Odo-Okoro, residents of Aji and Aguibeje communities in Enugu Ezike Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State have been reportedly murdered by members of Aji community neighborhood watch. The incident which happened on December 16, 2024, has led to serious outcry by the families of the victims who are alleging that the vigilantes acted unlawfully and concocted a false narrative to justify the killings. According to Nmesoma Omeke, wife of Stanley Omeke, she and her husband had gone shopping for Christmas on the fateful day. Returning home around 5 p.m., they stopped at Aji Junction to take a commercial bike. Suddenly, neighborhood watch members arrived, demanding that Stanley follow them. “They shouted at my husband to get on their bike. When we asked what he had done, they refused to answer. They even tried to beat him. I told him to follow them to avoid further trouble, and I went to seek help from his friend, Kingsley Igbonasi Odo-Ok...

Ditebogo Frans Gololo, a 28-year-old man from Polokwane, Limpopo province, South Africa, has been arrested for impregnating a 13-year-old girl. Gololo appeared in Seshego Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 30, 2024, facing charges of statutory rape and sexual exploitation of a minor. The incident occurred in Seshego township, where Gololo and the victim first met at a shopping mall in January 2024. They began communicating, and by May 2024, their relationship turned physical. The young girl only revealed the situation to her aunt after experiencing health complications. Medical tests later confirmed she was eight months pregnant, and she gave birth to a baby boy on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. The authorities were alerted and arrested Gololo on December 26, 2024, through the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. The case has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosec

Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death at the age of 17 for allegedly stealing a fowl, has been released after spending 14 years in prison. His release followed clemency granted by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, after the case gained significant public attention. Actress Abiola Adebayo shared the news on Instagram, posting a video of her celebrating Segun's release with him and his family outside the Kiri Kiri Correctional Centre in Lagos. Adebayo expressed gratitude towards Governor Adeleke for his intervention and praised Segun's character, describing him as "a good guy." The release of Segun was met with emotional reactions from fellow inmates, many of whom were saddened by his departure. Segun himself thanked everyone for their support, while his parents celebrated the long-awaited reunion after years of hardship. Segun's mother, Folashade, had previously spoken about the emotional toll the case took on their family, particularly the loss of festi...

Over 100 Workers have been laid off on Monday n a major shake up by the First Bank of Nigeria Plc.... First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has laid off about 100 senior staff members as part of a significant organizational restructuring. The changes follow the appointment of Olusegun Alebiosu as the bank’s new Managing Director and CEO in June 2024. The dismissals are seen as part of a strategic effort by FBN's board, led by chairman Femi Otedola, to refresh the leadership with new talent. Some of the departures were voluntary, with senior staff opting to explore other opportunities, while others were a result of non-renewed contracts, including that of a top executive director. This restructuring reflects the bank's commitment to modernizing its operations and leadership, aiming for stronger growth and better alignment with its evolving business goals.

The Local Government Council Chairman Of.... and his Deputy have been Impeached By Legislative  Councillors in Owan East Local Government Council in Edo State. ....More Details to Follow 

  Bianca Ojukwu, wife of the late Biafra Head of State, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was yesterday conferred with the premier traditional title “Aka Ekpuchi Onwa,” her 10th traditional title in the South East Region, by His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III of Nnewi Ancient Kingdom. Igwe Orizu, the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria, ascended the throne of Nnewi in 1963. The event took place during the 61st Ofala Festival in Nnewi, which featured cultural dances, masquerades, and music, and was attended by several prominent figures from Igboland, including governors and senators. Bianca Ojukwu has held various diplomatic roles, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana and Spain, and is currently the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The emergency landing of Jeju Air Flight 2216 looked highly skilled, experts say, but all except two of the 181 people on board were killed when the Boeing 737-800 hit a wall and burst into flames. As South Korean investigators probe the causes of the country’s worst-ever aviation disaster on home soil, AFP takes a look at what could have gone wrong: What happened? The flight from Bangkok to southwestern Muan International Airport in South Korea was warned of a bird strike by the control tower as it came in to land. Minutes later, the pilot issued a mayday call before attempting an emergency landing — with video showing the plane coming down on the runway without its landing gear engaged. Bird strikes can cause fires inside the plane’s engines, damaging critical systems which can render the landing gear inoperable — meaning the wheels don’t come out to facilitate a smooth landing, said former pilot Kim Kwang-il. A “belly landing” is an emergency procedure for precisely this scenario an...

Rivers: Fubara Presents N1.188 Trillion 2025 Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sim Fubara has Finally Presented the 2025 BUDGET to the Rivers State House of Assembly ably led by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo RIVERS STATE 2025 BUDGET STATEMENT: PRESENTED TO THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY BY HIS EXCELLENCY SIR SIMINALAVI FUBARA GSSRS, GOVERNOR, RIVERS STATE, (DECEMBER 30, 2024). Introduction 1. Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen. 2. I am profoundly pleased and honoured to stand before you today to present to the members of this Honourable Assembly the Rivers State Budget for the 2025 financial year. 3. As you know, this is my second budget address since assuming the mantle of leadership on May 29, 2023. On December 13, 2023, I presented my first budget under the theme: Renewed Hope, Consolidation and Continuity. 4. A year later, we have every reason to thank God for the continuing pr...

Following the announcement made by Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), during a tour of the facility on Monday, December 30. The Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) in Delta State has resumed full operations, with a production capacity of 125,000 barrels per day.  Although the plant is still in the final stages of its upgrade, it is now operational. Kyari acknowledged that many had doubted the project's feasibility, but the successful functionality of the plant demonstrated its success. The tour also included Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). WRPC, located in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji in Warri, produces 13,000 tons of polypropylene and 18,000 tons of carbon black annually. The refinery, which was commissioned in 1978, serves the southern and southwestern regions of Nigeria. This development follows the recent commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Re...

  President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Federal University in Southern Kaduna, aimed at increasing access to higher education in the region. The announcement was made by Vice-President Kashim Shettima during a condolence visit to Bishop Matthew Kukah, following the passing of his brother, Yohanna, the Agwom Akulu of Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area. The new university is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to promote education in underserved areas. In addition to the university, Shettima discussed ongoing federal initiatives aimed at uplifting Southern Kaduna, which include plans to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan. This move underscores the government's commitment to improving healthcare services in the region, addressing both educational and health infrastructure needs. Shettima also touched on the recent appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff. The appointment is seen as part of...

The New Year may be a time for fresh beginnings, but frustration is in store for those who like to squeeze every last drop of mileage out of a phone. Changes to WhatsApp’s compatibility with operating systems mean some older smartphones will no longer be able to load the app. The number of people affected by this will not be particularly large: only those with enough talent for technological TLC to have kept their devices in working condition for more than 10 years need worry. But if you’re using a device that old, it’s worth reading on to see if it’s on the list. The first compatibility update will come on January 1, 2025, when WhatsApp will stop supporting Android’s KitKat OS in addition to any older versions. Some users who still have KitKat on their phones will still be able to use WhatsApp provided their device can be updated to a more recent OS. However there are a number of older phone models which are no longer provided with official updates by their maker. This means they can’...

In a heartwarming display of generosity and commitment to his roots, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, returned to his hometown of Mburubu in Nkanu East Local Government Area to give back to his community in a grand way. On Saturday, December 28, 2024, Dr. Ezeh marked the Christmas season by delivering a series of thoughtful donations aimed at improving the lives of the people in Mburubu. A proud son of the community, Dr. Ezeh went above and beyond to ensure that families had a memorable holiday season. He provided 30 bags of rice to every village in Mburubu, ensuring that no household was left hungry during the festive period. In addition to the food donations, Dr. Ezeh made a significant contribution of one million naira to each village, helping to ease the financial burdens many families face, especially during the holidays. However, it was Dr. Ezeh’s focus on empowering the youth that truly stood out. Understanding the importan...

 State Government official has reacted to a shocking news, Habibu Abubakar Wushishi, recently shared a troubling incident involving a newlywed couple who divorced just hours after their wedding. The couple, who had tied the knot on Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Abuja, found themselves separated the very next day, Sunday, December 29, 2024. Niger state government official, Wushishi, who serves as the Director of Media and Strategy at the Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, expressed his disappointment over the situation, stating that the couple's quick dissolution of marriage was due to deceit on both sides. He further lamented that he had made the trip to Gwagwalada in vain, saying, “They made me waste my fuel for nothing.” According to Wushishi’s account, the couple had lied to each other prior to their wedding, which ultimately led to their decision to part ways shortly after the ceremony.

Dele Farotimi, the Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, has publicly addressed the nation for the first time following his release from prison. Farotimi was arrested on December 3, 2024, in Lagos and charged before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court for allegedly defaming prominent legal figure Afe Babalola in his book ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’. The charges led to his remand in prison on December 4, 2024. On December 6, the Nigerian police filed an additional 12-count charge against Farotimi. However, after a period of legal proceedings, on December 20, the court granted him bail set at ₦30 million, with additional conditions including the surrender of his international passport and a restriction on granting media interviews until the case is resolved. Despite the court's media restrictions, a video of Farotimi surfaced on social media on December 29, 2024, in which he expressed his gratitude to the public for their collective effort in securing his release. In t...

The Nigerian government has spent approximately ₦1.4 billion over the last 18 months on the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram terrorists and the establishment of terrorism trial centres. This expenditure follows the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2022. As part of this initiative, the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) was established. By December 2022, the government had announced plans to set up two centres aimed at disarmament, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former Boko Haram members and other terrorists. The NCTC's coordinator, Rear Admiral Yem Musa (retd.), disclosed that ₦2.4 billion of the ₦3.8 billion budgeted for the centre’s 2023 capital projects would be allocated to these facilities. An investigation by The PUNCH using the GovSpend platform revealed that between December 2022 and May 2024, the Ministry of Justice allocated ₦1.4 billi...

  Over 3,000 teachers gathered from the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State to staged a protest in Abakaliki on Sunday, demanding the payment of three months’ overdue salaries and the implementation of the minimum wage. The teachers, carrying placards with messages such as “We are dying of hunger and starvation” and “Pay us our 3 months’ salaries,” expressed frustration over what they called neglect by local government chairmen. The protest comes days after Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the council chairmen to settle the teachers’ wages ahead of Christmas. However, the ultimatum went unheeded for nearly a week, prompting the teachers to block major roads, including the entrance to the Akanu-Ibiam International Conference Centre and Onwe Road, causing hours of disruption. The protesting teachers claimed that the non-payment had led to severe hardships, including the reported deaths of three colleagues on Christmas Day. “For the past thre...

Air Canada Catches Fire Following Rough Landing...  On the evening of Saturday, December 28, 2024, a potential disaster was averted at Halifax Stanfield International Airport when an Air Canada passenger plane caught fire following a rough landing. The aircraft, which was arriving from St. John's as Flight 2259, experienced complications during its approach, causing it to skid along the runway. The impact ignited a fire on one of the plane's wings, leading to the temporary closure of the airport as emergency services responded to the incident. Passenger Nikki Valentine, who was on board the flight, described the terrifying moments leading up to the fire. According to Valentine, the plane began to tilt at a steep angle, and a loud crashing sound was heard as the wing scraped along the runway. "The plane shook significantly, and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane. Smoke began entering through the windows," she recalled. Valentine speculated that a tire...

   Local councils across Nigeria are set to receive direct allocations from the Federation Account starting next month, marking a significant shift in governance at the grassroots level. This move follows the July 11 Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local government areas (LGAs). The decision aims to end delays and interruptions caused by the existing state-local government joint account system. According to sources, the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) will disburse this month’s allocations directly to councils from January 2025, ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court’s mandate. An inter-ministerial committee established to implement the ruling has reportedly resolved outstanding issues, paving the way for the rollout. While some LGAs have already begun receiving direct funds, full implementation will cover all 774 councils nationwide starting next month. This development underscores efforts by the Federal Government to ensure local gover...

The 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter has passed away at the age of 100, his family announced on Sunday. Carter, who became the longest-living U.S. president, was a tireless advocate for peace, human rights, and global health. He served as president from 1977 to 1981, facing major challenges including the Iran hostage crisis and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Despite a challenging presidency marked by economic struggles, including high inflation and an energy crisis, Carter's post-presidential years were defined by his humanitarian work. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in advancing human rights and peacemaking through the Carter Center, which he founded in the early 1980s. Carter’s influence extended far beyond the White House, particularly through his work with Habitat for Humanity, his advocacy for alternative energy, and his efforts to combat diseases like river blindness and Guinea worm disease. He also made significant contrib...