Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. A chaotic scene unfolded at Kwara State University as students were subjected to a raid by operatives from the EFCC, NDLEA, and Nigeria Police Force targeting cybercrime. Gunshots fear, and confusion gripped the campus over two days, sparking debates on law enforcement tactics and student rights. The operation resulted in casualties, with over 20 students arrested amid resistance. The incident highlighted concerns about the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties, prompting calls for more respectful approaches to justice.
2. Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State refutes allegations of purchasing tractors with Federal Government palliative funds in a press release issued by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime. The release, distributed in Awka, criticizes those spreading the rumor and asserts Soludo’s commitment to fiscal transparency. The statement clarifies that the distribution of 800 tractors was not funded by palliatives but rather from the state’s budgetary allocation to agriculture. The administration emphasizes its adherence to fiscal responsibility and urges the public to disregard the false claims.
3. Businessman Asue Ighodalo emerged as the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary for Edo State, defeating Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and other aspirants. Held in Benin City, Ighodalo garnered 577 votes, declared by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. In his acceptance speech, Ighodalo expressed gratitude and pledged to serve the state diligently, building upon the foundation laid by the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki.
4. Former Nigerian head of state, Yakubu Gowon, a founder of ECOWAS, urges the lifting of sanctions on coup-hit countries ahead of an emergency heads of state meeting. In an open letter, Gowon emphasizes the importance of unity within ECOWAS, calling for the withdrawal of notices to leave the organization by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He appeals to West African leaders to convene a summit to discuss the region’s future, security, and stability. Recent withdrawals from ECOWAS by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have plunged the bloc into crisis. Gowon’s plea comes amid heightened political tensions in West Africa, including delays in elections in Senegal and increased reliance on Russia for military support by some nations.
5. The Lagos State Government plans to engage local canteens, known as Mama Put, to provide meals for 1,000 to 1,500 residents daily in each local government area. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this measure during a media chat to alleviate the impact of rising living costs, which have led to protests. Funds will be provided to caterers who will distribute vouchers for residents to access meals once a day for 30 to 60 days. Additionally, the government will implement a 25% reduction in public transportation fares to address the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
6. In Thursday’s Europa League and Europa Conference League matches, AC Milan advanced to the last 16 despite a 3-2 loss to Rennes, while Roma progressed on penalties against Feyenoord. Marseille, Benfica, Sporting, and Freiburg also secured their spots in the next round. Galatasaray suffered a collapse against Sparta Prague, and Qarabag edged past Braga in a dramatic encounter. In the Europa Conference League, Ajax defeated Bodo/Glimt in extra time, while Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Betis, and Olympiakos were knocked out of the competition. Molde, Sturm Graz, and Servette also secured their places in the last 16.
7. Nollywood actress Laide Bakare has been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Entertainment, Arts, Culture, and Tourism. Bakare celebrated her appointment on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the governor and promising to give her best in her new role. Her colleagues in the entertainment industry congratulated her on the achievement, with messages of support and well-wishes.
