Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who served as Abia State’s first governor, passed away at the age of 72 after a brief illness at a hospital in Abuja on Thursday. Dr. Onu was Abia State’s first civilian governor, serving from 1992 until the government of Sani Abacha overthrew Ernest Shonekan’s administration in 1994. Before his political career, Dr. Onu was a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, he entered national politics during the transition to civilian rule under former President Ibrahim Babangida from 1991 to 1993. Dr. Onu served as Minister of Science and Technology from November 2015 until his resignation…
Author: Cecilia Attah
Saudi Arabia has declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, after the crescent Moon was not spotted on Monday evening. The Kingdom announced that the holy month of Ramadan would, therefore, last 30 days this year. This is due to the fact that the new crescent was not sighted on Monday in the Kingdom. Haramain News, the Kingdom’s foremost news medium in a statement on its X handle said, “The crescent moon was NOT sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.” Sultan of Sokoto and…
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Revealed this in a statement on Sunday by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Aishetu Ndayako. The minister congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. Tunji-Ojo called on them to imbibe and practise the virtues that entail kindness, love, tolerance, peace, good neighbourliness, and compassion, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). The statement read, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared…
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over “the failure to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, and to recall Senator Abdul Ningi who blew the whistle on the allegations.” The suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024 was filed on Friday, April 5 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, by SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare (who is also the organisation’s Deputy Director) and Mrs Adelanke Aremo. This was disclosed on Sunday in a statement issued by Kolawole Oluwadare The organisation added that “Mr. Akpabio…
A former House of Representatives member and Abuja land developer, Hon Linus Ukachukwu, has accused the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to take his legally allocated lands to benefit Lebanese developers. Ukachukwu, who questioned the motive of the minister to ridicule his efforts in developing Abuja, said he was given a national honour in 2003 on account of his pioneering role in Abuja property development. He claims that Wike lacks the capacity to intimidate him, as he has no address outside politics. Ukachukwu, who spoke in an interview on AIT on Wednesday alleged that Wike and…
A tragic rainstorm in Agbashi community, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, resulted in one death, multiple injuries, and the destruction of over 150 houses in the area. Vice Chairman of Doma LGA, John Bako Ari, confirmed the incident to reporters on Wednesday, revealing that the calamity struck on Tuesday evening, displacing numerous residents and leaving them without homes. According to Bako Ari, over 150 residential houses, churches, mosques, and schools were destroyed. “It is true that the windstorm destroyed over 150 houses, including mosques and schools. The incident happened yesterday evening,” the vice chairman said. Also speaking on…
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law. This development comes after separate considerations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund. The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, representing the Ekiti Central Senatorial District of Ekiti State, focuses on improving the execution of the Higher Education Student Loan Scheme in Nigeria by tackling issues related to the management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, applicant eligibility criteria, loan purposes, funding sources,…
Rescue efforts are under way in Taiwan after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the island’s eastern coast, killing at least nine and injuring more than 800. 127 people are currently trapped within a collapsed tunnels and on mountainous roads along the rugged coastline. The damage was also concentrated in the eastern Taiwan county of Hualien, near the quake’s epicenter, where officials said they were working to rescue 131 people who are currently trapped in those areas. This seismic event marks the most powerful earthquake to strike Taiwan in a 25 years. The epicenter of the quake was located 18km (11…
The Delta State Police Command successfully rescued nine students who were kidnapped along the East-West Road in Ughelli, Delta State. The students who were travelling in a minibus were abducted on Monday, as reported by Channels TV. Confirming the rescue, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, wrote on his X handle late Monday while referencing Channels TV’s report, stating, “All nine of the victims have regained their freedom, pls.” The PPRO had told Channels TV that the abductees “may have been students who were returning from their school in Calabar, Cross River State on Friday night.” The bus driver was said to be unhurt, adding that…
US President, Joe Biden’s announcement has come under fire after declaring this Easter Sunday as Transgender Day of Visibility. Prominent Christians, politicians, and commenters flooded social media platforms with criticism after the announcement from the White House. Although March 31 has always been set aside to honour the transgender movement, this year’s commemoration coincides with Easter Sunday, a significant Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal…
The Ondo State Police Command, on Saturday, said it has initiated actions, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, to apprehend a soldier who allegedly killed a trader in Akure, the state capital. It was gathered that the yet-to-be-identified soldier allegedly stabbed the trader to death at the popular Arakale Market in Akure on Saturday following an argument that ensued between them. The incident was said to have caused a protest by the colleagues of the deceased at the market but the situation was brought under control by the men of the state police command. The state Police Public Relations Officer,…
The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed telecommunication companies to extend the deadline for disconnecting phone lines not associated with National Identification Numbers from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024. A credible source within the telecommunication sector disclosed this information to newsmen on Saturday. This directive conveyed through a formal letter to telecom companies, follows a thorough review of multiple obstacles and appeals for deadline extensions. The source said, “So, this particular extension from 15th April to 31st July is for those who have four SIMs linked to just one phone line.” The disconnection process, which began in February, was rolled…
The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Saturday, said it will not hesitate to resume impeachment proceedings on the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, if it becomes the last resort to uphold the Constitution. The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, made this known on Saturday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Amaewhule, who was accompanied by 26 members of the Assembly, read out a communique issued after the briefing. The lawmakers accused the governor of dishonesty and refusing to hold up to his end of the Presidential Peace Accord which he wilfully signed without coercion. Furthermore, they…
The Ogun State Police Command has reported that Oladapo Oluwaseyifunmi, a member of the Celestial Church of Christ at Oriyarin Parish in Mowe, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, who was abducted on Thursday, has been successfully rescued. Earlier, the police had confirmed the kidnapping of Seyifunmi and Oluboboye Abiola by some gunmen who invaded the church. It was confirmed through the command’s X account, Police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, said “report at my disposal 28/3/2024 at about reveals that unidentified gunmen, invaded a Celestial Church around Oriyarin village, Mowe and abducted one Oladapo Seyifunmi, Oluboboye Abiola, and escaped through…
The National Examinations Council has finalized preparations to administer the Senior School Certificate Examinations (Internal) within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This decision comes after the Nigeria International School in Jeddah received accreditation from a delegation from NECO, headed by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, and the Registrar of NECO, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi. NECO officially announced these developments in a statement issued on Saturday. The statement read, “The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sununu, in his address, enjoined the staff and students of the school to continue to be good ambassadors of Nigeria not only…
The community in the Oje area of Ibadan North-East Local Government is in mourning following the demise of a revered 84-year-old crocodile. This special crocodile, which was a prominent feature at Delesolu’s Palace in Ibadan, passed away on Thursday, its presence had been a draw for numerous tourists to the historic city of Ibadan due to its unique nature. Chief Raufu Yusuff Delesolu (Ayingun Olubadan), the head of the family and a respected chief in Ibadan, who spoke about the crocodile shared that the crocodile had been brought to Igbejo Delesolu in 1940 after thefirst one was bought by some…
Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have reportedly launched an attack on a Celestial Church in Ogun State, seizing two worshippers identified as Oladapo Seyifunmi and Oluboboye Abiola. The incident occurred at the church located near Oriyarin village, Mowe, in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said that the perpetrators fled through a thick forest behind the church. The statement reads “Suspected kidnapping: Report at my disposal reveals that on 28/3/2024, unidentified gunmen invaded a Celestial Church around Oriyarin…
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that it has effectively restored the national grid after a ‘system disturbance’ that occurred around 4:28 pm on Thursday, with its full recovery completed by 10:00 pm on the same day. According to a report from the National Control Centre (NCC) in Osogbo, Osun State, the system disturbance was caused by a notable decrease in generation capacity, mainly attributed to gas constraints. “This reduction led to a rapid decline in system frequency. This created a sudden imbalance in the grid. “The imbalance in grid stability was exacerbated by the sudden tripping of Egbin…
President Bola Tinubu has lauded Nigerians for the sacrifices they have made in the past few months since his administration came on board. Tinubu said since assuming office as President he has made conscious effort to steer the country to the path of recovery and sustainable growth. He reassured Nigerians that the seeds of patience which they have sown are beginning to sprout and will in no time bring forth an abundance of good fruits. The President stated this as part of his message to the Christian faithful on the commemoration of Easter. Tinubu described Easter as a significant moment…
The Army flew the Ovie of Ewu kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Clement Ikolo, who surrendered himself to the Police in Asaba to Abuja. Delta State Police Command handed over the king, to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday morning. The Commanding Officer Commanding Officer, 63 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Asaba, the Delta State Police Commissioner, and other senior military officers escorted the monarch to the Asaba International Airport. Recall that the traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Clement Ikolo, Urukpe 1, was among eight persons…
A State High Court sitting in Jigawa, on Thursday, has sentenced 25-year-old Aminu Ali to life imprisonment for raping and sodomising a 10-year-old boy. The presiding judge, Justice Musa Ubale, found Ali guilty after the prosecution had established “beyond reasonable doubt” that he lured the victim and engaged in anal sex with him. To prove its case, the prosecution counsel presented five witnesses and submitted four exhibits, including a medical report. In his ruling, Justice Ubale said the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the judge sentenced the convict to life imprisonment under Section 3 (2&4) of…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced the increment of the capital base for commercial banks with international authorisation to N500bn and national banks to N200bn. The apex bank announced this in a statement signed by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali, in Abuja on Thursday. The CBN’s move mandates substantial increases in the minimum capital base for banks, varying by the scope of their operations. The latest policy directive specifies that commercial banks with international authorisation are now required to shore up their capital base to N500bn. She added that national authorisation commercial banks need to meet an…
Nigeria, has yet again suffered another national grid collapse on Thursday The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the development to its customers through its social media handles. The AEDC said the national grid collapsed at about 4:28 pm, plunging the country into darkness. “Dear valued customers, please be informed that the current power outage is due to a system failure from the national grid. The system collapsed at about 16:28 hours today 28 March 2024, causing the outage currently being experienced across our franchise area. “We appeal for your understanding as all stakeholders are working hard to restore normal supply,”…
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Jabi on Thursday dismissed charges of fraudulent conduct regarding the handling of Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, also known as the Malabu Oil deal, brought against a former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Recall that EFCC, had charged Adoke before the FCT High Court, Abuja, on January 15, 2020, along with Aliyu Abubakar, Gbinije of Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, Nigeria Agip Exploration Ltd, Shell Ultra Deep Nigeria Ltd, and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo). The former AGF was…
Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff and other military officers. It is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State. The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats. Their sacrifice will be remembered and…
An afternoon downpour has reportedly washed away Ochanja market road constructed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration barely one week ago. Ochanja market is located in Onitsha South local government area of the state. In a widely circulated viral video of the washed road on Tuesday morning, posted by one Onyebuchi Nwafor, showing the coated asphalts piled out with pieces scattered and water-logged on some parts of the road. A voice on the video expressed concern over the poor and shoddy job the administration is executing despite paying billions of taxpayers money for the projects. A post accompanying the video, partly…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has sought for huge investments from Indian investors, as part of strategies to fast tract the development of the capital territory, Abuja. Wike made the call when the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Shri Balasubramanian, visited him in Abuja on Tuesday. He acknowledged the presence of many Indian companies in the country, particularly petrochemicals and fertiliser companies among others. “We would also like to have this kind of relationship in Abuja. “You have seen improvement in security; you have seen improvement in infrastructure in Abuja. That is part…
Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), on Sunday, ended their seven-day warning strike. In a circular to branch chairmen at public universities all over the country, SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, directed SSANU and NASU members to resume work from Monday, March 25, 2024. The two unions began a seven-day warning strike on Monday, March 18, 2024 over withheld salaries with workers in registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs withdrawing their services. Both SSANU and NASU are protesting withheld salaries by the Federal Government. The two unions berated…
Four people have lost their lives in a stampede during an almsgiving zakat for the poor in Bauchi State The stampede happened at the Shafa Holdings Company plc headquarters along Jos Road, on Sunday. A 17-year-old identified as Naima Abdullahi, is currently receiving medical treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ahmed Wakili, who confirmed the incident said the situation has been stabilized. Recall that on Friday, two students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi have died during the distribution of palliatives while 23 have been hospitalised. Wakili…
Nigeria has finished second at the 13th African Games after raking in 47 gold, 33 silver and 40 bronze medals in 25 sports at the competition. Nigeria got its highest medals in weightlifting as the team brought home 32 medals; 16 gold, 10 silver and six bronze medals. In athletics, which was Nigeria’s second most productive sport at the Games, 22 medals were won. Nigeria also raked in 12 medals in wrestling, eight gold medals in boxing and 13 medals in arm wrestling. Egypt finished first with 189 medals, comprising 101 gold, 46 silver and 42 bronze. South Africa took…
