Pop superstar Katy Perry, CBS anchor Gayle King, and four other remarkable women safely returned to Earth after a suborbital journey aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin New Shepard rocket on Sunday. The six-member, all-female crew blasted off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas after 8:30 a.m. local time (14:30 BST). The flight lasted approximately 11 minutes. It soared more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) above the Earth, crossing the Kármán line, which is the internationally recognized boundary of space. Joining Perry and King on this mission were: Lauren Sánchez, journalist and Bezos’ fiancée Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket…
Author: Esther Salami
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories: The National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL) has strongly condemned calls for the arrest of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, following the Bishop’s passionate plea to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee about the growing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. At a press briefing in Makurdi, NACL President Polycarp Aande labeled the calls as misplaced, ill-conceived, and unwarranted, defending the Bishop’s right to speak on behalf of persecuted Christians. He cited alarming statistics, noting that 124 priests were kidnapped between 2018 and 2024,…
Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, marked his 50th birthday on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with a series of events in Abuja. The celebration, themed “50 for 50,” featured multiple activities spread across several days in a grand event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. In an Instagram post on April 12, the celebrant wrote: “12.04.25 Happy Birthday, Obi Cubana. 50yrs! 50for50.” He also shared a family portrait with his wife, Ebele Iyiegbu (Lush Eby), and their five sons, all dressed in traditional Igbo attire. He captioned the photo: “My greatest achievement isn’t in…
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, a helicopter crash occurred when a Bell 206 aircraft fell into the Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of all six passengers on board. The victims include Agustín Escobar, 44, President of Siemens Spain; his wife, Merce Camprubí Montal, 42, a global marketing manager at Siemens Energy; and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The family was visiting from Barcelona, Spain, and arrived in New York earlier that day. The sixth victim was the helicopter’s pilot, a 36-year-old male whose identity has not yet been officially released. Timeline of Events (local time) 2:59…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories: 1. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) conducted its 2025 UTME Mock exam on Thursday, with over 211,000 candidates participating nationwide in various Computer-Based Test centres. JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while monitoring the exercise in Abuja, announced that results will be released on Friday. He explained that the mock exam serves as a test run for the main UTME, scheduled for April 25, and allows JAMB to assess its readiness and try out new strategies. Oloyede warned against examination malpractice, revealing that JAMB has created a decoy website to trap…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, April 10, led a series of tributes celebrating Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, as he marked his 68th birthday. In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Dangote’s “resilience and unwavering commitment to Africa’s economic transformation,” and praised his contributions to key sectors including cement manufacturing, agriculture, and oil refining. “Aliko Dangote’s life embodies hard work, generosity, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His willingness to invest in people and nation-building reflects profound business ingenuity and love for humanity,” President Tinubu stated. The President further lauded the Dangote Refinery, described as…
Jamiu Ninilowo, a young chess player from Ikorodu, Lagos, has won the gold medal at the 2025 United Nations Chess Tournament in New York. Defeating more than 200 USCF-rated players, his win includes a $500 scholarship. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Jamiu expressed gratitude to Tunde Onakoya, the Chess in Slums Africa team, and others who supported his journey. “Yes! I did it! Not just for myself, but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” he wrote. “All thanks to God, Tunde Onakoya, and Chess in Slums. I will forever be grateful.” Onakoya posted earlier this week, “Today,…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) is facing a deepening leadership crisis following an April 4, 2025, Supreme Court ruling that nullified a Court of Appeal judgment recognizing Julius Abure as national chairman. Lamidi Apapa, citing this ruling and his position as the most senior deputy national chairman, declared himself acting chairman and announced a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting for April 14, 2025. Meanwhile, Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti, backed by the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, reaffirmed their support for a 29-member caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, April 7, in a highly anticipated diplomatic encounter. However, the meeting’s aftermath has raised eyebrows in Jerusalem. While the encounter was intended to project unity between the two allies, reactions from Israeli political circles have been conspicuously muted, suggesting internal discomfort with some outcomes. During a press appearance, Trump voiced his continued support for Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza and issued a pointed warning to Iran, declaring, “They are on notice—there will be consequences if they do not cooperate.” However, not…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of defunct Diamond Bank, Pascal Dozie, has died at age 86 after battling age-related illness. He also served as chairman of MTN Nigeria and Pan-Atlantic University. Born in 1939 in Imo State, Dozie held degrees from the London School of Economics and City University, London. He also founded the African Development Consulting Group and was honored with the national award, Order of the Niger (OON). He is survived by his wife, Chinyere, and five children. 2. The Presidency has denied viral reports claiming President Bola Tinubu has…
As the world marks World Health Day 2025 under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, the United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO) have raised alarms over the reduction in global aid and its devastating consequences for maternal and newborn health, with Nigeria ranking among the most affected countries. A new UN report titled “Trends in Maternal Mortality” reveals that despite a 40% drop in maternal deaths between 2000 and 2023, progress has slowed dramatically and is now threatened by cuts to humanitarian health funding, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the withdrawal of U.S. aid under President Donald Trump.…
President Donald Trump’s recent move to impose a 20% tariff on European Union (EU) goods has sparked a major global trade dispute, triggered market crashes, and caused mass protests across the U.S. and abroad. The new tariffs, announced last week, mark the latest escalation in what economists call a full-blown trade war. In a Truth Social post on Sunday night, Trump has doubled down: “Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN… Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!” The EU has responded by finalizing its list of retaliatory tariffs, targeting American exports like…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. Between March 28 and April 2, 2025, brutal attacks by gunmen on motorcycles devastated multiple communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, including Ruwi, Mangor, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai. At least 52 people were reportedly killed, over 1,820 displaced, and many homes and properties were destroyed. Survivors described the assaults as sudden and indiscriminate, with entire families fleeing for their lives. President Bola Tinubu condemned the violence in response, directing security agencies to apprehend the attackers and instructing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver relief…
After months of speculation, Kanye West has seemingly confirmed the end of his marriage to Bianca Censori in the most “Ye” way possible — through lyrics. In his new track “BIANCA,” which DJ Akademiks previewed during a live stream on April 2, the controversial rapper openly reflects on the breakdown of their relationship, hinting that Censori has left him following a string of troubling public behaviors and inflammatory social media posts. “My baby ran away, but she tried to get me committed first. I’m not going to the hospital because I’m not sick, I just don’t understand it,” Kanye raps…
South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment on April 4, 2025, bringing his controversial presidency to an abrupt end more than two years before his term was due to expire. The court’s ruling followed Yoon’s failed attempt to declare martial law on December 3, 2024, which he justified as a measure to protect South Korea from “anti-state” elements he alleged were sympathetic to North Korea and China. Critics say the move led to a self-coup, a dangerous bid to concentrate power and dismantle democratic checks. “All eight justices voted to remove President Yoon from office,” said Moon…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories: 1. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that a petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District has failed to meet the constitutional requirements stipulated in Section 69(a) of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended). The announcement was made on Thursday by INEC via its official X handle, with a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. The petitioners required at least 237,278 signatures (50% + 1 of the 474,554 registered voters), but only managed to collect 208,132…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. The Federal Government has reopened the Independence Bridge (Ahmadu Bello Way-Marina bound) to traffic after implementing temporary repairs, postponing full rehabilitation for a later date. This decision, announced by Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, aims to ease traffic congestion caused by the bridge’s closure on April 1 for maintenance. The reopening follows severe gridlock that paralyzed major alternative routes. Commuters faced hours-long delays, and transport fares surged from N800 to N2,000 for CMS to Lekki Phase 1. Many resorted to walking or using delivery bikes to navigate the chaos. The government…
Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his electrifying performances in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Tombstone, has passed away at 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his death in a statement to The New York Times. Kilmer succumbed to pneumonia in Los Angeles, following a long battle with health complications caused by throat cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2014. The tumor required tracheotomy surgery, significantly impacting his voice and acting career. Val Edward Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles and rose to fame in the 1980s. He eventually became one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. Some of his most iconic roles include: Lt. Tom…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. During the ongoing Eid-el-Fitr celebrations on April 1, 2025, a violent fight occurred between Fulani youths in the Katampe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over a dispute involving a girlfriend. According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the altercation, which happened around 7:30 PM, grew rapidly as the parties involved wielded dangerous weapons, causing public panic. The injured victims, Isiaka Abubakar and Isiaka Mohammed, were rushed to Jareal Hospital in Mpape for treatment. Makama noted that such violent clashes have become a recurring issue on the area’s second day of…
Charlie Javice, a 32-year-old founder of student finance startup Frank, has been convicted of fraud for defrauding JPMorgan Chase & Co. out of $175 million. Once celebrated as a young entrepreneur on Forbes’ 2019 “30 Under 30” list, Javice now faces a maximum prison sentence of 30 years for bank fraud. How She Did It: The Fraudulent Scheme Javice convinced JPMorgan Chase to acquire Frank in 2021, falsely claiming that the platform had over 4.25 million users. In reality, it had fewer than 300,000. Patrick Vovor, Frank’s former engineering chief, testified that Javice asked him to create fake user data,…
Mass protests have erupted across Benue State after a wave of attacks by suspected herdsmen, leaving multiple communities in distress. Residents of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA), particularly Olena community, have fled their homes after four days of sustained violence that has resulted in deaths, kidnappings, and widespread fear. This event caused thousands of demonstrators to take the streets in Benue, chanting “We no go gree!” and blocking major roads to demand urgent government intervention. According to eyewitnesses, the protesters complained of the frequent attacks and accused security agencies of failing to protect them. Residents of Olena in Asa, Otukpo…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories: 1. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Edo State Security Corps Commander, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), following the mob killing of 16 Northern travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, on March 27, 2025. In a statement, the state government also ordered the suspension of all illegal vigilante groups. Authorities have arrested 14 suspects, with a police-led special team continuing the manhunt for others involved. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, condemned the killings. He called for calm and urged all vigilante groups to register…
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time. The quake’s epicenter was located in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, near Mandalay. Minutes later, a 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed. The seismic activity caused widespread devastation and was felt in Bangkok, Thailand, and China’s southwestern Yunnan province. So far, the earthquake has claimed at least 144 lives and left more than 730 injured, according to Myanmar’s military government. Significant structural damage has been reported in Mandalay, the country’s second-most populous city, and the military-built capital, Naypyidaw. The earthquake also caused the collapse of a road bridge…
Former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves has been acquitted of sexual assault charges following an appeal, with the High Court of Justice of Catalonia overturning his initial conviction due to “insufficient evidence” and “inconsistencies and contradictions” in the previous ruling. Alves, 41, was convicted in February 2024 of raping a 23-year-old woman at the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona in December 2022. The former footballer was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison but was released on bail in March 2024 after paying €1 million ($1.2 million). The appeals court, consisting of judges Maria Angels Vivas, Roser Bach, Maria Jesus Manzano,…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. On Thursday, March 27, a Constitution amendment bill proposing a parliamentary system of government passed a second reading in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Kingsley Chinda and 59 others, it seeks to establish the offices of Prime Minister and President as separate heads of government and state, respectively. Other advanced bills include removing immunity for vice presidents and governors, setting a 60-year age limit for presidential and gubernatorial aspirants, and requiring a bachelor’s degree. Critics, including the PDP and CUPP, argue Nigeria’s issues are rooted in corruption and incompetence, not…
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, have announced they are expecting their third child together. The revelation came on Thursday, March 27, 2025, when Nwoko took to social media to dispel rumors of marital discord while reaffirming his love for his wife. In a heartfelt and poetic post, Senator Ned Nwoko dismissed allegations that he had fathered a child outside his marriage and reassured the public about the strength of his bond with Regina. “No rumoured child outside, that ship never sailed. Let them retire that story, tired and stale. Their lies will fade, their voices…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, public holidays for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced this on behalf of the government, congratulating Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan. He urged citizens to embrace self-discipline, compassion, and generosity while celebrating responsibly and supporting the less privileged. The government extended Eid Mubarak wishes, hoping the season brings happiness and fulfillment. 2. Senator Victor Umeh has criticized the Senate’s rejection of a motion to immortalize the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former defunct National…
A viral video has emerged showing students of the Delta State School of Nursing, Agbor, rejecting Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as “our mother” during her visit to the state on Tuesday, 25th March 2025. The incident took place during an event where Mrs. Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), advocated for free treatment programs for HIV/AIDS patients. She also encouraged traditional rulers to support campaigns against female genital mutilation (FGM). During the event, an MC (Master of Ceremonies) attempted to lead the students in a song, calling the First Lady “our mother.” However, the students rejected the…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. On Tuesday, a heated exchange erupted during a Senate Committee hearing on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions between Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili. The session, held on March 26, 2024, focused on a petition by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sexual harassment allegations. Tensions flared when petitioner Zubairu Yakubu was asked to mute his microphone, prompting Ezekwesili’s intervention. Nwebonyi interjected, leading to a verbal clash where he insulted Ezekwesili, calling her “an insult to womanhood,” while she labeled him a “hooligan.”…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. The Federal Government has assured National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members that the backlog of their N77,000 monthly allowance will be paid. The allowance was increased from N33,000 in September 2024, but has faced delays in implementation. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed on Politics Today that serving corps members and those in the scheme will receive backdated payments when the raise was announced. He explained that the delay was due to budgetary issues, as the increase was not initially included in the budget. Now that the necessary allocations have…
