Two Malaysian military helicopters tragically collided and crashed during a routine training session, resulting in the loss of all 10 crew members on board. The unfortunate collision occurred during a flypast rehearsal at the Lumut naval base, approximately 160 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, ahead of the upcoming Naval Day celebrations in May. Footage circulating online captured the distressing moment as several helicopters flew in formation over the naval base before one helicopter clipped the rear rotor of another, sending both aircraft into a tailspin and eventual crash. The helicopters involved were identified as a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), in collaboration with its Joint Venture partner Newcross Exploration and Production Ltd., has successfully recommenced operations at the Awoba Unit Field. The field, previously shut down since February 2022 due to evacuation challenges and crude oil theft, is now back in action. According to a press release issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, since the restart on April 13, 2024, the Awoba field has been producing an average of 8,000 barrels per day (bpd). Production is anticipated to escalate to 12,000 bpd within the upcoming 30 days. Situated in…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an initiative aimed at significantly increasing power generation to 6000 megawatts through the utilization of hydro and solar plants. This revelation was made by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a visit by members of the Senate Committee on Power to the ministry in Abuja on Monday. Minister Adelabu outlined the government’s strategy to ramp up power production, citing the need to address the current shortfall in electricity generation. He expressed dismay at the current peak generation capacity, which stands at only 5800 megawatts, emphasizing the underutilization of existing infrastructure due to…
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide the legality of a federal regulation aimed at reining in homemade “ghost guns” as President Joe Biden’s administration combats the increasing use of these largely untraceable weapons in crimes nationwide. The justices took up the administration’s appeal of a lower court’s decision finding that the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) exceeded its authority in issuing the 2022 rule targeting parts and kits for ghost guns, which can be assembled at home in minutes. The case will be heard during the Supreme Court’s next term, which begins in…
In a moment for former President Donald Trump’s legal battles, the $175 million bond secured in his New York civil fraud case has come under intense scrutiny. The insurer, Knight Specialty Insurance Co, tasked with providing the bond, faces a crucial hearing before a state judge today. The bond, intended to ensure Trump’s compliance with a hefty $454.2 million judgment, is being challenged by New York Attorney General Letitia James over concerns regarding the insurer’s qualifications and financial stability. Justice Arthur Engoron imposed the monumental penalty following findings that Trump, then a Republican presidential candidate, had manipulated his net worth…
More than 40 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on Monday morning at Yale University after a tense standoff between students and authorities. The university announced the arrests of 47 students at Beinecke Plaza, who now face potential disciplinary actions, including suspension. Yale’s administration stated that repeated efforts were made over the weekend to engage with the protesters, offering meetings with trustees and warning of impending arrests. However, the protesters remained steadfast in their demands for Yale to disclose its investments in and divest from military weapons manufacturers. The students occupying the plaza allege that Yale’s investments indirectly contribute to what they…
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled the expansion of its Burden Reduction Program. This initiative, aimed at reducing bureaucratic obstacles, targets implementing partners, private sector collaborators, and job applicants. Initially launched last year, the program has already yielded significant results, trimming an estimated 3.8 million hours of inefficient procedures within USAID. Internal reforms include simplifying award review processes, eliminating redundant paperwork, and automating document approvals. Acknowledging feedback from various stakeholders, USAID has intensified efforts to alleviate burdens faced by implementing partners, particularly local organizations in host countries, and underrepresented U.S. entities. The agency also aims to facilitate…
Suspected jihadists in central Mali are holding more than 110 civilians they abducted six days ago, local sources told AFP on Monday. Three buses carrying the civilians were stopped on April 16 by “jihadists”, who forced the vehicles and the passengers to head towards a forest between Bandiagara and Bankass, a local group of associations and an elected official said. “We demand the release of more than 110 passengers of three buses abducted on Tuesday by jihadists,” a member of the group, Oumar Ongoiba, told AFP. An elected official from Bandiagara, who wanted to remain anonymous for…
In a bid to ensure the effective implementation of the new minimum wage across Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed stringent measures, including sanctions for governors and local government administrators who fail to comply. Hakeem Ambali, the National Treasurer of the NLC, revealed this during an interview with the PUNCH in Abuja, stating the absence of punitive measures in the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 as a contributing factor to the non-compliance by some state governors. Ambali stated the need of updating the legislation to reflect the current economic realities, citing the recent cessation of fuel subsidy as…
Sunday turned into a day of distress for residents and motorists across Lagos and Ogun states as torrential rains unleashed havoc, leaving roads submerged and communities in disarray. Areas such as Agege, Akowonjo, and Egbeda in Lagos, alongside Mayegun junction area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Akute, Lotto, Pakuro, and Ijere in Ogun State, bore the brunt of the relentless downpour. Stranded motorists and residents faced with the aftermath of flooding that rendered roads impassable. In Agege’s Mobil area, the entire road succumbed to floodwaters, halting all vehicular movement. Similarly, the Egbeda-Ikotun road faced significant disruption, particularly at crucial points like…
Renowned oncologist, Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, has stated the need for an increase in radiotherapy machines to effectively combat cancer in Nigeria. According to her, a total of 250 radiotherapy machines are necessary to bridge the treatment gap in the country. This call comes amidst the backdrop of the government’s efforts to establish six cancer centers across different regions of Nigeria. These centers aim to provide advanced cancer treatment and care to citizens across the nation. However, Okoye highlighted that despite these initiatives, the current infrastructure remains insufficient to meet the needs of Nigeria’s population, which stands at 250 million. In…
The Warri Focus Group has openly contested the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to conduct a fresh ward delineation within the Warri Federal Constituency. This disagreement, highlighted in a statement by the group’s Secretary, Mr. Olayemi Omateye, signals a potential conflict between civic organizations and electoral authorities. Mr. Omateye, representing the Warri Focus Group, labeled INEC’s move as both selective and mischievous, expressing concerns over what he perceives as abnormalities in the electoral process. He announced the group’s intention to petition INEC, citing specific grievances and discrepancies. “The proposition of INEC to implement the Supreme Court judgment and order…