Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based media network, reported on Sunday the tragic death of two of its Palestinian journalists, Hamza Wael Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuria, in an Israeli strike on their car. The media network described the incident as a “targeted killing.”Hamza and Mustafa, who also worked as a video stringer for AFP and other news organizations, lost their lives while on their way to fulfill their duties for Al Jazeera in the Gaza Strip. A third freelance journalist, Hazem Rajab, traveling with them, was seriously injured. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza confirmed the deaths, attributing them to an Israeli…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully intercepted a shipment of ‘Colorado,’ a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in boxing kits imported from the United States. The consignment, weighing 1.80 kilograms, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on New Year’s Day. NDLEA’s weeklong intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect, 38-year-old Olorunfunmi Saheed Olakunle, who distributed the psychoactive substance across Lagos. In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi disclosed that the suspect admitted to delivering such consignments on behalf of his childhood friend, US-based Sagir Salami. Meanwhile, a parallel operation…
Somalia’s president signed a bill on Saturday nullifying a preliminary agreement allowing Somaliland to provide Ethiopia with port access to its coast. This symbolic move aimed to rebuke both parties over a deal that has heightened tensions across the Horn of Africa.Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid a civil war and has operated autonomously since. The memorandum of understanding, signed between Somaliland’s president and Ethiopia’s prime minister, outlined the broad outlines of a potential pact. It included granting Ethiopia access to the Gulf of Aden in exchange for shares in Ethiopian Airlines and recognition of Somaliland’s independence. While…
The Police Service Commission announced the initiation of the Constable Cadre recruitment for the Nigeria Police Force starting Monday, January 8th, 2024. The six-week application period will be followed by thorough physical and credentials screening in accordance with Federal Character Commission requirements. Chairman Dr. Solomon Arase (IGP Rtd) declared this recruitment as more than just an exercise, describing it as an epic saga with far-reaching consequences. During a pre-deployment briefing at the Commission’s headquarters, he urged PSC staff to uphold professionalism and integrity, emphasizing that each decision will play a crucial role in shaping the Commission’s legacy. As the first…
President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by clearing the N12 billion outstanding backlog owed by the Federal Government to Nigeria’s national sports teams, including the Super Eagles. This substantial outstanding payment encompassed various financial aspects crucial to the functioning of the national sports teams, with a primary focus on the revered Super Eagles. The commitment involved clearing arrears of senior national team coach salaries spanning 15 months, as well as settling outstanding allowances and promises owed to both the senior national teams, female counterparts, and the Under-20 national team. The announcement, disseminated through the official handle of Tinubu’s Media…
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, stands firm amidst controversy, dismissing attempts to tarnish her image. In response to the leaked memo instructing a N585 million transfer to a private account, Edu asserts that the plans to besmirch her reputation will fail. The leaked letter dated December 20, 2023, reveals Edu’s directive to the Accountant-General for the payment, raising public concerns. Edu addresses the issue on social media, emphasizing integrity and accountability under her watch, denying any wrongdoing. Her media aide, Rasheed Zubair, insists the transfer followed due process, countering the growing public outrage. Social media users…
In anticipation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigeria has officially unveiled the squad numbers for their 25-man roster. Francis Uzoho, donning the prestigious no1 shirt, is set to take on the role of the primary goalkeeper during the tournament. This strategic move signals the team’s confidence in Uzoho’s abilities between the posts. As expected, Napoli’s prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, has been assigned the iconic no9 shirt, a clear indication of his central attacking role for the Super Eagles. Additional key players and their respective numbers include Ahmed Musa (7), Joe Aribo (10), Victor Boniface (24), Alex Iwobi…
In a decisive move to combat environmental degradation and enhance security, the Bauchi state government has implemented a ban on the issuance of consent letters to potential investors in the mining sector by individuals, groups, and monarchs without official approval. The decision, communicated by Saleh Umar, the information officer in the ministry of natural resources, emphasizes the necessity of obtaining clearance from the ministry to issue consent letters. The government, led by Commissioner Maiwada Bello, is committed to fostering an environment conducive to the growth of the mining sector, boosting investor confidence in solid minerals. Commissioner Bello highlighted the ban’s…
The Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, strongly condemns the alarming rise in child kidnapping and trafficking, particularly involving northern minors being transported to southern regions of the country. Speaking to journalists in Kano, the first-class traditional ruler, represented by Dan Malikin Kano, Ahmad Umar, asserts that the Emirate will no longer tolerate such heinous acts within the state. Expressing deep concern, Emir Aminu Bayero emphasizes the urgency of proactive measures to curb this distressing trend. He declares, “We will no longer tolerate a situation where our children are kidnapped, sold, and subjected to changes in their tribe and religion. This…
In a public statement addressing the recent visit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials to their Lagos headquarters, Dangote Group has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the investigation. The conglomerate acknowledged the concerns raised among partners, stakeholders, and the public, emphasizing the need to provide an accurate account of the events. According to the statement, the EFCC initially requested details of foreign exchange allocations to the company, prompting a swift response from Dangote Group. In their response, Dangote Group sought clarification on the specific subsidiaries or companies within the conglomerate that the EFCC required information about.…
The United States Mint has officially released a collection of commemorative coins to honor the remarkable life and legacy of abolitionist hero Harriet Tubman. The release follows a decade-long journey that began with former President Barack Obama’s proposal to feature Tubman on the $20 bill. The commemorative Tubman coins, available for preorder since Thursday, consist of $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins. The U.S. Mint announced that these coins will start shipping in February. Enthusiasts can also purchase a set of all three coins for $836.25. Ventris C. Gibson, the Director of the U.S. Mint, expressed the…
In response to the alarming rise of Adulterated Drinks in Lagos, the Lagos Safety Commission and NAFDAC are joining forces to ensure public health is safeguarded. The Director-General of the Lagos Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, expressed their concerns in a joint statement issued after a recent meeting in Alausa. The officials strongly condemned the proliferation of adulterated drinks in bars, lounges, and nightclubs, emphasizing the unprecedented health risks posed to the public. Describing the act as condemnable, irresponsible, and wicked, the officials called on…