Author: Olukayode Oke

Ukrainian Operation Kills Russian General In Moscow Explosion. A high-ranking Russian general, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, has reportedly been killed in an explosion in Moscow, according to sources in Kyiv. The blast, which occurred on Tuesday morning, took place at the entrance to a residential building when a device concealed in an electric scooter detonated. Lt Gen Kirillov had recently been charged by Ukrainian authorities for the alleged use of banned chemical weapons during the conflict. On Monday, Kyiv accused him of deploying Chloropicrin, a gas initially used in the First World War, against Ukrainian troops in trenches. He…

Teacher And Student Killed In Wisconsin School Shooting. A tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, has claimed the lives of a teacher and a teenage student, leaving six others injured. The incident, carried out by a 15-year-old female student, marks a rare and shocking event in the history of school shootings. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes identified the attacker as Natalie Rupnow, also known as Samantha, a student at the school. Rupnow is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and her motives remain unclear. Police received an emergency call at 11:00…

ICPC Chairman Urges Lawyers To Avoid Frivolous Petitions Against Judges and Anti-Corruption Agencies. The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has cautioned members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) against submitting baseless petitions targeting anti-corruption agencies and judges. Dr Aliyu issued this warning during a meeting with the Chairman and members of the National Litigation Committee (NLT) of the NBA at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja on Monday. He emphasised that such petitions undermine efforts in the fight against corruption and do little to foster cooperation between lawyers…

FG Renames University Of Abuja To Yakubu Gowon University. The Federal Government has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honour of the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who recently marked his 90th birthday. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement on Monday after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. Idris explained that the decision reflects the government’s recognition of Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development. He stated, “The Federal Executive Council has resolved to rename the University of Abuja in honour…

PSC Promotes 27 Senior Police Officers To Higher Ranks. The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the promotion of 27 senior police officers to higher ranks, reflecting its commitment to merit-based career advancement within the Nigeria Police Force. Among those promoted are 11 Commissioners of Police elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) and 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to the rank of Commissioners of Police. The promotions were finalised on Monday, 16 December, following rigorous written and oral examinations at the PSC Corporate Headquarters. PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, stated…

Ademola Lookman Crowned African Football Player Of The Year 2024. Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named the African Football Player of the Year 2024 at a grand ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday, 12th December 2024. The 27-year-old, who plays for Atalanta FC and the Nigerian national team, received the prestigious trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino after being warmly embraced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Lookman succeeds his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, who won the award last year, continuing Nigeria’s dominance in African football. Dressed in a striking bottle-green Yoruba aso oke with agbada, Lookman captivated the audience as he…

Senator Shekarau Calls For Credibility In Leadership Ahead Of 2027 Elections. Former Kano State governor and senator, Ibrahim Shekarau, has urged Nigerians to prioritise the credibility of presidential candidates over regional considerations in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics Shekarau emphasised that debates over a president’s origin hold little relevance to effective governance. “All parties should focus on producing credible candidates, allowing Nigerians to choose the best leaders. The concern is not where the president comes from but whether they are capable and credible,” Shekarau stated. Reflecting on past election…

CBN Imposes N150 Million Fine On Banks For Aiding Currency Mismanagement. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a fine of N150 million on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) found to be facilitating the illicit flow of mint naira banknotes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous economic agents. The penalty was announced in a circular issued on 13 December 2024 by Solaja Mohammed J. Olayemi, the Acting Director of Currency Operations. The circular, with reference number COD/DIR/INT/CIR/001/025, followed an earlier notice issued on 13 November 2024, highlighting the apex bank’s dismay at the continued commodification of the naira. According…

Nigerian-Born Doctor Bolu Ogunyemi Elected President Of Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a distinguished Nigerian-born dermatologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada, has been elected as the president-elect nominee of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). This historic achievement marks the first time in the association’s 158-year history that a Black physician will hold this esteemed position. Dr. Ogunyemi’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born to a neurology professor and an enterprising mother who was among the first women from her region to attain post-secondary education. His family relocated to Canada,…

Access Bank Expands African Footprint With Bidvest Bank Acquisition. Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest financial institution by customer base, has announced plans to acquire South African lender, Bidvest Bank, for a sum of $158 million. This strategic move marks another significant step in the bank’s mission to strengthen its presence across Africa and beyond. The acquisition adds to Access Bank’s impressive track record of expansion. In 2022, it acquired the National Bank of Kenya for $99.6 million and an 83.4% stake in Sidian Bank for $36.8 million. Other acquisitions include Standard Chartered Bank’s operations in Angola and Sierra Leone, Cavmont Bank…

Cyclone Chido Leaves French Island ‘Mayotte’ Devastated, With Hundreds Feared Dead. The French island of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, has been ravaged by Cyclone Chido, with wind speeds reaching a catastrophic 140mph (225km/h). Early reports suggest that the death toll could reach “close to a thousand or even several thousand,” according to the island’s prefect. The cyclone has left widespread destruction, with residents describing scenes of entire neighbourhoods wiped out. Mohamed Ishmael, a resident of the capital city, Mamoudzou, said: “You feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war… I saw an entire neighbourhood…

Chelsea’s Winning Streak Sparks Title Contender Debate. Enzo Maresca has once again downplayed talk of a Premier League title challenge despite Chelsea securing their seventh consecutive win in all competitions with a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Sunday. At the start of the season, the idea of Chelsea being genuine contenders for the title seemed implausible. However, their recent stunning form has silenced many doubters, with the Blues now sitting second in the league, just two points behind leaders Liverpool. The possibility of Chelsea topping the table is very real. Should they defeat Everton next weekend, they would…