Author: Olukayode Oke

Tragedy Averted As Cargo Plane Skids Off Abuja Runway. A potential disaster was averted on Wednesday, 11th December, when a cargo aircraft skidded off the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident occurred at 10:05 am, involving an Allied Air Cargo plane with the registration number 5N-JRT. The aircraft had five crew members on board, all of whom were safely evacuated without any injuries. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the development, with spokesperson Obiageli Orah stating: “The crew were immediately taken to the FAAN clinic for precautionary medical checks. Thankfully, no injuries were…

Naira Depreciates Further To ₦1,745/$1 As Speculators Face Criticism. The naira has experienced another depreciation, falling to ₦1,745 per US dollar in the parallel market. This development has sparked concerns among traders and economic analysts, who have attributed the decline primarily to speculative activities. According to market observers, the heightened demand for dollars by speculators has exerted immense pressure on the local currency, disrupting its stability. Traders have expressed frustration, citing the role of speculators in artificially inflating the exchange rate. Economic experts have also weighed in on the situation, urging authorities to implement decisive measures to curb…

Nigerian Army Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims In Delta State. The Nigerian Army has announced that troops of the 63 Brigade successfully rescued four kidnap victims during a raid on a kidnappers’ hideout in Ugbolu Forest, Delta State, on Monday, 9 December 2024. According to a statement released by Major Emmanuel Onoja, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operation was based on credible intelligence and involved a fierce gun battle between the troops and the kidnappers. Major Onoja reported that the victims, who had been held captive for several days, received medical attention and necessary support before being…

Pep Guardiola Declares Manchester City His Final Club Job. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that his current role will be his last in club football, hinting at a possible future in international management. The 53-year-old Spaniard, who has enjoyed a glittering career with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City, shared his thoughts during an interview with celebrity chef Dani Garcia on YouTube. Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension in November to remain at City until 2027, expressed no intention of managing another club after his tenure with the reigning Premier League champions. “I’m not going to…

Ademola Lookman Shines In Atalanta’s Narrow Defeat To Real Madrid. Ademola Lookman delivered a moment of brilliance for Atalanta, scoring his 11th goal of the season with a powerful near-post strike, giving his side hope in their Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Despite Lookman’s effort, Atalanta fell short as Real held on to secure a vital three points. The Italian side, currently ninth in the 36-team league with 11 points, pressed hard late in the game but could not overturn Real’s lead. Lookman’s performance, however, was a standout, highlighting his importance to Atalanta’s campaign as they aim to secure…

Israel Confirms Strikes On Syrian Naval Fleet Amid Regional Tensions. Israel has confirmed a series of strikes on Syria’s naval fleet and other military assets following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) revealed that its ships targeted ports in Al-Bayda and Latakia on Monday night, destroying 15 docked vessels. Footage verified by the BBC shows extensive damage at the Latakia port, with blasts sinking ships and damaging infrastructure. The IDF also reported conducting over 350 airstrikes on strategic locations across Syria, targeting airfields, military vehicles, anti-aircraft systems, and weapons production…

South Korean Presidential Office Raided Amid Martial Law Controversy. South Korea’s political landscape remains in turmoil as police raided the presidential office in Seoul, escalating the crisis surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to impose martial law last week. The raid, which took place on Wednesday, was part of a broader investigation into allegations of insurrection and treason against President Yoon, who has resisted mounting calls for his resignation despite facing an impeachment vote. Local media reported that 18 investigators were dispatched to seize records from a cabinet meeting held on the night the martial law was declared. President…

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Highlights Road Upgrades In Ikoyi. The Governor of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and boosting productivity by inaugurating a newly upgraded network of roads in Ikoyi. Speaking during the event, the Governor explained that the project underscored the government’s dedication to transforming Ikoyi into a model district. He emphasised the importance of enhancing the quality of life for residents while bolstering the area’s role in Lagos’ economic growth. The roads upgraded under the project include Oyinkan Abayomi, Femi Okunnu, Macpherson, Ilabere, Ilu, Inupa, and Kuramo. He noted that the initiative involved the…

Evacuation Orders Issued As Franklin Fire Burns In Malibu. A fast-moving wildfire, named the Franklin Fire, has prompted mandatory evacuation orders near the city of Malibu, California, as it burns through more than 1,800 acres of vegetation. The fire began late on Monday evening in Malibu Canyon, spreading rapidly southwards across the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and into the Malibu Pier area. Authorities have confirmed that structures, including the pier, have been affected by the blaze. Residents in areas east of Malibu Canyon Road, south of Piuma Road, and within the Serra Retreat region have been ordered…

Federal Government Endorses Cold Storage Initiative To Bolster Food Security. In a determined effort to tackle food shortages and reduce post-harvest losses, the Federal Government has endorsed the Cold Storage Initiative, a transformative project aimed at enhancing food security across Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, announced the government’s support during a meeting with a delegation comprising representatives from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), GENESIS Energy Group, USAID, and KPMG. The meeting, held at the minister’s office in Abuja, focused on forging a strategic partnership to deploy solar-powered cold…

JTF South East Destroys 217 Illegal Refineries And Seizes Nearly One Million Litres Of Stolen Crude Oil. The Joint Task Force (JTF) South East, codenamed Udo Ka, has achieved significant successes in its operations from the second to fourth quarters of 2024. The task force destroyed 217 illegal refineries and seized 993,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 237,000 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO). This update was provided by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, H.T. Dada, during an operational briefing on Tuesday. The JTF conducted a series of operations, including…

Court Declines Yahaya Bello’s Bail Application. The Federal Capital Territory High Court, presided over by Justice Maryann Anenih, has declined a bail application submitted by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, ruling that the application was filed prematurely. Mr Bello, alongside two others, is facing trial on allegations of laundering N110 billion, a charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In delivering the ruling, Justice Anenih noted that the application was filed on 22nd November, prior to Mr Bello being taken into custody on 26th November and his subsequent arraignment on 27th November.…