Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in alignment with her stance against surrogacy, is advocating for stricter penalties against the practice, including fines of up to $1 million and extended prison terms. Surrogacy, whether compensated or not, is already prohibited in Italy. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party has proposed a bill to intensify these penalties, raising fines from €600,000 to €1 million and extending jail sentences from three months to two years. Speaking at the ‘For a Young Europe: Demographic Transition, Environment, and Future’ conference in Rome, Meloni reiterated her condemnation of surrogacy as an “inhuman practice,” echoing sentiments shared by…
Author: Editor Francis
sraeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a video statement released on Saturday that “Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further.” “Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond,” Hagari added. Israel has been bracing for a possible Iranian attack since an airstrike killed two Iranian generals in the Syrian capital of Damascus last week. Iran has blamed Israel for the airstrike and vowed revenge. Israel has not commented on the strike. Iran has a number of…
In a recent address at the 13th convocation ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), President Bola Tinubu emphasised the importance of adhering to guidelines for good governance and proper financial management in tertiary institutions. Following the Federal Executive Council’s decision to remove Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education from the Integrated Personnel Payment System (IPPIS) last December, Tinubu highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders in developing these guidelines. Represented by Joel Saliu, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Academics at the National Universities Commission, Tinubu underscored the significance of implementing these…
Two prominent figures in the Yoruba self-determination movement, Professor Banji Akintoye and Chief Sunday Adeyemo, commonly known as Sunday Igboho, have distanced themselves from a group of agitators who invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan on Saturday. Professor Akintoye stated that the actions of the agitators were not in line with the goals of the Yoruba people, emphasizing that they were not fighting for Yoruba interests but rather against them. He clarified that neither he nor Chief Sunday Igboho were aware of or supported the actions of the agitators. According to Akintoye, the agitators reportedly appointed an interim…
Several suspected Yoruba Nation agitators have been apprehended following the invasion of the Oyo Government Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan. Reports indicate that at least seven individuals dressed in military camouflage were arrested, with some sustaining injuries. While it remains unconfirmed if the injuries were from gunshot wounds, footage showed bloodstains on the detainees. During the arrest, it was observed that many of the apprehended individuals were adorned with various charms and amulets. Eyewitnesses revealed that the agitators arrived in an ash-colored Hiace bus and motorcycles, which were subsequently seized by authorities. They allegedly stormed the House of Assembly premises, replacing…
Two suspected Yoruba Nation agitators were apprehended by security operatives for their alleged involvement in the invasion of the Oyo Government Secretariat on Saturday morning The individuals, identified as an elderly man with grey hair and a middle-aged man whose name remains unconfirmed, were detained by the police in possession of Yoruba Nation flags and related paraphernalia. Clad in amulets and charms, they were reportedly chanting solidarity songs for the Yoruba Nation just before their arrest. Despite attempts by reporters to interview them, the security operatives refrained from allowing access. However, the elderly man was overheard claiming to be the…
According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigeria’s total crude oil and condensate production has seen a decline for three consecutive months from January to March 2024. The latest figures reveal a production level of 4,887,623 barrels per day (b/d) in March, marking a noticeable drop from January’s output of 6,939,273 b/d. In February 2024, the country produced 5,187,592 b/d of crude oil and condensate, indicating a downward trend in production over the past months. Attributing the decrease in crude oil production during the first quarter of 2024 (Q1 2024), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for…
The Nigeria Police Force conducted a raid on the hideout of IPOB/ESN in the Akwuke community of Enugu South LGA. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operatives encountered high resistance from the group but managed to subdue them due to superior firepower. During the raid, two IPOB members were killed, and a significant cache of weapons was seized. This included an AK-47 rifle, a Submachine Gun (SMG), a stainless Pump Action Gun (PAG), along with ammunition and cartridges. In another operation, the Jigawa State Command, along with local vigilantes, arrested two suspects linked to culpable…
In an address to stakeholders from the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State, Governor Senator Uba Sani revealed a concerning reality: over 1,500 schools in the state’s eight frontline local government areas lack proper fencing, leaving them vulnerable. This disclosure comes in the wake of heightened concerns over the safety of educational institutions following the abduction of 137 children in Kuriga. However, Governor Sani also shared a glimmer of hope, announcing that prominent Kaduna-based business figures, Alhaji Adamu Atta of Fifth Chucker and Alhaji Bukar Shettima of Barbados, have stepped forward to construct fences for 100 schools. This initiative…
The Chief Executive of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, lauded the organization’s remarkable progress in revenue collection. Speaking at the FIRS special day during the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair, Adedeji, represented by FIRS staff member Mrs. Aisha Ribadu, disclosed that the agency had achieved an unprecedented revenue collection of N12.3 trillion in 2023. Attributing this success to the dedication of FIRS in nurturing and empowering its workforce, Adedeji emphasised the importance of equipping employees with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools for excellence. Expressing gratitude to the Enugu State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled April 19 for the hearing of a suit brought forward by Philip Shaibu, the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, against the state House of Assembly and other relevant parties. The matter, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was slated for hearing after a legal team, including Alex Ejesieme, SAN, appeared in court seeking a hearing date for the case. Although the suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/405/24, was not initially listed on the cause list, the defence lawyers attended the proceedings. They explained to Justice Ekwo that the case was initially set for…
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic resurgence, assuring that the nation’s economy is set to rebound in the coming months. This assurance was given during a gathering where state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly convened in Lagos on Friday. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasised the need for unity and collaboration among the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development goals. Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, highlighted the pivotal role Nigeria plays in the future of the black race. He…