Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

India-Pakistan Conflict Intensifies With Escalating Tit-For-Tat Attacks. Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged to alarming levels as both nations accuse each other of launching missile and drone attacks, further escalating a conflict that has already claimed dozens of lives. The latest wave of hostilities, centred around the disputed region of Kashmir, has sparked fears of a broader confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours. On Thursday, India’s Defence Ministry alleged that Pakistan conducted missile and drone strikes targeting Indian-administered Kashmir and a military installation in Punjab. The Integrated Defence Staff headquarters, which coordinates operations across India’s armed forces, stated on…

Abuja Authorities Order Demolition Of Illegal Duplexes To Protect Green Spaces. The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the demolition of over 10 illegally constructed duplexes in Wumba District, near Apo in Abuja. The structures, built on a designated green area without authorisation, have sparked a robust response from authorities committed to preserving the city’s master plan and environmental integrity. During a joint inspection of illegal constructions across Abuja on Thursday, AMMC Coordinator Felix Obuah ordered the Development Control Department to raze the duplexes, condemning the developer’s…

Tinubu Pledges Transformative Development For Anambra And Southeast Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu has vowed to tackle pressing developmental challenges in Anambra and the broader Southeast region, promising transformative investments in infrastructure, security, and ecological management. The pledge came during a one-day working visit to Awka on Thursday, where the President addressed a civic reception at Alex Ekwueme Square. Speaking to a enthusiastic crowd, Tinubu outlined his administration’s commitment to addressing longstanding issues, including rampant erosion, the underutilisation of Anambra’s gas reserves, and the region’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan. He also promised to prioritise the completion of…

Abde Ezzalzouli’s Extra-Time Heroics Propel Real Betis To First Major European Final. Real Betis secured their place in a historic first major European final, overcoming Fiorentina in a thrilling UEFA Conference League semi-final clash. Abde Ezzalzouli’s extra-time strike sealed a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Spanish side, eliminating the two-time finalists in a dramatic encounter. After a narrow 2-1 win in the first leg in Seville, Manuel Pellegrini’s men faced a stern test in Italy. Fiorentina took the lead on the night through Robin Gosens, who scored twice late in the first half. The midfielder’s headers—first a glancing effort…

Judge Jeanine Pirro Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney For District Of Columbia. Washington, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump has announced the appointment of Judge Jeanine Pirro as the interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. The news, shared via a statement on social media, highlights Pirro’s extensive legal career and her prominence in the public eye. Pirro previously served as Assistant District Attorney for Westchester County, New York, before becoming the County Judge and, later, District Attorney. Notably, she was the first woman elected to these positions, breaking barriers during her tenure. Trump praised her record, stating…

Italian PM Meloni Urges End To Africa’s Exploitation, Champions €5.5bn Mattei Plan. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a bold call to halt the exploitation of Africa by foreign powers, advocating for the continent’s economic independence and self-sufficiency. Speaking passionately about Africa’s untapped potential, Meloni argued that Africans should not need to migrate to Europe or the United States to thrive, provided their continent is liberated from external control. Meloni singled out the CFA franc, a currency used by 14 West and Central African nations and managed by France, as a symbol of colonial dominance. She described it…

Pat Utomi Unveils Shadow Government With Dele Farotimi In Key Role. Renowned economist and political advocate Professor Pat Utomi has announced the formation of a shadow government, appointing human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi to head the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio. The initiative, launched under the Big Tent Coalition during a virtual event on Monday, aims to serve as a policy think tank and watchdog for Nigeria’s current administration. The shadow cabinet comprises a diverse group of professionals and opposition figures, including Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga in the policy delivery…

Flying Eagles Set For Thrilling U-20 AFCON Quarterfinal Clash Against Senegal. Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are gearing up for a blockbuster quarterfinal showdown against defending champions Senegal at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt. The highly anticipated match is slated for Monday, 12 May, at 1:00 PM Nigerian time. The fixture was confirmed late Thursday after Senegal secured top spot in Group A with a gritty 2-0 win over DR Congo in their final group match in Suez. Nigeria, who finished second in Group B with an unbeaten record and five points, now face a…

 CPC Bloc Reaffirms Loyalty To Tinubu, Distances Itself From El-Rufai And Malami Ahead Of 2027 Election. Leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have publicly reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group, a key faction within the ruling party, explicitly distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, who are reportedly aligned with an opposition coalition. The announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, led by Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, former Governor of Nasarawa…

Manchester United And Tottenham Set For All-English Europa League Final In Bilbao. In a thrilling climax to the Europa League semi-finals, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have secured their places in the 2025 final, setting the stage for an all-English showdown at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday, 21 May. The two Premier League sides, both enduring challenging domestic campaigns, will vie for European glory and a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League. Manchester United, under the guidance of head coach Ruben Amorim, sealed their place in the final with a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over…

New Pope Elected: Robert Francis Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV. The Roman Catholic Church has a new leader, Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. He was elected on the second day of the conclave, becoming the 267th pope and the first from the United States. The 69-year-old Chicago-born cardinal took the papal name Leo XIV and greeted his new followers with the words, “Peace be with you.” Historic Appointment Pope Leo XIV’s appointment marks a significant moment in the church’s history, defying expectations that an American would be a long shot to become pontiff. As…

Nigerian Senate Passes All Four Tax Reform Bills In Historic Overhaul. In a landmark decision, the Nigerian Senate has unanimously passed all four tax reform bills, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to modernise its tax administration framework. The bills, which cleared their final hurdle on Thursday, are now set for harmonisation in a Senate and House conference committee before being sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent. The legislation, first transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu on 3 October 2024, comprises the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service…