Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

135,224 Residents Living With HIV In Lagos, Says State Government. The Lagos State Government has made significant strides in public health, disclosing that 135,224 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The revelation was made by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, during the ongoing 2025 ministerial press briefing marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office. In a bid to strengthen community engagement, Professor Abayomi announced that the state has appointed over 100 religious leaders as HIV and AIDS ambassadors to support awareness, prevention, and destigmatisation efforts across local communities.…

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Airport Minna Named Official Alternative To Abuja Airport. The Federal Government has officially designated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, as the alternative airport to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation development. The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the inauguration of commercial flight operations by Overland Airways from the Minna facility. Speaking at the event, Keyamo highlighted the airport’s strategic advantages, noting its capacity to handle heavy aviation traffic. “This facility has everything—an international-grade runway, strategic…

Macron Begins Historic Visit To Madagascar To Deepen Ties And Strengthen French Presence In Indian Ocean. French President Emmanuel Macron has commenced a significant two-day visit to Madagascar, marking the first official visit by a French head of state to the island nation since President Jacques Chirac’s trip in 2005. The visit, which began on Wednesday, aims to revitalise bilateral relations and reinforce France’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean, despite lingering disputes rooted in the colonial era. President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, received a warm welcome at Ivato International Airport, where schoolchildren lined the tarmac…

Breaking: Nigeria Releases £50 Billion To Settle University Staff Allowances, Boosting Education Sector. The Federal Government has announced the release of N50 billion (£27 million) to settle long-standing earned allowances for university staff. The funds, unveiled by Education Minister Maruf Olatunji Alausa in Abuja, will benefit both academic and non-academic staff unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), marking a significant step towards stabilising the nation’s higher education system. The initiative, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to address financial grievances that have historically triggered strikes and disrupted academic calendars. Speaking at the…

Russian Drone Strike On Ukrainian Workers’ Bus Claims Nine Lives, Dozens Injured. A Russian drone strike early on Wednesday morning has claimed the lives of at least nine people and injured 30 others after targeting a bus carrying workers in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, according to regional officials. The attack took place in the city of Marganets, located around 10 kilometres from the front line. Sergiy Lysak, the governor of the region, confirmed the fatalities in a post on Telegram and said the number of injured continued to rise as emergency services responded to the incident. Images shared by…

2Face Idibia Appointed Technical Adviser For Entertainment And Community Outreach In Benue State. Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music icon Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Face Idibia, as the Technical Adviser for Entertainment and Community Outreach. The announcement, made on Wednesday, has sparked widespread excitement across the state and beyond, with many hailing the decision as a strategic step to harness the power of entertainment for community development. 2Face, an award-winning artist and native of Okpokwu Local Government Area in the Benue South Senatorial District, brings a wealth of experience and influence to…

Former Nigerian Vice-Presidential Candidate Okowa Defects To APC In Major Political Shift. In a seismic shift in Nigerian politics, Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State governor and vice-presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement, made on Wednesday in Asaba, also saw Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other prominent PDP figures join the APC, marking a significant blow to the opposition party. The defection was declared by Senator James Manager at the Government House in Asaba, where he revealed that the entire PDP…

NiMet Workers Launch Indefinite Strike, Halting Meteorological Services Across Nigeria. Workers at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have embarked on an indefinite strike, effectively shutting down all meteorological services nationwide. The action, which began on 22 April 2025, stems from long-standing grievances over poor remuneration and unfulfilled agreements, raising concerns about potential disruptions to aviation operations. The strike, led by three major unions—the Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees—follows the failure of NiMet’s management to honour a partial agreement reached…

Delta State Governor Oborevwori Defects From PDP To APC In Major Political Shift. In a stunning turn of events, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could reshape the political landscape of the South-South region. The announcement, made on Wednesday evening at the Government House in Asaba, marks a significant moment in Nigerian politics, with implications for both state and national dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections. The defection was confirmed by Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary,…

North-East Inland Dry Ports To Boost Regional Trade And AfCFTA Integration, Says Shippers’ Council. The Nigeria Shippers’ Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of inland dry ports in the North-East, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards enhancing regional trade and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Bauchi on Tuesday, the Council’s Executive Secretary and CEO, Dr Pius Ukeyima Akutah, highlighted the economic benefits of establishing dry ports in the region. He noted that these facilities would not only facilitate import and export activities for Nigeria but…

Guardiola Savours Rare Late Winner As Nunes Fires Manchester City To Vital Victory. Pep Guardiola has admitted his euphoric celebration of Matheus Nunes’s stoppage-time winner against Aston Villa was born out of rarity, as Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night. Nunes, who netted his first Premier League goal for City, struck in the fourth minute of added time to seal a crucial win over fellow top-five contenders Aston Villa. The dramatic finish sparked a raw and passionate reaction from Guardiola, who was seen pumping his fists and roaring with delight on…

Police Investigate Death Of Delta Governor’s Aide, Place Husband In Protective Custody. The Delta State Police Command has launched a thorough investigation into the mysterious death of Chief Shimite Love, Special Adviser on Trade and Export to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who passed away on Easter Monday in Asaba. According to the police, Chief Love’s death is currently being treated as suspicious, pending the outcome of an ongoing autopsy intended to determine whether foul play was involved. The deceased’s husband, who initially reported her death, has been placed in protective custody as part of the investigative process. Speaking on…