Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Governor Makinde Highlights Economic Stability And Unity In Oyo State. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic stability, stating that the state benefits from a monthly injection of approximately N24 billion in salaries to state and local government workers. Speaking at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan on Sunday, following the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at the Agodi Eid Ground, the governor noted that his government’s focus on expanding the economy has attracted increased private sector investment. He added that businesses now feel more confident about investing in the state. The gathering included prominent figures…

Edo Lawmaker Natasha Osawaru Adopts 2Baba’s Surname Amid Marital Changes. Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru, has updated her Instagram bio to reflect the surname of Nigerian music legend 2Baba, now identifying as “Honourable Natasha Idibia.” The update was noticed today, just days after 2Baba’s estranged wife, Annie, signed off an Instagram post using her maiden name, “Annie Uwana Macaulay,” omitting “Idibia” for the first time in years. Natasha’s move comes weeks after 2Baba publicly proposed to her in a viral video, following his confirmation of separation from Annie. The singer, known for his hit song African Queen, had…

Nigerian Suspected Fraudster Extradited From UK To US In Major International Crime Crackdown. A Nigerian man, Ehis Akhimie, suspected of orchestrating an international fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, has been extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States to face justice. The extradition, confirmed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) in an email to PUNCH on Friday, marks a significant victory in a global effort to combat organised crime. Akhimie, 41, allegedly played a key role in a transnational criminal network that preyed on vulnerable elderly consumers through an inheritance fraud scam. He was transferred to the…

NCDC Strengthens Response To Lassa Fever Outbreak Across Nigeria. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified efforts to combat the Lassa fever outbreak, which has resulted in 3,465 suspected cases, 645 confirmed infections, and 118 deaths across 91 Local Government Areas in 33 states between January and March 2025. The fatality rate of 18.3% underscores the severity of the outbreak, with 20 healthcare workers among those infected across eight states. In response, the NCDC has activated the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) at Response Level to enhance coordination among all stakeholders, including federal…

Christian Association Of Nigeria Felicitates With Muslims On Ramadan Success, Calls For Unity Amid National Challenges. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has extended warm congratulations to the nation’s Muslim community for successfully completing the Ramadan fast, while urging all Nigerians to embrace compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect to forge a stronger, more united country where every life is valued and safeguarded. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh expressed the organisation’s delight at the arrival of Eid-el-Fitr, the joyous festival marking the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and…

Tragic One As Nigerian Boxing Champion Olanrewaju Segun “Success” Dies In Ghana Bout. The boxing world is in mourning following the untimely death of former Nigerian National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Olanrewaju Segun, widely known as “Success,” who passed away during a match on Saturday evening, 29 March 2025. The tragic incident occurred at the Bukom Boxing Arena during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, casting a sombre shadow over the sport. Success, a celebrated figure in Nigerian boxing, was facing Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu when he suddenly lost consciousness mid-bout. Despite immediate efforts by…

Shiite Group And Police Clash Over Abuja Procession. A confrontation between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and security forces in Abuja has led to conflicting accounts regarding casualties and arrests, following a procession to mark International Quds Day. The IMN, also known as the Shiite group, has accused security forces of concealing the bodies of its members allegedly killed during the incident on Friday. According to the movement’s Resource Forum leader, Professor Abdullahi Danladi, six members were confirmed dead, while 380 others, including women and children, were arrested and detained at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) facility in…

Arsenal Unveils Andrea Berta As New Sporting Director. Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Andrea Berta as the club’s new Sporting Director, bringing in a highly respected football executive with extensive experience at the highest level. Berta, who previously held technical roles at Carpenedolo, Parma, and Genoa, spent nearly 12 years at Atlético Madrid. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping squads that secured LaLiga titles in 2013/14 and 2020/21, as well as winning the Europa League in 2018. His time at the Spanish club also saw successes in the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup,…

Marco Rose Sacked By RB Leipzig As Pressure Mounts. RB Leipzig have parted ways with manager Marco Rose with immediate effect, the club confirmed on Sunday morning. The decision comes as the German side find themselves languishing in sixth place in the Bundesliga table and reeling from an early exit in the Champions League group stage. Rose, who took the helm at Leipzig in September 2022, has been under increasing scrutiny following a disappointing run of form this season. Despite guiding the club to back-to-back Champions League qualifications in his first two years, including a third-place finish in the…

Stakeholders Advocate Enhanced Railway System To Boost Economy. Maritime stakeholders have emphasised the need for improved railway infrastructure in Nigeria, citing its potential to enhance cargo movement, reduce road congestion, and support economic growth. This call was made during a summit organised by the Nigerian Shippers Council in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), themed “Limitations to Rail Transportation of Cargo in Nigeria.” The event brought together key industry players to discuss challenges facing the rail sector and explore solutions for a more efficient transportation system. The Director of the South-South Zonal Coordinating Office of the Nigerian…

Syria’s Interim President Announces New Government Amid Transition.   Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, has announced the formation of a caretaker government, marking a significant step in the country’s transition after more than five decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad family. Speaking from the presidential palace in Damascus on Saturday, Mr. al-Shara introduced his newly appointed ministers before an audience of dignitaries, including political leaders, activists, and representatives from various Syrian communities. His government includes experienced officials and one female minister, while key positions in defence, foreign affairs, and interior affairs have been filled by his close allies.  A…

President Tinubu Expresses Gratitude On 73rd Birthday, Reflects On Political Journey. President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday. Speaking at a special Iftar dinner held in his honour at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night, the President thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development. The gathering included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife Nana Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, principal officers of the National Assembly, current and former governors, diplomats, business leaders,…