Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Senate Forms Joint Committee With House To Probe Economic Sabotage In Petroleum Sector. The Nigerian Senate has reconstituted its Ad-hoc Committee to investigate alleged economic sabotage within the nation’s petroleum industry. This move aims to address concerns over oil sector inefficiencies, despite earlier reports suggesting some stakeholders were attempting to halt the investigation. Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jubrin, announced the Senate’s decision on Wednesday, following a motion led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Bamidele emphasised the importance of a united approach with the House of Representatives, which had also established a similar committee, to prevent overlapping efforts and…

Tragic Killings In Umuahia As Police Launch Manhunt For Suspected Kidnappers. In a series of shocking incidents in Umuahia, Abia State, a banker and two others were fatally shot by suspected kidnappers on Wednesday. The first victim, identified only as Mr Victor, a banker with a well-known Nigerian bank, was targeted at Isi Court Junction, Old Umuahia, where he was shopping. Reports indicate that the assailants attempted to kidnap him, but Mr Victor resisted and was shot as he tried to escape. Following this, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and forcibly seized another, fatally shooting the driver during the…

Edo Police Arrest Suspected Cult Members, Recover Weapons. The Edo State Police Command has announced the arrest of two suspected members of the Aiye cult group. Commissioner of Police Umoru Ozigi disclosed the details to journalists in Benin City, reporting that the arrests occurred along the Benin/Auchi bypass in the Iguomo community, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. According to Ozigi, operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit apprehended the suspects during a routine stop-and-search operation. The officers intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers, who initially attempted to flee upon seeing the police. However, they were swiftly pursued and taken into custody. …

Tinubu’s New Ministerial Appointments Signal Commitment To Economic Revitalisation. The Nigerian Presidency has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s recent ministerial appointments underscore his dedication to revitalising the nation’s economy. The Senate confirmed seven new ministers on Wednesday, each chosen to lead strategic areas crucial to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity. The new appointees include Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, who will oversee Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment. Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu joins as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while Dr Jumoke Oduwole steps in as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. Also…

Arsenal Remain Hopeful As Ødegaard Nears Champions League Return. Arsenal are optimistic that Martin Ødegaard will be fit for next week’s crucial Champions League clash against Inter Milan. The midfielder, who has been sidelined since last month with an ankle injury, is reported to be making steady progress in his recovery. Club sources indicated that Ødegaard’s rehabilitation is on track, raising hopes that he could play a pivotal role in the upcoming European fixture. While his return to full match fitness remains the priority, there is also a possibility that he could be included in the squad for Arsenal’s…

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko Outlines Strategic Vision For Nigerian Sports Sector. The National Sports Commission (NSC) has outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s sports sector. Chairman Shehu Dikko emphasised his commitment to creating a structural framework that would enable the NSC to implement comprehensive policies and strategies for sustainable growth and success within the industry. Dikko conveyed his vision of greater private sector involvement, highlighting the importance of fostering investment in talent production and infrastructure development. He expressed optimism that private enterprises could play a pivotal role in enhancing Nigeria’s sporting landscape. In terms of strengthening…

IMF Reaffirms Stance On Subsidy Removal For Nigeria’s Economic Stability. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its support for Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and adjustments to the foreign exchange (FX) rate. In a statement on Wednesday, the IMF highlighted that these measures are essential for enhancing Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability and unlocking growth potential. The IMF’s Director for the African Department, Abebe Selassie, recently praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for implementing key economic reforms during a press briefing at the IMF/World Bank meetings in Washington, D.C. Selassie commended Nigeria’s shift in focus toward…

North Korea Conducts Record-Breaking Missile Test Amid Rising Tensions. North Korea has conducted a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking the longest recorded flight duration for its missile tests. According to South Korean and Japanese authorities, the missile remained in the air for 86 minutes and covered over 1,000 kilometres before descending into waters off North Korea’s east coast. Launched at a steep angle, the missile reportedly reached an altitude of 7,000 kilometres. Analysts suggest that if fired on a horizontal trajectory, the missile could have covered a much greater distance, demonstrating North Korea’s progress in missile…

NSIB Recovers Fifth Body From Port Harcourt Helicopter Crash. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the recovery of a fifth body from the October 24 helicopter crash in the Atlantic Ocean near Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The update was issued on Wednesday in a statement from Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5N BQG, was operated by Eastwind Aviation. Since the incident, the NSIB has conducted a coordinated recovery operation, retrieving five bodies to date. The fifth body, found on Wednesday, required specialised handling…

Flying Eagles Triumph Over Ghana To Retain WAFU B U-20 Cup. Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have successfully defended their WAFU B U-20 title, claiming a 2-1 victory over rivals Ghana in an intense final at the Stade Kegue in Lome. The match saw Nigeria take an early lead when Kparobo Arierhi slotted the ball into the net from the edge of the box. Arierhi extended Nigeria’s advantage with a powerful second goal late in the first half, putting the Flying Eagles firmly in control. Ghana’s Black Satellites, however, staged a spirited comeback in the second half, frequently testing Nigeria’s…

Governor Fubara Addresses Court Ruling And Reaffirms Commitment To Rivers State. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has responded to a Federal High Court decision preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing monthly allocations to the state. The ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja, cited constitutional breaches concerning the presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly. Speaking during a special thanksgiving service on Wednesday, Fubara expressed indifference to the court’s decision, stating that he does not regret his pursuit of peace. However, he acknowledged that his approach, undertaken following…

Spain Battles Devastating Floods As Death Toll Rises. Spain is grappling with one of its deadliest flood disasters in recent history, as the death toll has reached 95, with dozens still missing following severe flash floods. Torrential rains swept across the eastern province of Valencia and beyond, destroying infrastructure and forcing desperate residents to seek refuge on rooftops and trees. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared three days of national mourning to honour the victims as rescue operations continue under extreme conditions. “The whole of Spain weeps with you… we won’t abandon you,” Sánchez said in a national address,…