Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Trump Pledges To Ban Mail-In Ballots Ahead Of 2026 Midterms, Citing Fraud Concerns. Washington, 19 August 2025 – US President Donald Trump has announced plans to eliminate mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, citing concerns over electoral fraud. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump vowed to lead a “movement” to restore “honesty” to the electoral process, claiming that mail-in voting and voting machines are “highly inaccurate” and prone to manipulation. He further stated that an executive order is being drafted to enact these changes, a move that has sparked immediate…

NCAA Mandates Passengers Switch Off Phones During Flights. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has introduced a stringent new regulation requiring all passengers to switch off their mobile phones and other electronic devices during aircraft take-off and landing. The directive, announced today by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, follows an emergency meeting with aviation stakeholders aimed at bolstering flight safety across Nigeria. The decision comes in response to recent incidents of unruly passenger behaviour at Nigerian airports, which have raised concerns about safety and compliance with aviation protocols. Captain Chris Najomo, NCAA Director-General, revealed the…

President Tinubu Pays Heartfelt Tribute To Late Mama Lydia Yilwatda, Mother Of APC National Chairman. President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound condolences to Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the passing of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda, at the age of 83. The revered matriarch died peacefully on Sunday, 17 August 2025, at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital in Plateau State, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and community upliftment, as highlighted by the President in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu described…

Benin Football Legend Razak Omotoyossi Dies At 39. Benin Republic and African football have been struck by tragedy with the passing of Razak Omotoyossi, a revered striker who died at his residence on Tuesday morning, 19 August 2025, at the age of 39. The Nigerian-born star, who represented Benin internationally, had been battling an illness prior to his untimely death, sources close to the family have confirmed. Omotoyossi, widely regarded as one of Benin’s finest footballers, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on 8 October 1985, he chose to play for Benin, earning 55 caps and…

Akwa Ibom Civil Service Recruitment Attracts 15,000 Applicants For 3,000 Posts, Governor Eno Confirms. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has revealed that over 15,000 young people have applied for 3,000 civil service vacancies, highlighting the intense demand for employment in the oil-rich state. Speaking at the monthly prayer service at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, on 16 August 2025, Eno announced that the recruitment process would be merit-based, transparent, and conducted via a computer-based test (CBT) to ensure fairness. The initiative, part of the state’s ARISE Agenda, aims to address the high unemployment rate, which stands…

Abuja Authorities Launch Major Crackdown On Illegal Shanties To Boost Security And Development. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has embarked on a robust campaign to clear illegal shanties and settlements across Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, in a bid to enhance security and facilitate developmental projects. The initiative, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, targets makeshift structures identified as criminal hideouts, particularly in areas like Durumi’s Area 1 in Garki District, which have become hubs for robbery, carjacking, drug peddling, and other serious crimes. The FCTA’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, announced on 18…

Enyimba Overhaul Squad With Departure Of Brown Ideye And 21 Others Ahead Of NPFL Season. Enyimba International FC, Nigeria’s most decorated football club, have announced the departure of 22 players, including former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye, as part of a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. The Aba-based club, known as the People’s Elephant, confirmed the mass exodus in an official statement on 18 August 2025, expressing gratitude for the players’ contributions and wishing them success in their future endeavours. The list of departing players features prominent names such as Junior…

Governor Fintiri To Lead PDP’s 2025 National Convention Organising Committee. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as chairman of its 110-member National Convention Organising Committee, tasked with overseeing the party’s elective national convention scheduled for 15 and 16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The announcement, made on 18 August 2025 by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, underscores the party’s commitment to a seamless and transparent event aimed at revitalising its leadership and strengthening its position ahead of future elections. Fintiri, a seasoned politician known for his inclusive leadership style, will be supported…

Xabi Alonso Vows To Let Real Madrid’s Performance Speak As La-Liga Campaign Kicks Off. Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, has pledged to focus on results rather than rhetoric as he prepares to lead the Spanish giants into their 2025-26 LaLiga season opener against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, 19 August 2025. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss, a beloved figure among Madridistas for his trophy-laden playing career, steps into the role with high expectations to revive a team that ended the previous season without a major trophy. Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti after a trophyless 2024-25 campaign,…

US And UK Applaud Nigeria For Arresting Senior Ansaru Terrorist Leaders. The United States and United Kingdom have praised the Nigerian government for the successful arrest of two high-ranking leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against terrorism. The apprehended individuals, Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, known as Mallam Mamuda, were captured in a series of intelligence-led operations conducted between May and July 2025, according to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The US Mission in Nigeria issued a statement on its official X account, commending…

India Champions Local Currency Trade Among BRICS Nations. In a bold move to reshape global trade dynamics, India has officially invited BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to conduct trade in local currencies, sidelining the US dollar. The announcement, made on 19 August 2025, marks a significant step towards reducing reliance on the dollar and fostering stronger economic ties among the BRICS bloc, which collectively represents over 40% of the world’s population and a third of global GDP. The initiative stems from India’s strategic push to “derisk” its trade by diversifying currency usage, as articulated by External Affairs…

Lagos State Declares 20 August 2025 A Public Holiday For Isese Day Celebration. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has announced that Wednesday, 20 August 2025, will be a work-free day for all public servants in the state to mark the annual Isese Day celebration. The declaration, aimed at honouring Yoruba culture and traditions, reflects the state government’s ongoing commitment to preserving indigenous heritage and supporting traditional institutions. The announcement was made through a circular issued on Monday, 18 August 2025, by the state’s Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro. Addressed to senior government officials, including the Deputy…