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The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday indicated his interest in exploring an out-of-court settlement in his terrorism trial. Mr Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, told Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court upon resumed trial. Mr Ejimakor told the court that he had discussed the matter with the lawyer of the attorney general of the federation, Adegboyega Awomolo, on the last adjourned date. However, Mr Awomolo said that although Mr Ejimakor had discussed the issue, he had told him to approach the AGF, who could initiate the idea. “I have not been instructed or authorised to do so,” said Mr Awomolo, When the matter was called earlier, Mr Awomolo informed the court that it was scheduled for tri...

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland. The Governor gave the approval in a memo dated June 14, 2024, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 19 (Cap 28) Law of Oyo State 2000 as amended. According to a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, the approval is a culmination of a series of processes stipulated by the extant laws of the state regarding ascension to royal thrones. The statement added that the Governor congratulated the new Olubadan, praying that his tenure will birth greater developments in Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.

By Sylvester Thompson Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Space Exploration and Research Agency(SERA) a U.S based firm, on human space flight to send the first Nigerian to space. The National Space Research and Development Agency(NARSDA) signed on behalf of the Federal Government, monitored by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology on Wednesday in Abuja. Sam Hutchison, Co-founder of SERA, said the human space flight program gave Nigerians opportunity to choose who they want to send to space. "The process of application would be open to anybody in Nigeria who is up to 18 years of age, there are no other qualification required. " You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you, as part of democratic process, the...

By Joan Nwagwu The Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), has condemned brutal killing of a member of the union, by unknown gunmen in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital. Mr Sotayo Rasak, the National President of MOUN, said this in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja. Rasak, who strongly condemned the killing said the victim, was a ticket issuer to commercial motorcyclists around Okesa roundabout area of the state was shot dead by the gunmen on Tuesday. The national president described the incident as "brutal and senseless" and called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to investigate the matter thoroughly. He also urged the Federal Government to ensure that justice is served on the incident, while demanding that the perpetrators be broug...

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to driving economic revival and development in the North East region of the country. The spokesperson of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha in a statement on Wednesday, said Shettima stated this while laying the foundation for the new headquarters building of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Maiduguri. The Vice-President stressed that the only way to reclaim and shape the narrative of the North-East region was to bring everyone together. According to him, the event was a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu's promise, an assurance of his commitment, and a reminder of the importance of the region to the nation. Shettima noted that it was a deep honour to be present to ...

By Sylvan Thompson Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Official of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), said the union was working on changing policy regulatory landscape in the 55 member states. Akinbo disclosed this at a panel discussion jointly organised by the International Seed Federation(ISF), at 2024 World Seed day held in Rotterdam. He said NEPAD was also helping to create enabling environment in member states working on genome editing to enable the technology thrive. Akinbo, Technical Lead, Genome Editing Program of the AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation, said Africa was turning green, and that member states working on genome editing needed regulatory guidelines. He noted that acceptance of the technology from the government of m...

….Warns Against Misinformation and Unprovoked Attacks on Troops Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism, Insurgency, and Terrorism, a non-governmental organization under the aegis of BRAVE-IT, dedicated to promoting peace and stability has cautioned Nigerians against misinformation and destabilizing the polity. In a statement issued to Journalists on the 16th June, 2024, the Director of Corporate Communications Lawrence Audu stated that some misguided individuals have been circulating old video contents of incidents from other states and even other countries on social media to misinform the public, which can lead to harm and chaos. "We urge Nigerians to be cautious of false information and to verify facts before sharing. Spreading misinformation can escalate unnecessary ten...

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, says Lagos Island has the highest number of suspected cholera cases, with 106 of the 350 suspected cases in the state. Mr Abayomi disclosed this on Monday through his official X account @profakinabayomi while giving an update on the state’s cholera outbreak. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea, and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated. Mr Abayomi disclosed that laboratory tests have confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera. The identified strain is highly aggressive and contagious, with the potential...

Khamis Badmus, an industrialist, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to fast-track policies that would control the high inflation in the country. Mr Badmus, also the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yoruba, Edo and Delta, appealed while speaking with journalists on Monday in Osogbo. He decried that small businesses were passing through tough times due to inflation and a high electricity tariff. “People who are in the production sector are passing through a lot now. They have invested billions of naira in their businesses but with little or no returns due to inflation. “Many industries have started relocating due to the harsh business environment, but some of us don’t have anywhere to go. “And that is why we are appealing to the federal government to fast-track policies that will reduc...

The police command in Kano has expressed displeasure over some individuals booing Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s entourage as he returned to his palace after Eid prayers. Currently, the police command is monitoring the entire Sallah events to ensure law and order are maintained, adequate security measures are in place to tackle any form of security threats,” said the command’s spokesman, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Monday. Mr Kiyawa added, “Accordingly, the police command is warning individuals intending to cause chaos or breach the peace during the Sallah celebration to stay clear of the state.” The spokesman further stated that adequate security personnel had been deployed to arrest anyone attempting to disrupt law and order at the moment. The police warned members of the public to ...

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. due to extreme heat. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, issued the directive in a statement on Monday in Mina, Mecca, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He said that measures became necessary to ensure pilgrims’ well-being amidst high temperatures and prevent heat stress. “Accordingly, the following measures have been implemented: Pilgrims are prohibited from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” he stated. He said security personnel would be stationed at camps to enforce the restriction and prevent pilgrims from departing before 4:00 p.m....

Constance Athekame Mr John Etim, an expert in the power sector, has appealed to the National Assembly (NASS) to enact a law that will ensure the setting up of a joint electricity safety, security and standards enforcement committee. Etim, who is the National President, Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday. He said that enacting such a law would guard against quackery which had seen quacks carry out installations within and outside Electricity Distribution (DisCo ) staff. According to him, the law will also enhance job creation, promote local made products, enhance compliance as well as help in realising the local content. Etim said that the committee should co...

MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, has reverted back to its previous subscription rates following a legal mandate. The decision comes after a court ruling deemed the earlier price hikes unjustified, leading to significant subscriber losses, particularly in Nigeria. The company had raised its prices in response to economic challenges, including high inflation and currency devaluation. However, the move faced backlash, resulting in over a million subscribers discontinuing their services. As part of the reversal, DStv subscribers will see a reduction in rates across various packages. For instance, the DStv Premium package will now cost N29,500, down from N37,000. Similarly, the DStv Compact+ package will be priced at N19,800, reduced from N25,000. The adjustments ...

By Philomina Attah, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA  The Metropolitan and Archbishop of Abuja Methodist Church, His Grace, Most Rev’d Michael Akinwale, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the economic hardships facing Nigerians. The Cleric made the appeal during the 2024 Men’s ‘Work-Week/Father’s Day Thanksgiving Service at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse, Abuja on Sunday. The Archbishop called on Tinubu to take decisive actiona to address the hardship, stressing, a lot of Nigerians were suffering. “A lot of homes are bleeding at this time. The government should do everything they can to cushion the effect of this battered economy,” he implored. He highlighted the house high costs of living, which, according to him, has placed basic necessities beyond the re...

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that he will make a difference with the sterling leadership that is being provided as a watcher over the affairs of the State, and not as one who merely craves for absolute power to control the people of the State. The Governor explained that those who seek absolute control get obsessed with power, become ruthless and delightfully trample on the rights and liberty of people they should ordinarily dedicate themselves to serve. But Governor Fubara said he will continue to watch over the affairs of State entrusted in his care with the fear of God, and make Rivers people truly proud of his time of service. Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the baby dedication service in honour of the family of Mr and Mrs Henry Wordu at the...

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has extended his warmest wishes to Nigerians for a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration. In a statement, the Minister prayed for Allah's blessings to shower upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Muslim faithful, the gallant Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the nation as a whole. He commended the collective efforts of the Armed Forces and Nigerians towards achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria. The Minister urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the sacred occasion, embracing its lessons and rewards as a guiding force for unity, compassion, righteousness, and national cohesion. "May Almighty Allah continue to bless our leaders, households, members of the Armed Forces, and our dear country," he prayed....

Mrs Onilede Oluwafunmilayo Iyanu, has been decorated as new Chairman of Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Iyanu in her acceptance speech, shortly after her investiture as the 4th and first female chairman of the District on Saturday in Karu, Abuja, promised to enhance professionalism in the career. Sharpedgenews.com reports that other members of the executive included Mrs Idris Adeyiyi Kafilat as Vice Chairman, Mr Odiaka Gerald as General Secretary and Miss Fausat Yusuf as Assistant General Secretary. Others are, Mr Christopher Daniel as Treasurer, Mr Alade Bako as Financial Secretary, Mrs Elekanachi Nneoma as Technical Secretary, Mr Obama Friday as Publicity/Social Secretary and Chinedu Okpo as Ex-Officio. They a...

A cartel allegedly run by Nwaobasi siblings have been smashed by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Hard drugs worth about N4.1 billion was seized in the process, the anti-narcotic Agency disclosed. The spokesman of the anti- narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday said: “A cartel controlled by a drug baron, 49-year-old Kelechi Monday Nwaobasi and his 50-year-old elder sister, Ms. Chinwe Rose Nwaobasi, has been taken down by officers of the Special Operation Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, following the arrest of the siblings and seizure of cocaine and methamphetamine consignments worth over N4.1billion in street value from their hideout in Aba, Abia state.” Babafemi disclosed that the special operation co...

… Commends Otti, lawmakers On First year Anniversary A Media professional and Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State,on Social Reorientation, Mr Aniekeme Finbarr, has commended the 8th Abia State House of Assembly on their one year in office, while also sharing insights on effective representation and lawmaking. Finbarr, who was invited by the Speaker of the 8th Abia State Rt Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa, to serve as Guest Speaker/Resource Person at a 3-Day Capacity Building Workshop/Retreat for Honourable members of the Abia State House of Assembly,in Uyo yesterday spoke on two key topics: "Bridging the Gap between Effective Representation and Constituency Expectations" and "Modern Strategies to Achieving Effective Lawmaking, Legislative Advocacy and Policy Influence". In ...

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has called for continuous prayers for the peace, prosperity, and development of Gombe State and Nigeria. The Governor made the call in a felicitation message to the Muslim Ummah in Gombe State and across the globe on the occasion of this year’s Eid el-Kabir celebration. He emphasized the importance of unity, sacrifice, and compassion amidst the current socio-economic and security challenges facing the country. He noted the essence of Eid el-Kabir as a time for sacrifice, sharing, and caring, urging the faithful to emulate the spirit of obedience, love, and resilience exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and upheld by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He used the occasion to encourage the people not to lose sight of the festival's teachings o...