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Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Monday appointed a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Principal Correspondent, Mrs Bridget Ikyado, as his Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Media & Publicity/Strategic Communications.This is contained in a press statement on Monday in Makurdi signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula.Gov Alia, in the statement, approved the appointment of 11 media aides with various designations.He appointed Mrs Ikyado, Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Media & Publicity/Strategic Communications, Comrade Angula Reuben – Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on ICT & New Media.He also appointed Mr Isaac Uzaan, Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Media & Content Creation and Mr Donald Kumun – Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Print Media...

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) says Nigeria could generate $20 million from launching one satellite if it develops its assembly, integration and testing laboratory (AITL). NASRDA boss Halilu Shaba said this in Abuja while speaking to journalists. He stated that the agency was confident that the 25-year space policy roadmap could be achieved. Mr Shaba said part of the content of the roadmap, which included launching satellites into orbit from Nigeria, was crucial to the development of space science and technology. We are thinking out of the box because it can bring money and we are letting people know that this can bring money. The government can partner with the public on that because for you to launch any satellite, the initial deposit you give for t...

Ilebaye Odiniya has been crowned as the winner of the Big Brother Naija All Stars. The 22-year-old won the ₦120 million grand prize ahead of Mercy Eke and emerged as the ultimate queen of the reality show. The six finalists were Cross, Ilebaye, Ceec, Mercy Eke, Adekunle, and Pere. Recall Ilebaye competed in the Season 7 ‘Level Up’ edition but was evicted after a few weeks. The‘Gen-Z baddie’ made a stunning return a year after her first show and managed to capture the nation’s heart throughout the BBNaija All Stars show. Despite enduring some harsh experiences within the house, her authenticity resonated with viewers and she dominated conversation on social media. From several altercations to winning wager games and then the ultimate HOH immunity, she served viewers with ...

The Federal Government and the labour unions have risen from their meeting with an agreement that all categories of workers should benefit from the wage increment announced by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday. After the four-hour closed-door meeting, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed that the President agreed to the new formula after an observation by the labour unions. The President had earlier announced a wage increment of N25,000 for lower cadre workers in the country. "Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation. "For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional N35,000 per month...

…as Akure Community rise in protest Leaders of Akure Community in Ondo State have asked the state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Titiloye, to account for the disappearance of 500 out of the 2000 bags of rice allocated to the area by the state Palliative Distribution Committee. The commissioner heads the 11-man palliative sub-committee for Akure South Local Government. Sources in Akure revealed that 2000 bags were allocated to the area, to be shared among artisans, traders, other professionals and religious bodies but that the Commissioner reportedly claimed only 800 bags were released to him. "However, when the Commissioner commenced the cdistribution of the bags of rice, he came out with only 300 bags and was unable to explain the whereabouts of ...

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has ordered Chicago State University (CSU) to release the credentials of President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu’s credentials show that he graduated from CSU in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting and management; but there have been allegations bordering on discrepancies in his certificate. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, had approached the court seeking to compel the university to release Tinubu’s records on the grounds that the documents would strengthen his suit challenging the president’s electoral victory. On September 19, Jeffrey Gilbert, a US magistrate judge, granted the request and ordered CSU to releas...

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday urged the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) to access the support it requires to invest in scientific research and technological innovations. Tinubu made the call at the passing out parade and commissioning of cadets of 70th regular Course of Army, Navy, Air Force and direct short service course 27 Army and 31 Air force, held at the NDA, in Kaduna. Represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu also enjoined the academy to continue to develop prototypes and concepts that aligned with the Federal Government's local content policies. The Nigerian leader, who was the special guest of honour at the event, said it was time for the academy to be model for the continent. Tinubu stated that the institution was founded to lead the way in explor...

South-East leaders and governors have reiterated their call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, imprisoned leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to reduce the security challenges in the region. They said the continuous incarceration of Mr Kanu, even after a court of competent jurisdiction had freed him, had worsened the security situation in the zone. The leaders made the call during the 2023 Igbo Day Celebration, organised by the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide and hosted by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Friday in Enugu. The event, which was chaired by Prince Arthur Eze, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum Limited, had many prominent Igbo sons and daughters from the five southeast states, including Rivers and Delta States, in attendance. ...

The Ondo police command says it has rescued eight members of the Christ Apostle Church (CAC) abducted by gunmen at Ifon in Ose LGA of the state. The worshippers from Oke Igan in Akure, the Ondo capital, were attacked and kidnapped while travelling in a bus to a burial ceremony on Friday. The abducted persons were said to be choir members of the church. In a statement on Saturday, Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed eight members have been rescued by the operatives. She said the rescued persons are seven women and one man, adding that the police are making efforts to ensure the release of the remaining passengers. “Good news!, 8 victims rescued, effort is on to rescue others unhurt,” NAN quoted Odunlami-Omisanya as saying. “The vict...

Nollywood has began the shooting of an advocacy film against hate speech in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).Nollywood's cast and crew members hit locations for the shooting of the Film “When Wolves Cry”, a production of 2ET Media Network, on Saturday in Abuja.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the film featured seasoned actors like Francis Duru, Steve Eboh, Happy Julian, MC Mbakara and ace cameroonian actress Syndy Emade, among others. Some of the cast and crew members who spoke with NAN in separate interviews in shooting locations said they were proud to feature in a film that sought to combat fake news. Emmanuel Eyaba, the film Director said the film was a collaboration project that will be shot in Abuja, Cameroon and South Africa. “When Wolves Cry" is the movie ...

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has recorded a major success, with its intervention to find an enduring resolution to the lingering insecurity in Zamfara state and other parts of the North-West. Recall that a delegation of the CNG had visited Gusau, the Zamfara State capital in the aftermath of the bandit attack on the Gusau University and abduction of female students for first hand assessment of the situation. While in Zamfara the CNG delegation interacted with various stakeholders, including officials of the state government, the authorities of the university concerned, the affected families, community leaders, security agencies and representatives from the academic community. The University authorities, in particular, after expressing gratitude to the Military for its ...

Stakeholders in the correctional sector have called on states to formulate and implement laws to aid in decongesting prisons. The stakeholders made the call at a National Dialogue on Enlisting State Corrections in Nigeria organised in collaboration between Hope Behind Bars Africa, USAID and Palladium in Abuja. According to Mrs Funke Adeoye, Executive Director, Hope Behind Bars Africa, most criminal laws in Nigeria are state laws with more offenders that congest prisons. Adeoye said that these laws could be corrected if states are made to set up their own facilities as the Federal Government spends billions on prisons. She said the Nigerian Correctional Service Act creates room for alternatives to incarceration known as non-custodial sanctions. ``We have a large number of aw...

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, saying his Renewed Hope agenda will reposition the country. Akume made the appeal on Friday at a Public Lecture/Special Jumma'at Prayer as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria's 63rd Independence Anniversary in Abuja. The SGF, who noted that the nation's economy was fragile, pledged the administration's determination to rebuild it. "To be honest, our economy is very fragile now. "What is being put in place is intended to revamp, to reactivate the nation's economy. "We need to be tolerant; we need to make even more sacrifices for a better tomorrow. "And if we don't sacrifice today, tomorrow may never co...

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated 'Skillnovation Programme' to provide essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy to over three million Nigerians. Shettima, while launching the programme on Friday in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the initiative was part of the government's efforts to support the information technology revolution. Sharpedgenews reports that the Skillnovation Programme will establish 15 state-of-the-art Information Communication Technology Centres, strategically, across the country. The programme will also provide individuals and businesses alike with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources and support. NAN also reports that States in the first phase of the programme are Katsina, Anambra, ...

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa'ad Abubakar, has appealed to Labour Unions in the country to shelve their planned nationwide indefinite strike for the sake of the masses. Sharpedgenews reports that the Organised Labour Unions in the country fixed 3rd of October to embark on an indefinite strike following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. Sultan Abubakar made the appeal on Friday, during a Public Lecture to commemorate the nation's 63rd Independence Anniversary, in the National Mosque, Abuja. He emphasised the need for the Unions to continue to engage in dialogue with the government to find lasting solutions rather than embarking on strike. ''I am an advocate of dialogue because strikes don't...

Muslims have converged on the Abuja National Mosque to offer special prayers for peace and sustainable development as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria's 63rd Independence anniversary on Suday, Oct. 1. The Imam, Dr Muhammad Kabir, led the special prayer on Friday, after observing two congregational Raka'at prayers. He said that the day's sermon was on the need for Nigerians to remain steadfast in unity and peaceful coexistence. "We should remain united and hardworking so that life will be better and for us to respect the government of the day to ensure the success of this administration "Nigerians have to show their gratitude to Allah for attaining this time as one independent Nation. "The sermon also calls on Labour Unions as they are planning to go on strike next ...

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has called on all Nigerians to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the country's challenges. Wike, represented by Mr Danlami Ihayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat in the FCT, made the call on Friday at a Public Lecture/Special Jummu'a Prayer, held in Abuja as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria's 63rd Independence Anniversary. He noted that Nigeria had faced so many challenges since gaining her independence in 1960. He said President Bola Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope agenda marked a new beginning for Nigeria. He also said that the 63rd anniversary could serve as a pivotal moment to begin a new chapter of the country in line with President Tinubu's agenda. On the topic of discussion by the guest speak...

China has reiterated its commitment to working closely with Nigeria to build shared future between both countries. Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria made this known in his address at the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration on Friday in Abuja. The event tagged: “2023 Moon festival celebrations; a moment to remember” was organised by the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria. According to Li, who is also Director of the centre, the festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture since 3,000 years ago. Li said, “Today’s celebration is very important and meaningful because the Mid-autumn also called ‘the Mooncake Day’ is one of the most important Chinese traditional festival. “In this festival we celebrate family reunion, friendship an...

Olusegun Runsewe, the President of the Nigerian Golf Federation (NGF), says the 2023 West & Central Africa Challenge Golf Trophy is an opportunity to showcase Nigeria to the rest of Africa. Runsewe made the remarks on Friday during a courtesy call by the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the organisers of the event to his office. Sharpedgenews reports that that the week-long tournament is expected to hold at the exotic Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate and Resort in Lagos from Oct. 3 to Oct. 7. No fewer than 10 countries are taking part in the tournament including; Gabon, Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Benin, Senegal and host Nigeria. The NGF President commended LGAN for taking up the challenge to organise a very big tournament of this ma...