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A group of Yoruba indigenes, under the auspices of the Yoruba Nurses of North America (YORNNA), has organized a free medical outreach for residents in seven communities in Lagos State. The initiative attracted approximately 2,000 residents from these areas. During the outreach, beneficiaries were screened and provided with medications for various ailments, including hypertension and diabetes. Professor Modupeola Aka Basorun Adebayo, leader of the YORNNA team, stated that the group aimed to assist humanity, recognizing that government efforts alone cannot meet all healthcare needs. She emphasized their commitment to complementing governmental healthcare services. Professor Adebayo encouraged regular medical check-ups for early disease detection, which can prevent serious hea...

President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos on Saturday, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra. The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured. Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi, Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement. Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos state government and chiefs from the state, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies. Commiserating with the victims of the incidents in Anambra and the FCT, Mr Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to en...

Old students of Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, the venue of the Ibadan funfair tragedy, have demanded the release of the school principal, Abdullah Fasasi, on administrative bail. The National President of the Islamic High School Old Students Association, Bayo Busari, made the demand while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Saturday. Recall that police on Wednesday detained Mr Fasasi and others in connection with the tragedy, which claimed 35 lives. Mr Busari, who commended the police for bringing the situation under control and commencing investigations, said the association was neither averse to police investigation nor willing to obstruct it. According to him, the association is, however, concerned about the false public narrative that the school princ...

By Jessica Dogo The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, says that the ministry is working to secure two billion dollars funding for fibre optics in Nigeria. Tijani said this at the December edition and wrap-up event of “DevsInGovernment for 2024” programme on Friday in Abuja. He said that fibre optic network was being laid all over the country to ensure that no communities is left behind. “From the commonwealth of Nigeria, the connectivity is based on the investment in digital infrastructure. “Historically, this is something we have largely left to the private companies to do. Private companies will only invest in areas where they believe they can make quick returns or make their money back. “When we talk about investing in fiber ...

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former gubernatorial aspirant, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has expressed condolences over the death of about 30 children at the Children’s Carnival, held on Wednesday at Islamic High School, Bashorun in Ibadan. Alao in a condolence message he personally signed, while commiserating with Governor Seyi Makinde and families of the victims, described the incident as a big tragedy that cast a dark shadow over what should have been a joyous celebration of the festive season. He called on the state government to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragedy and take necessary actions against negligence, urging event organisers to always prioritise the safety of invited participants and ensure strict c...

The Ondo State House of Assembly on Wednesday held a public hearing on the name change of the state-owned specialised university, the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, described the university as the pride of the state, hence there was need to carry out some amendments in the law establishing the institution. Mr Oladiji explained that at the establishment of the institution, it was named Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, but the University of Medical Sciences as a name had yet to be backed by the House of the Assembly. He stated that the lacuna caused graduates of the institution a problem in being enlisted in the National Youth Service Corp and thereby deprived the institution of some benefits. Accor...

The Federal Capital Territory Administration says it is taking security architecture to the doorstep of Abuja residents. Adamu Gwary, director of FCTA’s security service department, stated this during an end-of-year press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. Mr Gwary identified one of the security architectures as the ongoing construction of 12 new police divisional headquarters with staff quarters across the six area councils of the FCT. He explained that the measure was the outcome of security town hall meetings held across the six area councils in the early part of the year to interact and get feedback from residents. He added that security agencies were also being supported with logistics and operational vehicles to improve security operations in rural communities. Mr Gwary, a...

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has appointed a new controller, Olatubosun Ajibogun, to head its Federal Capital Territory command. This was announced in a statement by the NCoS on Wednesday in Abuja. The statement said Mr Ajibogun, a seasoned correctional service officer, had taken over the reins from his predecessor, Ibrahim Usman. Mr Usman was redeployed to Zone ‘R’ Maiduguri as acting zonal coordinator. During the handover ceremony, the former controller, Mr Usman, praised the personnel of the FCT Command for their dedication and hard work. Mr Usman expressed confidence that the incoming controller would take the command to greater heights. Mr Ajibogun pledged to work closely with the command’s officers to overcome challenges and take the command to greater ...

Agidigbo FM, a prominent private radio station, has disclaimed involvement in the ill-fated children's festive party that tragically resulted in multiple deaths on Wednesday morning in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan when a stampede occurred during a children's Christmas party. The station's management clarified they were not sponsors or organisers of the event, contrary to initial reports. It identified the organiser as WINGS (Women In Need Of Guidance and Support), whose founder is Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Eyewitnesses report that many children were trampled in the chaos, with several others injured and currently receiving treatment ...

The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) marked the final day of the 2024 United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a awareness walk to Bwari Start the road walk from Esu of Bwari Palace through Bwari Market Roundabout back to Esu of Bwari Palace had community members participating in the awareness and sensitization walk The Awareness and sensitization walk to mark the end of 16 days Activism against Gender Based Violence was, led by Augustine Igweshi, while addressing news men he emphasized that the walk became imperative in other to create awareness on importance to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through community sensitization and awareness Igweshi expressed satisfaction with the campaign's impact, thanking the Governme...

By Victor Okoye The 2024 edition of the NLNG Golf Classic ended in Bonny, Rivers on Saturday with Oluwaseun Adedipe and Lady Kafayat Bamimore clinching the top prize in the men and ladies categories. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day NLNG Golf Classic Invitational sponsored by Nigeria LNG which was the fifth in the series, began on Friday morning with the tee-off ceremony at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC). The MD, Nigeria LNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila, was on ground, along with other dignitaries, including Engr Emmanuel Nnabuife, Production Trains Asset Manager, who represented the GM Production Nnamdi Anowi, Capt. Lawrence Chukwu, Terminal Manger, ⁠Dr. Sam Ekong, as well as BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini and Lady Captain, Darlene Cobham, to grace the tee-o...

United Bank for Africa(UBA) through UBA Foundation, its corporate social responsibility arm, has donated the sum of N500 million to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), as part of its continued commitment to secure environment for individuals and businesses The N500m cheque was presented to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, by the UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who was accompanied by the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi, at the State House, Marina, Lagos on Sunday. Speaking during the presentation, Elumelu reiterated the bank’s dedication to supporting initiatives that ensure the safety and prosperity of communities across Nigeria adding that “At UBA, we understand that security is critical for economic growth and societal well-being. Our d...

By Victor Okoye Victor Okoye, an Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was on Friday crowned champion of the 2024 FCT SWAN Week Table-tennis tournament in Abuja. This was after he had dismissed giant-killer Godstime Egelege-Idama of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) 11 - 6 in the final to lift the prestigious trophy. NAN reports that Okoye had also thrashed Fashemi Emmanuel of Kapital FM 11-4 in the semi-finals before putting an end to Egelege-Idama's fairytale run in the tournament. Egelege-Idama, on his part, had pulled off an upset in a game that was full of intensity, pressure, and sheer unpredictability. This was after he completed a comeback victory in a thrilling semi-final match against Odion Abdulrazak of Liberty TV to send the match to a five-poi...

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former gubernatorial aspirant, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has described the arrest and prosecution of twelve residents who accused Governor Seyi Makinde of illegally acquiring their land as undemocratic. In a press release from his media office, Alao condemned the Governor's actions, stating that they amount to dictatorial behavior. "It is very unfortunate that twelve residents, including a 71-year-old man, are currently being remanded in Agodi prison over a protest where they accused the Governor of illegally acquiring their land. These residents have been charged with 'treasonable felony,' despite the fact that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows for peaceful protest." Ala...

By Gami Tadanyigbe The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the national assembly, particularly the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to take immediate steps to protect Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) from the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024. ASUU, in a press statement, signed by its national president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke on Friday, raised a strong objection to the Bill, warning that if passed in its current form, the bill could undermine vital educational support. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has observed with keen interest the ongoing debate on the review of the tax system in the country under a proposed bill tagged, Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, which is currently before the National Assembly. Arising fr...

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, says she identifies more with the Yoruba ethnic group than the Nigerian entity. Badenoch spoke in an interview with the Spectator published on Thursday. The politician’s remarks come amid a simmering identity row, following her previous criticisms of Nigeria’s governance terrain and society, which sparked backlash and reignited debates over her ties to the country. Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, Badenoch’s last name changed after she married a Scottish banker. She returned to Nigeria, where she grew up, and finally departed for the UK when she turned 16. Infamous for her straight-talking style, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.V...

Finnish authorities have frozen assets belonging to Simon Ekpa, controversial pro-Biafra agitator, over alleged terrorism. On November 21, Ekpa was arrested by law enforcement in Finland. Four other men were also arrested for suspected terrorism. The secessionist was subsequently sent to prison by the district court of Päijät-Häme for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media”. Ekpa was said to have committed the crime in 2021 in Lahti municipality. He is accused of instigating violence and inciting terror in the south-east of Nigeria through his social media pages. Nigeria’s federal government has been demanding the extradition of Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, for prosecution.

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to engage refugees, migrants and displaced persons on agricultural production. NALDA Executive Secretary, Mr Cornelius Adebayo, said at the event in Abuja on Wednesday, that the MoU was under the Renewed Hope Restoration Project. Adebayo explained that the project was designed to enhance agricultural value chain among refugees, migrants and IDPs for sustainable means of income and food security in the country. According to him, the project will empower refugees, migrants and IDPs to actively engage in agricultural production and contribute to economic developme...

By  Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Natiional Orientation Agency (NOA) has sensitised  Abuja residents on the need of end Gender Based Viiolence in the country. News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Walk to end GBV took participants from the NOA Headquarters to the Old Paraded Ground in Abuja. Partners that participated in the 'Walk' that was organised by NOA include, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Heir Women Hub and some students of high institutions of learning Mrs Esther Akor, a Deputy Director in the department of Public Enlightment and Mass Mobilisation of the Agency, said the walk is a round off activity for the Agency's 16 days activities which started on Nov.25 "The 16 days of activitism usually starts from Nov. 25 to Dec.10 every year. We have ou...