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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has set a 30-day deadline for the US military to end its blockade of ports, saying US President, Donald Trump, must choose between an impossible military operation or a bad deal.The comments came after Tehran sent a 14-point plan to the US calling for guarantees of non-aggression, the lifting of a naval blockade, and an end to the war “on all fronts“, including Lebanon.Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, outlined a 14-point plan demanding a permanent end to the war, not a fragile ceasefire or extended pause, as well as the lifting of the United States blockade over the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports, along with guarantees and trust-building measures between the US and Iran.Responding to the new proposal, Trump said he was studying ...

Nigerian and other foreign physicians will now be able to obtain and renew visas to practice in the United States.This follows the reversal of a policy that had effectively blocked many of them from continuing their work under a travel ban-related processing freeze.The Department of Homeland Security had earlier implemented a measure tied to a January travel ban covering citizens from 39 countries, which halted decisions on visa extensions, work permits and green cards.The policy left many international medical professionals in a dilemma , with some placed on administrative leave and others at risk of losing their jobs in already.However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its website late last week, without formal announcement, indicating that physicians are now exempt...

The United Bank for Africa has debunked a viral social media claim alleging that its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, has divorced his wife, Awele.The bank described the viral claims as false and defamatorySpeaking during a high-level virtual media parley on Saturday, Chris-Asoluka emphasised that the current selection represents a historic milestone in the Foundation’s twelve-year journey, particularly noting that the gender and geographic distribution of this year’s beneficiaries is among the most inclusive the organisation has ever recorded. She stated, “The numbers you’re going to see tomorrow, and the breakdown of those numbers, are incredibly exciting because they reflect our commitment to ensuring that no African entrepreneur is left behind, regardless of their gender or locati...

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will hold its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions on Monday, May 11.The meeting is expected to take decision on the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session. This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.Benjamin said the meeting will be held at the Body of Benchers Auditorium, Plot 688, Institute and Research District, FCC Phase III, Jabi, Abuja.He said key policy directions will be unveiled by the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa. The statement read in part, “The Board’s annual policy meeting on admissions is a crucial annual gathering where stakeholders decide minimum tolerable UTME marks, admission guidelines, and policies for te...

Citing his proactive and people-oriented representation of the constituency over the past three years, a sociopolitical group, 'The People’s Mandate Group,' has procured the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms for Member representing Yarkurr 1 State Constituency in the Cross River House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril James Omini.Speaking on behalf of the group at the presentation ceremony in Ugep, Yakurr local government area, Mr. Odum Sunday, said the gesture remains a reflection of the group’s confidence in the lawmaker’s style of representation.According to him, the decision to purchase the forms was informed by Omini’s performance, accessibility and commitment to the welfare and development of the constituency, as well as the group desire to see the...

Cross River government has unveiled its public service manual and civil service song with a charge on civil servants to see the document as pivotal for progression in service. Unveiling the 116 pages manual at the state library complex in Calabar, the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, affirmed that it remains a pivotal document for progression in service. Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, said: "Your next promotion as a civil servant lies on your knowledge of this manual, so if you want to pass your next promotion, get a copy, read it and know how to sing the anthem." Continuing, the governor advised, "get used to this manual, have it like your Bible, understand it and let it change the way we run the civil service in Cross River." He further enjoined the Perm...

A cross session of brothers of Knight of St. John International Commandery 574- Maitama. At the joint grand thanksgiving Mass at Papal ground, Abuja. By Victor Okoye Abuja Rev. Fr. Matthew Maleek, the Parish Priest of St. John Paul II, Kubwa has urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith, unity, and service to God and humanity.Fr. Maleek, made the call at a joint thanksgiving mass for Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary. This was following the successful convention and election which ushered new leaders expected to pilot the activities of the order in Abuja Archdiocese. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Brig.-Gen. Francis Njoku was elected as the Grand President, Abuja Grand Commandery, while Noble Sister Amaka Umeokeke emerged as the Grand R...

A leading governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has firmly dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu has anointed any candidate for the party’s 2027 gubernatorial ticket. Speaking on Lagelu FM’s popular Yoruba programme Bosenlo, Alao emphasised that, unlike in APC strongholds such as Lagos and Ogun States—where incumbent governors hold sway—the party remains in opposition in Oyo, currently governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This dynamic, he argued, levels the playing field for all aspirants ahead of the primaries. “What transpired in Ibadan yesterday, where some elders purportedly endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli, is an exercise in futility,” Alao declared. “I can state categorically...

Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri has urged northerners to reconsider placing their political hopes on Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general Election.Omokri, in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday, explained that the former Anambra State governor’s history of party defections raises questions about his consistency.This follows Peter Obi’s resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday. Obi had while explaining his resignation noted that the same Nigerian state and its agents, who created what he described as unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party which forced his exit, now appear to be finding their way into the ADC.Reacting, Omokri alleged that parties Obi joined were relatively stable before his arrival but later became troubled by in...

Team Nigeria may have to go deep to be able to secure some tickets at the World Relays, which begin this Saturday in Botswana.World Athletics officially released the heat lists for the 2026 World Relays on Friday.Nigeria is drawn in difficult groups across multiple relay events as the country aims to secure qualification for the 2027 World Championships.In the men’s 4x100m event, Team Nigeria will compete in Heat 3 alongside India, Poland, Brazil, China, South Africa, Ghana, and Great Britain & Northern Ireland.The women’s 4x400m team was placed in Heat 1 where they will battle Brazil, Germany, Spain, France, Jamaica, and the Czech Republic.For the mixed 4x100m relay, Nigeria will face Portugal, Ukraine, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany in what is expected to be another hig...

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has updated its portal to reflect the new leadership of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, formally recognising Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as National Chairman. This follows the conclusion of the party’s convention in Abuja.The update settles questions around the party’s leadership and gives the PRP a legally recognised structure on INEC’s records, clearing a key administrative hurdle as political parties begin to position for the 2027 electoral cycle.In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Bello Ishaq, the party announced the development and listed the officials now reflected on the electoral body’s portal.INEC’s portal lists Kanu Sunday Uchenna as National Secretary, Bayawo Yunusa Abdullahi as National Treasurer, ...

The former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi, has announced his intention to contest for the Kogi-east senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.In a statement published on Facebook, Ajaka said he had received “countless calls” and engaged with different stakeholders from Kogi-east asking him to offer himself for service.Ajaka said, upon reflection of the numerous calls, he has decided to offer himself to serve the Kogi-east senatorial district on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).The former governorship candidate said he looks forward to “deeper consultations” with Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state.“I have received countless calls, hosted numerous visits, and engaged in meaningful discussions with elders, political associates, youth group...

Kelechi Iheanacho netted the winning goal as Celtic secured a 2-1 win over Hibernian at the Easter Road on Sunday. The win kept the Hoops Scottish Premiership title hopes alive. Daizen Maeda gave Celtic the lead from a simple tap-in two minutes before the break. The hosts levelled through Joe Newell in first half stoppage time. Iheanacho was introduced in the 70th minute, replacing Yang Hyun-jun. The hosts levelled through Joe Newell in first half stoppage time. Iheanacho was introduced in the 70th minute, replacing Yang Hyun-jun. The Nigeria international fired home the winning goal two minutes later. It was the forward’s seventh goal across all competitions for Celtic this season. Martin O’Neill’s side remain second on the table level on points with league...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has paid glowing tribute to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, as he marks his 60th birthday. In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Institute’s President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the minister’s outstanding contributions to the field of communication and national service. He described Idris as an “Icon of Reputation,” highlighting his professionalism, ethical standards, and steady leadership as qualities that have strengthened public communication and earned him widespread respect within and beyond the profession. “Idris remains an Icon of reputation, an embodiment of public relations values, a role model and beacon of...

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has praised Aliko Dangote for launching the country's first indigenous refinery, crediting it with shielding Nigerians from fuel shortages amid escalating global tensions. In a press statement issued by IPMAN's authentic National President, Chief Dr Kolawole Adewoyin, on behalf of the association's executives and members—released to mark this year's May Day celebrations—Dangote was hailed as a "messiah" who has freed the nation from chronic fuel scarcity, price hikes, and related woes. Chief Adewoyin also extended hearty congratulations to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), all workers across the country, and those in the oil and gas industry on the occasion of Workers' Day. "Your tireless dedication powers our ec...

By Kelu Musa/ Joan Nwagwu Nurses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for urgent pay reforms based on workload as Nigeria marks this year’s May Day celebration. Dr Jama Medan, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Chapter, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja. Medan spoke on the sidelines of the 2026 May Day celebration which had “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work” as its theme. He said May Day should go beyond celebrations and serve as a platform for government to address worsening conditions facing Nigerian workers. According to him, nurses are working under severe pressure caused by insecurity, economic hardship and poor health infrastructure across the ...

A prominent political figure from Ibadan South East Local Government area in Oyo State, Hon. Adebolu Okiki, has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to support the governorship ambition of Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja. In a press release, Hon. Okiki stated that, of all the aspirants seeking to succeed Governor Makinde, only Arapaja possesses the political experience and track record to win a governorship election in any party the governor selects to lead his followers. “We all know that Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja is a veteran politician and diplomat with a strong grasp of politics. He is a grassroots mobiliser who honed his skills at Molete and has distinguished himself as an accomplished leader,” Hon. Okiki said. Hon. Okiki, a former vice chairman of Ibadan South LCDA, called on th...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO)  says its 2026 Football Tournament in Lugbe Deanery Abuja aims to showcase talent, build brotherhood and promote fitness among Catholic men. Chairman and Secretary of the Media, Publicity and Protocol subcommittee, Michael Jegede and Anselm Okoro, said this this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. According to them, the competition slated for May 9, with the theme “Building Bonds of Brotherhood” reflects the goal of promoting fellowship, unity and fitness through sport. They said the competition would help build  brotherhood among men across 26 parishes and pastoral areas in the Archdiocese of Abuja. ”The preliminary stage will feature 26 teams of registered CMO members drawn into six groups. G...