Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Rivers Crisis: Tinubu Meets Fubara, Odili In Aso Rock

    Rivers Crisis: Tinubu Meets Fubara, Odili In Aso Rock

    President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a private discussion with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    Fubara arrived at the seat of power accompanied by former Rivers State Governor Sir Peter Odili and other influential figures from the state.

    The President seems to be intervening to settle the dispute between the governor and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

    Earlier, Wike was spotted at the State House.

    Sources from within the presidency confirmed that the meeting might be related to recent events in the state. 

    This includes the defection of 27 out of 32 members of the State House of Assembly, who are supporters of the FCT Minister, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Before the meeting commenced in earnest, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima was observed attending the session.

  • JAMB Increases Registration Fee For 2024 UTME

    JAMB Increases Registration Fee For 2024 UTME

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced an increase registration fees for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The exam body on Monday said this new fee applies to both applicants opting for or bypassing the mock examination.In the revamped fee schedule, aspirants wishing to partake in the practice exam will now be required to pay N7,700, while those electing to skip the mock session will need to allocate N6,200. 

    This adjustment marks a slight increase from the previous fees of N6,700 for mock exams and N5,700 for non-mock examinations.While further details regarding these fees are expected to be unveiled by JAMB on or before January 15, 2024, the board has announced the registration window for Direct Entry (DE) applicants, slated to run from February 28 to March 28, 2024. 

    This provision enables graduates possessing advanced diploma qualifications to seek admission into tertiary institutions without the necessity of taking the UTME.Additionally, JAMB disclosed that the process of generating profile codes for registration is currently underway. The board assured aspiring candidates that guidelines for obtaining these codes will be issued closer to the registration launch date of January 15th.

    In emphasizing the importance of staying updated with official announcements, JAMB urged prospective candidates to remain vigilant by regularly checking the board’s website and other communication channels for any new updates.

  • How Abuja Singer And Crew Were Kidnapped While Traveling For Performance

    How Abuja Singer And Crew Were Kidnapped While Traveling For Performance

    An incident has occured involving the abduction of renowned Juju artiste Omoba De Jumbo Beats and multiple members of his band while en route from Abuja to Kogi State for a scheduled performance.

    The distressing news came to public attention following an Instagram post by fellow musician Adeyinka Adeboye, popularly known as Boyebest.

    Expressing deep concern, Adeboye took to social media, urging for prayers for the safe return of the abducted persons.In his Instagram update, Boyebest revealed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N10 million for each captive.He wrote:”

    A whole full band members kidnapped, Naija is f**k up I swear my prayers are with you guys. You all would come out alive. May God in His infinite mercy bring you guys back home in peace in Jesus name. GOD pls, bring these your children back home. This is so so scary. God have mercy.

    @omobadejumbobeats and his band men were kidnapped on their way to Kogi from Abuja for the performance yesterday (Sunday). Please, we need help as the kidnappers are demanding #10m ransom on each person.

    “The music community and concerned citizens are rallying support and efforts to ensure the safe release of Omoba De Jumbo Beats and his band members.Some have also urged the authorities to intervene promptly.

  • Over 3,900 Teachers Fail Mandatory Professional Exam in Nigeria

    Over 3,900 Teachers Fail Mandatory Professional Exam in Nigeria

    The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has revealed that over 3,900 teachers failed the November 2023 Professional Qualifying Examination.

    This exam is a compulsory assessment for professional educators in the country. 

    This revelation came to light during an interaction between TRCN Registrar, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, and journalists on Monday.

    TRCN disclosed that out of 15,753 candidates who undertook the exam across 38 nationwide centers, only 72.9% were successful, while 3,963 teachers were unsuccessful.

    Prof. Ajiboye noted that while 10,636 individuals passed the exam, some candidates were absent, and some faced result cancellations due to suspected irregularities and malpractices. 

    The examination held from November 23rd to 25th, 2023.

  • 3 Dead, 7 Injured In Lagos – Ibadan Expressway Accident 

    3 Dead, 7 Injured In Lagos – Ibadan Expressway Accident 

    An unfortunate incident occurred at the Conoil filling station area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, resulting in three fatalities and seven injuries involving a Toyota Hiace bus (RLG 846 XA) and a trailer (JJN 32 YX).

    This occured on Saturday night, as reported by Florence Okpe, the spokesperson for the Ogun Sector Command of the FRSC in Abeokuta.

    The crash, which happened around 9:23 p.m., was attributed to excessive speed that caused the bus driver to lose control. 

    Okpe highlighted that among the 18 individuals involved (16 men and 2 women), three lost their lives, while seven sustained injuries, necessitating their transfer to Idera Hospital in Sagamu for treatment. 

    The deceased were taken to the same hospital’s morgue.

    Anthony Uga, the Sector Commander, emphasized the importance of considering the current period of increased traffic and limited visibility due to weather conditions. 

    He condemned the habit of speeding among drivers, advocating for a more sensible speed limit as the safest approach.

  • NDLEA Discovers Drugs Concealed In Ceiling

    NDLEA Discovers Drugs Concealed In Ceiling

    Operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have executed a major seizure of substantial bags of illicit drugs, cleverly concealed within the ceiling of a notorious druglord’s residence in Nassarawa.

    The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this significant bust in a statement released on Sunday. Babafemi shared videos illustrating the operation, captioning them to highlight the gravity of the situation.

    In the first video, #ndlea_nigeria officers can be seen uncovering jumbo bags of drugs hidden in the ceiling of the drug kingpin’s home in Lafia, Nasarawa state.

    Meanwhile, the second video exposes the interception of over 1.5 million pills of tramo destined for South, discovered at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

  • Fire Guts TCN Substation In Lagos

    Fire Guts TCN Substation In Lagos

    Late on Saturday night, the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s power substation located in Maryland, Lagos State, was engulfed by fire, as confirmed in a statement by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

    Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, reported that the fire outbreak has been successfully extinguished, averting any loss of life in the process.

    “The fire that erupted at the Transmission Company of Nigeria power sub-station at Maryland Junction, Maryland, at about 20:06 hours has been put out by the gallantry crew of the Ilupeju Fire Crew of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service,” the statement read.

    Thankfully, no casualties were reported during the incident. However, an ongoing investigation aims to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage to valuable equipment.

  • 276 Junior Officers Graduate From Armed Forces College

    276 Junior Officers Graduate From Armed Forces College

    276 military officers from the Junior Course 96 on Saturday graduated from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State.

    During the graduation ceremony, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, commended the graduates, highlighting the significance of their accomplishment for both them and their families.

    He praised their dedication to the course and expressed confidence in their achievements.Acknowledging that many might have preferred to pursue the course abroad, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja emphasized the value of their experience at Jaji, stating, “Jaji is better than London.

    “He underscored the college’s commitment to enhancing the professional knowledge of officers, emphasizing the course’s role in preparing them for higher responsibilities in command positions within the Armed Forces of Nigeria and allied nations.

    Highlighting the adaptability of the course curriculum to evolving operational landscapes, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja stressed its responsiveness to changes in the operating environment.

    He lauded the international students from Burkina Faso, Chad, Coted’voire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, appreciating their unique perspectives and the diverse contributions they brought to the course.

    The COAS commended them for representing their countries well and making their nations and families proud.

  • Emir Of Kuwait Dies After 3-Year Rule

    Emir Of Kuwait Dies After 3-Year Rule

    The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, has died at the age of 86.

    The Royal Court confirmed his death on Saturday in a solemn statement broadcasted on state television.

    His three-year rule, characterized by political tensions, saw him face economic challenges and implement several amnesty measures.

    His tenure, which commenced upon the passing of his predecessor Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in 2020, was marked by economic turbulence stemming from fluctuations in oil prices.

    Despite concerns about his health, Sheikh Nawaf steered the nation through various parliamentary elections and political standoffs.

    Beginning his political journey as the governor of Hawalli province at the age of 25, Sheikh Nawaf eventually served as the interior minister for a decade.

    He earned recognition for his softer governance style and was fondly referred to as the “emir of pardons” for his issuance of multiple amnesty decrees.

    With his passing, attention now shifts to the potential appointment of a younger generation ruler to guide the nation forward amidst challenges.

    Kuwait’s future leadership remains a topic of intense speculation as the country grapples with ongoing political deadlock and delays in essential reforms, impacting infrastructure and education, leaving parts of the population discontented.

    Kuwait, a country where power is centralized within the ruling Al Sabah family, has historically seen significant tensions between elected lawmakers and the ruling family’s appointed cabinet ministers.

    This friction has impeded developmental efforts and deterred potential investors, resulting in multiple resignations of governments and dissolutions of parliaments in recent years.

  • JUST IN: Hours After Denial, Labour Party Withdraws Governorship Suit Against Fubara

    JUST IN: Hours After Denial, Labour Party Withdraws Governorship Suit Against Fubara

    The Labour Party (LP) has officially withdrawn its petition challenging the election of Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 polls.

    LP’s governorship candidate, Beatrice Itubo, extended support to Fubara’s administration, emphasizing the importance of fostering progress in Rivers State.

    Itubo’s decision to drop the petition and rally behind Governor Fubara comes shortly after her visit to the governor.

    She claimed the visit was aimed at advocating for peace amidst the ongoing crisis gripping the state.

    She had denied that the visit was connected to the governorship election case.

    Itubo on Friday said the political turmoil has been affecting the state’s economy.

    Expressing concern over the escalating crisis, the former NLC chairman urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike to prioritize peace, urging all parties involved in inciting strife within the state to cease their actions.