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Category: News

  • Fire Destroys Market in Trademore Estate, Abuja

    Fire Destroys Market in Trademore Estate, Abuja

    A fire broke out early Monday morning, consuming the only market in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja. 

    The blaze, which started around 3:30 a.m. after power was restored by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, spread quickly before help could arrive.

     While the exact cause is not yet confirmed, locals speculate that an electrical malfunction could be to blame.

    Residents were among the first to spot the fire, with one eyewitness noting the chaotic scene. 

    Despite attempts to reach the Federal Fire Service and local responders, it was a fire truck from Dunamis Church that arrived first. 

    Other teams from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Sauka Station followed shortly after.

    By 5:30 a.m., the flames were under control, but the damage was done. As of now, the total loss and the number of affected traders are still unknown, though cleanup efforts have begun. 

    This is the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the estate, as it had previously been flooded in June 2023.

  • U.S. approves $385 Million arms deal with Taiwan 

    U.S. approves $385 Million arms deal with Taiwan 

     The United States has approved the sale of spare parts for fighter jets, radar systems, and communications equipment to Taiwan, with the deals valued at $385 million, according to a US agency on Friday.

    Although Washington does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, it remains the island’s primary ally and largest arms supplier. 

    The proposed sale includes F-16 and radar system parts from existing US military stocks, totaling approximately $320 million. 

    The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that deliveries are expected to begin in 2025.

    The DSCA emphasized that this sale aligns with US national, economic, and security interests by supporting Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military and maintain a credible defense capability.

    “The proposed sale will improve the recipient’s ability to meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of the recipient’s fleet of F-16 aircraft.”

    A separate sale involving follow-on support and equipment for a tactical communications system was worth $65 million, the DSCA said.

    The deals were approved by the State Department, with the DSCA providing the required notification to Congress on Friday.

    China maintains that self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and has consistently opposed US arms sales to the island.

    The sales were announced as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te prepared to depart on Saturday for a visit to three Pacific island allies, with planned stopovers in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.

    Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed its “gratitude” for the latest arms deal on Saturday.

    The ministry stated that the equipment “will help maintain the combat readiness of the Air Force’s F-16 aircraft and strengthen our air defense.”

    “Taiwan and the United States will continue to strengthen our security partnership,” the ministry added.

    Taiwan’s foreign ministry noted that this marks the 18th arms sale announcement to the island under President Joe Biden’s administration.

    Taiwan emphasized its resolve to enhance its defenses in response to China’s military pressure and “grey zone harassment,” referring to tactics that stop short of actual warfare.

    In recent years, China has increased military pressure on Taiwan by deploying fighter jets and vessels almost daily throughout the island.

    Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on Saturday that during the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am (2200 GMT Friday), 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and two balloons were spotted.

  • Tinubu Woos French Investors

    Tinubu Woos French Investors

    President Bola Tinubu has called on French investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria, emphasizing the nation’s readiness for foreign business partnerships. 

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tinubu outlined efforts to improve security and diversify the Nigerian economy.  

    He highlighted the country’s young, skilled population as a key asset for economic growth and urged French companies to contribute to training and development initiatives. 

    Tinubu also pointed to Nigeria’s strides in promoting a marine and blue economy, with Lagos serving as a model through its advancements in taming the Atlantic Ocean.  

    Tinubu thanked the French government for its support of Nigerian businesses in Europe and pledged to create a favorable environment for French investments in Nigeria. 

    He identified food security and defense as critical areas for collaboration and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a secure and business-friendly environment.  

    This marks the first state visit by a Nigerian president to France in over two decades, underscoring efforts to strengthen bilateral ties amid changing global economic and political dynamics.

  • Every Leader must do their bit to advance the unity of Nigeria – President Jonathan

    Every Leader must do their bit to advance the unity of Nigeria – President Jonathan

    Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has admonished Nigerians at various levels of leadership to continuously do their bit as part of a deliberate effort to unite Nigerians.

    He referenced his personal experience while in office as President to discourage the myopia of leaders who nucleated appointments within their own ethnic affiliations to the exclusion of Nigerians from other ethnicity or regions, regardless of their competence.

    He admonished current leaders to ensure that in every step they take, the Peoples of Nigeria are well represented.
    To drive home this point, he narrated his approach of warehousing requests for board appointments until there was enough vacancies to evenly go round the geopolitical zones.

    He cautioned that it is often the failure to adopt a deliberate inclusivity strategy, based on Nigeria’s Federal Character principle, that gives rise to the current situation where most sensitive federal appointments are given to a single geopolitical zone, usually that of the president of the country.

    The former president also gave the example of his decision to create twelve federal universities, based on the existing gap and in fulfilment of the constitutional provision that every state must have a degree-awarding institution, instead of merely creating three universities, each par region, to meet the number required by the southern part of the country.

    He regretted that even though Nigeria is not the only country with multiple nationalities in Africa, “if you look around, you will notice Nigeria as the only country that is yet to attain adequate unity where every one sees the country as their constituency.”

    President Jonathan spoke as the Chairman of the Wellman Colloquium, held Tuesday at Effurun, Delta State.

    The event attracted an array of speakers including the famous pa-Africanist, Her Excellency, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Prof. Mike Ezekhome, amongst others.

    In his chairman’s opening speech, President Jonathan advised Nigerians, especially the leaders, to see the nation’s ecological and cultural diversity as a source of strength rather than fault lines or a problem.

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  • COAS: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for Oluyede

    COAS: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for Oluyede

    President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s approval for Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

     This move aligns with the constitutional and legal requirements, according to a statement from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. 

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    Oluyede, who has served as the Acting COAS since October 30, following the illness of General Taoreed Lagbaja, is now being put forward for confirmation as the substantive head of the military.

     After Lagbaja’s passing on November 5, Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s leadership capabilities, citing his extensive military experience and professionalism.

    The Senate’s confirmation is a necessary step under Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act. 

    Tinubu’s letter, which was submitted this Friday, reflects his belief that Oluyede will be a strong leader in safeguarding the nation’s security.

  • FCCPC Uncovers Smuggled, Sub-standard Sugar in Nigeria

    FCCPC Uncovers Smuggled, Sub-standard Sugar in Nigeria

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised concerns over the circulation of adulterated sugar in Nigeria, reportedly smuggled from Brazil.

     Investigations have revealed that various brands, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, and USI S. Joao, are entering the market without proper registration or the necessary Vitamin A fortification. 

    These products, lacking critical labeling such as production dates and batch numbers, pose significant health risks and threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s sugar industry.  

    The smuggled sugar, which bypasses regulatory checks, creates unfair competition for local producers and contributes to price manipulation.

     Without proper fortification, it exposes consumers, particularly vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women, to health issues like blindness and immune deficiencies.  

    In response to this, the FCCPC is working with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies to tighten enforcement and disrupt the supply chain of these substandard goods. 

    Consumers are urged to check for proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration, before purchasing sugar products.

  • Tinubu affirms Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global challenges

    Tinubu affirms Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global challenges

    Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to addressing global challenges.

    President spoke at the ongoing G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    This years summit has been hosted by President Lula da Silva of Brazil.

    The theme of this year’s summit centers on creating a fair and sustainable world, with the key talking points being economic, social, and environmental development.

    Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to tackling hunger and poverty through the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, a major initiative led by President Lula. 

    The alliance aims to unite governments, international organizations, and civil societies to combat both the immediate and root causes of poverty.

    In his address, the Nigerian leader also called for a reform of the UN Security Council to better represent global diversity, positioning Nigeria as a key representative for Africa. 

    He further highlighted the importance of reforming global taxation systems to promote fairness and reduce the gap between wealthy and developing nations.

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  • AFCON 2025: Qualified Eagles falls to Rwanda 2-1

    AFCON 2025: Qualified Eagles falls to Rwanda 2-1

    An already qualified Super Eagles fell to the superior play of the Rwandan national team as the traunced the Eagles 2-1.

    The Eagles defeat is however, not enough to qualify the Rwandans as they were earlier defeated by the Benonoise national team

  • Ondo Guber 2024: Incumbent, Gov. Aiyedatiwa declared winner

    Ondo Guber 2024: Incumbent, Gov. Aiyedatiwa declared winner

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared All Progressives Congress (APC), Lucky Aiyedatiwa winner of the Ondo State 2024 governorship election.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa polled a total of 366,781to defeat his closest rival, Mr. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 117,845, while Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party (LP) came third with a score of 1,162.

    The final result for the off-season election was announced today, in Akure, the Ondo.state capital by INEC Returning Officer for the election and Vice Channcellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi Durotimi.

    Prof. Durotimi declared, ”Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the APC having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of lawful votes cast, is hereby returned elected.”

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  • Late COAS Lagbaja: Tinubu Confers Post-Humous Honour of CFR

    Late COAS Lagbaja: Tinubu Confers Post-Humous Honour of CFR

    President Bola Tinubu on Friday conferred a post-homous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

    He made the declaration during the interment in honour of the late warrior at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja.

    The President extoled the virtues of the late warrior, eulogising his contributions to national security.

    According to Tinubu, the appointment of Lagbaja as the COAS was one of his finest made so far.

    The event had in attendance Vice President Kashima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Defence Minister, governors and top military officials.

    Last week, Tinubu announced Lagbaja’s death, saying the late warrior passed away in Lagos after a period of illness.

    Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months. President Tinubu appointed him to the role in June 2023.

    He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.