Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

A fire has engulfed the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.  The hotel was hosting over 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators. The blaze, which broke out on Saturday, caused extensive damage to sections of the building. Fortunately, no lives were lost, as the pilgrims were away in Mina at the time, observing the symbolic stoning ritual—an essential rite of the Hajj pilgrimage. In a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the swift response of Saudi fire…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra State chapter, has pleaded with Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election to return to the party. Obi defected to LP when felt he could not achieve his presidential ambition within the PDP fold. The PDP made the call after the enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) to review the state of the party and chart a forward in Awka on Thursday. The communique which was signed by Mr Chidi Chidebe, Chairman of PDP in Anambra said alliances with ideologically incompatible political formations, in the…

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on Thursday sentenced nine Chinese nationals including two females to one year imprisonment each and a fine of one million naira for economic sabotage and financial terrorism. The defendants are; Zhao Xiang Hui, Liu Hai Rong, Liu Gang,Du JI Geng Li Dong,Huang Bo,Xhiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng and Deng Wei Qiang The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had on the 10th of December, 2024 bust into a sixth floor building located in Oyin Jolayemi area of Lagos where over 700 people were arrested for offences bothering on Cyber terrorism and economic…

United States President, Donald Trump has announced a visa ban on Wednesday for foreign students who are set to begin attending Harvard University, ramping up his administration’s crackdown on higher education. “I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor programme hosted by Harvard University,” Trump said. The Trump administration has been in an ongoing showdown with academia, notably Harvard. The Ivy League institution has continually drawn Trump’s ire while…

Ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates that will vie for the state’s top job. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee Sam Olumekun disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday. He stated that 16 out of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election out of which the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates, while six parties are fielding female running mates. He listed those with female running mates as Accord…

Grammy-nominated singer, Davido has announced Cobhams Asuquo as the musical director for his upcoming “5ive Alive” world tour. In a video shared on Instagram, Davido praised Asuquo’s work and expressed excitement about their collaboration. The tour will feature Davido performing in nearly 20 arenas worldwide. Asuquo also expressed his enthusiasm about joining the project. “He is the ‘5ive’ Alive musical director of the world tour. Almost 20 arenas, it’s going to be crazy. Today is the first time I heard what he’s been working on, and I’m blown away. It’s time to get to work and start rehearsing”, he said.…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that during moments of deep reflection, he weeps when he recalls what the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, did to him. The political fallout between the two has intensified since Fubara’s suspension in March 2025. Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike revealed the anguish he feels whenever he recalls Fubara’s actions. Wike also shared a poignant analogy about parental sacrifice and betrayal, illustrating the depth of his hurt: “You know what you go through by sending your son to school? “You know…

President of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Nasser Al-Khelaifi said the team deserved to win this year’s UEFA Champions League title but the triumph remains hard to believe. Luis Enrique’s side outclassed Italian giants, Inter Milan 5-0 on Saturday night at the Allianz Arena in Munich. It was big-spending PSG’s first UCL triumph, with their only previous final ending in a defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020. Speaking to Canal+, Al-Khelaifi said Saturday night’s victory was a deserved one for the club. He added that it was a victory for France and French football. He said, “This year has been very special, we…

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Saturday said the state is competing with Lagos, Abuja and other states of the federation in terms of massive developmental projects. He also disclosed that his administration does not interfere with local government funds, a decision he said will enable the third tier of government to bring development to the grassroots. Governor Okpebholo stated in Benin City at the presentation of new vehicles to chairmen of local governments, saying that that state was taken backwards by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, but the narrative has changed as chairmen are now recognised by his administration.…

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan are set to face off in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, with PSG aiming for their first European title and Inter targeting their fourth. The highly anticipated match will take place at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, which holds 75,000 spectators, and kicks off at 9:00 pm local time (1900 GMT). This marks PSG’s second appearance in the final since the club underwent a major transformation following the Qatari takeover in 2011. They will be up against a seasoned Inter Milan side, hoping to reclaim European glory. The winner will take the crown from last year’s…