Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

A fresh batch of 390 stranded Nigerian migrants has been repatriated from Niamey, Niger Republic, as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reintegrate citizens back into the country.  The returnees, comprising 387 adult males, two adult females, and one infant boy, arrived at the Nigeria Immigration Training School, Kano, at approximately 1:05 a.m. on Tuesday. The operation marks the third batch of voluntary returns facilitated by the Nigerian Mission in Niamey in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). During a reception held for the returnees in Kano, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for…

The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, in Kano State. The disease, which affects various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls, and turkeys, has raised concerns over its potential spread in the region. In a circular signed by Dr. Taiwo Olasoju, on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, authorities highlighted the heightened risk of transmission during this period. “We urge all state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate their surveillance systems immediately. Strict biosecurity measures must be implemented, and public awareness campaigns intensified to curb…

British pharmaceutical company GSK on Monday said it had agreed to buy a US company that specialises in the treatment of rare gastrointestinal cancer GIST. GSK said in a statement that it had agreed to acquire Boston-based IDRx for up to $1.15 billion. The biopharmaceutical company’s drug in development, IDRX-42, is designed to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). “We are excited by the early data from IDRX-42,” said Tony Wood, chief scientific officer at GSK. IDRx chief executive Tim Clackson noted that GIST had witnessed “no major advances to the standard of care for almost 20 years”. He added that…

Britain’s competition watchdog launched Tuesday an investigation into Google’s dominant position in the search engine market and its impacts on consumers and businesses. The investigation could lead to the US tech giant being handed “strategic market status”, subjecting it to special requirements under new UK regulations, the Competition and Markets Authority said in a statement. AFP

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the Federal Government develops a sustainable strategy for financing education in Nigeria. Speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of the Vice Chancellor of Bells University, Oludele Ojediran, held at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Obasanjo also urged all levels of government to empower youths to become job creators. “President Tinubu and the Federal Government must find a means to finance education for its sustainability. Governments at all levels must also empower the youths to become providers of job opportunities,” he said. The former president…

The impeachment trial of suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol began on Tuesday, with the country’s Constitutional Court deciding whether to strip him of his duties over a failed martial law bid. “It has started,” the Constitutional Court’s spokesperson told AFP, adding that the first hearing — out of a confirmed five — ended minutes later with Yoon not in attendance. AFP

The Nigeria Police Force said it has written and demanded an immediate retraction and public apology regarding a publication titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on and Bad Governance Protests” written to Amnesty International. A Tuesday statement by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi said the letter was dated 6th January 2025. The NPF said the publication which included numerous unsubstantiated claims, falsely accused the Nigeria Police of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests. The statement said “Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these…

An actress known for her roles in Blues Brothers, Lady Sings the Blues, and The 10 Commandments, Dalyce Curry has tragically passed away at the age of 95. Her remains were discovered after her home in Altadena was destroyed in a wildfire, according to TMZ. The devastating incident occurred as the Eaton Fire ravaged areas east of Los Angeles, engulfing homes and prompting widespread evacuations in Altadena and Pasadena. Curry’s granddaughter confirmed her passing in a heartfelt Facebook post. She shared that she had last seen her grandmother on Tuesday, January 7, after dropping her off at her Altadena residence.…

Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees go under the microscope in a frenzied week on Capitol Hill starting Tuesday, as US senators hold confirmation hearings that could make or break their political careers. Thirteen nominees will be grilled before 11 committees, and while many will sail through, others face controversies ranging from alleged sexual assault and heavy drinking to their relationships with dictators and vaccine skepticism. The Trump picks have been in stringent preparations, taking part in mock hearings and coaching on how to negotiate tough questions while still maintaining unswerving loyalty to the president-elect. “This time, people view the nominees as…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has presented the staff and instrument of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The Governor presented the staff of office to the new Monarch during a brief eventat the Exco Chambers of the Governor’s office, Secretariat Agodi Ibadan on Monday. Among those at the event were Deputy Governor Bayo-Lawal; former Oyo Speaker Senator Monsurat Sunmonu;  some High Chiefs from Oyo Town and religious leaders. The Awise Awo Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola, the revered Ifa Custodian, who performed Ifa divination for the selection of the new Alaafin, was also among the…