Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

The military leaders ruling Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger entered a new “confederation” Saturday as they signed a treaty during their first summit in Niamey, after having severed ties with an existing West African bloc. The heads of the three countries, who took power through coups in recent years, “decided to take a step further towards greater integration between the member states” and “adopted a treaty establishing a confederation”, they said in a statement at the end of Saturday’s summit. The “Confederation of Sahel States”, which will use the acronym AES, will group some 72 million people. The three countries…

The Federal Government has welcomed 72 Nigerian graduates trained by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company. The graduates’ studies in Railway Engineering and other transportation-related courses were funded by CCECC as part of their corporate social responsibility. The Director, Press and Public Relations, Transport Ministry, Olujimi Oyetomi, announced this in a statement on Saturday. During the event, the Transportation Minister, Senator Said Alkali, emphasised the importance of the National Local Content Policy for Railway, which was created in 2018, and the government’s commitment to Indigenous involvement in the railway sector. As per the Minister, this is due to the government’s…

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged-off the distribution of palliatives to 2,400 less privileged residents in Kaduna State, including People With Disabilities (PWDs), orphanage homes, widows and women infected by HIV among others. Tinubu, who was represented at the flag-off of the palliatives distribution by Wife of Kaduna Governor, Hajia Hafsat Uba Sani, said the palliative was designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the less privileged across the country. The First Lady said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was working tirelessly to improve the economy of the country and therefore, it requires the patience and…

Marketers unders the umbrella of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Saturday revealed why fresh scarcity of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has hit the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs. PETROAN National President Dr. Harry Billy, said the only source his members lift the product is the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and when there is no fuel it means the state -owned oil firm has not supplied. “We as members of PETROAN, we are sourcing for product and the only way we…

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said he is still wary of sexual immorality despite his ‘anointing’ and years in the ministry. Adeboye said despite his age, he runs faster than before to avoid any form of sexual temptation, noting that no amount of anointing can fight such temptation. The cleric also warned ministers of the gospel to be wary of sexual immorality and the erroneous belief that their ‘anointing’ could help them withstand any temptation. He stated these during a sermon at the just concluded Ministers & Workers Conference of RCCG…

Russian leader Vladimir Putin congratulated Iran’s reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on his victory in a presidential runoff, the Kremlin said on Saturday. “I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said in a message to Pezeshkian. The two countries, the target of stiff Western sanctions, can “coordinate efforts to resolve international issues in a constructive manner,” he said. Pezeshkian received more than 16 million votes, around 54 percent, while his rival, ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, took more than 13 million, roughly 44 percent, out of about 30 million…

Popular socialite and businessman, Obinna Iyiegbu popularly known as Obi Cubana has thrown his weight behind a new reality TV show, ‘Next Naija Couple’, which aims to redefine modern relationships by promoting authentic love and commitment anchored in African society. The show, organized by Quadrangle Media Limited in collaboration with Cubana Group, was unveiled last Sunday, amid fun fare at the EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island, Lagos. Speaking at the star-studded event, Obi Cubana expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s emphasis on marriage and morality. He underscored the importance of hard work, love, and faith in a strong marriage, reflecting the…

Award-winning artiste, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has hinted at his intention to leave his first child, Imade, in custody of her mother, Sophia Momodu. This follows a recent counter-affidavit filed by Momodu, claiming that Davido is unfit to raise their daughter. In her response, she alleged that his home is an unsafe environment for a young girl, referencing the tragic death of Davido’s son, Ifeanyi, in 2022 as evidence of her claim. The document, which is now circulating on social media, read in part, “The applicant cannot take proper care of our daughter because he lives a controversial…

A Mikel Merino goal in extra time gave Spain a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany in an enthralling quarter-final clash on Friday between the two most successful European Championship nations. The game was into the 119th minute and looked set for a penalty shootout before substitute Merino rose to head home the winning goal from Dani Olmo’s cross and break the hearts of the majority of the crowd inside the Stuttgart Arena. After a scoreless first half, Olmo put Spain ahead six minutes after the break, drilling home a first-time shot into the bottom corner, but Germany forced extra time…

Former US president Donald Trump celebrated the election of fellow populist Nigel Farage to Britain’s parliament on Friday, neglecting to mention the new prime minister, Keir Starmer. Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party won the third largest vote haul, but under Britain’s electoral system it took just five seats while Starmer’s Labour party swept into office with a landslide. “Congratulations to Nigel Farage on his big WIN of a Parliament Seat Amid Reform UK Election Success. Nigel is a man who truly loves his Country!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Farage is a long-standing ally of Trump, who has…