Author: Festus Adeloye

Many persons are believed to have died as fire burnt and sank a boat, Godbless Dickson, between Ekeni and Ukubie communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State at about 5.30am on Wednesday. Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, Ipigansi Ogoniba, said on Thursday that the boat was carrying about 64 persons at the time of the incident, but several persons swam to safety. Ogoniba said it would be difficult to state the exact number of those who died or survived until much later when he receives reports from boats and local divers…

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The Federal Government has announced plans to review the merger of federal technical colleges and science schools in the country to unbundle them. The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, disclosed this at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on the Challenges and Issues Affecting Technical Colleges in the country. Mamman expressed displeasure over the merging of technical colleges with colleges of science, says it eroded the gains of establishing technical colleges across the country. He explained that technical colleges ought to be strictly for pupils with an interest in technical education. The minister emphasised that those who want to do science…

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The Accountant General of Ogun State, Tunde Aregbesola, along with several other state government officials, has been invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning regarding allegations of diverting N10.8 billion allocated for the 20 local councils in the state. Former Ijebu East Local Government Chairman, Mr. Wale Adedayo, had previously submitted a petition to the EFCC, accusing the Dapo Abiodun-led administration of misappropriating the funds intended for the local councils. Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, confirmed the development to reporters on Wednesday night. Oyewale stated, “I just contacted our Ibadan Zonal…

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, has mourned the demise of his son, Ifeanyi. The actor broke the news in a post on Instagram on Thursday where he described Ifeanyi as a “champ” and a “lion” who fought valiantly. He wrote, “My champ! My lion, you fought like a lion. If this is the way He wants it, so be it, I still judge you faithful. “Ifeanyi, my champ. I will miss you, son. I will forever love you. Rest in peace, son, rest. I give you thanks, Lord!” The news came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike, as…

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In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned a late-night raid on its headquarters by heavily armed security operatives. The invasion, which occurred around 8:30 PM on August 7, 2024, saw security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and others in civilian clothing forcibly enter the Labour House in Abuja. Full Statement from NLC: Press Release This evening at about 8.30 pm long after the close of work, a troop of heavily armed security operatives invaded the Labour House, Central Business District, Abuja which serves as the National Headquarters…

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Israel has vowed to eliminate new Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, the alleged mastermind of the October 7 attack, with regional hostilities threatening to boil over as the Gaza war enters its 11th month. The naming of Sinwar to lead the Palestinian militant group came as Israel steeled itself for potential Iranian retaliation over the killing of his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh last week in Tehran. Speaking at a military base on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was “determined” to defend itself. “We are prepared both defensively and offensively,” he told new recruits. Army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi vowed…

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sold $876.26m to end users whose bids were submitted by some 26 banks. A circular released by the apex bank on Wednesday said the move is to boost the falling naira. The development comes as the naira comes under pressure through seasonal demand from summer tourism and businesses seeking the greenback to bring in goods to the import-dependent nation. According to the circular, total bids came to US$1.18bn which was received from 32 authorised dealer banks. Of this, bids valued at US$876.26 million from 26 banks qualified, while bids valued at US$313.69 million…

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In a display of culinary skills, Big Brother Naija ‘No Loose Guard’ housemates Team Mayonnaise consisting of Mbadiwe Twins, Chekas, and Beta emerged as winners of the food presentation task. The challenge, announced by Big Brother, required contestants to showcase their cooking and presentation abilities. Ocee, a 37-year-old lawyer, entertainer, and entrepreneur from Imo state, wowed the audience with his mouth-watering presentation, securing the win for his team.

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The Department of State Services is investigating the alleged involvement of seven Polish nationals in the nationwide protests against hunger and hardship in Kano State. The detainees, who were arrested on Tuesday in Kano, are being investigated. The nationwide protest, which commenced on Thursday, August 1, was in response to the hardship being experienced by citizens in the country. The spokesperson for the DSS, Peter Afunanya, confirmed the arrests on Wednesday while explaining that the action was part of routine security enforcement rather than a targeted effort against Polish citizens. Afunanya stated this while responding to questions during a briefing…

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