Author: Festus Adeloye

Gunmen have killed a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Tobias Okonkwo, in Anambra State. Okonkwo, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, was shot dead on Thursday by the gunmen along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway. This was disclosed in a letter dated December 27, 2024, by the Diocesan Secretariat in Nnewi and signed by the Chancellor, Nnewi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu. He said Okonkwo was born on August 11, 1984 and ordained a Catholic priest on July 11, 2015. The diocesan chancellor also solicited prayers and Holy Masses for his eternal joy from the Catholic faithful. “Where sorrow increases, divine consolation…

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has denied terrorism allegations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani against Nigeria. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu described the claims as baseless. General Tchiani had claimed Nigeria was setting up a military camp in the north, in an area between Munguno and Baga in Borno State to destabilise Niger. According to him, Nigerian officials were conspiring to destabilise Niger through training camps for fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. Tchiani further alleged Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad. However, Ribadu rejected the allegations,…

In 2024, Africa continues to make waves globally, with individuals from various sectors driving innovation, development, and progress. The New African magazine, in a press release on Friday, unveiled its list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, spotlighting individuals who have made significant impacts across politics, business, science, sports, and civil society. The 2024 list features prominent figures like Wale Tinubu, nephew of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu; Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; and Nigerian football star Ademola Lookman, alongside other influential individuals across politics, business, sports, science, and the creative industry. The editor of the London-based magazine, Anver…

The Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) has described terrorism allegations against Nigeria and other member states by Niger Republic as “unfounded”, saying it is solidly behind its members. Niger Republic had accused Nigeria and other ECOWAS members of colluding with France to destabilise the country. However, ECOWAS in a statement on Thursday described the allegations as “unfounded”. “The Commission of the Economic and West African Staes (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states. “The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism. “For…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of India over the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. In a statement released by the State House on Friday and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Singh as a visionary leader whose contributions to Nigeria-India relations remain significant. He recalled Singh’s historic 2007 visit to Nigeria, during which the late Prime Minister became one of…

All DStv customers will have free access to all DStv channels from December 27 to 29, regardless of their current subscription package. This is contained in a statement on Thursday by MultiChoice Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the seasonal offer is open to all DStv subscribers. The statement read in part, “No Subscription, No Problem! Switch on your DStv decoder for a gift like no other this festive season, 72 hours of all content, all channels, all on us! “As we wind down the year and celebrate the holidays, DStv is happy to announce that we are…

Police have intensified search for Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. Azuka was abducted by gunmen on December 24 along Ugwunapampa Road in Onitsha North Local Government Area of the State. In an update on the incident on Thursday, the Anambra State Police Command said the lawmaker’s vehicle has been recovered. The Command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said that police operatives attached to the Inland Town Division retrieved the abandoned vehicle during an ongoing rescue operation. Despite the recovery, the lawmaker’s whereabouts remain unknown as the kidnappers are yet to contact his…

Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunseyi, the mother of Naomi Silekunola, an estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, has made an emotional plea to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians to save her daughter from what she described as unjust detention. Naomi was among three individuals facing charges at the Iyaganku Magistrate Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, following a tragic stampede at a Christmas funfair that claimed the lives of 35 children. Naomi in collaboration with a popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and chairman of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, spearheaded the charity programme. The court ordered the remand of the accused on charges, including…

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State announced the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi Umar, on Wednesday. In a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Hamisu Gumel, it was confirmed that Hajiya Maryam Namadi Umar passed away in the early hours of today. Her passing comes as a profound shock, coinciding with the governor’s official trip to China, where he is engaging in efforts to foster economic ties and attract investments to Jigawa State. The governor’s absence during this deeply personal loss has cast doubt on his ability to attend the burial scheduled for today.…

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated enforcement action against five airlines (two international and three domestic operators) for various violations of Part 19 of the NCAA regulations. The violations include the non-payment of refunds within the stipulated time frame, non-responsiveness to the NCAA’s directives, missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, delayed and cancelled flights, amongst others. A spokesman for NCAA, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this to journalists at the corporate headquarters of the Authority in Abuja on Tuesday. He said that although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations stipulate actions that airlines must take during…