Author: Alade Adisa

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon were “in the final stages”, and added that a deal could help end the Gaza conflict.”We’re not there yet, but I believe we are in the final stages,” Blinken told reporters after a meeting near Rome with G7 counterparts, adding that “by de-escalating tensions in the region, it can also help us to end the conflict in Gaza”.[7:12 pm, 26/11/2024] +234 803 862 6524: G7 to ‘comply with respective obligations’ over Netanyahu ICC warrant G7 foreign ministers said Tuesday they “will comply with our…

The Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated militants, ISWAP on Monday claimed it co-ordinated an attack against the Nigerian troops involving the use of suicide bombers and direct assault.They claimed that two suicide bombers identified as Abu Aisha al-Barnawi and Abu Saddiq al-Muhajir believed to be a foreign national detonated vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) at military defensive positions, paving the way for a ground assault.They claimed that Seven military vehicles, including armored personnel carriers, were reportedly destroyed in the assault.Images purportedly taken by the attackers were shared online, showcasing the aftermath of the attack and captured military equipment. FACTContrary to ISWAP’s claims,…

United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with implementing partners have developed a road map for revolutionising education and shaping children future in Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.The plan was unveiled at the end of a groundbreaking meeting on ”Education Roadmap and 2025-2027 Priorities” for the three states on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.Speaking at the event, the Kebbi Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halima Bande, expressed gratitude for Kebbi to have hosted the high level meeting on reviewing education challenges and offered solution.Bande thanked UNICEF and partners for the unwavering support and encouragement to the three states.She…

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday sentenced a man, Onyeka Ubaka, to four years imprisonment, for indecent treatment of a teenager which resulted to pregnancy.The court sentenced Ubaka to four years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to an amended two-count charge of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault.Ubaka, had during arraignment on Jan. 12, pleaded not guilty but changed his plea, in a plea bargain agreement.He pleaded guilty to indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault by caressing the buttocks of the survivor with his hands.Before delivering the judgment, Justice Rahman Oshodi, asked…

Airtel Africa, a telecommunications and mobile money services provider, says it has appointed Dinesh Balsingh as the new Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria .Airtel Africa, Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar in a statement on Tuesday said the appointment was effective on Nov. 1, 2024.He noted that with the appointment, Balsingh had also become a member of the Executive Council for the Airtel Africa Group.Taldar said Balsingh was taking over from Carl Cruz, who returned to his home country, the Philippines, at the end of October.According to him, Balsingh has extensive experience across the telecommunications industry and comes back to…

Two Nigerians, Anthony Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, were on Monday sentenced to a combined 30 years in prison by a United States federal court for defrauding American citizens of $3.5 million. In a statement published on the US Department of Justice website, the duo was said to have orchestrated a romance scam, luring victims with false claims of inheriting substantial fortunes that required upfront payments to access. The statement explained that law enforcement conducted an undercover investigation that exposed the fraud schemes. It read, “An undercover law enforcement investigation has resulted in federal prison sentences for two Nigerian nationals residing…

The Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State has officially resumed crude oil processing, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector. According to Femi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the refinery is set to operate at 60 percent capacity, processing 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd).This development is part of ongoing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.Details later.

The Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has criticized Nigeria’s leadership history, describing President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and many past leaders as products of an “accidental leadership cycle.” Speaking in Abuja during the commissioning of the new Start-Rite School building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture, Kukah argued that several Nigerian leaders assumed power without adequate preparation, especially in a world with increasingly complex governance demands. The Presidency, however, countered Kukah’s remarks, asserting that President Tinubu should not be categorized as an accidental leader. It emphasized that Tinubu was well-prepared for the presidency and…

Manchester United had to settle for a point at Ipswich in Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge despite striker Marcus Rashford providing the perfect start with his 81-second opener. Omari Hutchinson levelled for Ipswich before the break, with United keeper Andre Onana twice denying Liam Delap with stunning saves. It was a disappointing outcome for Amorim as his side struggled to contain Ipswich at times and found the home defence in defiant mood when it did seem an opportunity would come. Skipper Bruno Fernandes flashed a late free-kick wide but Ipswich fully deserved their point and without Onana would have…

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said that the country has saved $20bn by abolishing the petrol subsidy and adopting market-based foreign exchange pricing. Edun said this at an event in Abuja marking the first 100 days in office of Esther Walso-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. President Bola Tinubu had in May last year announced the removal of fuel subsidy effective June. This led to an increase in petrol prices across states in the country. Speaking on the development, Edun said that subsidies were costing the country about five…