Author: Staff Reporter

The Nigerian judiciary has bid farewell to Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), as he retires from service following his attainment of 70 years. Born on August 22, 1954, Justice Ariwoola was elevated to the Supreme Court bench on November 22, 2011, and later appointed substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, after the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad. He was formally confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022. Events marking Justice Ariwoola’s retirement are currently underway at the Supreme Court, as the judiciary community gathers to celebrate his distinguished career. Although yet to be…

The Federal Ministry of Education is racing against time to prevent another strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as the 21-day ultimatum issued by the union expires soon. ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, insists that lecturers will embark on another strike unless the Federal Government meets their demands, which include payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, release of withheld salaries, and stoppage of illegal recruitments. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, had invited ASUU for a meeting to deliberate on the lingering issues affecting universities, but Osodeke says the agreements reached have not been implemented. Osodeke…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt a significant blow to terrorist operations in the Northeast, eliminating five key commanders and over 35 foot soldiers in a successful air interdiction in Arina, Southern Tumbuns of Borno. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, AVN Edward Gabkwet, identified the killed commanders as Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (a.k.a Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki. Gabkwet revealed that intelligence had uncovered the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area, prompting confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions on August 12 and 15. This led to coordinated…

The naira’s downward spiral continued on Tuesday, hitting a new low of N1,592.06 per dollar on the foreign exchange market. This represents a N12.84 depreciation from Monday’s rate of N1,579.22, according to FMDQ data. The parallel market also felt the impact, with the naira falling to N1,615 per dollar on Tuesday, down from N1,610 on Monday. Foreign exchange transaction turnover declined to $152.26 million on Tuesday, down from $162.99 million recorded the previous day. Further analysis reveals that the naira has lost N27.58 against the dollar in just two days, compared to the N1,564.48 recorded last Friday. Despite the Central…

In a joint operation with Shin Bet, the Israeli army retrieved the bodies of six hostages from Khan Yunis in Gaza on Tuesday. The hostages, identified as Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Dancyg, Yoram Metzger, Nadav Popplewell, Chaim Perry, and Avraham Munder, were recovered following intelligence and forensic analysis. The military informed the families of the deceased hostages, providing them with necessary closure. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the recovery of the bodies, stating, “The recovery of the bodies provides their families with necessary closure and grants eternal rest to the murdered.” The forum urged the Israeli government to secure…

The Presidency has unveiled a new Airbus A330 purchased for President Bola Tinubu, replacing the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) acquired during the Obasanjo administration. Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga revealed that the new jet saves Nigeria millions of dollars in maintenance and fuel costs yearly, without disclosing the purchase price. The replacement follows a parliamentary investigative hearing that raised concerns about the old plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, particularly after a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia. The new Airbus A330 boasts spaciousness, state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior, and advanced communications systems. President Tinubu has departed Abuja for Paris, France, utilizing…

In a dramatic turn of events, Mayor Frosh and Toby Forge, aka Streeze, and Floruish have been evicted from the Big Brother Naija ‘No Loose Guard’ House. Despite efforts by custodian holders Wanni and Handi, who had previously saved pair Beta from eviction, Streeze and Floruish were not spared by viewers or the custodians. Host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the end of the custodian challenge, marking a significant shift in the game. Starting Monday, the nomination process will resume, and the power will return solely to the viewers. With the custodian challenge over, the Head of House voting by housemates has…

Nigerian-born doctors practicing in the US, UK, and Canada have outlined conditions for their return to the country, despite the Federal Government’s new policy aimed at wooing them back. The medical practitioners emphasized the need for a safe working environment, competitive salaries, and adequate infrastructure, in addition to the proposed incentives. While welcoming the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, the doctors stressed that Nigeria’s deteriorating medical sector required more comprehensive solutions. Fikayo Benson, a US-based doctor, highlighted the importance of security, welfare, and infrastructure, saying, “If the Nigerian government can provide conditions comparable to what we have abroad, I…

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) retailers against engaging in illegal sales of the product, as scarcity continues to plague the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and neighboring states. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has embarked on a crackdown on illegal petroleum product sales, particularly petrol in jerrycans. Retail outlets are advised to cease servicing black marketers, or face suspension of their licenses. Despite the warning, fuel scarcity persists in the nation’s capital, with most filling stations shut down. Only a few, including Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail…

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has heaped praise on 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, likening him to French football icon Zinedine Zidane. Mainoo burst onto the scene last season, breaking into Erik ten Hag’s first team and scoring in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City. He also played a key role for England in Euro 2024, helping the team reach the final. Scholes told The Guardian: “He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to [Zinedine] Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people. I heard there was a young lad holding his own against Casemiro in training,…