Author: Yusuf Lawal

A devastating fire has ravaged the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) in Kontagora, Niger State, leaving the building in ruins. The incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 3:00 am, with eyewitnesses reporting that the church was set ablaze by unidentified individuals. This is not the first time the church has faced such an attack, as a similar incident occurred 10 years ago when unknown arsonists warned that the church building should not be completed. Condemning the latest attack, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the incident…

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has launched a scathing attack on Facebook, stating that the platform can never be trusted. Musk’s comments come after renowned UK biologist and writer Richard Dawkins had his Facebook account deleted without explanation. Dawkins had sparked controversy after tweeting that genetically male boxers should not compete against women in the Olympics. He expressed his disappointment at Facebook’s censorship, saying, “My entire @facebook account has been deleted, seemingly (no reason given) because I tweeted that genetically male boxers such as Imane Khalif (XY undisputed) should not fight women in Olympics.” Musk, who has been a…

The United Kingdom has seen a significant decline in visa applications, with a 35% drop in the past year, following the introduction of stricter immigration policies aimed at reducing foreign nationals. According to Home Office figures, visa applications fell from 141,000 to 91,000 after new rules came into effect in January 2024. The policy changes, introduced in December 2023, targeted international students, restricting them from bringing dependants unless enrolled in postgraduate research courses or government-funded scholarship programs. This move was part of the government’s effort to curb immigration, which reached a record high of 1.22 million last year. The education…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Local Government elections, citing bias and unfairness. In a statement, PDP Chairman Bello Suru alleged that the Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KISEC) chairman and commissioners are card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Suru stated that the PDP has lost confidence in KISEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, citing the commission’s requirement for participants to make payments as another reason for their withdrawal. He appealed to party members to remain calm and focused, hoping that the Independent National Electoral Commission…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched an investigation into allegations of extortion leveled against Ecobank Transnational Incorporated by Agrico Agbe, a United Arab Emirates-based company. The complaint, dated July 26, 2024, accused Ecobank of improper conduct and extortion, involving senior executives. Agrico Agbe urged the CBN to investigate the claims, which have been acknowledged by the apex bank. In a reply dated July 26, 2024, the CBN’s Consumer Protection Department stated that the complaint had been forwarded to Ecobank and would be investigated. The controversy has also been published on the website (link unavailable) Ecobank has denied the…

In a bid to promote harmonious relationships among youths in the Federal Capital Territory, the Abuja Residents Youth Association has declared a Week of Peace, starting on August 11. The association’s president, Mr. Akoshile Mukhtar, made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday. Mukhtar emphasized that the initiative aims to foster peace and unity among the youth, distancing the association from the ongoing nationwide protest against hunger, hardship, and poor governance. He outlined various activities planned for the week, including a peace walk, peace talks, prayer sessions, and other events to promote harmony and understanding. The Week…

The Kaduna State Security Council has reiterated that the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities and their environs remains in effect, contrary to rumors of a review. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, emphasized that security agencies are actively enforcing the curfew. He advised citizens to strictly observe the curfew and rely solely on official channels for accurate updates. Aruwan stressed the importance of adhering to the curfew and ignoring misinformation during this period. He assured that the State Security Council would provide updates through official channels as…

World champion Tobi Amusan has made a strong statement at the ongoing 2024 Olympics in Paris, qualifying for the 100-meter hurdles semi-finals with a blistering time of 12.49 seconds. Amusan, who led the pack of eight athletes, is among the top contenders for the gold medal. However, she faces stiff competition from a strong field, including Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas, Alaysha Johnson of the USA, Danielle Williams, and reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico. The semi-finals are scheduled for Friday, August 9, while the final will take place on Saturday, August 10, the penultimate day of the…

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State has launched an indefinite strike, effective August 3rd, 2024, due to unresolved issues surrounding pay disparity between federal and state medical workers. This decision follows a failed 3-day warning strike. At a press conference in Abeokuta, NMA Chairman, Dr. Azeem Ashimi, expressed frustration over the state’s inability to address the wage gap, leading to a daily loss of doctors. He emphasized that implementing the reviewed CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure) would stem the exodus of medical professionals. Ashimi highlighted the association’s efforts to retain medical personnel, including initiatives like access to land…

The Federal Government has launched an initiative to sell 50kg bags of rice at a subsidized rate of N40,000 to public servants in Abuja. This move aims to alleviate the food crisis and its effects on Nigerians. According to a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, interested staff members are required to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website and submit it for endorsement. Payment and distribution will be coordinated by designated officials, with the chairman of the Joint Union Council serving as an observer for transparency. This initiative is part of the Federal…