The World Bank has raised Nigeria’s target for National Identification Numbers (NIN) issuance under the Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project from 148 million to 180 million, signaling confidence in the country’s progress despite previous setbacks. Launched in February 2020 with a $430 million budget, the ID4D project seeks to create an inclusive digital identity…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have directed banks to clear an outstanding debt of N250 billion owed to telecom operators for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services. The regulators have set stringent deadlines for compliance, amid a notable decline in the usage of USSD for financial transactions. USSD…
Experiencing intense emotions toward someone you love or admire is normal, but when these feelings become excessive, intrusive, or harmful, it may indicate a condition known as obsessive love disorder (OLD). Despite its name, OLD is not a standalone mental health diagnosis but is often linked to underlying psychological conditions. This article explores the causes,…
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his performance and commitment to enforcing compliance in the nation’s capital. Speaking during his first presidential media chat with senior journalists in Lagos on Monday, Tinubu described Wike as a “good man” and a “performing minister” whose efforts to…
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken enforcement action against five airlines—two international and three domestic operators—for violations of aviation regulations, including delays in refunds, mishandled luggage, and non-compliance with directives. Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, disclosed this during a media briefing at the Authority’s headquarters…
Protests have erupted across Syria after a Christmas tree was burned in Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian town in central Syria. The incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve, has sparked outrage among Christian communities demanding better protection for minorities. Videos circulating online show masked individuals setting the tree on fire, leaving uncertainty about whether their intention…
Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace has unanimously voted to lift the ban on WhatsApp and the Google Play Store, signaling a major shift in the country’s internet policies. The state-run IRNA news agency reported on Tuesday that the decision was reached during a council meeting chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian. The council includes influential members…
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has signed the 2025 budget, valued at ₦606.99 billion, into law. The budget, titled “Changing Gears 2.0,” was approved during a ceremony at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia on Monday, just a month after its presentation to the State House of Assembly. Governor Soludo highlighted the budget’s alignment with…
Professor Abdullahi Ribadu has officially assumed office as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), with a commitment to reform and enhance the Commission’s service delivery. Speaking during the handover ceremony held in Abuja, Professor Ribadu emphasized his vision to improve productivity within the NUC, prioritizing staff development through training and improved welfare…
President Bola Tinubu has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of obstructing grassroots development by opposing the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State during his administration. Speaking during his first Presidential Media Chat in Lagos on Monday night, Tinubu reflected on his tenure as governor of Lagos in the early 2000s. He…
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has intensified efforts to address the Lassa Fever outbreak that has claimed 190 lives in 2024. During a media briefing in Abuja, NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed concerning figures: 9,492 suspected cases, 1,154 confirmed cases, and a fatality rate exceeding 13%. He identified high-burden states such…
Medical services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may come to a halt as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) threatens a strike over unpaid six-month salary arrears. Speaking at a press briefing held at Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, on Monday, ARD President, Dr. George Ebong, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the FCT Minister, Nyesom…
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka will be out of action for “many weeks” due to a hamstring injury sustained during the team’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Saka, who has been instrumental for Arsenal this season with nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances, was forced off…
Tiger Woods’ 15-year-old son, Charlie, made a remarkable achievement at the PNC Championship, scoring his first-ever hole-in-one on the par-three fourth hole during the final round. The impressive feat briefly propelled the father-son duo into the lead, but ultimately, TeamLanger secured their second consecutive title. Charlie described the round as “some of the most fun”…
The Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) has unveiled six standing committees to accelerate football growth and development in the nation’s capital. Chairman of the FCT FA, Mouktar Mohammed, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja, highlighting the critical roles the committees will play in sustaining football progress across the region. The committees include…
The much-anticipated third season of The Real Housewives of Lagos is set to premiere on January 12, 2025, with fresh episodes showcasing the glitz, glamour, and vibrancy of Lagos life. Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, announced the date in a statement on Monday. Fans can also catch up…
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has distributed food items to women groups in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its “Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention” aimed at supporting vulnerable families during challenging economic times. Speaking at the program’s launch, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the initiative underscores the government’s…
A joint security task force has arrested a private miner and sealed off two mining sites in Kure, Amba community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Yakubu Kwanta, disclosed this during a raid on the illegal mining site in the area. According to Mr. Kwanta,…
In the early hours of Sunday, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk cemented his dominance in the heavyweight division, defeating Britain’s Tyson Fury for the second time to retain his status as the undisputed champion. The bout, held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ended in a unanimous decision after 12 intense rounds, with all…
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of more than ten lives during a stampede at Holy Trinity Parish, Maitama, Abuja. The incident occurred during a food distribution exercise organized by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Archbishop Kaigama, in a statement, extended his heartfelt…
Why Does Life Feel Hard? Many people often wonder why life seems so challenging. The feeling may arise from various factors, including family conflicts, social media bullying, work-related stress, financial issues, or health concerns. According to Asha Clark, a licensed professional counselor at Charlie Health, such struggles are common and can also be linked to…
Gender and sexuality are distinct aspects of human identity, each reflecting different dimensions of who we are as individuals. While gender pertains to one’s identity, sexuality relates to attraction. Defining Gender Gender encompasses the roles, expectations, and identities shaped by societal norms based on an individual’s assigned sex at birth. It includes behaviors, expressions,…
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has expressed sorrow over the recent stampedes in Maitama, Abuja, and Okija, Anambra State, during food distribution events aimed at providing relief during the festive season. In a statement issued on Saturday by her media team, the minister described the tragic incidents as avoidable, noting that while…
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a thorough investigation into recent stampedes linked to the distribution of palliatives and relief materials across the country during the festive season. The incidents have led to tragic losses in several states. In Ibadan, Oyo State, a children’s funfair on December 18, 2024, turned tragic when a…
Aston Villa deepened Manchester City’s struggles with a 2-1 victory on Saturday, thanks to goals from Jhon Durán and former City forward Morgan Rogers. The win propelled Villa to fifth place in the Premier League standings, while the defending champions slipped to sixth, marking their ninth defeat in 12 matches across all competitions. City’s precarious…
Doris Ogah, a lawyer and model from the south-south region, has been crowned Miss Nigeria 2024. She emerged victorious in the 45th Miss Nigeria pageant, triumphing over four other finalists, namely Ann Eneanya, Bukunmi Ogunsanya, Diane Paul, and Divine Nelson. The event saw the unveiling of 20 semi-finalists earlier in the week. Shatu Garko, the…
The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, has successfully apprehended four suspected members of the Ambazonia rebel group in Taraba State. Alongside the arrest, troops also verified the recovery of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) within the state. According to a statement released to journalists…
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has regained freedom from the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja after meeting bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed Bello’s release on Friday evening, stating, “Yahaya Bello has been released…
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has raised concerns about the influence of Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, over the spending drama unfolding on Capitol Hill. Clinton’s remarks come amidst House Democrats’ accusations that far-right Republicans aligned with the “Extreme MAGA” movement are pushing the country towards a government shutdown. In a social…
Bandits operating in Zamfara State have abducted more than 40 residents from communities in the Maru Local Government Area in a series of attacks over the past two weeks. According to a resident of Maru town, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi, the bandits have been conducting raids on the local government headquarters and surrounding areas, targeting residents…
The newly-appointed Permanent Secretary of the State House, Temitope Fashedemi, has called for unwavering commitment and diligence from staff in their service to the nation. Speaking during the handover ceremony following recent postings of Permanent Secretaries, Fashedemi emphasized the need for staff to remain focused and dedicated to their responsibilities. He pledged to build on…
