Author: Ekpedeme Umoh

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday announced the suspension of its nationwide protest over fuel subsidy removal. The decision was reached by the Labour union at its National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday morning. According to NLC, the decision was reached following the suspension of the proposal to stop the subsidy on petrol by the Federal Government. President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba announced the decision at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja. Wabba further stated that members of the NLC who had been mobilised would be demobilised following the decision to suspend the protest. This is coming after the…

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Tinubu confirms 2023 Presidential ambition APC National leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday confirmed he has informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his presidential ambition. The former Lagos State governor disclosed this to State Correspondents after a meeting at the Presidential Villa with Buhari. While noting that he is yet to publicly disclose his ambition, Tinubu stated that he was still in consultations with various individuals and groups across the country. Tinubu stated that his ambition to be President has been a life-long ambition, noting that what he did…

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Working in the kitchen may appear simple at first glance, but it is just as challenging as working in an office. The most important thing to remember is that kitchen work has a direct impact on the health of every family member. When we eat delicious and healthy food, we often overlook the effort that goes into its preparation. Many kitchen tasks are extremely time-consuming. Therefore if you want to save time and effort by simplifying kitchen work, we have something for you. Garlic is almost always present in our meals. It is used only after it has been peeled.…

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Arsenal striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, was ruled out of Gabon’s clash with Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations, after being diagnosed with a minor heart problem. Aubameyang missed their first Group C fixture against Comoros on Monday after testing positive for COVID-19. But the Gabonese federation announced that their captain along with Axel Meye and Nice’s Mario Lemina will also be sidelined for Friday’s game at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium. All three were diagnosed with COVID-19 recently and the latest medical examinations showed they are dealing with minor heart problems as a result of the illness. The Gabonese Federation tweeted:…

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Defend yourself – Buhari to Nnamdi Kanu President Muhammadu Buhari has shattered the hope of some individuals that he might release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. In an interview with Channels Television aired on Wednesday night, Buhari asked the pro-Biafra agitator to defend himself in court for spreading false information about Nigeria when he was in the United Kingdom. This is coming after a former Minister of Aviation, Mbazulike Amaechi led some Igbo leaders to visit the President for the unconditional release of the IPOB leader on November 19, 2021. Buhari had during the visit…

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There would always be an excuse to try out a new recipe in my books. A lot of baking went down during the holiday season, there’s so much butter left right now, and you probably don’t know what to do with it. Ever tried buttery chicken fried rice? You can also customize the fried rice dish by removing or switching the protein or adding different veggies. It’s a quick and flavorful way to mix up meals. Ingredients 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped in ½-inch pieces Salt, as needed 2 large eggs, whisked 1…

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Next Cash&Carry, one of Abuja’s biggest supermarkets, has been engulfed by fire. Thick smoke from the massive facility billowed into the sky Sunday morning. Fire Service, police and other emergency responders have just arrived at the scene. No casualty has been recorded yet as the blazing inferno started just before the mall opened for business. Witnesses who gathered around the area could not confirm the cause of the fire.

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The Federal Government on Wednesday, declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021 and Monday, 3rd January 2022, as public holidays to mark the 2021 Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Day celebrations. The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore. The Minister, who felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, called on all citizens to emulate the “life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on humility”. “We must emulate the life of Jesus Christ in His…

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Covid-19: UK remove Nigeria, others from red list Buhari and Boris Johnson at the London Conference on Education The United Kingdom had during the week announced it is scrapping the red list for international travel from Wednesday, December 15. This was made known by the Secretary of Health, Sajid Javid, in the House of Commons. According to Javid, the travel red list for countries is no longer working in stopping the spread of new variant. “So I can announce today that whilst we’ll maintain our temporary testing measures for international travel, we will be removing all 11 countries from the travel red…

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The federal government has raked in a whopping $547.2m (N225 billion) from the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum for the 5G network conducted on Monday in Abuja, which was won by leading telecommunications giant, MTN and Mafab Communications Limited. MTN and Mafab which had the preferred bids are expected to pay $273.6m (it’s equivalent in naira) each into the purse of the federal government between now and February 2022. After 11 rounds of what turned out to be a bidding war, MTN and Mafab emerged successful at the end of the round, while Airtel withdrew from the bidding race. Executive…

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The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has said that Nigeria will have the largest 5G coverage in Africa by 2022. He said this when he flagged off the much anticipated 3.5 GHz Spectrum auction in Abuja on Monday, December the 13th, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. The auction, organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), had all three companies, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Mafab Communications present. In his address, Pantami mentioned that with the deployment of 5G technology and services in Nigeria, the issue of insecurity can be curbed as it provides real-time…

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Ojodu truck incident Some students of Ojodu Grammar School in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State were killed while others sustained severe injuries during a freak accident on Tuesday afternoon. A truck was said to have lost its brake and rammed into the students who were about to cross the road. It was learned that the truck driver fled the scene but was arrested by students and residents of the area. However, the truck was destroyed and set ablaze by an irate mob. Following the unfortunate incident, the Lagos State government announced the shutting down of the Ojodu Grammar School, Ojodu-Berger area. This…

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Christmas has always been the best part of the year for me. Not only do I look forward to spending time with the family, and snuggling up to old movies, I also look forward to home-cooked meals. The old recipes from mama, the smokey flavours, the unending dishes to wash(not my favourite part), all these and then some make it the most wonderful time of the year. And what’s a Christmas without rice? Good ol’ Jollof, fried or rice and stew with chicken and a side of orange juice. This time, I decided to switch it up, go for the…

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Controversy trails Lagos State White Paper on EndSARS Governor Sanwo-Olu receives report from Judicial panel The White Paper on the report by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and other matters has been released. The White Paper was released on Tuesday night in accordance with the promise made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu earlier on the same day. According to a report, the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disagreed with the judicial panel of inquiry and rejected its earlier submission that nine persons were killed at the Lekki Toll Gate when soldiers opened fire…

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Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Direct-General of the World Trade Organisation, has been named among the Financial Times’ 25 most influential women of 2021. Although the list is unranked, Financial Times said: “We put the list together in collaboration with FT journalists from dozens of international bureaus, former women of the year and readers like you. “Across continents, industries and issues, all of these remarkable women have shaped this tumultuous year. Each of them is sure to help shape the better ones to come.” See the list below: 1 – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Director-General, World Trade Organization 2 – Lina Khan Chair,…

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Every year, on the 25th of November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed. Yet, billions of women and girls continue to face deep-seated inequality and violence every single day. According to a report by UN Women, “Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lifetime (30 per cent of women aged 15 and older).” Shocking isn’t it? And this figure does not include sexual harassment. This year, the Council of Europe is putting a spotlight on the…

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A prominent civil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has said that the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to hearken to the recommendation for the introduction of stiff economic adjustments programmes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will lead to an astronomic hike in the cost of pump price of fuel to over N350 per litre means Nigeria is effectively re-colonised and re-purchased by foreign capitalist forces. In a statement made available to New National Star on Wednesday, signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and Miss Zainab Yusuf, the Media Affairs National…

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The pioneer pro-Biafran group, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra MASSOB, has condemned “the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, and their sponsors on their unguided and stupid statements against chief Mbazuruike Amaechi led Igbo patriotic leaders that visited Major General Mohammadu Buhari in Aso Villa for an interface meeting concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and agitation clamours for an independent state of Biafra.” In a press release issued by MASSOB and signed by its Director of Information, Samuel Edeson and made available to reporters online, the group said that “MASSOB views this attack…

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Manchester United have officially sacked their Manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Michael Carrick will now temporarily take charge of the team for forthcoming games. The Red Devils made this known in a statement via their website on Sunday morning. This is coming less than 24 hours after their Premier League 4-1 loss to Watford on Saturday. The statement read in part, “Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as Manager. “Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it’s with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. “Michael Carrick will now take charge of…

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Nigerian Railway workers have begun a heavy protest demanding better welfare and salaries. The Workers of the Nigerian Railway Corporation launched a protest at Idu Station in Abuja on Thursday. Speaking on the development, Innocent Ajiji, the President-General of NUR, disclosed that the demonstration was necessary as the government and the management of the railway corporation did not show any interest in complying with the unions’ demands. “There is full compliance across all the 26 stations of Nigeria,” he said.

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Three men have been reported dead after a massive gas explosion rocked the Mushin area of Lagos on Tuesday. Many cars and properties were destroyed. The incident occurred in the morning at Ojekunle Street in the ever-busy Ladipo community. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has commenced a search and rescue operation. Other emergency responders, agencies, and the police are at the scene.

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The missing correspondent of Vanguard Newspaper in the National Assembly, Tordue Salem, has been found dead, weeks after he disappeared. As at the time of filing this report the details of the recovery of his body were sketchy. Salem was last seen around Total filling station, close to the Force Headquarters, Abuja before he was eventually declared missing. A complaint was made a day after he was last seen and was nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, a suspect identified as Prince Enyenihi has been arrested in connection with his disappearance. A further report had it that the 25-year-old suspect had…

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(1) Dunukofia LGA APC 1991 APGA 4124 PDP 1680 YPP 1360 (2) Awka South LGA APC 2595 APGA 12,891 PDP 5498 YPP 919 (3) Oyi LGA APC 2830 APGA 6133 PDP 2484 YPP 900 (4) Ayamelum LGA APC 2409 APGA 3424 PDP 2804 YPP 407 (5) Anaocha LGA APC 2085 APGA 6911 PDP 5108 YPP 868 (6) Anambra East LGA APC 2034 APGA 9747 PDP 1380 YPP 559 (7) Idemili South LGA APC 1039 APGA 2312 PDP 2016 YPP 752 (8) Onitsha South LGA APC 2050 APGA 4281 PDP 2253 YPP 271 (9) Njikoka LGA APC 3216 APGA 8803 PDP…

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A top staff of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Engr. Musa, who was declared missing by his family has been reportedly found dead at a Lagos canal. The family of Engr Musa had declared him missing last week Sunday when he could not be found after he was last seen on Saturday. A human corpse was recovered from the Iyana Ipaja canal that runs down from the Oko Oba abattoir, but the family of the MMA staff is yet to identify the corpse. A source who was at the scene of the incident and spoke with Vanguard claimed that the remains…

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The accused person in the murder of Iniubong Umoren, a job seeker in Akwa Ibom State, known as Uduak Frank Akpan, has pleaded not guilty to the case. Recall that Akpan is standing trial over the murder of Umoren, a graduate of Philosophy, University of Uyo whom he allegedly lured, raped and murdered under the guise of offering her a job. Akpan, the prime suspect had at the beginning of the trial by Justice Bennett Illaumoh pleaded guilty to killing the late Ms Umoren. The court now presided over by Justice Bassey Nkanang has begun the de novo trial and…

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the cancellation of a proposed sit-at-home order slated to begin on Friday, November 5, 2021. According to the group, the sit-at-home initiative was put off to allow citizens to exercise their right to vote on Saturday in Anambra. In a statement on Thursday, IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful said the order was cancelled following consultations with elders, traditional, and religious leaders. According to Powerful: “Following the genuine intervention of our elders, esteemed traditional Institutions /Rulers and Religious Leaders, and after a due consideration of the positive impacts of their engagement, and sequel to…

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The leader of the Biafra National Guard, Innocent Orji has vowed that his men will defend Biafra with the last drop of their blood. In a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday night, he threatened that troops of the Nigerian Army can not defeat them and they have strategies that they will not reveal. The BNG fighter went on to unveil what appears to be rockets named ‘Red Devil 01’. The rockets were painted black, green, red and yellow, colours which are synonymous with Biafra. He said, “We have re-declared the sovereignty of the Biafra nation; we have hoisted our flag.…

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President Buhari Officially Launches Nigerian Digital Currency eNaira President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, 25th October 2021 officially launched Nigeria’s digital currency, the eNaira at the State House in Abuja. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN had earlier announced that President Muhammadu Buhari will unveil the e-Naira. According to the CBN spokesperson, Osita Nwanisobi, the rollout was suspended to allow other events slated for the country’s 61st independence anniversary to take place. Coming to fulfilment, President Buhari has on Monday, declared the official use of the new era electronic version of the nation’s local paper currency. Present at the unveiling were…

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday arrived at Abuja from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after participating in an Investment Summit. The development was disclosed in a statement released by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina. Buhari during his visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, took time to offer prayers on behalf of the country during a brief stopover in Madinah. The President prayed for total peace in Nigeria according to information made available to newsmen by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu. The spokesman to the president, also noted that his principal while in Saudi vowed to abide by the…

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Nigerian digital currency, E–Naira has been officially launched today at the States House in Abuja. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN had earlier announced that President Muhammadu Buhari will unveil the e-Naira. The CBN had on September 30th suspended the launch of its digital currency, called e-Naira to allow other events slated for the country’s 61st independence anniversary to take place. But in a statement on Saturday, CBN spokesman, Osita Nwanisobi stated that the e-Naira is now expected to be activated on Monday by the president. The CBN Director stated that the launching would take place at the States House,…

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