Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Nigerian Government Cracks Down On Mineral Land Hoarding, Reports N6.95bn Revenue Surge. The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to mineral title holders, declaring an end to the practice of hoarding mineral-rich land without meaningful development. Obadiah Simon-Nkom, Director General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), announced the government’s “use it or lose it” policy, urging title holders to either develop their concessions or relinquish them. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Simon-Nkom revealed that the MCO generated over N6.95 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025, a milestone attributed to comprehensive reforms, digital…

Lagos State Begins Demolition Of Illegal Structures In Ikeja GRA. The Lagos State Government launched a demolition exercise on Saturday, targeting illegal structures and unapproved buildings in Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA) to address security and urban planning concerns. The operation, spearheaded by Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA), focused on shanties, unauthorised stalls, and buildings that violate planning regulations. The enforcement team swept through key streets, including Michael Otedola, Sowemimo, Remi Fani-Kayode, and Ajisafe, dismantling structures that failed to comply with approved plans. Speaking to journalists, Oki explained that while some property…

Taliban Arrest 14 For Playing Music In Private Gathering In Afghanistan. Authorities in northern Afghanistan have detained 14 individuals for playing musical instruments and singing at a private gathering, according to provincial police. The incident, which took place on Thursday night in the capital of Takhar province, has drawn attention to the Taliban’s ongoing restrictions on music and entertainment. A police statement revealed that the group had gathered in a residential house, where they were “playing musical instruments and singing songs,” causing what authorities described as a “disturbance to the public.” The Taliban, who regained control of Afghanistan in…

Nasarawa State Government Suspends NYCN Electoral Congress In Compliance With Court Order. The Nasarawa State Government has announced the suspension of the 2025 Electoral Congress of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 10. The decision, made in adherence to a court order, underscores the state’s commitment to upholding the rule of law amidst ongoing legal disputes within the youth organisation. The suspension was confirmed in a statement issued by Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, on Friday. The move follows an interim…

Tragic Motor Accident Claims Lives Of Three Children Of Former AUN Provost. A devastating motor accident on Friday night has claimed the lives of three children of Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba, the former provost of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), also known as ABTI American University Nigeria, in Yola, Adamawa State. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the academic community and the nation, leaving many in mourning. The accident, which occurred under circumstances yet to be fully disclosed, has plunged the Baba family into unimaginable grief. Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba, a respected academic and former leader of…

Bargain Hunt Art Dealer Pleads Guilty To Terror Financing Charges. An art dealer known for his appearances on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip has admitted to failing to report transactions linked to terrorist financing, following a two-year investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Oghenochuko “Ochuko” Ojiri, 53, pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to disclose information during the course of business within the regulated sector, under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000, at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday. The court heard that Ojiri, from west London, sold artworks worth approximately £140,000 to Nazem Ahmad, a…

Arsenal Secure Blockbuster Signing Of Martin Zubimendi From Real Sociedad. In a thrilling development for Arsenal fans, the Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad’s midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi, marking their first major coup of the summer transfer window. The highly-rated Spaniard has verbally committed to a long-term contract with the North London club, with formalities expected to be completed soon. Arsenal are poised to trigger the €60 million release clause in Zubimendi’s contract, paving the way for the 25-year-old to join Mikel Arteta’s squad. The move signals the club’s ambition to bolster their midfield with a player…

Xabi Alonso To Depart Bayer Leverkusen After Historic Tenure. Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that head coach Xabi Alonso will leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season, bringing to a close a remarkable two-and-a-half-year spell that has marked the most successful period in the club’s history. The announcement, made via the club’s official channels, has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with speculation rife that the 43-year-old Spaniard is set to take the helm at Real Madrid. Alonso, who joined Leverkusen in October 2022 when the team were languishing in the Bundesliga’s relegation zone, transformed the club into…

US And China Hold Crucial Trade Talks Amid Global Economic Uncertainty. Top economic officials from the United States and China are meeting in Geneva for high-stakes negotiations that could determine the fate of the global economy. The talks, scheduled to continue on Sunday, come after President Trump’s trade war escalated with tariffs on Chinese imports increased to 145% and China’s retaliatory levies of 125% on US goods. While expectations for a breakthrough are low, the fact that Beijing and Washington are finally talking has raised hopes that tensions could be defused and tariffs lowered. Analysts expect the discussions to…

India And Pakistan Agree To Ceasefire After Four Days Of Fighting. India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, ending four days of intense fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The announcement was made by US President Donald Trump’s administration, although Indian and Pakistani officials confirmed the ceasefire without mentioning a US role. Escalation and International Intervention The conflict escalated into missile strikes on air bases in both countries, prompting international concern. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, worked to cool the crisis. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with the…

Ghana To Host 2025 U20 WAFU Zone A And B Championships Ghana has been chosen to host the 2025 U20 West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A and B Championships. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 15 to 30, 2025, and will feature top national U20 teams from across both zones. Over two weeks, these young footballers will compete fiercely, showcasing their skills and highlighting the spirit and unity of West African football. The tournament is expected to provide a platform for the next generation of African football stars to shine. This significant…

Peruvians Claim Pope Leo XIV As One Of Their Own. In Chiclayo, Peru, locals are celebrating Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, as one of their own. Before becoming the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV served as bishop in Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. During his time in the city, he endeared himself to the people with his humble and compassionate approach. Pope Leo XIV’s tenure in Peru was marked by his efforts to connect with the people. He delivered help to flood-ravaged regions, sang Christmas songs, and blessed babies. Locals remember him…