Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Clashes Erupt In Syria As Assad Loyalists Resist New Leadership. Syria’s new ruling authorities have reported the deaths of 14 interior ministry troops in an ambush by loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The incident occurred near Tartous, a stronghold of the Alawite Muslim sect to which Assad and many of his former regime’s elite belonged. The ambush marks the first significant challenge to the authority of Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, since his Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led a swift offensive that toppled Assad’s regime earlier this month. In response, Syrian state forces…

Super Eagles B Set Sights On Victory In CHAN Qualifier Against Ghana. The stand-in Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmodede, has emphasised the team’s unwavering focus on victory as they prepare to face Ghana’s Black Galaxies in the second leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The crucial match is scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Following a goalless draw in Accra last Sunday, the decider is finely balanced, with both regional rivals aiming for a spot in the CHAN finals set to take place in East Africa from 1…

Protests Erupt Across Syria Following Burning Of Christmas Tree. Widespread protests have erupted in Syria after a Christmas tree was set ablaze in Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian town in central Syria. The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, shows masked individuals pouring an unidentified liquid on the tree in the town’s main square before it was engulfed in flames on Christmas Eve. The arson attack has caused outrage among Syria’s Christian community, who viewed it as a direct affront to their faith and traditions. Although the perpetrators’ intent remains unclear, with speculation about whether they…

Akeredolu’s Widow Criticises Ondo Governor Over Planned Memorial Lecture.  Betty Akeredolu, widow of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of attempting to exploit her husband’s legacy for financial gain. The controversy arose over a memorial lecture scheduled by the Ondo State Government as part of activities to commemorate the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on 27 December 2023. The lecture, set to take place on Friday in Akure, was announced with renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) as the keynote speaker and Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa as the chairman of the Akeredolu Leadership…

Federal Government Allocates N6 Billion For Ajaokuta Steel Workers In 2025 Budget The Federal Government has earmarked ₦6.21 billion for the salaries of workers at the dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company in the proposed 2025 budget, reflecting a 44.76% increase from the ₦4.29 billion allocated in 2024. This substantial allocation comes despite the company’s longstanding inactivity, with no steel production achieved since its establishment in 1979. The Ajaokuta Integrated Steel Complex was envisioned as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrialisation, designed to host a metallurgical process plant, engineering facilities, and auxiliary units capable of generating extensive economic activity. At its…

Minister Endorses Charity Football Match To Raise Cancer Awareness. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has thrown his support behind an international charity football match aimed at raising awareness about cancer in Nigeria. During a meeting with the Main Organising Committee (MOC) at the Federal Secretariat, Salako praised the initiative, describing it as a significant and commendable project. He emphasised the importance of prevention and awareness in tackling the challenges posed by cancer, stating, “This is a noble and laudable initiative. Our efforts should be directed towards prevention and creating awareness. This project…

Labour Party Highlights Economic Challenges Facing Nigerians During Christmas. The Labour Party (LP) has expressed concern over the economic challenges affecting many Nigerians, leaving several households unable to partake in the 2024 Christmas celebrations. In a heartfelt message, LP’s National Chairman, Barr Julius Abure, highlighted the plight of millions of citizens struggling below the poverty line. The statement, delivered by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, called on society to embrace compassion and show love to those in need during this festive season. Abure said, “It will interest you to know that not many homes in Nigeria…

Zelensky Condemns ‘Inhumane’ Christmas Day Missile Attacks In Ukraine. Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, an act Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as a “conscious choice” to cause devastation during the festive season. More than 70 missiles and 100 drones were reportedly fired during the assault, with Ukraine’s air defences managing to intercept and destroy over 50 of the missiles. The attacks led to widespread power outages across the country, including parts of Kyiv, leaving millions of Ukrainians grappling with bitterly cold temperatures without reliable energy supply. Residents…

Federal Government Commends Customs Service For Generating ₦5 Trillion In 2024. The Federal Government has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its remarkable performance in generating approximately ₦5 trillion in revenue by September 2024. Speaking at the 61st meeting of the NCS Board in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, described the achievement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal recovery. He highlighted that this success bolsters the government’s ability to fund critical social and infrastructural programmes. Mr Edun attributed the revenue feat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s…

Old Trafford Receives Two-Star Hygiene Rating Following Mice Infestation. Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford stadium has been issued a two-star food hygiene rating following the discovery of a mice infestation during a recent inspection. Inspectors reportedly found mice droppings in two locations within the venue, leading to the downgrade from the maximum five-star rating. The infestation is believed to be linked to the stadium’s proximity to a railway line, a nearby canal, and seasonal weather conditions. This issue has raised concerns for one of the world’s most famous football grounds, which regularly hosts tens of thousands of fans…

Saka To Miss Several Weeks With Hamstring Injury, Confirms Arteta. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for “many weeks” following a hamstring injury sustained during Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old winger, who has been instrumental this season with nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, was forced to leave the pitch early at Selhurst Park and departed the stadium on crutches. “It’s not looking good,” Arteta admitted. “He’s going to be out for many weeks. It is what it is. He’s injured, we cannot change…

Dele Farotimi Released After 21 Days In Detention. Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights lawyer and author, has been released from detention in Ekiti after spending 21 days in custody. His detention followed allegations of defamation made by renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola, over claims in Farotimi’s book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, a global bestseller on Amazon. Farotimi was freed on Tuesday after meeting the bail conditions set on 20 December by an Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court. His release was confirmed by fellow activist Omoyele Sowore. “I am pleased to report that Dele…