German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Sunday that Germany’s partnership with ECOWAS aimed to improve the region in various sectors.

Mr Scholz, at a press briefing held at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja on the sidelines of his visit to Nigeria, said his country had renewed its financial commitment to the tune of €81 million ($85.4 million) to ECOWAS to address areas such as energy and peacebuilding amongst others.

Germany’s Federal Development Ministry (BMZ), in September, announced plans to ramp up the country’s financial support of the ECOWAS after a meeting between German Development Minister Svenja Schulze and Ecowas Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja in Berlin.

He said, “We have enjoyed the partnership in the areas of support for the regions.“Our mission in this is to improve the ECOWAS countries and its region. Our cooperation was felt during the pandemic, and we plan further to deepen our relation with ECOWAS.”

Mr Scholz said the move came when ECOWAS tried to restore stability to West Africa following six coups since 2020.

“Also, we stand with not accepting coup, and when we look at the coup in Niger, and that is why we want to deepen our cooperation,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said the chancellor’s visit symbolised the importance of Germany-ECOWAS cooperation.

He said that recently, they had concluded the agreement of €81 million that the German government and its people had committed to boost the ECOWAS region in several areas.

“Those are vital areas, as I have indicated; they cover areas such as peaceful and inclusive society, climate, energy transition, sustainable economy development, health, social protection and population,” he said.

Mr Touray further added that during their brief meeting before the press briefing, they both discussed the challenges faced by the region on insecurity, infrastructure deficit and social development.

The police command in Ogun says it has arrested two minors for allegedly setting their school on fire in the Isheri-Olofin area of Ifo Local Government.

The state police spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Monday, explained that the minors, aged six and nine, reportedly gained access to one of the unlocked classrooms at Community Primary School, Isheri Olofin, on Sunday and set fire to books left behind by teachers and pupils.

The PPRO noted that the incident was reported to the police by a chief in the community.

She stated, “Two pupils of Community Primary School, Isheri Olofin, aged six years and nine years, both residents of the Isheri Olofin community, have been apprehended for setting fire to their school and properties of the school on October 29, 2023.”

Ms Odutola said upon receiving the report, the anti-crime and detectives unit of the police visited the scene and brought the alleged children to the police station for interrogation.

She explained that the police had started making inquiries on how to contact their parents “as this is a very serious crime for these children to get themselves involved in.”

Meanwhile, she said the police would unravel and update members of the public in due course if other persons might instigated the children.

British heavyweight boxer Tyson ‘Gipsy King’ Fury survived a devastating third round knockdown to defeat Francis Ngannou of Cameron in a 10-round non-title heavyweight bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Ngannou, a mixed martial artist making a professional boxing debut, with a fierce left hook dropped Fury, an unbeaten WBC champion, on the canvas in a fight largely regarded as a mismatch and work over for the Briton.

Fury, however, picked himself up, narrowly boxing to victory on a split decision as a judge scored 95-94 to Ngannou, while the other two officials scored it 96-93 and 95-94 to Fury.

Contrary to most predictions giving Fury the victory on a platter even before the fight, Ngannou showed strength taking and landing punches until the 10th round against a champion.

Fury’s victory saw him survive a first defeat and what could be a major upset in heavyweight boxing but not without a cut on his forehead and a welt under one of his eyes.

Unlike Ngannou, 37, a first timer in a professional boxing ring, Fury, 35, came into the game with a sterling career record.

Since he turned professional in 2008, Fury has remained unbeaten, winning 33 fights and drawing just one. 24 of Fury’s victories were via knock out.

“That definitely wasn’t in the script,” Fury said after the fight which he described as one of the toughest in the last decade.

“He’s given me probably one of my toughest fights in the last 10 years. Francis is a hell of a fighter, strong, big puncher, and a lot better boxer than we all thought he would be,” Fury said.

Speaking after the fight, Ngannou said “It didn’t go my way. I might have come up short today. I’ll come back.”

Saturday’s fight comes some weeks to the undisputed championship fight scheduled to hold December 23 between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk was present in the audience to see the fight between his opponent.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim, is dead.

The paramount ruler of Ebiraland was said to have died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 95.

Palace sources told our correspondent in Lokoja the he died in an Abuja hospital where he had been receiving treatment for age-related ailment.

Before ascending the throne, he was a successful businesman who lived most parts of his life in Lagos.

His remains will be buried today in Okene according to the Islamic rites.

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday celebrated the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, as he clocked 80.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

The statement partly read, “President Bola Tinubu celebrates his long-time ally, friend, and confidant, His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos State, on his 80th birthday.

“According to the statement, the President describes the monarch as a “fountain of wisdom, knowledge, and a staunch custodian of the rich culture and traditions of Lagos”.

He said, “Oba Akiolu and I have come a long way. He is my confidant. He is a dear friend I hold in high esteem for his integrity, honour, and forthrightness. He is always generous with his wise counsel and always willing to offer his fatherly guidance.

“Baba is a defender of the truth and his people. My achievements as Lagos State Governor are partly due to his support and counsel. His Majesty’s reign has brought peace, progress, and development to the good people of Lagos.

“The President further thanked the Oba, also known as Eleko of Eko, for his unceasing prayers and support, recalling his interventions over the years, even in trying times. 

At least 35 people were killed and more than 50 others injured Saturday in a “horrific collision” on an Egyptian highway involving a bus and several cars, state media reported.

Traffic accidents are common in Egypt where roads are often in bad repair and the highway code is frequently disregarded.

“A horrific collision on the Cairo-Alexandria desert road near Wadi al-Natrun led to the death of 35 people, at least 18 of whom burnt to death,” said the Al-Ahram news website, indicating “at least 53 were injured”.

Images posted on social media showed an overturned lorry lying across the fast lane on a charred tarmac.

Further on is at least one bus and a minibus, both largely gutted by fire, as well as many cars, some still in flames.

Crowds of people can be seen standing by the road, gazing at the crash site alongside queues of cars as thick black smoke spirals into the air.

Official figures say 7,000 people were killed in road accidents in 2021 in the Arab world’s most populous country.

A Distinguished African historian and scholar, Prof Toyin Falola, was on Saturday honoured with an honorary degree by the University of Mktar, Benue State.

Falola, the university’s convocation guest lecturer, was awarded the title of Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) during the ceremony that brought together academics, students, and guests from across the nation.

This latest feather was in recognition of his contributions to academia and a reminder of the enduring impact he has had on the field of African Studies.

In his convocation lecture titled, “Religion and Values”, Falola delved into the intricate relationship between religion and the ethical framework that underpins society.

His profound insights and unique perspective captivated the audience, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of all in attendance.

The academic is renowned for his extensive body of work, which encompasses numerous books, essays, and lectures that have influenced the understanding of African history and culture worldwide.

In his illustrious career, Falola has amassed an impressive collection of honourary degrees, with the University of Mkar’s recognition being his 18th.

Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, on October 24 and 25, 2023 convicted and sentenced 13 internet fraudsters to prison for fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Saturday made this known on its Facebook page.

The convicts are Eboh Chukwuma, Omozuafo Collins, Elect Osayuwu, Omorogbe Christian, Odiete Timothy, Odede Enitome Patrick and Benjamin Kennedy Ese.

Others include Ayodele Eugene, Eric Onwusiwekwu, Bolum Ogechukwu, and Courage Sule.

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one charge bordering on possession of proceeds of crime and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents.

Delivering the verdict, Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Odukwe, Patrick, Christian , Osayuwa, Collins, Onyeka, Eugene, Onwusiwekwu, Chukwuma, Ogechukwu and Sule to three years imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N200,000.

Ese and Timothy bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

Former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has revealed he was always terrified to play against Ivory Coast legend, Didier Drogba.

Mikel Obi and Drogba played together at Chelsea in the Premier League and won many titles together.

But they faced each other a few times at the international level.One of those came at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

In a video shared on CAF’s online social media, Mikel Obi said he was scared of Drogba because the striker is a great goal scorer.

“Obviously, the player I never wanted to meet, that I was lucky I didn’t meet quite a lot, was Didier Drogba. You know, I was always scared of meeting him. Because I knew at some point in the game he would score,” he said.

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has hit back at Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri after the 21-year-old claimed he only ever sees the Red Devils fans in the city centre.

Both rivals will go head-to-head at Old Trafford in Sunday’s Premier League derby at Old Trafford.

In the build-up to the derby, Pellistri aimed a dig at Man City by claiming he plays a game with his girlfriend where they try to spot City supporters while out and about in Manchester – but they never find any.

“I don’t go out much but obviously here in Manchester when I go out and I see things, it is all United, you barely see any City,” Pellistri told the Uruguayan radio station Carve Deportiva.

Reacting to Pellistri’s comments during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola jokingly suggested he would get in touch with the club’s shirt manufacturer Puma.

Asked about Pellistri’s comments, Guardiola replied: “I will speak with the Puma department and see what happened, why we don’t have shirts.

“It is okay. If this guy and his girlfriend believe that, it is fine.”

The Osun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) have arrested a suspected kidnapper and murderer, Banji Olaniyi Julius.

The 31-year-old, according to the security outfit, is responsible for the sudden disappearance of Damilare Akinranti, a native of Moro, to a press statement made available by the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi, rtd. on Saturday, Akinranti disappeared on November 6, 2022 after the suspect lured him.

According to the statement, “Eleven (11) months ago, Sunday, November 6, 2022, at about 0900hrs, Banji Olaniyi Julius convinced Damilare Akinranti, age 24, to follow him to a farm in Iguede, Area 5, a distant farm in that same local government area; only for Damilare to get missing till date.

“The suspect who lured his victim to a farm in Iguede without his family members’ knowledge had since absconded from home when it was discovered that he took Damilare to a farm in Iguede and did not return with him. Aside from changing residence, he has changed his mobile phone number.”

Confirming his arrest, Adewinmbi affirmed that the suspect, who was arrested in Jagun village of the Irewole Local Government Area, has been on the radar of the security outfit after a complaint was lodged against him by the family of the missing person at the Ife North Command of the Corps.

General Adewinmbi said, “Luck ran out of Banji, following a tip-off from our extensive intelligence gathering network.”

The Osun Amotekun boss reiterated that the Corps’ commitment is proactively identifying such criminal elements in the state to face the wrath of the law.

He added that upon his arrest and preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to having lured the missing person and many others to the same farm in years past.

“The suspect, after extensive investigation, has been handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) for further interrogation and prosecution as the law stipulates,” Adewinmbi concluded.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackle public smoking and the illegal use of tobacco among children in Nigeria.

Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth and Development, said this in Abuja on Friday when Bintou Camara, Regional Director, Tobacco Control Programme (AFRO) Campaign for Tobacco – Free Kids, paid her a courtesy visit.

Ms Ibrahim said that tobacco smoking among children was a big challenge facing the country.

The minister said Nigeria needs to partner and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to educate Nigerians to understand the health implication of tobacco smoking among young people.

“We will focus on adolescent health. It is the area we need to be proactive in putting mechanisms in place to achieve a preventive approach to tobacco smoking among the kids.

“We must work with the act that bans tobacco smoking in public places especially to prevent second hand smoke,” she said.

Also speaking, Ms Camara said that the organisation was in the country to campaign and educate Nigerians on the danger of tobacco smoking.

“We are the leading advocacy organisations in the world that advocate against tobacco smoking.

“We are focusing on tobacco control. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths, that is why it is important that we tackle tobacco prevention,” she said.

According to her, tobacco companies target the young people in order to safeguard their profits.

Ms Camara said that it was important to tackle tobacco control because the world was facing an incredible enemy that may affect public health issues.

She said that the organisation had been working for more than 25 years to educate the youths on the danger of tobacco smoking.

“The organisation has fought to protect children and save lives from the cause of preventable death.

“Our vision is a future free of the death and disease caused by tobacco. Because tobacco has killed enough,” Ms Camara said.

According to her, It is the tobacco industry that is searching confidently to target young people in order to safeguard the profit over public health.

She said that Nigeria was the most important market in Africa and probably the world with beautiful, powerful and strong numbers of young people in the continent.

“Most important thing for us is to raise awareness, educate youths on the consequences of tobacco use.

“Tobacco smoking has killed eight million people a year and out of the number 1.2 million die from secondhand smoke which means you don’t have to be a smoker, you can die from it, suffer from it whether you want it or not,” she said.

Ms Camara said that the country had passed the tobacco smoking law, saying that implementation and enforcement was most important, especially for young people.

She described tobacco as the entering way to other drugs that generate negative consequences which include mental health, loss of productive life, loss of good health, and education among others.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, said that Nigeria was a rising power in Africa due to its population and large economy.

The envoy said this at the celebration of the country’s 100th year anniversary on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Bayraktar said that Nigeria and Türkiye relations was established in 1960 and developed on the basis of friendship and mutual benefits.

He added that in strengthening both countries’ bilateral relations, both President Tayyip Erdoğan and former President Muhammadu Buhari paid mutual visits to each country in 2021.

“These reciprocal high-level visits provided the opportunity to underline our shared goal of strengthening our bilateral ties in every field.

“We sincerely believe that we will continue to build and reinforced our partnership with Nigerian government which was newly established after the election in February.

“The challenges Nigeria and its immediate region face today such as terrorism and organised crime, are not just local problems of the region, but subject to international concern,” Mr Bayraktar said.

According to him, Türkiye supports Nigeria in her fight against terrorism, climate change and is ready to undertake the necessary responsibility to contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to combat the menace.

Mr Bayraktar added, “Similarly, we expect from all our friendly and brotherly countries, including Nigeria, to show more solidarity in our fight against terrorist organisations.

“Besides the fight against terrorism, our bilateral trade and economic cooperation trend upwards. Furthermore, our cooperation in the field of defence industry is improving.”

He said that Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, paid a visit to Türkiye this week and met with Yaşar Güler, the Minister of National Defence of Türkiye.

He said, “We are glad about the ongoing cooperation on T-129 ATAK helicopters and other deals in the field of defence industry.

“First of two Offshore Patrol Vessels constructed by Dearsan Shipyards for the Nigerian Navy was launched yesterday in Gebze, Türkiye.

“The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu, also attended and honoured this event.

“I am so happy to inform you that the delivery of the first batch of T-129 ATAK helicopters are planned to be handed over next week. We also have a model of said helicopter.

“Turkish aerospace company was kind enough to send this model to our Embassy for exhibition, which Turkish investors are showing growing interest in Nigeria.”

Mr Bayraktar said that there were more than one hundred Turkish companies operating in Nigeria, providing jobs and contributing to the economy of Nigeria.

He added that Turkish Airlines flies to Abuja and Lagos nine times a week.

“We attach utmost importance to the cultural, educational and humane dimensions of our relations. In our country, last year 3,669 Nigerian students were studying in higher educational institutions.

“Some of these students benefit from the scholarship our government grants every year to foreign students studying in Türkiye,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new leadership for the Federal Civil Service (FCSC), subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja, said that Prof. Tunji Olaopa would chair the leadership.

Other members include Daudu Jalo, representing Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States and Gekpe Grace Isu, member representing Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

Others are Chamberlain Nwele representing Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States, while Rufus Godwins will represent Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States.

Adamu Husseini will represent Niger and FCT, Aminu Nabegu, Jigawa and Kano States, while Hindatu Abdullahi will represent Kaduna and Katsina States.

Others include Shehu Aliyu, member representing Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, while Odekunle Aduke will represent Kogi and Kwara States.

Jide Jimoh is appointed to represent Lagos and Ogun States while Festus Oyebade will represent Osun and Oyo.

“Upon confirmation, the new FCSC leadership is expected to commence work with effect from Nov. 30, 2023 as the tenure of the current leadership Chairman and membership expires Nov. 29.

“The President anticipates that the new FCSC leadership will competently facilitate the transformation, reorientation and digitisation of the federal bureaucracy.

“This will enable, and not stifle, growth and enhanced private sector participation in the development of the Nigerian economy, in full adherence to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday visited the Presidential Villa to congratulate President Bola Tinubu on the Supreme Court judgement which affirmed his election.

Jonathan’s visit came barely 24 hours after the Supreme Court dismissed appeals filed against Tinubu’s election by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP.

Jonathan, who felicitated with Tinubu behind closed doors, said it was time for past Presidents to close ranks and device solutions that would help the masses wriggle out of poverty.

He said the ability of Nigeria to lead the African continent through its numerous challenges has become more imperative.

The former President said, “We need to bring all our political leaders including all our former Presidents together, we will not be fighting. If top leaders continue fighting they will not suffer that much but the downtrodden will suffer.

“And we want to end that tension, so we move forward. Elections are over and so we must move forward.”

Commenting on the need for Nigeria to assert its powers, he said the country has all it takes to lead Africa despite the current economic challenges.

“That is what all Africans are saying, I had a program on democracy dialogue and Prof Lumumba spoke there, he emphasized the need for Nigeria to take a lead in Africa. Yes, we have challenges economically now but we still have what it takes to lead Africa.

“These are some of the issues I will continue to have conversations with Mr President on, including briefing him on all my foreign programs.

“They are not personal issues, traditionally former Presidents, when they go outside the country for continental or regional programs, and even some international ones, when you come home you brief the President, that is the tradition.

“Most times when you see me here that is what we come to do, to move Nigeria forward, to move ECOWAS forward and to move the African continent forward,” Jonathan added.

He acknowledged the current economic concerns in the country, adding that Nigerians will overcome the challenges with adequate support for the government.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has revealed when forward Christopher Nkunku will play for the Blues again.

Nkunku is currently recovering from a severe knee injury.

The France international sustained the injury during pre-season.

Providing an update on Nkunku ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Brentford this weekend, Pochettino said the attacker could be back in action for the west London club after the next international break.

“He [Christoper Nkunku] is doing well; I think he is close, and I hope he can be involved soon,” Pochettino said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“Maybe after the international break. Maybe not, not sure.”

Eighteen-year-old Mustapha Adamu Isa, aka Abbati, was paraded on Friday by the Gombe State Police Command for the alleged murder of Aishatu Abdullahi Adda Damori.

Damori, 58, a mother of eight children, was killed by unknown persons in her bedroom last Friday.

During the parade, Gombe State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Mahid Mu’azu Abubakar, explained that a formal complaint was received at Pantami Division from Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, the son of the deceased, who reported that his mother was murdered with a knife by an unknown person around 9:30 pm.

“The suspect was arrested last Sunday around 1:30 pm in connection with the case following credible intelligence received by the investigative team, headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, SCID Gombe,” Abubakar said.

According to him, the suspect sneaked into the victim’s bedroom in search of his spanner, which she had earlier seized from him.

The victim returned from her neighbour’s house (Abbati’s family house) and found him snooping around in her room.

She ordered him to leave her room, but he refused, leading to a scuffle between them, which resulted in him strangling and killing her with a knife.

He subsequently escaped through the toilet to an unknown destination, leaving behind his bloodstained shirt and knife but taking with him the spanner.

Responding to questions from newsmen, the suspects claimed he was in Damori’s room to take the spanner to fix a motorcycle brought to the mechanic’s garage in front of the house.

He also claimed it was his first time committing such a crime and did not know what came over him to kill the victim because she was his friend’s mother.

He insisted that he found the knife in her room and used it to stab her several times before he left with the spanner.

Abbati further claimed that he committed the crime alone, refuting his earlier claim that implicated Idris Abubakar Danjauro, whom he accused of being responsible for his sack from the garage.

The command’s PPRO affirmed that the knife, spanner, and Abbati’s blood-stained shirt were recovered as exhibits.

The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has arrested no fewer than 66 drug hawkers across the nation.

The Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, stated this while destroying fake and expired goods in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Thursday.

Adeyeye, represented by the NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Francis Ononiwu, said 66 arrests were recorded from 50 raids across the country since January 2023.

According to her, antimalarials, codeine, cough syrups, aphrodisiacs, tramadol capsules, analgesics, and antibiotics worth N8 million were seized from people who hawked drugs on the street.

She recalled NAFDAC’s arrest of a suspect, Sunday Chibuike, who produced and sold unregistered alcoholic beverages.

The suspect, according to her, was concocting alcoholic drinks laced with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other harmful ingredients.

The alcoholic drink, Adeyeye disclosed, was packaged and sold as Japata Bitters in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos State.

The NAFDAC DG urged Nigerians to shun drug peddlers and patronise registered medicine stores in order to avoid the harmful effects of unregistered drugs.

Former Chinese Prime Minister, Li Keqiang is dead.

Kegiang died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 68.

He died after suffering a sudden heart attack in Shanghai, state news agency reported.

Kegiang suffered a heart attack late on Thursday and died on Friday after attempts to resuscitate him failed.

Recall that Kegiang had stepped down as premier in March after 10 years in office under Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He was born on July 1, 1955 in Dingyuan, in the eastern province of Anhui, the son of a functionary.

In 1974, during the Cultural Revolution, Kegiang was forced to go to the countryside like other intellectuals.

As one of only three per cent of all applicants who managed to gain admission, he studied law at Peking University and earned a doctorate in economics.

Kegiang was effectively sidelined by Xi, and eventually replaced by Li Qiang in March.

There had been rumours about his health for years.

Tosin Adarabioyo is set to sign a new contract at Premier League club, Fulham.

Adarabioyo rejected a new contract from the Cottagers in June.

Ligue 1 club, Monaco also had an £8.5m bid for the defender snubbed by Fulham in August.

According to the Standard, the centre-back could now start dialogue with the London club.

The 26-year-old can sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs overseas from January 1.

The Nigerian-born defender is currently recuperating from a groin surgery.

Adarabioyo joined Fulham from Manchester City in 2020.