The Jigawa State Government said it commenced enrolment of 400 political appointees into the state health insurance scheme.

This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Ismail Ibrahim, on Friday, in Dutse.

Mr Ibrahim said the SSG, Bala Ibrahim-Mamsa, officially inaugurated the enrollment of the appointees into the Jigawa State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency in his office.

According to the PRO, Mr Ibrahim-Mamsa emphasised that the initiative will strengthen the scheme to enhance universal health coverage for all citizens of the state.

The SSG highlighted that the State Executive Council approved the inclusion of political office holders into the health scheme, adding that the law establishing JICHMA had been amended to facilitate the exercise.

He urged political appointees in the state to enroll in the scheme within the designated time frame.

The SSG and Chief of Staff to Governor Umar Namadi, Mujitaba Muhammad, were the first to enroll, setting the stage for the exercise.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, highlighted that the exercise would provide essential healthcare service to the vulnerable population of the state.

Mr Ibrahim said that JICHMA had enrolled 500 vulnerable persons from each of the 287 wards in the state into the scheme.

He said that the beneficiaries were digitally selected at the ward level, with their profiles recorded in a central database.

Also, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Hamza Maigari, assured that arrangements for the enrollment of all the political appointees had been concluded.

Mr Margari, however, appealed to the SSG to ensure that political appointees participated in the exercise.

He said that the enrollment exercise would take place across the 27 local government areas in the state.

Plastic pollution
The Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) has released its five-year Plastic Brand Audit Report, spotlighting top corporate plastic polluters in the country.

The brand audit unveiled at a media event on Friday in Lagos, is part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Environment Day.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, SRADev Nigeria, Dr Leslie Adogame, said that over 11,000 plastic waste items were audited across six communities, revealing that food and beverage packaging—particularly PET bottles and sachet plastics—accounted for up to 99 per cent of pollution.

He noted that plastic pollution had escalated beyond an environmental issue to a public health crisis, linking it to cancer, hormonal disorders, and respiratory diseases.

He commended the Lagos State Government’s planned ban on single-use plastics, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, but urged for a broader scope that included PET bottles, nylon bags, and water sachets, which remained under-regulated.

“Top polluting companies must go beyond pledges and take measurable steps to reduce single-use plastics. We urge them to reveal their plastic footprint, reduce production, and reinvent packaging to be reusable,” Mr Adogame said.

SRADev called on the media to amplify awareness, drive public discourse, and hold corporate polluters accountable.

The audit was conducted under the global ‘Break Free From Plastic’ movement and contributes to international efforts for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution.

Wife of President Bola Tinubu, Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday, in Abuja urged Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute more actively to national development.

She called on them to support efforts aimed at rebuilding the country and improving its wellbeing through greater commitment and engagement.

Mrs Tinubu made the call while receiving the President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine, Dr Philips Ozuah, at the State House, Abuja.

She praised Mr Ozuah, a renowned paediatrician and philanthropist, for his achievements in the United States of America and his willingness to invest back home in Nigeria.

She said, “We are proud a Nigerian is excelling in the USA. It is commendable that you have supported your alma mater, UCH Ibadan.’’

She added that starting with education was significant. “Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, we are doing a lot to promote education.’’

The First Lady acknowledged Mr Ozuah’s efforts in enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation and supporting the diaspora’s contribution to national progress.

She encouraged other Nigerians abroad to use their skills and resources to support development in their homeland.

In his remarks, Mr Ozuah thanked Mrs Tinubu for championing both domestic and international support for Nigerians.

He praised her initiatives, especially those under the Renewed Hope Initiative addressing maternal and child health across the country.

Mr Ozuah stated, “I am inspired by the First Lady’s impactful work in health and education.’’

He pledged to collaborate with the RHI to extend support to more Nigerians, especially women and children nationwide.

Kyiv has received another 1,200 bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers from Russia, Ukrainian authorities said on Friday, following another night of Russian drone strikes.

The handover, the second to take place this week, was brokered by the International Red Cross, the staff responsible for prisoner-of-war issues in Kyiv said.

On Wednesday, Ukraine received the remains of 1,212 soldiers and handed over 27 dead bodies to Moscow in return.

During direct negotiations in Istanbul at the beginning of the month, the warring parties agreed on the return of the remains of more than 6,000 fallen soldiers from Russia to Ukraine.

The exchange was originally expected last weekend but stalled due to a lack of coordination between the two countries.

Friday’s handover followed another wave of overnight Russian drone attacks on eastern Ukraine, with combat drones bombing areas around Sumy and Donetsk, the Ukrainian Air Force said.

Air raid alerts sounded in eastern Ukraine, authorities said.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has attested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration rescued Nigeria’s economy from imminent collapse and returned public finances to a path of solvency through bold structural reforms.

Speaking on June 12 at “The Platform Nigeria”, a civic engagement forum organised by The Covenant Nation and hosted by Pastor Poju Oyemade in Lagos, Governor Soludo praised the Tinubu administration’s economic agenda and called for a national rebirth rooted in ethics, ideology, and citizen responsibility.

According statement issued on Friday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Soludo, who is a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said “the audacious structural reforms embarked upon by the current administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu have rescued the economy from the tipping point”.

Soludo recounted that the economy, as of May 2023, resembled a “standing dead horse,” warning that public finances were on the verge of insolvency with potentially dire consequences, including mass layoffs and salary arrears.

“Public finance is back on a solvency path, and macro fundamentals are recovering positively,” he declared.

Backing his position with endorsements from global financial institutions, Soludo said: “The endorsements by the World Bank, IMF, London Financial Times, rating agencies—Fitch, Moody’s—are well deserved.”

He pointed out that although he had historically critiqued these institutions, their current praise for Nigeria’s reform trajectory should not be dismissed.

“Funny enough, when these institutions criticise the government, some people use them to validate their criticisms, but when the same institutions give a positive report, they are derided as ‘neoliberal, out-of-touch institutions’,” he remarked.

Soludo urged public commentators to embrace a more rigorous and fact-based approach to analysing national economic policies.

“Many analysts have interesting ‘opinions’, but I urge them to go deeper: conduct rigorous counterfactual analysis and provide credible alternatives! As a friend said recently, the task is always easy, especially if you are not the one doing it,” he noted.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s broad reform needs—ranging from security to infrastructure and constitutional review—the Anambra Governor argued that implementation remains the key challenge, especially in a resource-constrained and unequal society.

He called for a fundamental national rebirth grounded not just in policies, but in values.

“We must deliberately create a critical mass of ‘new Nigerians’—who believe in her and are ready, if necessary, to die for her. No nation has prospered sustainably without a critical mass of patriotic, vigilant and actively participatory citizenry”, Soludo said.

Lamenting the erosion of values such as hard work and integrity, Soludo warned against a prevailing culture that glorifies wealth without effort.

“The ‘culture’ that celebrates and expects something for nothing or wealth without work must give way to a culture that rewards and celebrates hard work, enterprise and integrity,” he asserted.

He identified the Tinubu administration’s Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), alongside Anambra State’s One Youth, Two Skills programme and expanded education and healthcare support, as pivotal investments in Nigeria’s human capital.

“The shortest answer is to give the citizens stakes in the society by investing in their future… These programs excite the youths/students and could hopefully create ‘stakeholders’ in future projects,” he said.

The APGA governor also warned of the damage caused by superstitions about instant wealth and called for a legislative and educational campaign to combat such beliefs.

“It is my thesis that a society where no one asks/cares about sources of livelihood or where most people expect and celebrate unearned/free money is one where transactional governance will always trump transformational leadership,” he said.

Soludo concluded by urging for ideological clarity and unity across political lines to foster a new national culture.

“We must break this vicious ‘culture’ and intentionally promote ethical-value rebirth. This is a national emergency requiring urgent national conversation,” he said.

A 52 year old Canada returnee, Morufudeen Idowu, has been sentenced to three months imprisonment for assaulting an official of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (popularly known as KAI) at Ojota.

Punch Online reported that Idowu was arrested after he allegedly physically attacked a KAI official who stopped him from crossing the Ojota expressway, in violation of Lagos State’s pedestrian safety regulations.

According to the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the incident occurred during routine enforcement activities by KAI officers to discourage illegal road crossing.

In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Wahab disclosed that Mr Idowu, who claimed to have recently returned from Canada, refused lawful arrest and assaulted a government official performing his duty.

“Following the arrest of Mr Morufudeen Idowu, who assaulted one of our personnel and refused arrest while crossing the expressway at Ojota, he was arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Oshodi and sentenced to three months imprisonment,” Wahab posted on Friday.

The assault took place near the Ojota pedestrian bridge, one of the locations frequently monitored by LAGESC operatives due to the high number of pedestrian-related accidents recorded on the expressway.

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has hailed the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency for combating piracy and restoring safety and security on Nigeria’s waterways.

The commendation was expressed in a statement on Friday by Francis Bunu, the president of the union.

Mr Bunu said that NIMASA’s transformative role in maritime security and governance, particularly in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, was commendable.

“The agency’s efforts have significantly improved safety and stability in Nigerian waters. We now have peace on our waters; NIMASA has enhanced regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” he said.

Mr Bunu said NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety served as an indicator that Nigeria had a growing prominence in global maritime affairs.

Mr Bunu also said that with the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and other efforts being made by the government, Nigeria was well-positioned for election into the International Maritime Organisation Council.

According to him, Nigeria has both the expertise and leadership to make meaningful contributions on the global maritime stage.

“Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council, and a vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa,” he said.

Mr Bunu pledged the support of the union through its international affiliates to advocate for Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council.

He also reaffirmed the union’s commitment to collaborate with maritime stakeholders to foster industrial harmony, particularly within the dock labour sub-sector, to ensure peace, progress, and sustained sectoral growth.

Three men, Olufemi Faleti, 59, Ayoade Adewale, 41 and Idowu Yusuf, 41, were on Friday, brought before the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly breaking into a bank and stealing laptops.

The defendants, whose addresses were not provided, were charged with conspiracy, housebreaking and stealing, to which they pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp Elisha Tellang, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offences on March 24 at 7:30 p.m., at First Bank, Asogo, Oyo.

He alleged that the defendants broke into the bank and stole two laptops worth N800,000.

Mr Tellang said the offences contravened sections 516, 413 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The magistrate, Moyosore Atanda, granted the defendant N300,000 bail with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case until September 8 for a hearing.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Friday appointed new military commanders following the deaths of key security officials in Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, local media reported.

The appointments come after Israel launched a wave of airstrikes early Friday targeting Tehran and other Iranian cities.

The strikes killed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami, and Gholam-Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the report said.

Mr Khamenei named Abdolrahim Mousavi as the new chief of staff of the armed forces, Mohammad Pakpour as the IRGC’s new commander, and Ali Shadmani to lead the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

Before their appointments, Mr Mousavi headed the regular army, Mr Pakpour commanded the IRGC’s Ground Force, and Mr Shadmani served as deputy coordinator at Khatam al-Anbiya.

In addition to the top military leaders, the Israeli strikes also killed six Iranian nuclear scientists, including Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi, as well as an unspecified number of civilians, the report added.

In a statement, Mr Khamenei condemned the attacks, warning that Israel would face “severe punishment” for what he called a crime against Iran.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would “sort itself out”, following President Bola Tinubu’s remarks on the crisis bedevilling opposition political parties in the country.

While fielding questions from journalists at the National Assembly on Thursday, Mr Saraki acknowledged Mr Tinubu’s position about the crises in opposition parties, aligning with the president on his support for a multiparty system.

Mr Tinubu, in his June 12 Democracy Day speech on Thursday, expressed delight at the disarray in the PDP, Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

He refuted claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was hellbent on making Nigeria a one-party state amid the wave of defections to the ruling party.

“Political parties’ fear of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs, rather than fearful conjuring up demons that do not exist. For me, I would not say try your best to put your house in order, I would not help you to do so either. It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such a disarray,” Mr Tinubu had said.

Reacting to Mr Tinubu’s remarks, the former Senate president admitted his party, PDP, was in crisis, urging members to get their houses back in order.

“I think we must take him at his word. I mean, he spoke well, saying that he’s not for a one-party state. So we must take him at his word, and he supports a multi-party. So we are all on the same page,” Mr Saraki said.

The politician added, “That is why we are going around and bringing everybody to come around. So those who say they are under pressure, there is no pressure anymore. So, we are all for multi-party, and everybody should get their house in order, as he said, he is not going to help us, so, we are going to sort our own house again.”

Opposition parties, including PDP, LP and NNPP, have been mired in internal crises, with many questioning their integrity and readiness to wrestle power from Mr Tinubu in 2027.

Mr Saraki was appointed to chair PDP’s reconciliation committee as the opposition embarked on steps to unite all its stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming elections.

A composite of Bola Tinubu and MKO Abiola used to illustrate the story
A composite of Bola Tinubu and MKO Abiola used to illustrate the story
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says history has returned the baton of democratic struggle to late Moshood Abiola’s trusted ally, President Bola Tinubu, decades after June 12.

Representing President Tinubu, Mr Shettima stated this on Thursday at the Democracy Day lecture held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking Nigeria’s 26th anniversary of democracy.

He described the late Abiola as a patriot who gave everything for Nigeria, saying Abiola’s sacrifice became the guiding light of the country’s democratic journey.

The vice-president noted that hope remains an enduring part of Abiola’s legacy, a flame that could neither be extinguished nor ignored in history’s account.

He added that belief in Abiola’s vision has renewed national hope in what he described as the great theatre of providence.

According to him, Mr Abiola’s dream did not die in vain but became a national covenant and enduring resolve among Nigerians.

“Abiola’s dream inspired Nigerians to uphold what is right, defend electoral choice, and honour the sacrifices that built the roots of our democracy. This faith in Abiola’s promise has renewed hope for Nigeria. In the great theatre of providence, history returns the baton to Abiola’s ally in democracy’s struggle —President Tinubu.

“The ticket once denied Nigerians — the Abiola-Kingibe ticket — finds reflection and vindication in Tinubu’s leadership, mirroring its spirit and conviction. Tinubu, a leader who has preserved democracy’s flame through years of fire and storm.

“I’m honoured to share the weight of this history and the depth of its memory,” Shettima said.

According to him, Nigeria stands today on the sacrifices of unsung heroes—those who gave up comfort, freedom, and even their lives for the sake of democratic values.

“Nigerians, including myself, remain thankful to serve in a government that listens to all voices. There is no doubt Tinubu honours that covenant — reaching across divides to build a nation for all,” Mr Shettima stated.

He said Mr Abiola’s life shows that democracy’s burden is not a lone man’s task but a shared national responsibility. The vice-president urged Nigerians to unite and guard democracy as a fortress that no force of anarchy can breach, not even in thought.

Mr Shettima called for strong support for Mr Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ nationwide.

“Each of us has a sacred duty to support the President in renewing hope, deepening democracy, and institutionalising governance,” he said.

The secretary to the government, George Akume, praised the lasting legacies, democratic contributions, and efforts of democracy heroes to reshape the national economy. He encouraged stakeholders to embrace democratic ideals by supporting Tinubu’s efforts towards peace, growth, and prosperity.

Governor Hope Uzodimma said recognising June 12 as Democracy Day reflected national will and sacrifice.

The UK Court of Appeal on Tuesday upheld Nigeria’s hard-won victory in the high-profile $11 billion lawsuit filed by British Virgin Islands company Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID), capping the years-long legal battle that began in 2017.

Justice Julian Flaux tossed out an appeal filed by British lawyer Seamus Andrew, who asked the appellate court to reverse a 2023 ruling that favoured Nigeria and granted the West African nation reprieve from paying $11 billion damages sought by P&ID over a botched gas contract.

P&ID had sued the Nigerian government for alleged breach of a Gas Supply & Processing Agreement, securing a $6.6 billion arbitration award that ballooned to $11 billion with interest.

But the Nigerian authorities fiercely pushed back, challenging the decision in court with overwhelming evidence that the British company secured the contract through unscrupulous means. P&ID was accused of accessing Nigeria’s confidential records through the backdoor and using the fraudulently obtained information to fight the African nation.

Mounting evidence of bribery and corruption ultimately led Judge Robin Knowles to scrap the award in October 2023. Instead of awarding damages, the judge ordered P&ID to pay Nigeria’s legal fees in the case.

Undeterred, Mr Andrew sought to overturn the verdict and prayed the court for permission to appeal the case. But Mr Flaux said the notice of appeal for such matters ought to have been filed 21 days post-judgement, which should have been November 13, 2023, given the judgement was delivered October 23, 2023.

He said Mr Andrew had been privy to the lawsuit from the onset and ought to know to file his appeal promptly.

The judge thereafter dismissed Mr Andrew’s permission to appeal due to his tardiness, asserting his excuse of confusion about the specific date is not tenable.

“Before 13 November 2023, he could and should have sought a direction from the judge under CPR 52.12(2)(a) to extend time for service of any Appellant’s Notice,” the judge wrote in his ruling on Tuesday. “As Mr Ford submitted correctly, not knowing or being confused about the deadline for applying for permission to appeal is not a sufficient excuse for failing to comply.”

“Accordingly, I am not prepared to grant such relief from sanctions and conclude that the application for permission to appeal is out of time and should be refused on that ground alone,” stated the judge in his ruling.

The latest ruling seals Nigeria’s resounding victory on the botched contract that would have drained its foreign assets.

Reacting to his loss, Mr Andrew remained optimistic that he will still be vindicated.

“Although I am disappointed by the outcome of my appeal, I believe that I acted in accordance with my professional duties and I am confident that my position will be vindicated in due course,” the British lawyer said.

Martha Kaltho, wife of the late investigative journalist, Bagauda Kaltho, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for awarding his husband a posthumous honour.

In a statement on Thursday, Ms Kaltho described the honour as a validation of the journalist’s unwavering commitment to truth, justice and the defence of democratic ideals.

“For me, this is the greatest source of joy, knowing that truth has finally prevailed and his legacy has been vindicated,” the widow said. “As the Wife of the late journalist, Bagauda Kaltho, my family and I wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for the posthumous national honour conferred on him.”

She added, “My family recall the renaming of the Lagos state press centre in 1999 to ‘Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre’ by the president when he was Governor of Lagos state. These actions will remain engraved in our hearts.”

Noting that her husband “disappeared” sometime between late 1996 and early 1997 in the line of duty, Ms Kaltho stated that the national honour also served as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of those who speak truth to power are never forgotten.

“Though he paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, today’s gesture by the Nigerian government restores a measure of justice to his memory and reminds us all of the enduring value of courageous journalism.

“Also, with this honour, all lingering negative speculations surrounding his death have been effectively laid to rest, and those who once peddled falsehoods have been silenced,” she said.

Mr Kaltho suffered the brutal effect of Gen Sani Abacha’s dictatorship. The journalist went missing in 1996 and his disappearance sent shockwaves across the media community.

On Thursday, Mr Tinubu conferred national honours on scores of Nigerians, dead and alive, noting that their sacrifices “weaved the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.”

President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to India and the families of the victims of crashed Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that killed 241 passengers.

A passenger survived the tragic crash.

In a statement on Friday, Mr Tinubu expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost and prayed for peace and solace for the families of the victims.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government, and the people of the Republic of India following the tragic crash of Air India Flight Al171 near Ahmedabad.

“The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together. At this moment of sorrow and pain, Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend, brother and partner, Narendra Modi @narendramodi, and the people of India.

“Nigeria also deeply sympathises with the families and friends of other victims on board the aircraft. May the Almighty receive the souls of the departed and comfort their families,” said the president.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was was bound for London Gatwick Airport, crashed into a building housing intern doctors in Ahmedabad, less than five minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport.

Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic said Thursday they had arrested the owners of a nightclub that collapsed in April, killing 236 revellers, on manslaughter charges.

Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel Espaillat were arrested over the collapse of the roof of the Jet Set club in the early hours of April 8 during a concert by merengue star Rubby Perez.

Perez, 69, was among the victims of the worst tragedy in the Central American nation in decades, as were two retired Major League Baseball players and a provincial governor.

Antonio Espaillat, a 59-year-old businessman, said afterwards that the roof of the storied venue had been leaking for years but had never been inspected by authorities.

The prosecutor’s office accused him and his sister of “immense irresponsibility and negligence” for failing to carry out repairs to the roof.

The Dominican Republic has no law requiring privately owned buildings to undergo safety inspections.

Kenyan police said on Friday that an officer has been arrested in connection with a death in custody, the latest development in a case that has sparked widespread anger and protests in the capital.

Albert Ojwang, 31, died in police custody last weekend after he was arrested over his criticism of a senior officer online.

Police initially said he died after hitting his own head against the wall, but a government pathologist later said the injuries were “unlikely to be self-inflicted”.

The case has renewed focus on long-standing allegations of police brutality in the East African nation, and protesters have called for the resignation of Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, whom Ojwang criticised online.

On Friday, police spokesman Michael Muchiri confirmed to AFP that a constable had been arrested in connection with the incident.

However, he did not give any further details and redirected inquiries to the police watchdog, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

A spokesperson for IPOA, which is investigating the death, did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

Earlier in the week, Muchiri said five officers had been removed from active duty, to “allow for transparent investigations”.

President William Ruto has called for a swift investigation, and promised on Friday that the government would “protect citizens from rogue police officers”.

The arrest follows IPOA saying 20 people had died in custody in the past four months.

Ojwang’s death has been a catalyst for simmering anger over a spate of abductions following massive anti-government protests last year.

Rights groups say dozens were illegally detained in the rallies’ aftermath, with many still missing, and others have been arrested for criticism of the government and Ruto.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has visited the site of the tragic air crash in Ahmedabad, describing the devastation as “saddening” and offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

In a post on his X handle, on Friday, June 13, Modi, stated that he met with emergency responders and officials leading recovery and support efforts in the aftermath of the accident.

He further commended their tireless work under challenging conditions.

The Prime Minister’s post reads: “Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.

“We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti.”

An Air India jet crashed on Thursday, killing more than 200 people in the country’s worst civil aviation disaster in almost three decades.

The United People Global Sustainability Leadership Programme says it is equipping young leaders with the skills and inspiration needed to drive meaningful action toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

These goals, according to the organisation, represent a global commitment to ending poverty, protecting the environment, and fostering peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

As part of its innovative certification pathway, the program encourages each participant to nominate a journalist or storyteller. This unique approach aims to amplify the voices and journeys of UPG’s vibrant community, sharing compelling stories of sustainability efforts through articles, human-interest features, or creative content published online or in print.

One standout group within the programme, Tribe 09 – Wave of Change, exemplifies the spirit of bold ideas and collaborative action. Known for their passion and dedication, Tribe 09 members tackle pressing local challenges with a global perspective.

Their projects span climate education, clean energy initiatives, and social equity, all driven by a “think globally, act locally” philosophy.

It was this tribe that introduced UPG to a journalist, marking a significant step in broadening the reach of their sustainability narratives. Tribe 09 continues to serve as a beacon of innovation and service, inspiring change not only within the UPG community but also across their local communities and beyond.

Through initiatives like the Sustainability Leadership Programme and the involvement of storytellers, United People Global is fostering a powerful network of changemakers and communicators dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for all.

Oghenochuko Ojiri, of West London, United Kingdom, has bagged two years and six months in jail for terrorism crime linked to an alleged Hezbollah financier.

Investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, in partnership with the U.S. Homeland Security, revealed that the 53-year-old, an art dealer, made sales worth £140,000 to a suspected Hezbollah financier, Nazem Ahmad, from Lebanon.

Mr Ahmad is a wealthy art collector.

He was sentenced after pleading guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 9, 2025, to eight counts of failing to make a disclosure while in the business from October 2020 to December 2021, thereby violating section 21A of the country’s Terrorism Act 2000.

Analysis of sales of art by Mr Ojiri, revealed that eight purchases were completed without Mr Ahmad’s name which the defendant was aware that the sale was being conducted for him and on his behalf.

WhatsApp messages on the defendant’s phone from January 31, 2020, also showed him discussing the new money laundering regulations with a colleague and that he was aware of the financial sanctions by the U.S. Treasury against Ahmad due to his suspected involvement in high-level financing of Hizballah.

The convict, who apologised during interrogation by the police, denied that his involvement was motivated by money or greed but by the excitement of dealing with a ‘name’ in the art collecting world.

Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, Dominic Murphy said, “Oghenochuko Ojiri wilfully obscured the fact he knew he was selling artwork to Nazem Ahmad, someone who has been sanctioned by the UK and US Treasury and described as a funder of the proscribed terrorist group Hizballah.”

Additionly, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, Bethan David, noted that Oghenochuko Ojiri was aware of the new money laundering regulations in the art world and that he had knowledge of Mr Ahmad’s background.

“Ojiri engaged in activity designed to conceal the identity of the true purchaser by changing the details on invoices and storing Mr Ahmad’s name under a different alias in his mobile phone.

“His motivation appears to be financial along with a broader desire to boost his gallery’s reputation within the art market by dealing with such a well-known collector. This prosecution is believed to be the first of its kind, and the CPS will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against individuals who flout the law in this way,” Mr David explained.

Management of Air India has confirmed that British national, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was the sole survivor of the airline’s ill-fated London-bound flight that crashed during takeoff on Thursday.

The airline confirmed this in a social media post hours after the crash, stating that Mr Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin, was the only survivor out of the 242 passengers and crew members who were aboard the flight destined for London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom.

“Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident,” the airline said. “The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 p.m., carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew.”

The statement added, “We regret to inform you that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.”

The incident occurred in the Indian western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday morning, with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was on a flight to London, crashing into a residential building housing intern doctors less than five minutes after takeoff.

Among the passengers aboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britians, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian.

Meanwhile, the management of the airline said its team of special caregivers have arrived in Ahmedabad to assist staff on ground and local authorities in investigating the incident.

“A special team of caregivers from Air India has arrived in Ahmedabad to provide support to our teams on ground. We are working with local authorities to provide necessary assistance and are extending full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” the airline said.