Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have sealed nine establishments in a bid to tackle noise pollution and other environmental infractions across the State.

The closed establishments includes, Daily Bakery, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gak Universal Allied Limited, Ideal Standard, Franjane Royal Suites, Golden Haven Resort & Suites, Festival Hotel Conference Center & SPA, FS Service Centre, and Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall.

These facilities were sealed for failing to comply with LASEPA’s environmental standards despite prior warnings.

This was disclosed by Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency in a statement via their X handle on Thursday, November 28.

The statement reads: “In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) sealed several establishments across the state. The enforcement operation, which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, underscores LASEPA’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

“The sealed establishments include: Daily Bakery, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gak Universal Allied Limited, Ideal Standard, Franjane Royal Suites, Golden Haven Resort & Suites, Festival Hotel Conference Center & SPA, FS Service Centre, and Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall.

“These establishments were shut down for failing to comply with environmental standards, despite prior notices from the agency.

“Speaking on the enforcement, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for activities that jeopardize public health and community harmony.

” ‘Environmental protection is a shared responsibility’, Dr. Ajayi stated. ‘As a government agency, we are dedicated to enforcing all necessary measures to ensure compliance with environmental laws. Noise pollution, improper siting of hazardous facilities, and other infractions significantly impact public health and quality of life. We urge businesses and individuals to prioritize compliance and adopt sustainable practices’.

“Dr. Ajayi also encouraged Lagos residents to report environmental violations through LASEPA’s official channels, emphasizing the importance of collective action in preserving the environment.

“This operation reflects LASEPA’s steadfast determination to uphold environmental laws and safeguard the well-being of Lagosians. The agency assures the public of its continued efforts to create a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable Lagos.”

The police have apprehended two suspects for the alleged murder of an inspector, Ibrahim Maizabuwa, attached to the command in Gombe.

This was announced in a statement by the spokesman for the Adamawa command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, on Thursday.

Mr Nguroje said the suspects were among five other suspects, who allegedly committed the crime at Wamsa Suwa Village in Lamurde LGA.

“The suspects, Ezekiel Kefas, 67 years and Stephen Zabadi, 44 years, all residents of Wamsa Suwa village, on November 11, 2024, conspired, isolated, killed and buried the victim.

“The victim who visited them in their village to demand the return of his three cows, which he gave the first suspect to use and boost his farming activities.

“Until November 19, 2024, when the command received a complaint from Danlami Maizabuwa, the victim’s Son. The Suspects took detectives of the Anti Homicide Unit of the police command to a shallow grave of the deceased where the corpse was exhumed for autopsy,” he said.

The Nigeria Customs Service has buried second-hand bales of clothes seized in Katsina.

The exercise took place in Katsina on Wednesday at the special refuse dump provided by the state’s emergency management agency at Barawa, in the Batagarawa LGA.

The event was in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the state emergency management agency.

The NCS controller in Katsina, Abba Aji, said the disposal of the seized second-hand clothes worth millions of naira was necessary because they had begun to decay.

“Before taking the decision to bury these seized bales of clothes, we consulted with various stakeholders, especially the officials of NESREA and that of the state emergency management agency,” said Mr Aji.

NESREA coordinator in Katsina Jibrin Inuwa-Kwankwaso said the agency advised the NCS to bury the decayed clothes instead of burning them to prevent air pollution.

He explained that the decision was due to the modern methods provided for evacuating refuse and preventing the contamination of the environment.

“Burning such items is dangerous to the environment. This had to be done to ensure a healthy environment,” the coordinator said.

Also, a director from the state environmental agency, Imrana Idris-Nadabo, said the state government under Governor Dikko Radda provided the refuse dump.

He said that the decision to dispose of the pre-owned clothes at the location was due to the mutual understanding and collaboration between the agency and the NCS.

According to him, the state government will not relent in its efforts to collaborate with other partners towards keeping the environment clean and healthy.

An Abuja-based lawyer, Bala Dakum, on Thursday, narrated how his 85-year-old father, Deh Idi Dakum, was kidnapped and killed shortly after ransom was paid.

“My dad, Deh Idi Dakum, was the Galadima Nyam in Tangur, the district of Bokkos local government area in Plateau state. He was about 85 years old.

“On November 18, he was kidnapped at about 7:00 p.m. in our village, Matelem. His phone and that of my mother were taken away. Unknown to us that the abductors had killed him just about a kilometre away from the house that same day, my brother, Moses, kept calling his phone,” the lawyer said.

His brother later established contact with their father’s abductors on November 19. A ransom was paid the following day.

Mr Dakum explained that before paying the ransom, his sibling, whom the family mandated to speak with the abductors, requested to speak with their father. The kidnappers said they left their father with other gang members.

“When my brother paid the ransom, they assured him they’d communicate to their gang, whom they claimed my dad was in their custody, to drop him close to the village. My brother left with the hope that my dad would return before day break but to no avail.

“On the 21st of November, he called the abductors, and they assured him that they’ll release him. My dad did not return on 21st November 2024. On 22nd November 2024, my brother called again but could not reach the abductors.

“On 23rd November 2024, my brother called the abductors again, but this time, one of the abductors who spoke to him was hostile and asked my brother if he was taking him cheap,” Mr Dakum narrated.

He added, “He (one of the kidnappers) said the ransom paid was inadequate and demanded more money, but we didn’t pay any ransom again because, at this time, we began to suspect that they were not being honest. However, few hours later, at about 9:00 a.m., my dad’s dead body was found on a farm just about a kilometre away from the house where he was abducted.

“From the state of his body, he had been there for days. His remains were buried immediately on 23rd November 2024 in Matelem village, in the presence of the district head, Deh Sati Nder, the Bokkos LGA chairman, Hon Amalau, and members of the STF who are also stationed about a kilometre away from the house.”

The police have nabbed Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka for alleged connivance with his wife, Janet Onyekachi Ngwaka, in a N320 million fraud scheme.

The police alleged that the couple defrauded Tochukwu Unachukwu, the managing director of Casco Electronics Company Limited, of N320 million.

In a statement on Wednesday, Force CID spokeswoman Aminat Mayegun said the police received a criminal complaint indicting the couple.

“Between March and May 2024, Mr Unachukwu made payments totalling N320,000,000.00 to Ngwaka and his wife through their company accounts, Edunaco Multiple Resources Limited and Bright Janes World for the procurement of $200,000 to facilitate the supply of goods from China,” said the police.

The statement said police uncovered “fraudulent documents, including a telex confirmation from Zenith Bank, which purportedly shows the completion of the transactions in two $100,000 tranches.”

“The Chinese suppliers confirmed that no such funds were received,” added the police.

A black 2024 Toyota Hilux with a Presidency number plate (02B679FG) was also recovered from the “self-acclaimed licensed bureau de change operator,” who claimed to operate under Phobia BDC Ltd.

However, the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria disclosed that he was not linked to the company, whose licence had already been revoked earlier in the year.

“A fake identity card, purportedly issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, was discovered, fraudulently identifying Ngwaka as a consultant of the Ministry, while another letter of introduction addressed ‘to whom it may concern’, purportedly issued by the head of service of the federation, seeking allocation of presidency number plate to the suspect was also recovered from him,” said the police statement. “Relevant Authorities have confirmed the illegitimacy of the documents.”

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and his two co-defendants in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Maryanne Anenih, who issued the order on Wednesday, said Bello and others should remain in EFCC custody until December 10 when she planned to rule on the ex-governor’s and the co-defendants’ bail applications.

Earlier, Bello was arraigned along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.

Bello, Oricha and Hudu pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the judge took arguments from lawyers to parties on the defendants’ bail applications.

The EFCC is, in the charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4billion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu have departed Abuja for France on a state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, H.E. Brigitte Macron.

The president will be welcomed at the historic 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides, and the Palais de l’Élysée by the Macrons for a series of ceremonial events, which will lead into bilateral discussions.

Tinubu’s departure was captured in a video shared on X by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, on Wednesday, November 27.

The caption reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Wife the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu heads to France on a State Visit on the Invitation of President Emmanuel Macron and his Wife, H.E Brigitte Macron.

“PBAT and the first lady will be received at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”

The House of Representatives has approved the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paving the way for the presentation of the 2025 budget.

The MTEF/FSP provides the key parameters for preparing the annual budget.

The report on the framework was presented for consideration by the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, who informed members that it was the result of a joint meeting between both the House and Senate Committees, alongside relevant government agencies.

The MTEF retained the government recommendation of N1400 exchange rate to the dollars, subject to review in the new year and an oil production of 2.06 million barrel of crude per day, with 75 dollar per barrel of crude price.

The House approved a projection of 15.75 percent Inflation rates and a GDP growth rate of 4.6 percent for 2025.

It also approved the Promissory Note Programme and Bond Issuance to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of Federal Government owed to States, high priority judgments as well as liabilities incurred by Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies on behalf of Government.

In addition, the House approved the recommendation that a quarterly investigative hearing with revenue generating agencies to track their compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and punish those in clear contravention of the Act.

It also asked the Committee on Finance to conduct a review and initiate inquiry into the implementation of the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) Act, specifically focusing on the inspection and monitoring of oil and gas exports by the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and oversight mechanisms under the Act, identify gaps or challenges, and enhance revenue for the Government, through transparency, accountability and efficiency of export supervision in line with national economic objectives.

The party of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday called off a protest in the capital, Islamabad, after a crackdown by security forces.

This brought about the tragic loss of hundreds of supporters, and the rest were arrested and forced to flee.

Thousands of Mr Khan’s supporters led by his wife converged on Islamabad on Monday from his stronghold province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in the north-west, vowing to force the government to release him.

The protesters turned violent and killed at least six members of the security forces as they headed to camp outside the country’s parliament.

Thousands of police and paramilitary troops in riot gear began an operation shortly before midnight to dislodge the protests.

According to the police, Khan’s supporters and protest leaders fled the capital after resisting the tear-gas shelling and rubber bullets for around two hours.

The party claimed six protesters were killed, but hospitals in the city said they received two bodies of civilians and several dozen people with bullet wounds.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government was forced to order the crackdown after Khan’s party challenged the state, adding that it had plans to storm the parliament.

Schools remained closed in Islamabad for a third day on Wednesday while traffic on the streets was light as roads were reopened after a security lockdown since Saturday.

Mr Khan, who governed Pakistan between 2018 and 2022, has been in jail for more than a year after he was convicted on several graft charges.

He faces trial on many counts.

Mr Khan’s party governed the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, from where his supporters periodically initiate protests for his release.

A businessman, Anayo Unigwe, 39, on Wednesday, appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, accused of fraudulently obtaining a Ford car and N1.4 million from his victim.

Mr Unigwe was charged before Magistrates’ L.K.J Layeni on a two-counts charge of obtaining by false pretences and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Simon Uche told the court that the defendant committed the offence on December 23, 2023 at the Fancy and Furniture section of Alaba International Market in Ojo.

He alleged that the defendant obtained a blue Ford car and N1.4 million, totaling N9.1 million, from one Ikpo Nnamdi, on the pretext that he could facilitate repair of the car.

Mr Uche alleged that Mr Unigwe made the representation, knowing the same to be false, and stole the said car and money.

The offences, the prosecutor said, contravened the provisions of section 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Mr Layeni granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until December 9 for mention.

A woman, Wuraola Surajudeen, on Wednesday prayed an Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, to grant her divorce two weeks after her marriage to her husband, Surajudeen Iya-Onitasi on grounds of “lack of love and affection.”

She told the court that she was once married before her wedding to Iya-Onitasi.

She said, “I divorced my former husband due to pressure from my mother. My former husband became a religious fanatic after our marriage and my parents were against him. I was introduced to my present husband and we got along smoothly, but immediately after the marriage, I developed hatred for him.’’

The defendant told the court that his wife left the house without his consent, saying that she was tired of the marriage.

He, however, said that he tried on different occasions to consummate the union but she refused to allow him, so he let her be.

He said, “I want her to pay back the N20,000 dowry I paid for her hand in marriage.’’

The Presiding Judge, Hammed Ajumonbi ordered the petitioner to pay back the dowry.

Mr Ajumonbi adjourned the case until December 4 for pronouncement of divorce.

There was a mild drama Wednesday at the National Assembly, Abuja, as the Senate attempted to allow members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team into the chamber.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), had moved for suspension of Order 12 to allow for visitors into the chamber.

Bamidele said, “Tax experts and consultants as well as the Director-General of the Budget Office and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Tax, Zacchaeus Adedeji, were to attend the plenary to explain the Tax Reform Bills in detail to lawmakers.”

However, immediately after the submission, the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP), stood up and read from the Order listing the titles of those who were allowed into the Senate plenary according to the Senate’s rules.

Ningi said such a conversation was more appropriate at the committee level and should be handed over to the finance committee and, maybe appropriations, to interface with the team.

In response, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) explained that the Senate suspended its rule to allow for openness and let Nigerians watch the live proceedings and listen to the debate on the Tax Reform Bills.

He, thereafter, asked the Senate leader to address the order he came under.

Bamidele, in response, said, “Mr President, I listened to the Point of Order raised by the most distinguished, highly respected, well-revered former leader of the House and of the Senate, distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi.

“Mr. President, let me clarify. My motion was for suspension, not invocation of Order 12. Order 12 talks about those who are privileged to speak in this hallowed chamber, as well as the exceptions that can be granted.

“But when a motion is moved for suspension, it means that the rule does not apply again. In addition, sir, for our working relationship, let me also amend my motion by saying that in addition to my motion for the suspension of Order 12 on floor privileges, I’m also coming under Order 1B, which says in all cases where there’s no specific provision or rule, the Senate shall regulate its procedure.

“So, Mr President, let it be said that my motion is based on both the invocation of Order 1B of our rules, as well as the suspension of Order 12 of our rules. Nigerians need to know, and we also want to know. Let’s hear these people.”

Upon his explanation, the deputy president then put the question to a voice vote, after which he hit the gavel in favour of the ayes.

Shortly after, Ndume stood up and said such an important matter should have been highlighted on the Order Paper and since it wasn’t a Supplementary Order Paper, it should be printed or stepped down for another legislative day.

Barau, after explaining, said they should avoid rhetoric and face facts, after which he ruled Ndume out of order.

A moment after members of the economic team were allowed into the plenary, Ndume stood up and raised another Point of Order stating that the Deputy Senate President describing his comment as “rhetoric” was an insult.

He said, “I, therefore, demand an apology from you.”

In response, Barau laughed and said rhetoric wasn’t an insult, and it wasn’t directly in response to his comment but a general statement.

Once again, Barau ruled Ndume out of order.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has officially relocated its headquarters to a new facility in the Jahi area of Abuja.

The first phase of the project inaugurated during an interdenominational service on Wednesday, is expected to be completed with the 2025 budgetary provisions.

This was disclosed in a statement by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday.

Speaking at the ceremony, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa, described the move as a vital step in the agency’s development.

Marwa explained that the new headquarters was necessary to accommodate the agency’s expansion and improve operations.

He stated, “I’m glad we have finally moved in to occupy this facility after initial budgetary constraints. Even though this is the first phase of the new headquarters project, we are hopeful that we will be able to complete the process with next year’s budget.

“This is not 100% completed but it is sufficiently functional for us to move in because I was determined to move in before the end of 2024 because with the expansion of the Agency, the headquarters also expanded, and in our old location we could not accommodate everyone. I have had to post scores of officers due to a lack of space for them to work.

“It was for this reason that the management took a unanimous decision that since it was not 100% ready and we needed it, we should make it a low-key inauguration ceremony. This will enable us to relocate some of our directorates still operating outside Abuja into one facility to consolidate our operations for efficiency, effectiveness and seamless coordination.”

He added that the old head office in Gimbiya, Garki area of the FCT will continue to serve as the headquarters annex.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and encouragement to the agency to be in a position to achieve its mandate of curbing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

“The support we are getting from our international partners and local stakeholders, especially President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary and the citizenry, is not just to appreciate our efforts but to encourage us to do more and I believe this new work environment will motivate you to surpass past feats,” Marwa stated.

In his welcome remarks, the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, commended Marwa for providing inspiring leadership that has in three years transformed NDLEA into the same class as its counterparts across the world in terms of professionalism, capability and capacity.

Haruna said, “The commissioning of our headquarters today is part of the incremental but well-laid agenda for the repositioning of the Agency by the chairman. We have witnessed some monumental achievements since 2021, including increasing the staff strength of the Agency from 5,000 to 15,000. Promotion of officers, opening up of vacancies, payment of accumulated allowances to staff and widows of our fallen officers, the recent amendment of the Agency’s enabling law by the National Assembly, and many more.

Christian and Islamic prayers were offered for Tinubu and Nigeria while a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the event.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a vigilante operative while fleeing with a gun.

In a statement on Tuesday, the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said one pump action gun wrapped in a bag of rice was recovered from the suspect at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ikenga added that police operatives attached to 3-3 Police Divisional headquarters led by CSP Emeka Obi, acting on credible information, arrested the suspect on Friday.

He said, “Police operatives attached to 3 Police Divisional headquarters led by CSP Emeka Obi acting on credible information on 22/11/2024 by 6:38pm arrested one Enediong Bassey ‘M’ 25yrs, a native of Ikono LGA of Akwa Ibom State, and recovered one Pump action gun wrapped in a bag of rice at Nkwelle-Ezunaka.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a security outfit/vigilante and was about to escape with the gun to join his criminal gang for armed robbery and other unpatriotic activities.

“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, in line with the principles of community policing, reiterates the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the Police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the state.”

He stated that the CP also directed the suspect’s immediate transfer to the command’s anti-robbery squad for comprehensive investigations.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

The request, in line with Section 218 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, was conveyed in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu praised Oluyede’s leadership qualities, noting his “exceptional professionalism and unwavering commitment to national security and stability” since assuming office in an acting capacity.

Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to drive the progress of the Nigerian Armed Forces and urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process.

“In accordance with constitutional provisions and armed forces regulations, his qualifications, experience, and contributions make him well suited for this vital role,” Tinubu added, stressing the need for continuity in the Nigerian Army’s leadership.

The Senate subsequently referred the matter to its Committee on the Army, directing it to screen the nominee and report back to the plenary for further consideration.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday said that, once he returns to the White House, he will impose high import tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada as well as additional tariffs on Chinese imports.

Trump said on Truth Social, the social media platform he co-founded, that he would sign an executive order to that effect on his first day in office.

“On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 per cent Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Trump said.

He added that the tariff would remain in place “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”

“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long-simmering problem,” Trump said.

“We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

The president-elect also said that additional tariffs of 10 per cent are to apply to goods from China until drugs stop “pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico.”

“I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” Trump said.

“Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before.”

Canada has stressed its importance to the United States, shortly after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he would impose high import tariffs on all goods from the neighbouring country as soon as he returns to the White House in January.

“Canada and the United States have one of the strongest and closest relationships, particularly when it comes to trade and border security,” said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc in a joint statement.

“Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border,” they added.

The ministers stressed the “balanced and mutually beneficial” relationship between the neighbours: “Canada is essential to U.S. domestic energy supply, and last year 60 per cent of U.S. crude oil imports originated in Canada.”

The statement also highlighted the cooperation between Canadian and U.S. law enforcement “to disrupt the scourge of the fentanyl coming from China and other countries.”

“We will of course continue to discuss these issues with the incoming administration,” the ministers added.

However, they did not specifically mentioning Trump’s announcement from a couple of hours earlier.

Trump said on Truth Social, the social media platform he co-founded, that he would sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on products coming into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada, justifying the move on the grounds of immigrants bringing crime and drugs with them across these two borders into the U.S.

Residents of Ido Osun, in the Egbedore local government area of Osun state, staged a protest on Tuesday against Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to relocate the ongoing M.K.O Abiola Airport project to his hometown, Ede.

The protest followed an announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, outlining plans for Adeleke’s second anniversary, which included the governor, along with the Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, to lay the foundation for the new airport in Ede.

Led by the Eesa of Ido-Osun, Chief Oyewale Basiru, and former Osun Assembly lawmaker, Abiodun Awolola, the protesters gathered at the palace holding placards with inscription s such as: “Is Adeleke governor of Ede or Osun State?”, “We say no to favouritism”, “Give us back our airport”, and “Relocating the airport to your hometown is nepotistic.”

Awolola, speaking on behalf of the community, condemned the governor’s decision, highlighting that over N20 billion had already been invested in the airport project by previous administrations.

He said: “Removing the airport in the original location to Adeleke’s hometown will amount to nepotism and favouritism which oppose to the oath of democracy he took when he was sworn in as the governor.

“Adeleke made a promise to our late king to complete the project but the reverse is the case now. Unfortunately, Kolapo Alimi who served under the government of Rauf Aregbesola and now under Adeleke is the one stating reasons to relocate the airport despite knowing the level of work done and the billions of Naira that had been expended on it.

“The government decision is unacceptable and unjust, as it undermines the rights and interests of the people of Ido-Osun.

The community called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop Governor Adeleke from relocating the airport to his hometown, urging him to direct his ministers to refrain from attending any foundation-laying ceremony for the new project in Ede.

He added: “We urge the Osun State Government to reconsider this decision and maintain the original plan and complete the airport because the decision can lead to a communal clash between Ido-Osun and Ede communities as they share boundaries.

“Citing encroachment as reasons for relocating the airport lack logic because their institution encroached that land before time. We have enough land for the airport.”

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has responded to Afrobeat star, Davido’s assertion that Nigeria’s economy is in “shambles,” offering a strong rebuttal and outlining reasons he believes the assessment is inaccurate.

In a recent interview on the foreign podcast The Big Homies House, Davido claimed that Nigeria’s economy is in a dire state.

Omokri, however, pointed out an apparent contradiction, highlighting that on the same day of Davido’s statement, Wizkid’s album Morayo achieved a remarkable 12.12 million streams on Spotify Nigeria.

On November 25, Omokri further countered Davido’s claim by referencing a Bloomberg report that detailed a $2.5 billion investment by JBS SA, the world’s largest meat producer, in Nigeria.

Omokri emphasized that this major investment—marking JBS’s first expansion into Africa—was a clear sign of the global confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential.

The investment includes the establishment of poultry, beef, and pork plants, underscoring the country’s appeal to international investors despite challenges.

According to Omokri, “This news, coming at the time it did, stands in sharp contrast to the claim by a Nigerian entertainer that Nigeria’s ‘economy is in shambles’.

“The good news from Bloomberg is a pointer to the fact that pundits should be factual rather than emotional when talking about the economy. So I decided to help equip patriotic Nigerians with facts to show that their economy is headed in the right direction.”

Listing his reasons for believing Nigeria’s economy is not in shambles, he wrote: “At 35%, Nigeria currently has the highest return on investment (ROI) worldwide, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit published by The Economist Magazine.

“The two biggest and most credible rating agencies in the world, Fitch and S&P Global Ratings, upgraded Nigeria’s economy to a Stable B.

“Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 3.19% in the second quarter of 2024. This growth rate is higher than the 2.51% recorded in the second quarter of 2023 and higher than the first quarter of 2024 growth of 2.98%.”

He continued by adding that “due to a substantial increase in capital inflow, Nigeria’s foreign reserve hit a year-to-date high of $40 billion in November 2024.

“Nigeria earned ₦10.33 trillion in non-oil revenue for the first eight months of 2024. By August 2024, our non-oil revenue had already surpassed the year’s target by 43.4%.

“Net foreign exchange inflow onto Nigeria’s economy rose by 67.8% to $27.6 billion in the first half of 2024 from $16.44 billion in 2023, principally because the National Security Adviser blocked leakages, especially from Binance.”

Omokri also recounted: “Due to Nigeria’s new liberalised monetary and fiscal policy, which led to significant upgrades of our economy, American Express introduced its first ever business credit card in Nigeria, the O3 American Express Gold Business Card, thus expanding access to credit to Nigerian businesses.

“President Tinubu signed the 2023 Electricity Bill into Law to end federal monopoly in the power sector and empower states and the private sector to generate, distribute and transmit power. Due to this law, the private net worth of entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s power sector, such as Mr. Adedeji Adeleke, grew by a conservative estimate of a collective $1.8 billion.

“Due to the upgrade of Nigeria’s economy by Fitch and Standard and Poor, Meta (Facebook) introduced monetisation for Nigerian content creators in June of 2024.

“The Nigeria Customs Service broke its daily revenue record with Area 11, Command Onne, raking in ₦22 billion daily, while the Apapa Command hit ₦2 Trillion in revenue by October of 2024.”

Omokri believes that it is evident from the above that Nigeria’s economy is far from being chaotic.

He noted: “As Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, remarked during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the global community is starting to recognise the positive impact of Nigeria’s reforms.

“Georgieva praised these reforms as ‘decisive,’ noting their role in ‘fostering economic growth and creating jobs.”

Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram on Monday that Russia has once again launched heavy air attacks on Ukraine, with 19 people injured in the large city of Kharkiv in the east of the country.

According to what he wrote, the city was hit by a repurposed S-400 air defence missile.

In the south-eastern Ukrainian, a child was injured, and infrastructure facilities as well as residential buildings were damaged, according to the regional administration.

Governor Ivan Fedorov wrote of a massive drone attack.

According to Ukrainian military observers, Russian troops have also advanced further in the Donetsk region and have taken control of two villages.

Ukraine has been defending itself with Western assistance against a large-scale Russian invasion for more than two and a half years but is currently under significant pressure.