The Imo police command says it arrested a woman for child trafficking in Owerri.

In a statement on Monday, the command spokesman, Henry Okoye, added that three children were rescued.

“Operatives of the Imo state police command’s Quick Intervention Unit have arrested a 36-year-old female suspected of child trafficking and successfully rescued three stolen children (names withheld),” said Mr Okoye.

“The arrest followed thorough investigations and intelligence-led operations carried out on 20th November 2024 in Amajeke, Owerri. The children have since been safely reunited with their parents.

“The children have since been safely reunited with their parents,” the statement said.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has taken action to reduce fuel costs by lowering the ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS) also known as petrol.

The new price is set at N970 per litre, down from the previous N990 per litre.

This price cut is expected to benefit oil marketers, who can now purchase petrol from the Lekki-based refinery at a lower cost.

In a statement on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, said the price reduction is a gesture of appreciation to Nigerians for their support in bringing the refinery to fruition.

The statement reads: “Dangote Petroleum Refinery has effected a reduction in the prevailing price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N990/litre to N970/litre for the marketers.

“As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come through.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being.

“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

A tragic incident occurred on Monday at Mile 2, Lagos, where a vehicle was crushed under a heavy container, prompting a rapid response from bystanders and authorities.

The accident caused chaos as concerned onlookers gathered to help before emergency responders arrived.

Officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were among the first at the scene, working tirelessly to coordinate rescue operations and manage traffic congestion.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing but highlighted the commendable efforts of passersby who provided immediate assistance before professional rescuers took over.

“People rushed to help immediately, trying to ensure anyone inside the vehicle was safe,” one bystander said.

As of the time of filing this report, no fatalities have been confirmed, though the condition of the vehicle’s occupants remains unclear.

The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, as authorities are prioritizing rescue operations before commencing a thorough investigation.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent action to combat gender-based violence as she joined the global observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Her message, shared Monday on X, marked the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

“Nearly one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” she said, highlighting the alarming scale of the issue.

She also pointed to the persistence of harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation in Nigeria, which are often justified by cultural or religious norms.

While acknowledging progress in tackling these issues, she emphasised that many women and girls, particularly in rural and underserved communities, remain trapped in cycles of violence and inequality.

“Many women and girls remain trapped in these cycles of violence and inequality,” she said, urging society to take decisive action.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to raise awareness of gender-based violence and mobilise global efforts to combat it.

The date was chosen in honour of the Mirabal sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally assassinated in 1960 under the Trujillo regime.

This day marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that culminates on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Meanwhile, in the First Lady’s statement, she described collective action as crucial, stressing the importance of timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for survivors, and creating safer environments.

“We must take collective action across all sectors of society,” she urged.

Education was highlighted as a vital tool in breaking these cycles.

“Formal education for the girl child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices,” she stated, advocating for initiatives that ensure access to education for girls across the country.

Her message resonated widely among stakeholders and advocacy groups. Gender rights advocate Amina Yusuf praised her commitment to education, saying, “Her focus on education aligns with what we’ve seen in communities—empowered girls are better equipped to resist harmful practices.”

Others, like Chidi Nwosu, a legal expert, echoed her call for accountability.

“Prosecution of offenders and justice for survivors must go hand in hand with community-based preventive efforts,” Nwosu noted.

The First Lady concluded with a call to action for all Nigerians to challenge harmful behaviours and work toward a safer society.

“Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence,” she said.

Goods and property estimated to be worth several millions of naira were destroyed when fire razed some yet-to-be-disclosed number of shops located along the Obodoukwu Road, near the Relief Market, Okpoko, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Our correspondent gathered that the fire, which occurred late on Sunday, caused chaos and panic around the vicinity of the market as traders and residents struggled to salvage some of their belongings amid a heavily crowded scene.

The cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained, but it was gathered that a section of some shops with various items and materials was destroyed by the inferno.

An eyewitness and a trader in the area who simply identified himself as Ndubuisi, said the fire emanated from one of the shops with residents seeing thick flames as it spread to others before the men of the State Fire Service arrived at the scene to put out the fire.

He said the firefighters battled for several hours to put off the fire and prevented it from escalating to other shops, including other neighbouring structures.

“The cause of the fire is still unknown, but we suddenly observed a thick smoke coming out from one of the shops in the building and before we knew what was happening, it started increasing fast.

“The few traders that were around and some residents and other passers-by mobilised to quench the fire before firefighters arrived. While some others struggled to salvage some of their belongings to avoid losing everything to the fire.

“We observed thick smoke coming out around a section of the shops and we alerted those affected, some of them arrived promptly at the scene, but could not save much of their goods as the shops were already on fire before the firefighters came.

“Some of the victims could not take anything out of their shops. I can say that goods worth millions of naira were lost to the fire. We can not say what caused the fire, but we pray God comes to their aid,” Ndubuisi stated.

When contacted, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Monday.

Chiketa disclosed that two fire trucks from Okpoko Fire Station and Main Market Fire Station and other firefighting equipment were mobilised to the scene, to contain the fire.

“At about 4:19 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024, the Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call of a fire outbreak at 276 Obodoukwu Road, along the Relief Market, Okpoko, in Ogbaru LGA of the state.

“Immediately, we deployed our firemen, with two fire truck from Okpoko Fire Station and Main Market Fire Station and other firefighting equipment to the scene, they fought and were able to contain the fire outbreak and prevented it from further escalation.

“The fire outbreak affected few shops. The cause of the fire outbreak is still unknown. No life was lost. The Firemen left the scene at about 7:39pm of the same day.

“The general public is advised to remain fire conscious and stay safe,” it stated.

Two suspected vandals impersonating staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, have been arrested at the scene of crimes at Okhoro and Cemetery roads in Benin, Edo state capital.

The Head of Branding and Cooperate Communications of BEDC Electricity PLC, Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Benin.

Gbiwen explained that one of the suspects allegedly vandalised 200KVA and 500KVA substations located at Play House and Iyayi in the locality.

She added that the suspect allegedly paraded himself as a BEDC staff with an identity card at the time he was arrested.

According to her, the suspect was arrested with 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Play House, 200kva Substation and 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Iyayi 500kva substation.

The second suspect, she said was also caught with stolen items from various substations.

She explained that the suspect was allegedly caught with 10 meters of copper wire from a 500kva power transformer at Third Cemetery, Benin.

She said that the suspect was also caught with 20 meters of 500mm2 cable from a 500kva substation at Old Rubber Board Road in Benin.

Gbiwen, who described the suspect’s arrest as a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandalism, stressed the company’s commitment to combating vandalism.

“We are resolute in our fight against vandalism, as it doesn’t only affect our operations, but also tarnishes our reputation.

“We urge communities to be vigilant and guard their substations, as we work together to prevent these malicious acts.

“Our appeal also goes to the communities to report any suspicious activities around substations and support the company’s efforts in combating vandalism, ” she added.

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, abolishing the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration.

He also backed the Federal Government’s Gazette, which gave the ownership of the returned artefact to the Oba’s palace, which was looted during the 1897 Benin massacre by the British colonial forces.

Also, the state government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park.

These were contained in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday.

The statement further read, “This administration is restoring the Oba Akenzua centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.

“Accordingly, Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the state Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts before the federal government intervention on the matter.

“The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.”

The statement added that Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll, and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin massacre of 1897.

“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts.

“Okpebholo said his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.

“The governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof, ” the statement read.

The police in Borno State on Friday recovered eight unexploded devices from the Dala and Gwange areas of Maiduguri.

A statement by the state police spokesperson, ASP Grace Michael, stated that the recovery followed a distress call regarding some unidentified objects suspected to be explosives near an uncompleted building in Dala-Abuja Talakawa Area, Maiduguri.

The spokesperson said, “Our Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13 team responded swiftly, recovering six projectiles and one unexploded mortar bomb, which were safely relocated to a secure site. Later that day, at about 1 p.m., another report was received from the Gwange area regarding a suspicious object along the riverbank. The EOD-CBRN team was deployed to the scene and recovered an unexploded hand grenade. Preliminary investigations suggested that the ordnance were displaced and washed ashore by recent devastating floods in the state.’’

Ms Michael noted that the police conducted an Explosive Ordnance Risk Awareness (EORE) training for residents of both communities, educating them on safety measures.

She quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, as reaffirming the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety.

Ms Michael urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious objects or activities through the emergency lines – 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

A section of the ceiling in Obehie Magistrate Court in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State on Friday, collapsed while the Court was in session.

Though no one was hurt during the incident, it caused confusion among those in the building.

The building according to an indigene of Ukwa West, had been in a dilapidated condition for many years, before the ceiling eventually caved in on Friday.

The source who said the Magistrate Court was forced to rise abruptly, disclosed that it later resumed sitting as the Presiding Magistrate, Nnenna Nwogwugwu continued the day’s proceedings to treat all matters contained in the case list for the day.

The Palace of Oba of Benin, has distanced itself from a planned dramatisation of the Igue Festival by the Association for Cultural and Economic Renaissance of Edo (ACERE).

This is contained in a statement on Saturday, by Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Igue Festival is an important cultural and religious event in the Benin Kingdom, and its performance is reserved for the Oba of Benin.

According to Iguobaro the planned event, scheduled for Sunday at the Muson Centre in Lagos, is being organised without the consent or consultation with the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

“The Palace expressed serious reservations about the proposed drama, noting that it would distort the age-long custom and traditional performance of the Igue Festival.

“The Benin Traditional Council has approached the court to restrain ACERE from staging the event.

“The court has granted an order restraining the association from using the Oba’s image or promoting the event without his consent.

“This order was obtained on Friday against the event that is taking place on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

He advised the public not to be misled by any group claiming to promote Benin culture without consulting the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

A fire outbreak at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, has destroyed property worth millions of naira.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 23, gutted the hospital’s Emergency and Accident Unit.

The fire reportedly began around 5 a.m. in a paediatric consultant’s office, allegedly caused by an electrical spark.

Equipment, books, engines, electronic gadgets, as well as the roofs and ceilings of the affected unit, were destroyed in the blaze.

Sources revealed that 16 patients had to be urgently evacuated from the ward to ensure their safety.

Confirming the incident, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Omotayo Ogunleye, stated that normalcy had been restored at the facility.

He said: “Yes it is true. It is a minor incident. But, normal activities have resumed in the hospital.

The University of Ibadan (UI) has inaugurated the Wole Soyinka Institute to immortalise one of its most distinguished alumni and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Oluwole Soyinka, as part of its 76th Founders’ Day celebration.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, announced the establishment of the institute following a special performance of Soyinka’s latest play, “Canticles: A Pyre Foretold”, at the Wole Soyinka Theatre (formerly the Arts Theatre).

The 50-man cast production, directed by Dr. Tunde Awosanmi, a former Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, had its premiere on November 17 as this year’s Convocation Play.

Prof. Adebowale explained that the institute is envisioned as a global hub for research, performance, teaching, and exchange programs focused on Soyinka’s life, works, and ideas.

He noted that the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to celebrating and immortalizing one of its greatest icons.

He said: “For our institution, the Wole Soyinka Institute shall function as a window of seeing the world through new prisms. The institute shall be a platform for renegotiating global status for our nation, the African continent and the entire black humanity.

“It shall midwife global discourses as fierce and simultaneously humanising as the politics, ideology, philosophy, and ideas of the legend, Wole Soyinka. Through the gravitation of the minds and psyche of young thinkers and researchers across races, the institute shall be Africa’s major contribution to the intellectual understanding of the human race into centuries to come.”

The VC praised Soyinka’s prowess as a creative thinker, philosopher, and fighter for the civil and human rights of individuals and the collective.

While highlighting Soyinka’s contributions to the university community and his global achievements, including his recognition as the first African Nobel laureate, Prof. Adebowale noted that despite the extensive celebrations of Soyinka’s 90th birthday worldwide since July 13, the University of Ibadan is determined to hold its celebration to honour Professor Wole Soyinka’s remarkable milestone.

“He means so much to our university. He is not just one of our institution’s most visible products, he has brought the highest recognition to the University of Ibadan and gave her an exceptional place on the global map of academic and creative reckoning.

“The announcement of Professor Wole Soyinka in 1986 by the Nobel Foundation as the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, and as the first African to have won the award, topped the numerous honours which he has brought to his Alma Mater.”

At the University of Ibadan’s 76th Founders’ Day celebration, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka was honoured with the prestigious PINK International Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literary Excellence and Social Impact.

The award was presented by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, president of WOMEN ARISE for CHANGE, with support from Dr. Veronica Okei, initiator of the PINK Award, and UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale.

In her address, Princess (Dr.) Veronica Okei explained that Soyinka was chosen for the award’s 11th anniversary and 6th annual edition because he embodied the excellence and values championed by the magazine.

“Soyinka represents a symbol of inspiration and a testament to what can be achieved through passion, dedication, and talent,” she said.

Dr. Okei-Odumakin praised Soyinka’s six decades of activism, often pursued at significant personal risk, describing him as an epitome of revolution, resilience, and unwavering commitment to human rights and collective humanity.

Soyinka expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the university community for the recognition and reaffirmed his dedication to the cause of humanity.

He also commended the students for their exceptional rendition of his play, “Canticles: A Pyre Foretold,” adding that the performance was evidence of the University of Ibadan’s reputation for excellence in creative arts.

“Canticles: A Pyre Foretold”

The play, written by Soyinka during his tenure as a scholar at New York University, Abu Dhabi, critiques religious extremism and bigotry, particularly in Nigeria.

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has presented the 2025 fiscal year budget of N606,991,849,118 to the Anambra State House of Assembly, in Awka, the State capital, with a 48 percent increase from the 2024 budget of N410,132,225,272.

Themed ‘Changing Gears 2.0,’ with emphasis on acceleration and execution, 70 percent of the 2025 budget is focused on infrastructure, economic transformation, and human capital development, which remains the kernel of Soludo’s administration.

Recurrent expenditures account for N139.5 billion (YoY growth of 45.0%), while capital expenditure is N467.5 billion (YoY growth of 48.9%). The Capital Budget constitutes 77% of the total budget size, while recurrent expenditure accounts for 23% (the same ratios as for the 2024 budget). The budget deficit is estimated at N148.3 billion (24% of the budget compared to 30% in the 2024 budget).

In a release signed by Governor Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the administration may still not borrow to fund the deficit, and relative to 2024, several key sectors are seeing significant increases: the administrative sector by 45.5%; the Economic sector by 40.1%; the Judiciary sector by 51.3%; the social sector by 82.7%; Education by 101.4%; Health by 57.1%; and Infrastructure investment by 38.9%.

The statement states that Soludo’s government will continue with the iconic projects initiated in 2024 while introducing new ones. These include the development of three new cities: Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new Industrial City, while the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City Master Plan and the railway master plan/feasibility study have been completed.

According to Soludo, his administration will continue to enhance the ease of doing business in the State as articulated during the just concluded second edition of the Anambra Investment Summit (ANinvest 2.0), where 10 elite companies signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Anambra State.

Soludo in his plan for 2025, will continue to extend power access to underserved communities, and through a regulatory framework, encourage private sector investment in the Anambra Electricity Market, under the National Electricity Amendment Act of 2023, and expand the state’s water projects considerably.

Soludo stated further that human capital will continue, with education and health receiving the pre-eminent attention they deserve. This also includes the expansion of the state’s ‘One-Youth-Two-Skill programme to accommodate more youths for empowerment, and a ‘One Million Digital Tribe’ for digital skill training programme through the Solution Innovation District (SID).

On the budget funding, Governor Soludo explained that the state will be propelled with its mantra of “Doing More with Less,” as it has projected an average monthly revenue of N5 billion, which will result in a total Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N60 billion in 2025. This, he affirmed, will be increased through renewed efforts towards revenue generation capacity that will see the Anambra earning less than N10-15 billion monthly.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday, a spokesperson for the transatlantic military alliance said on Saturday.

“They discussed the range of global security issues facing the Alliance,” the spokesperson, Farah Dakhlallah, said in a brief statement.

On Friday, NATO did not respond to requests for comment on Dutch media reports that Rutte – a former prime minister of the Netherlands – had flown to Florida on a Dutch government plane to meet Trump.

Rutte was widely regarded as one of the best European leaders at forging a good working relationship with Trump during his first, 2017-21 term as U.S. president.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

This move follows Oluyede’s appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, after the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who sadly passed away on November 5.

A statement issued on Friday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu’s letter to the Senate is in accordance with the provisions of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.

The President has expressed confidence in Lt. General Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.

Lt. General Oluyede boasts an impressive military career, having served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.

Oluyede has participated in several operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations.

“President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

“In the letter sent today, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provision of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.

“President Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

“General Lagbaja, however, died on 5 November.

“President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.

“Before he was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

“He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

“Since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many command positions. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

“General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

“For his meritorious service in various fields of operations, he has earned many honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

“Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

“Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is married and has three children”, the statement said.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was overcome with emotion on Friday as he mourned the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah during the burial ceremony at St. Peter Claver Parish, Umuanukam, Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State.

Reflecting on their last conversation in May, Soludo questioned whether death was part of their plans, expressing shock and sadness over the senator’s untimely demise.

“I still remember our last discussion when I asked him if he was nursing any ambition,” Soludo said, recalling Ubah’s reply: ‘I want to be part of it, and the way forward is for Sir Emeka Of to convene a meeting at our instance.’ He added, “Death was not part of that conversation.”

He expressed shock and sadness at Ifeanyi Ubah’s sudden death while consoling the family, the Nnewi community, and the people of Anambra for his untimely death

During the ceremony, the Bishop of Ekwulobia, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, described Ubah’s death as a lesson for the living, urging attendees to live impactful lives.

“We must strive to leave a lasting legacy,” he said, commending Ubah’s philanthropic efforts and commitment to service.

Senator Uche Ekwunife also paid tribute, calling Ubah a rare gem devoted to youth development and leadership.

She praised his kindness, compassion, and the enduring impact of his legacy, which she said would inspire future generations.

The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Ubah’s contributions to Anambra politics and his dedication to uplifting his community.

“You were an avatar, sports enthusiast, a rare gem committed to youth development, whose kind comes only once in a lifetime

“In you, we saw the true essence of leadership and the true definition of kindness; not just in titles and positions, but in words and deeds.”

Ubah was laid to rest at his country home in Umuanukam, Otolo Nnewi, amidst a sea of tears and heartfelt tributes from dignitaries, friends, and family members.

Before the burial, the Senate held a service of songs in Abuja, followed by another in Nnewi on Thursday.

Security was exceptionally tight, with the presence of the Military, Police, Civil Defense, Navy, and numerous Vigilance groups in Nnewi to thwart any attempts by non-state actors to disrupt the burial ceremony.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday said his administration’s renewed focus in driving international and local investments into the livestock sector of the agricultural value-chain will end the crisis of farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President spoke in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the signing of the Letter of Intent between the Nigerian Government and JBS S.A, one of the top three largest meat processing companies globally.

Tinubu told the JBS executives that Nigeria is ready to do business, assuring them of good returns on their investment.

“What we are doing right now is that we are solving a problem that afflicts humanity in that part of Africa, clashes between farmers and migrating cows that have caused some life and bloodshed when there is a modern, civilized way to solve those problems and even bring a successful economy out of it,” Tinubu said.

“We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy, hopelessness into economic opportunity, see through problems and see the opportunity that is involved in it.”

The Nigerian leader called on the company to see the considerable potential in what he called the $2.5billion livestock investment opportunities in Nigeria, especially with its huge population and tap into it, given JBS S.A’s globally recognized expertise in the area of guaranteeing food security.

“We’ve heard so much about you in terms of the reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today.

“Food security is extremely important. As we talk right now, there is hunger. However, there is huge hope. And you are one of those hopes that we are looking at.”

Prior to his visit to Brazil, Tinubu had commissioned a team of Nigerian officials and private sector players to take the advantage of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio to conduct a study tour of Sao Paulo, Brazil and explore the opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, seed development and multiplication for key grains.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has fully certified Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The aviation regulators made this known through a statement posted on its verified X handle on Friday.

During the presentation of the certificate in Abuja, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed that the country’s aerodromes certificates have not been active since 2020.

Kuku said therefore, achieving this recertification is not just remarkable; but a vital step in enhancing the aviation infrastructure, which has long been overdue.

She added that the development is an indication of the sector’s drive for safety and an efficient air travel experience for all.

“The recertification process is not merely a formality; it is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

“As you may be aware, the ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.

“This process involves rigorous assessments of our facilities, including runway conditions and airfield lighting systems, to ensure compliance with these global standards.

“Specifically, I would like to highlight the ongoing assessments and improvements regarding the two primary runways in Lagos 18R. The runways are crucial for our operations, and their conditions directly influence the efficiency and safety of air traffic.

“We are also focusing our attention on the taxiways A, B, and C, which are vital connectors that facilitate the smooth movement of aircraft on the ground. In Abuja, the primary runway also requires our continued commitment to ensure it continues to meet ICAO standards. Our goal is to enhance these facilities further to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers,” she said.

While saying there is still more to be done, Kuku said some of the country’s runways and airfield lighting systems require further attention to meet the ICAO standards fully.

“We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on, and I assure you that we will allocate the necessary resources to expedite these improvements.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, for their unwavering support throughout this process.”

In his remarks, during the presentation of the certificate, Acting Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, said in March 2001, the ICAO Council adopted a new standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations.

He noted that the standard became applicable on November 27, 2003, adding that Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017.

“At the expiration of NAIA & MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six-month extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which we all remember had devastating effects on the aviation sector.

“However, the extension was granted on the condition that FAAN resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period. To be detailed, there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, so this was no mean feat.

“Since then, NCAA and FAAN got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the Regulations.

“I have deliberately taken us down this memory lane in order to have a proper perspective of what is being celebrated here today,” Najomo explained.

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Friday said it intercepted 849 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth over N30 million in retail price, from Operation Whirlwind.

The comptroller of customs, Hussein Ejibunu, made this known during a news conference in Ikeja, Lagos.

“Today, we have another seizure of 849 kegs of PMS containing 25 litres each. This translates to 30,225 litres with a duty-paid value of N30.225 million only at the NNPCL retail price.

“Today marks yet another success recorded by the operatives of Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘A’ Lagos/Ogun axis.

“About five weeks ago, the same PMS products were displayed before you here on the parade ground of the college, where several seizures were made,” Mr Ejibunu said.

He thanked the national security adviser and the comptroller-general of customs for supporting the service.

The coordinator of Operation Whirlwind said two vehicles of means of conveyance were intercepted along with the seizures.

Mr Ejibunu said they evacuated 80 jerry cans each from a vehicle.

He assured the public that Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its efforts to clamp down on PMS smugglers, ensuring no room for their illegal activities nationwide.