The Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Usman Hamzat, has approved N20,000 monthly palliative for members of staff of the council from January 2025.

Mr Hamzat, while giving his remarks at the Thanksgiving and Staff Recognition Ceremony on Thursday at the council secretariat, thanked the workers for their support for remarkable achievements in the previous years.

According to him, several new initiatives are aimed at motivating members of staff and driving growth within the local government area.

He said, “A new staff bus will be officially presented to the staff to ease transportation challenges and reduce expenses. Also, each staff member will receive an additional ₦20,000 monthly as palliative support for the next three months, with the possibility of an extension. We are always emphasising our commitment to staff welfare and rewarding initiative as outlined in our H.E.E.D.S. agenda for a greater Ifako-Ijaiye.’’

The chairman also gave N5 million to the revenue team to further encourage and accelerate the growing revenue generation.

He added that the gesture is a fulfilment of his earlier promise to reward the team if the internally generated revenue improved by the end of 2024, a goal that was successfully achieved.

Mr Hamzat also recognised outstanding employees with cash rewards, washing machines, and other valuable items worth millions of naira.

The council boss, in particular, honoured four members of staff for their exceptional dedication and commitment by presenting each of them with a washing machine and a cash prize of ₦50,000.

The chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Ifako-Ijaiye branch, Folorunso David, thanked the council chairman for his visionary leadership style.

Mr David referred to him as a visionary leader who has transformed the governance framework of the local government and elevated Ifako-Ijaiye to greater heights among the local government areas in Nigeria.

“As we can see, additional cash incentives of ₦100,000 each were presented to the best cleaner, security personnel, and five other members of staff, including area officers from Iju and Ogba, in recognition of their outstanding performances on duty.

Mr David said, “We also conferred excellence awards on the council manager, Akeem Adesanya and other key officials in appreciation of their staff-friendly policies and unwavering support throughout 2024.”

While delivering his speech, Mr Adesanya described Ifako-Ijaiye as a leading local government in Lagos State and a benchmark for excellence in the country.

Reflecting on past years, the council manager noted that staff initially resisted being posted to Ifako-Ijaiye due to its challenges.

“However, the narrative has changed significantly, as employees now compete to be posted here, inspired by the remarkable achievements spearheaded by the executive chairman, Usman Akanbi Hamzat.

“We attribute this transformation to the chairman’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare, which has fostered a productive and motivated workforce, ultimately driving the local government to unprecedented success,” Mr Adesanya said.

Laide Taiwo (procurement department), Tolani Kabiru (vice chairman’s office), Odedeyi Yusuf (HRO’s office), and Ilori Hakeem (Ogba area office) were beneficiaries of washing machines and N50,000 cash grants.

Additional cash incentives of ₦100,000 were presented to the best cleaner, best security personnel, and five other staff members, including area officers from Iju and Ogba, in recognition of their outstanding performance in fulfilling their duties.

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has sworn in five new permanent secretaries into the civil service.

Mr Yahaya, who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony in Gombe on Thursday, said his administration was committed to enhancing service delivery and strengthening good governance through sustained civil service reforms.

He described the appointment of the permanent secretaries as well deserved, adding that their elevation was a testament to their qualifications, dedication, loyalty and commitment to the progress of the state.

According to Mr Yahaya, the role of permanent secretaries is pivotal in ensuring continuity and efficiency of governance; hence, the need for them to adhere to their responsibilities to move the state forward.

“Permanent secretaries form the backbone of the civil service. You are the administrative engine that drives the effective implementation of government policies and programmes. As you assume this important office, I wish to remind you of the immense responsibilities that come with it. You are entrusted with the sacred duty of serving the people of Gombe State with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Your decisions will directly impact the lives of our citizens, and I am confident that you will carry out your roles with the highest ethical standards and an unwavering sense of duty,” he said.

Mr Yahaya urged civil servants to be dedicated and productive, stressing that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, incompetence and wastefulness.

“Your service to the state must match the goodwill our administration has shown as we continue to strive for excellence in governance and service delivery,” he said.

The Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Njodi, stated that the appointment of the new permanent secretaries was a testament to the governor’s penchant for recognising hard work and commitment to service.

The newly appointed permanent secretaries are Muazu Usman, Mohammed Abubakar, Mohammed Yusuf, Ahmed Guli and Alhassan Ibrahim.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries, Mr Usman expressed gratitude to Mr Yahaya for finding them worthy to serve the state.

Mr Usman promised that they would be committed, loyal, selfless, transparent and accountable in the discharge of their duties.

The Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has suspended a 45-year-old teacher, Stella Nwadigo, seen in a video abusing a three-year-old pupil for his inability to write numbers.

The school confirmed the suspension in a statement by its management on Thursday.

A two-minute video which went viral on Wednesday had shown the teacher slapping the toddler for not learning number writing fast.

The video attracted public condemnation leading to the teacher’s arrest.

In the statement, the school condemned the teacher’s action, describing it as unacceptable.

“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving a teacher engaging in physical discipline of a student in a manner that is completely unacceptable. As an institution that is deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, care and dignity, we are horrified by this incident and wish to make it clear that such actions will not be tolerated. In response, the teacher involved has been suspended indefinitely, while a thorough investigation is being conducted,” it said.

The school said that its immediate and decisive action reflected its zero-tolerance for misconduct and its obligation to safeguard every child under its care.

It stated, “As such, we have an open door policy to provide students, parents and guardians with a safe space to voice any concerns without fear.”

The school said that it had apologised to the pupil and his family.

It added, “We have reached out to them to express our regret. We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we work to address this matter responsibly and comprehensively. We will be organising mandatory training sessions for teachers to reinforce child protection protocols, emphasise positive disciplinary practices, and cultivate greater sensitivity in interactions with students.”

According to the school, it has also introduced a whistle-blowing system to encourage prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour.

The China Development Bank has announced the approval of a $254.76m (€245m) loan to support the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.

According to information released on its website on Tuesday, the financial backing is expected to ensure the seamless continuation of the construction work.

It said on its website, “China Development Bank released on Tuesday that the bank has recently granted a loan of 245m euros ($254.76m) to the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria, providing financial support for the smooth progress of the project.”

The railway, a standard-gauge line stretching 203 kilometres, will link Kano, a key commercial city in northern Nigeria, to the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Once operational, it will provide residents with a safer and more efficient mode of transport, improving regional connectivity.

In addition to easing transportation, the project is expected to spur economic growth by fostering the development of industries along its corridor.

It is also set to create numerous employment opportunities during its construction and subsequent operations.

The Kano-Kaduna railway has been listed as a practical cooperation project under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

The project is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and financed by the CDB.
According to the bank, construction is progressing well. The CDB reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian government to ensure the disbursement of funds and effective management of the next phases of the project.

The China Exim Bank, who was to be the funder of this project, backed off, with Nigeria announcing the CDB as the new financier.

The CDB noted, “Going forward, it will closely coordinate with Nigerian partners to ensure the smooth disbursement of subsequent loans and effective post-loan management.”

Last year, President Bola Tinubu assured that the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project would be completed to satisfaction.

The Federal Government hopes that the ongoing construction of the Kaduna to Kano rail line will be completed before the end of this year.

About N44.4bn has been budgeted this year for the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna Railway project, Lagos-Ibadan railway, and other railway projects across the country.

The Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, is scheduled to arrive in Abuja on Wednesday for an official visit.

During the visit, Yi, who is a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and China.

Two Nigerian nationals, Olutayo Sunday Ogunlaja, 39, and Abel Adeyi Daramola, 37, each face up to 20 years in a United States prison after being convicted by a federal jury for orchestrating a $560,000 romance scam.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the US Attorney, Alexander Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, revealed through the Department of Justice that the Nigerian pair was convicted of perpetrating the scam following a four-day trial and under three hours of jury deliberation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the two Nigerian nationals, in partnership with other accomplices, initiated a scheme in January 2016, using a fabricated identity, “Glenn Brown,” on the dating website, eHarmony.com.

Prosecutors revealed that the fraudulent profile was later used to establish a romantic relationship with a victim in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Along with other accomplices, the defendants allegedly obtained thousands of the US dollars from the victim.

The statement said, “Throughout the fraud, the victim was led to believe that their financial assistance was necessary for ‘Glenn Brown’ to complete a purported construction project in Malaysia and return safely to the United States.

“The victim sent approximately $560,000 to various accounts in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia between January 2016 and April 2017.

“On September 27, 2016, the victim wired approximately $28,000 to a Woodforest Bank account in the name of Daramola Cars, as instructed by the fraudulent “Glenn Brown” persona. Daramola subsequently wired $18,000 to a seafood importer in Denmark and issued a check (cheque) for $14,000.”

Although Daramola was said to have denied involvement in the romance scheme, a statement from the FBI Albuquerque Field Office revealed that text and WhatsApp messages on his phone exposed his role in supplying bank accounts for the multiple fraud schemes.

The statement highlighted that Ogunlaja’s involvement included using his Bank of America account “for receiving fraudulent funds.”

It was noted that “Glenn Brown” specifically instructed the victim to deposit $20,000 in cash into Ogunlaja’s account on March 9 and March 15, 2016.

After receiving the deposits from the victim, Ogunlaja was said to have made several cash withdrawals and transferred them to Daramola’s account.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) engineers and technicians have reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft grounded for 23 years.

This remarkable achievement showcases the expertise and capabilities of NAF engineers and technicians, demonstrating their ability to restore complex aircraft to airworthy condition.

The achievement also demonstrates that the NAF’s investment in training its engineers and technicians has paid off, as they were able to apply their skills and expertise to restore the aircraft to airworthy condition.

The aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and operated by the now defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001, NAF’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola F Akinboyewa, said in a statement on Wednesday.

“However, sequel to a Presidential Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer such grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation, the NAF initiated this project,” he said.

“The NAF took on the challenge of reactivating this aircraft, a Dash 201 Series with only 1,081 flight hours since new, considering the task a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset. The reactivation process, for the grounded aircraft – redesignated

According to the NAF spokesman, the reactivation process was conducted between June and September 2024, and involved “meticulous planning and painstaking execution by a crack team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group (Engr Gp), Kaduna.”

Akinboyewa said reactivation of the aircraft

required the application of advanced engineering techniques and adherence to stringent aviation standards, and attests to the NAF’s growing technical expertise and resolute determination.

He said: “The success of this project carries significant strategic implications, bearing in mind that, beyond enhancing the NAF’s fleet, it symbolises the Service’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness.

“ It also serves as a morale booster for the NAF engineers and technicians, showcasing their ability to undertake complex projects which otherwise would be outsourced to foreign entities.”

The NAF’s spokesman said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had hailed the 431 Engr Gp for their dedication, and emphasised the broader import of the achievement.

“He noted that the project reflects NAF’s resolve to optimize resources, strengthen its fleet, and uphold national security through operational excellence.

“The successful reactivation of NAF 039 is not just an operational gain; it is a statement of our capabilities and our commitment to self-reliance,” the NAF boss said.

Tragedy struck on wednesday morning near the Secretariat inward Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when a mini bus, popularly known as “Korope,” rammed into a moving long truck.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the accident resulted from brake failure caused by excessive speeding.

The impact of the crash left the driver of the mini bus trapped inside the wreckage while other passengers escaped unscathed.

Rescue operations, carried out in collaboration with Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) personnel and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials, aimed to extricate the trapped driver. Despite concerted efforts, the driver was recovered lifeless.

In a statement, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the bereaved family and emphasised the importance of observing traffic regulations.

“This heartbreaking incident underscores the dangers of reckless driving. We urge all motorists to prioritize safety, maintain their vehicles properly, and adhere strictly to traffic rules,” Bakare-Oki said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has celebrated his son Jordan’s academic milestone as he earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Queen Mary University of London, UK.

Wike shared the proud moment in a post on X, writing: “Happy to witness, alongside my wife, the graduation ceremony of our son, Jordan, who just earned a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree at the Queen Mary University of London, UK. As a father, I am happy for the progress Jordan is making in the pursuit of his career.”

The minister also posted photos from the ceremony, featuring himself, his wife, and their son.

A 72-year-old American returnee, Olukayode David-Albert, has sought the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and concerned authorities over his goods currently in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

He urged the president and relevant authorities to intervene and secure the release of his goods including two vehicles.

Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, David-Albert stated that as a returnee of almost three decades in the United States, he was saddened by the incident because all his efforts to secure release of his good had been frustrated.

While narrating his ordeal, he said, “I returned to Nigeria on September 17, 2024 and my container arrived at Lekki, Lagos on October 3, and was discharged on October 3, 2024 but I was told my container could not be located until October 27, 2024. Another news got to me that my container had been taken to Libra Terminal in Ikorodu, thus the commencement of clearing the container was delayed for almost a month.

“To my surprise, I was told that if I refused to offer the officers some money, the customs valuation office will not process the required forms for the payment of the duty on my container, and they may eventually claim that my container is not cleared within the statute of limitation and thereby auction my properties.

“I want to do the right thing, but some people are circumventing it. Their plan is to auction my goods, but they are now trying to punish me now that they are aware that their secret has been leaked.”

“Most Nigerians abroad are afraid of coming home due to the situation of the country. They prefer to stay out there instead of coming back home to assist the nation.”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged former Chief of Staff, to former Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu, to the Federal High Court.

Saidu who was also a one-time Commissioner of Finance in Kaduna State during the El Rufai’s administration, was charged along with one Ibrahim Muktar, ‘’a public officer in the employment of Ministry of Finance,’’ on Tuesday.

According to charge No FHC/KD/IC/2025, the defendants are being accused of a two-count charges of Money Laundering, contrary to earlier claim that Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu had been exonerated of all charges after 10 months of investigation.

The court document stated that sometime in March 2022 or thereabouts, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu, who at that time Commissioner of Finance, ‘’did accept cash payment of the sum of N155,000,000.00 from one Ibrahim Muktar exceeding the amount authorised by law, which sum you received in cash through proxy to wit: Muazu Abdu, your Special Assistant and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section2(a) and punishable under the Section 19(d) of the Money Laundering(Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’’

The ICPC also alleged that in the same March 2022 or thereabouts, Bashir Saidu ‘’indirectly took control of the sum of N155, 000,000.00 received in cash for and on behalf of you by one Muazu Abdul from Ibrahim Muktar, which fund you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: corruption and you hereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering(Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’’

Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 states that ‘’any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection(2) is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than four years but not more than fourteen years or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime or both.’’

The charge which was signed by the Assistant Chief Legal Officer of ICPC, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, was filed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Holden in Kaduna.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the 50 individuals detained for vandalising manhole covers on Abuja’s roads would face prosecution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Monday, the Nigerian Police Command in the FCT announced the detention of 50 suspected vandals, who were caught with 25 manhole covers and solar streetlights.

Reacting to the development, Wike said that the detained suspects would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, the minister emphasised that no criminal would be spared.

He assured that the FCT Administration would ensure that all buyers and users of the stolen manhole covers and other public infrastructure would be apprehended.

The culprits, he said, would be prosecuted for economic sabotage and for endangering the lives of Nigerians.

Wike described the detention of the 50 suspected vandals as a demonstration of the FCTA’s zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities, particularly the vandalisation of public amenities.

He commended security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions, calling their collaborative efforts “fantastic.”

“This is an assurance to the residents of the FCT that their lives and property are secure,” he stated.

The minister also lauded Nigerians for showing patriotism by speaking out against vandalism, emphasising that the protection of public amenities was a collective responsibility.

He urged residents of the FCT to continue using social media positively, as demonstrated by one individual who alerted authorities about the stolen manhole covers.

He pledged that the Administration would act swiftly on similar incidents in the future.

“Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves.

“They live among us, and they are known. It is, therefore, important that patriotic Nigerians begin to expose them before they carry out their criminal acts,” Wike said.

The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops have shot dead two suspects accused of killing four soldiers on protection duty in Rivers.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman of the Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He revealed that the unidentified gang members were neutralised by troops of 5 Battalion during a raid on their hideout in Kalaogbokolo, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers.

“The gang killed four soldiers and abducted two Korean expatriates working for Daewoo Nigeria Limited on Dec. 12, 2023.

“Two of the gang members were apprehended during the operation but were neutralised after attempting to escape into the bush following a lengthy chase by the soldiers,” he stated.

Danjuma explained that the suspects were captured following credible intelligence that revealed their return to the community from their hideouts.

He said that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a Fabrique National rifle, and a pump action shotgun.

Other items seized included two locally made rifles, three AK-47 magazines, three rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

“The Nigerian Army reiterates that, regardless of how long it takes, criminals involved in such heinous acts will face severe consequences for their actions.

“We assure citizens of the division’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and we encourage them to continue providing actionable intelligence on the activities of criminal gangs,” he added.

The United States Congress has officially certified Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, clearing the way for his return to the White House on January 20, 2025.

The certification, which took place during a joint session of Congress on Monday, marked the final step in validating the Electoral College results from November’s election.

According to Al-Jazeera, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival in the race, oversaw the proceedings.

The ceremony was brief and without incident, a stark contrast to the events of January 6, 2021, when a violent attack on the Capitol disrupted the certification of Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election.

In her remarks following the session, Harris underscored the importance of peaceful transitions of power.

“Today was a very important day.

“It was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power,” she said.

The certification officially confirms Trump’s victory with 312 Electoral College votes compared to Harris’s 226. Trump also became the first Republican presidential candidate to win the popular vote since 2004.

The ceremony followed a contentious campaign season, but Monday’s proceedings unfolded without significant challenges.

Trump celebrated the certification on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling it “a big moment in history.”

Trump’s victory not only secures his return to the presidency but also delivers control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate to the Republican Party.

Many Republicans have embraced Trump’s disputed claims about the 2020 election, which were at the center of legal battles and investigations during his post-presidency.

In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Trump faced multiple legal challenges for his alleged attempts to overturn the results.

While a federal case in Washington, DC, was recently dismissed, a state case in Georgia remains unresolved.

Despite these controversies, Trump’s 2024 campaign has been described as his most successful to date, securing both the presidency and significant congressional victories.

Harris, speaking after the certification, emphasized the fragility of democracy and the importance of collective effort to protect it.

“America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it,” she stated.

The police command in Katsina has decorated 181 newly promoted officers with their new ranks.

The ceremony took place at the command’s headquarters in Katsina on Monday.

Police commissioner Aliyu Abubakar-Musa congratulated the officers and charged them to ensure professionalism, integrity, and dedication in discharging their duties.

He urged them to redouble their efforts in serving the country and called on their friends and families to continue supporting them in their roles.

Mr Abubakar-Musa also thanked the inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the chairman of the Police Service Commission for finding the officers worthy of promotion.

The newly promoted officers were decorated with their new ranks, with the command’s spokesman, Abubakar Aliyu, being decorated with his new rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

In a vote of thanks, ACP Aminu Abdulkarim appreciated the IGP and the chairman of the PSC for the promotion and promised that the officers would give their best in serving the nation.

He also expressed gratitude to the police commissioner for his support and mentorship, which, he said, had been instrumental in their career growth.

“This development is a significant boost to the Police Command in Katsina State and is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the police in maintaining law and order in the state.

“The promotion of the officers is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication to their duties and is a testament to the commitment of the police leadership to rewarding excellence and merit,” Mr Abdulkarim said.

Pope Francis has appointed Simona Brambilla as the first woman to head a major Vatican office.

On Monday, the pontiff named the Italian nun as prefect of the department responsible for overseeing the Catholic Church’s religious orders globally.

Ms Brambilla’s groundbreaking appointment has been lauded as a significant step forward for women in the church.

Anne-Marie Pelletier, a theologian and author, described the move as “something completely new” and a demonstration of the opportunities for women within the church.

“It’s a really important moment,” she said.

Ms Brambilla, a member of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

Born in Italy, she served as superior general of her order, focusing on missionary work in underserved regions.

Her tenure saw efforts to strengthen the role of women in ministry and foster interfaith dialogue in communities where the Consolata missionaries are present.

As prefect, Ms Brambilla will oversee tens of thousands of religious orders worldwide, addressing issues ranging from governance and spirituality to finances and discipline.

She will also play a key role in promoting collaboration between male and female religious communities, a priority for Pope Francis’s papacy.

The appointment aligns with the pope’s broader efforts to increase women’s participation in church leadership.

In recent years, he has appointed women to senior Vatican roles, including undersecretaries and consultants.

However, Ms Brambilla’s new position marks the first time a woman has been entrusted with leading a dicastery, a top-tier department within the Vatican hierarchy.

Her appointment is seen as a milestone for the Catholic Church as it continues to navigate debates about women’s roles in leadership.

Scores of Ajah indigenes in Lagos took to the streets on Monday, staging a protest in Ikeja to urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to resolve the lingering rulership tussle in their community.

The protesters were led to the governor’s office in Ikeja by the general secretary of the Ajah Community, Kazeem Odunlami.

They carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Please allow the court to determine who is entitled to become the Oba of Ajah’ and ‘All the families of Ajah say no to superimposition of Olumegbon Family as the ruler of Ajah Community’.

They urged the governor to intervene to prevent a communal conflict.

According to Mr Odunlami, the chieftaincy title of Olumegbon of Lagos is not associated with the rulership of the Ajah community, and the only recognised chieftaincy in Ajah since colonial days is the Baale (Olomodi) of Ajah.

He insisted that Olumegbon has no historical or judicial background to become the Oba of Ajah, and the community will not accept the alleged imposition.

“The Baale of Ajah has been the traditional leader for over 300 years, a custom deeply rooted in the community’s culture and history,” Mr Odunlami stated.

He added that the residents urgently required the governor’s attention to halt the alleged imposition, which he said had been ongoing since 2003.

The protesters had staged similar demonstrations at the Lagos House of Assembly on October 28 and December 8 against the imposition of Olumegbon as the new Ajah ruler.

According to Mr Odunlami, the Supreme Court judgment cited by Olumegbon, with suit number SC-148-1997, is not valid as the 52 families of Ajah were not parties to the suit.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reshuffled his cabinet and sacked five commissioners.

According to a press release issued to journalists on Tuesday by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, the reshuffling is to reinvigorate governance and ensure optimal service delivery to the people of the State.

The statement revealed that “In that respect, five commissioners were dropped. This move reflects the administration’s commitment to injecting new ideas and energy into governance, in line with the governor’s vision of strengthening the machinery of government and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

“The commissioners affected by this development are Commissioner of Education, Jamila Dahiru, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdulhameed Bununu, Commissioner of Information and Communication, Usman Danturaki, Commissioner of Agriculture, Madugu Yalams and Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Yakubu Ibrahim.

“Governor Bala extends his gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication, service, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Bauchi State.

“Their efforts have been instrumental in advancing key initiatives and policies of this administration.”

The governor has also forwarded the names of five individuals for security clearance and subsequent confirmation as commissioners by the state House of Assembly.

The names forwarded for replacement are Babayo Tilde from Toro Local Government, Abdullahi Mohammed from Misau Local Government, Bala Lukshi from Dass local Government, Usman Shehu from Shira Local Government, Iliyasu Gital from Tafawa Balewa Local Government, Titus Ketkukah from Tafawa Balewa Local Government, Babayo Gabarin from Darazo Local Government, and Lawal Rimin Zayam from Toro Local Government.”

Gidado noted the governor’s commitment to fulfilling the mandate of his administration and assuresmd the state that the government is steadfast in its mission to deliver impactful development and improved welfare for all.

A devastating earthquake in China’s remote Tibet region killed at least 53 people and collapsed “many buildings” on Tuesday, state media reported, with tremors also felt in neighbouring Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and parts of India.

Videos published by China’s state broadcaster CCTV showed houses destroyed with walls torn apart.

Rescue workers waded through rubble strewn across the ruins in the aftermath of the earthquake, footage showed, while some gave locals thick blankets to keep warm.

Surveillance images published by CCTV showed people running through a store’s aisles as shelves shook violently, sending objects like toys tumbling to the ground.

In the town of Lhatse, videos geolocated by AFP showed debris scattered in front of streetside eateries.

The powerful quake struck Dingri county with a magnitude of 6.8 near the border with Nepal at 9:05 am (0105 GMT), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The US Geological Survey reported the tremor as magnitude 7.1.

“Fifty-three people have been confirmed dead and 62 injured as of Tuesday noon, after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Xigaze in Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 am Tuesday,” Xinhua news agency said.

Over 1,000 houses have sustained varying degrees of damage, it added.

“Dingri county and its surrounding areas experienced very strong tremors, and many buildings near the epicentre have collapsed,” state broadcaster CCTV said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasised “the full-scale search and rescue efforts, minimizing casualties to the greatest extent possible, properly resettling affected residents, and ensuring their safety and warmth through the winter”, CCTV added.

Xinhua said that “local authorities are reaching out to various townships in the county to assess the impact of the quake”.

Temperatures in Dingri are around minus 8 degrees Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and will drop to minus 18 this evening, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

Disaster relief aid, including cotton tents, quilts and items for high-altitude and frigid areas, had been dispatched by central authorities to areas impacted by the quake, Xinhua said.

The high-altitude county in the Tibet region is home to around 62,000 people and situated on the Chinese side of Mount Everest.

While earthquakes are common in the region, Tuesday’s quake was the most powerful recorded within a 200-kilometre radius in the last five years, the CENC added.

Amid calls for leniency for suspects facing trial for their roles in the stampede that led to the death of 35 children at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, venue of the aborted funfair party for children, Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday said those involved, no matter how highly placed, must face trial.

He said many of those reaching out to him had been saying there was also stampede in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and nobody was facing trial; as such, why should Oyo State prosecute people.

But, Makinde said even if nobody was held accountable in other areas in the country, he would ensure the rule of law was followed in Oyo State.

The governor, who said he was not against the court granting the suspects bail, however said the matter was in the purview of the court and the suspects must face trial.

President Bola Tinubu hosted the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II , at his Lagos residence on Sunday, January 05.

Tinubu was earlier on Saturday in Enugu on his first state visit and inaugurated some completed projects undertaken by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

Some of the projects the President commissioned included 30 of the 260 Smart Green Schools, 60 completed Type 2 Primary Health Centres, and 19-kilometer Airport-New Haven—Bisalla and Okpara Square roads built by Mbah’s administration.

Tinubu’s hosting of the Awujale was disclosed via images shared by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Social Media , Dada Olusegun, on Sunday, January 5.

The caption reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Received The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II , at his residence in Lagos today.”

In May 2024, during the 90th birthday celebration of the paramount ruler, Tinubu awarded the Awujale the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, the second highest national honour.