The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved the release of N1,523,508,014.08 for the take-off of the newly established Farm Mechanisation Service Company.

The information commissioner, Sagir Musa, disclosed this to journalists after the weekly executive council meeting on Monday.

He stated that the approval aligns with the state government’s agricultural transformation initiative to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the agricultural value chain.

Mr Musa further explained that the council had also approved an additional N969,084,772.10 to pay customs duty and taxes on mechanised equipment purchased from China.

He revealed that the council had also deliberated on and approved the draft bill for the establishment of the Jigawa State Flood Disaster Trust Fund.

“The council has directed that the draft bill be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration.

“This is in line with the Namadi administration’s commitment to tackling floods in Jigawa state through effective and long-term solutions,” the commissioner said.

The World Health Organisation announced that more than 47 million health professionals, patients, and advocates have signed a global call for urgent action to reduce air pollution.

This call aims to protect public health and combat air pollution’s devastating effects, which cause around seven million deaths annually from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

WHO said in a statement on Monday that the call would also protect people’s health from the devastating impacts of air pollution.

The WHO, alongside international health organisations, will present this call at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, in March 2025.

WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus restated the need for bold, science-driven action to reduce emissions, enforce stricter air quality standards, and transition to cleaner energy.

”The conference will gather political leaders, civil society representatives, and experts to drive a global clean air agenda, with a focus on addressing noncommunicable diseases linked to air pollution, such as heart disease and lung cancer.

“WHO advocates for stronger air quality standards, particularly in low-income areas, to reduce the impact of dangerous household air pollution,” he stated.

The House of Representatives has donated N705 million to President Bola Tinubu.

Abbas Tajudeen, the speaker of the House, presented the cheque on behalf of the federal lawmakers.

The donation was made on Monday when Mr Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the money is a six-month 50 per cent deduction from their salaries to augment the humanitarian engagements of Mr Tinubu and to support vulnerable people in the country.

Mr Abbas thanked the president for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection: where were you before, where are you now, and where do you want to be?

“I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” Mr Abbas said.

He implored both Christians and Muslims to dedicate the fasting period to pray for the country.

The speaker said Nigerians knew what the Tinubu administration had achieved within just two years and the period offered a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.

“Prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens,” added Mr Abbas.

He pledged that every member of the House of Representatives was in support of the president.

Mr Abbas noted that the policies of the government were for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.

The Birniwa local council of Jigawa has empowered 88 women in the area with 264 goats.

Fahad Muhammad, the council’s spokesman, said this in a statement.

Mr Muhammad said Governor Umar Namadi launched the distribution exercise in Birniwa on Monday.

He explained that the governor lauded the council chairman, Mallam Shehu, for emulating his administration’s Goat Rearing Scheme. The governor said that his administration had conducted various empowerment programmes that supported the teeming youth and women groups across the state.

Mr Namadi noted that the programmes had improved the residents’ living standards.

“My administration has introduced rice cultivation programmes on 100 hectares of land in the state’s 27 local government areas. Under this scheme, several youths in each council area have been engaged to produce the rice.

“Furthermore, my administration, through the ministry of agriculture, is committed to providing adequate and subsidised farming inputs to farmers in the state,” the governor said.

In his remarks, the council chairman, Mr Shehu, said a total of 264 goats were distributed to 88 women selected from the 11 wards of the area.

While urging the beneficiaries to take good care of the goats to enhance their economic well-being, the chairman also thanked the governor for his approval of the programme.

Mr Shehu further thanked the governor for approving his other programmes to empower women groups in the area.

Earlier, the council’s head of the agriculture department, Muhammed Aminu, said each of the beneficiaries would receive two she-goat and one he-goat to rear.

Mr Aminu added that the council had arranged for a team of mobile veterinary workers to supervise the goats’ care and keep them healthy.

Some of the beneficiaries, Dija Aminu and Alhajeti Umaru thanked the council for the gesture and promised to take care of the goats.

The Abia government says it will collaborate with the federal government to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both in Umuahia, into world-class tourism destinations.

Information commissioner Okey Kanu disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahi while briefing journalists on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.

Mr Kanu said the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, aims to preserve the state’s rich historical heritage while boosting tourism.

He expressed the Abia government’s commitment to making Abia a key destination for historical and cultural tourism.

“By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.

According to him, the government has made broader efforts to identify and develop tourism sites across the state.

Mr Kanu also said the ministry recently discovered over 55 unique heritage sites across the state. He listed the sites to include Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi in Bende, the Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu, and Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were tried, among others.

The commissioner also affirmed the government’s commitment to building a five-star hotel in Umuahia to support the growing tourism sector.

“These projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to make Abia a leading tourism hub, attract visitors, and boost the state’s economy,” Mr Kanu said.

Also, the commissioner for arts, culture, and creative economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said Abia has numerous historical and natural attractions.

“Abia is blessed with waterfalls in at least three LGAs, caves in places like Alayi, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi, as well as the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural attraction. We also have Akwaete Beach, which remains an untapped coastal treasure,” Mr Ekwuribe said.

He also said if the sites got properly developed, they could position the state as a top tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.

The commissioner also spoke about the uniqueness of the National War Museum, the only one of its kind in West Africa, and the Ojukwu Bunker, which played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War.

He said, “These historical sites, if properly rehabilitated, would attract visitors from across the country and beyond.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that the office Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice lacks the power to initiate criminal proceedings against anyone or prosecute such a person for election-related offences.

The court described such a practice as not only unlawful but also contrary to relevant the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

It added that it is only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that is empowered to prosecute electoral offences.

Justice Inyang Ekwo made the declaration yesterday in a judgment on a suit filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State during the 2023 general election, Oladipupo Adebutu, and nine others.

The others are: Ogunbona Hameed, Tiamiyu Waliu, Egunsola Owolabi, Sanni Adegoke, Dare Ogunleye, Dare Adeoye, Dayo Fashina, Wasiu Enilolobo and Malik Akawo.

The AGF is listed as the sole defendant.

The plaintiffs had claimed that the prosecution before a High Court of Ogun State by the Office of the AGF over allegation of vote-buying during the last governorship election was an attempt to intimate them since Adebutu chose to challenge the outcome of the poll.

They stated that while the issues on vote-buying and related electoral malpractices were pending before the election tribunal, the Office the AGF charged them to the Ogun State High Court on the same allegation of vote-buying.

The plaintiffs further stated in their supporting affidavit that shortly after he went before the election tribunal, Dapo Abiodun (the incumbent governor of Ogun State) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), through the Ogun State APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, allegedly petitioned the AGF.

The Lagos State High Court has rejected an application by reinstated Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to change the legal representation of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled that Femi Falana (SAN) will remain the approved counsel for the Assembly, despite arguments from multiple parties involved in the case.

Obasa’s counsel, Olusola Idowu (SAN) had argued for a new counsel, citing the Assembly’s right to change its legal team.

However, Falana countered that he had not been debriefed by the Assembly and denied the existence of any reinstatement order for suspended clerk Olalekan Onafeko.

Abimbola Akeredolu, (SAN) representing Obasa on other matters, argues that the application was tied to unresolved substantive issues in the case, while Olu Daramola (SAN) representing 33 of the 40 lawmakers (the 3rd to 35th defendants), claimed the majority of lawmakers suspended Onafeko and retained Falana, accusing the opposing side of misintepreting the Industrial Court’s order.

The court also addressed another application by Falana, who argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to interfere in matters of the Assembly.

Falana noted that the speaker is elected by members of the house and can only be removed by the members.

Justice Pinheiro adjourned the case, informing the court that a date will be communicated to the parties involved.

The ruling is the latest development in the contentious case, which has seen multiple applications and counter-arguments .

Anita Among, Speaker of Ugandan Parliament, has called on African leaders to intensify the fight against illicit financial flows, which result in an estimated annual loss of US$88 billion from the continent.

“The impact of this loss has and continues to be felt by our citizenry through foregone health facilities and services, schools, roads, rural electrification, and development of natural resources,” Ms Among said on Monday.

She made the remarks while presiding over the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committee (AFROPAC) Conference and 5th Annual General Meeting at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.

Ms Among, speaking on the theme “Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience,” highlighted the devastating impact of illicit financial outflows on Africa’s socio-economic development.

She explained that these losses translate into missed opportunities for the provision of essential public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and rural electrification.

While commending public accounts committees (PACs) for their role in addressing economic and fiscal mismanagement, Ms Among called for transparency, good governance, and strong institutions, emphasising that these elements are crucial to promoting accountability in Africa.

She further stated that parliamentary speakers would advocate for increased funding for AFROPAC.

“We will take it up, and we will support AFROPAC to grow so that we are able to save the money we have as Africa.”

Medard Sseggona, AFROPAC’s chairperson, underscored the importance of collaboration in combating illicit financial flows.

Mr Sseggona praised the African Union, the Southern African Development Community Organisation of PACs (SADCOPAC), the West African Association of Public Accounts Committees, and the East African Association of Public Accounts Committees for their support.

“By collaborating, we can create a united front against those who aim to illegally drain Africa’s common wealth and resources. We want to thank the incoming partner, the Global Fund, for accepting to work with AFROPAC,” he said.

He reiterated AFROPAC’s commitment to regional and continental cooperation, advocating for harmonized policies and joint action. He also urged African parliaments to take bold steps against illicit financial flows.

The secretary-general of AFROPAC, Mark Botomani, pointed out that ensuring the implementation of PAC recommendations by governments remains a challenge in promoting accountability in Africa.

“The fight against illicit financial flows includes ensuring that public resources are harnessed for sustainable development, economic growth, and the well-being of the citizenry,” Mr Botomani added.

The Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Monday, ordered a fraudster and fake prophet, Ezekiel Onikoyi, to serve two weeks’ imprisonment for stealing a woman’s handbag containing a phone, power bank and N4,000.

Mr Onikoyi, 39, whose address was not provided, was charged with stealing, obtaining money under false pretences and conduct likely to cause the breach of the peace.

He pleaded guilty to the three-count charge.

The magistrate, Gladys Oladele, said the convict was found guilty as charged and ordered to serve two weeks’ imprisonment at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.

Ms Oladele, however, gave the convict the option of serving one month of community service.

She held that the power bank, one of the things the convict stole from the complainant, should be returned to her (complainant).

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Samuel Owolabi told the court that the defendant committed the offences on March 14, at 11:30 p.m., at the old Toll Gate on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.

Mr Owolabi said the convict disguised himself as a prophet and defrauded one Balikis Adeoti, who was returning from work.

According to the prosecutor, the convict, posed as a prophet, intercepted Ms Adeoti on her way and claimed to have a word of revelation for her.

He instructed her to drop her bag and walk a short distance to a junction to pray and leave a N100 note at the spot for her problems to be solved.

Mr Owolabi said Mr Adeoti dropped her bag and followed the instructions, but upon returning, the fake prophet and her bag disappeared.

He said the convict had made away with her bag containing phones and a power bank worth N220,000 and her N4,000.

The prosecutor said the power bank was later recovered from the convict, but the phone was not.

He said the offences contravened sections 390 (9), 419 and 249 (d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has inaugurated 97 participants as members of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47.

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the participants on Monday in Jos.

The vice president, represented by Josephine Piyo, the deputy governor of Plateau, congratulated the participants for their nomination as participants for the course.

Mr Shettima, who described their research theme “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities” as timely, called on them to provide solutions to the challenges currently facing the nation.

“As you embark on this new chapter of exploration and learning, you are reminded of the critical importance of sustainable development and the preservation of our oceans and marine resources. The blue economy represents a vast and untapped potential for economic growth, innovation, and environmental conservation.

“It encompasses a wide range of activities, from fisheries and aquaculture to marine tourism and renewable energy. By harnessing the resources of our oceans responsibly and sustainably, we will create new opportunities for prosperity while safeguarding the health of our marine ecosystems.

“As scholars and policymakers, it is our collective responsibility to delve deep into the complexities of the blue economy, to understand its challenges and opportunities, and to develop strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.

The vice president further said that through research, dialogue, and collaboration, the nation could unlock the full potential of its oceans and ensure a prosperous future for future generations.

“This induction marks the beginning of a rigorous academic inquiry, thoughtful analysis, and informed policy recommendations.

“It is a testament to our nation’s commitment to excellence and dedication to shaping a better Nigeria through knowledge and expertise.

“I urge you to approach this study topic with curiosity, passion, and a sense of purpose. I urge you to engage in meaningful discussions and strive for innovative solutions that will drive positive change in our country,” Mr Shettima urged.

Earlier, Ayo Omotayo, the institute’s director general, also congratulated the participants on their formal induction into the institute.

Mr Omotayo said participants would undergo rigorous academic sessions and other activities for the next 10 months.

He promised that the institute would continually provide policies that would shape the growth and development of the nation.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Monday swore in Ibrahim Wudil as the new commissioner for housing development.

The attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Haruna Dederi, administered the oath at Government House Kano.

After the swearing-in, Mr Yusuf urged Mr Wudil to utilise his extensive experience to drive the state’s development and congratulated him on his new role.

The governor urged Mr Wudil to ensure the effective utilisation of cities developed during the administration of Rabiu Kwankwaso, including Kwankwassiya, Bandirawo, and Amana cities.

The governor expressed confidence in Mr Wudil’s ability, citing his decades-long experience as an architect and his previous role as the managing director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority.

“I’ve worked closely with him for decades, and I know his capacity. I am sure he will not let us down,” the governor said.

The governor appealed to the new commissioner to use his vast experience in addressing the challenge of the state’s housing deficit.

The secretary to the state government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, commissioners and other top government functionaries attended the ceremony.

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited is set to launch an empowerment programme for youths across seven states in the North-West region. This was announced in a statement.

The programme focused on a Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminals training targeting youths from Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa.

It will be held in Dutse, Jigawa, from April 7 to 11. Participants include start-ups, local innovators, and students from across the region.

The statement urged interested students to register via the NIGCOMSAT Ltd website.

It explained that the initiative aims to engage and empower young Nigerians, particularly university students, innovators, and professionals from the North-West.

According to the statement, the goal is to promote innovation and develop creative solutions to real-life challenges through space technology.

Similarly, NIGCOMSAT managing director Jane Egerton-Idehen said, “The hackathon allows participants to identify challenges, create ideas, build prototypes, and receive mentorship using satellite technologies.”

“The winning team will join the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme Cohort 2025 to further refine and implement their project.”

Additionally, 100 youths will be trained in installing VSAT systems, which deliver broadband connectivity in remote areas.

Ms Egerton-Idehen noted that this certification provides participants with technical skills, enhancing job prospects.

She said they could explore lucrative careers or entrepreneurial paths within the ICT sector.

The North-East hackathon and VSAT training took place in Yola from February 24 to 28.

“The aim of SpaceTech Hackathons and VSAT Training is to inspire innovation, solve community challenges, and tackle youth unemployment nationwide.

“The North-West Hackathon and VSAT training will be jointly hosted by Jigawa and NIGCOMSAT Ltd.,” Ms Egerton-Idehen said.

US President Donald Trump has said he plans to speak to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the war in Ukraine, adding that discussions are already ongoing about “dividing up certain assets” between the warring parties.

US officials had expressed optimism Sunday that a Ukraine- Russia ceasefire deal could be reached in weeks after Washington proposed a halt in fighting in the three-year war after talks in Saudi Arabia, which Kyiv accepted.

“I think we’ll be talking about land… we’ll be talking about power plants,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.

“I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia. We’re already talking about that, dividing up certain assets.”

Washington and Kyiv’s European allies are pressing Moscow to accept a halt in the fighting, but Putin has given no clear answer- instead listing a string of conditions and raising “serious questions” over the proposal.

Trump’s envoy for the conflict, Steve Witkoff, who met for several hours with Putin days ago, told CNN that he thinks “the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week.”

Trump, he added, “really expects there to be some sort of deal in the coming weeks, maybe, and I believe that’s the case”.

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday accused the Kremlin of not wanting to end the war. He warned that Moscow wanted to first “improve their situation on the battlefield” before agreeing to any ceasefire

Earlier, Moscow said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss “concrete aspects of the implementation of understandings” at a US-Russia summit in Saudi Arabia last month.

February’s Riyadh gathering was the first high-level meeting between the United States and Russia since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022.

“Sergei Lavrov and Marco Rubio agreed to remain in contact,” the Russian foreign ministry said, with no mention of the US-suggested ceasefire.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Saturday that the pair had “discussed the next steps” on Ukraine, and “agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia”.

The Lavrov-Rubio call came hours after the UK hosted a virtual summit on Ukraine, at which Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Putin of “dragging his feet” on the ceasefire.

“The ‘yes, but’ from Russia is not good enough,” Starmer said, calling for a stop to the “barbaric attacks on Ukraine once and for all”.

On Sunday, Kyiv said Moscow had launched 90 Iranian-made Shahed drones onto nine Ukrainian regions.

President Bola Tinubu has said he has no religious bias and will not be a Muslim bigot because issues confronting the country affect everyone regardless of their religions.

Mr Tinubu, a Muslim who contested presidency alongside another Muslim Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2023 and won, spoke when he hosted a delegation of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria at the Villa on Friday.

He said, “This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.’’

The president said Nigeria must develop beyond divisive religious bigotry, adding that he was open to discussion with people of other faiths.

He stated, “We have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry. And I’m here open to you, ready to listen.”

A viral video featuring a man, Fatai Odunsi, who claims to be the father of popular artist, Asake, has stirred controversy on social media since the early hours of Friday, March 14. In the video, Odunsi claimed he had not seen Asake since 2022, when his health began to deteriorate, and he now felt the need to speak help publicly. He pleaded with Nigerians for financial assistance, revealing that he has been battling a stroke since 2022. He further alleged that despite Asake’s fame and success, the singer has not been financially supportive of him.

“I am Asake’s father. I gave birth to him. I gave birth to Asake, Ahmed, the singer. Babatunde Ololade Odunsin, Mr. Money. Since I had a stroke, I haven’t seen him. The last time I saw him was March 29, 2022. He doesn’t pick my calls when I call him. Please, I only need your help,” Odunsi said.

Responding in a video, Asake was seen singing in Yoruba, seemingly addressing the controversy. The lyrics of his song conveyed a message about staying true to himself despite external pressures. He sang, “You can’t please the world. Whatever you do, do it for God and always remember the day you’ll die and meet your God. My people, can you see how it’s going? Even my father wants to cajole me, but I stand firm and they can’t off my light. I used to press money for him and I do it with one mind. If you strike, I will move on. No one can quench my fire. God is the one that is taking me ahead in life.”

Meanwhile, a prominent showbiz personality who spoke to Saturday Beats anonymously on Friday, alleged that Asake had not been caring for his father, whom he referred to as “Malo.” The source also claimed that Asake has a child who has been under Malo’s care since birth, and the child recently turned a year older on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The source further stated that the only things Asake had ever given his father were a Lexus car and an apartment on Lagos Island, with the rent set to expire in December 2025.

Also reacting to the viral post, Asake’s ex-manager, Tunde Phoenix, criticised the singer’s alleged abandonment of his father, writing, “Operation GoFundMe for your favorite’s Papa. Please help us find that old man, his seed won’t listen. He abandons people who have helped him. Even if they left you, should you act like them when God has blessed you beyond your wildest dreams? A heart of a man reveals all you need to know. Please find Papa, let’s get him the help he needs. These children have the audacity.”

In another post, he further condemned Asake’s actions, adding, “One by one, God will show you who they are. Not my words anymore. Go and pick Papi up. We don’t care if he left as a child, in fact, I believe that man over anything you will say. If you don’t, we will handle your responsibilities for you and do a full interview with him to give us all the truths the masses want to know. You are a public figure. Get PR girl, put a statement together or I will. PS: PR girl is a vibe. Love her, I would definitely date her, she has a good heart but keeps bad company.”

The controversy continues to fuel online debates, with many Nigerians sharing their perspectives on the family dispute.

Reacting to Odunsi’s video, Sulaimon Alade recounted his past interactions with Asake and his father, writing, “I was Asake’s teacher when he was in nursery school, right in front of my family house (Ile Atapupa or Ile Oni Gelede at No. 70 Ojuolokun Street, Isale Eko, Lagos). Back then, I worked with my brother, Musbau Teacher, the proprietor of MPS Mussey Private School. His father took good care of him as a single parent, dropping him off at school every morning. I swear with the Quran. After school, he would go to Agboolokun, his mother’s house, and stay there until evening when his dad (Malo) returned from work. I don’t know why he neglected his dad to this extent.”

Echoing Alade’s sentiments, Adetola Adunade Oso also shared his thoughts: “Fact. Malo took care of Ahmed (Asake). He never failed in his responsibilities as a father. We both worked with the Lagos Island Local Government—though in different departments—but maintained a cordial relationship until I retired in 2022. I can’t believe Ahmed could neglect his father in this state. I pray the Almighty Allah restores his health. So sad. Always smiling, Lammedah.”

A crane collapsed at a construction site in Thailand’s capital on Saturday, killing at least four people, police said, as rescuers worked to retrieve a fifth body from the debris.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning on Rama II road, a major highway linking Bangkok to the country’s south.

At least four construction workers died at the site, where a tollway was under construction, and dozens were injured, police said.

“We have retrieved four bodies, but one remains trapped in the debris,” senior police official Sayam Boonsom told reporters at the scene, adding the fifth was presumed dead.

Among the four people killed, three were Thai nationals, he said.

An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the collapse, Sayam added.

An eyewitness told local outlet Thairath TV he heard two loud bangs before seeing the crane fall.

“Workers were pouring cement when it happened,” he said.

Construction site accidents are common in Thailand where lax enforcement of safety regulations often leads to deadly accidents.

A crane collapse in Samut Sakhon, west of Bangkok, in November last year, killed three workers and injured 10 others.

In March 2024, seven people died in a similar crane collapse incident at a factory east of the capital.

And in 2023, at least two people died and a dozen were injured when a road bridge under construction in Bangkok collapsed.

The Nigerian Air Force has said airstrikes from operatives in Katsina State have decimated notorious criminal hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, the Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma in the early hours of Thursday, targeted the fortified camps of two notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga.

A statement on Friday night by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the airstrikes successfully neutralised over 20 bandits, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Air Force has delivered a devastating blow to banditry in Katsina State, as the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma executed a precision airstrike in early hours of 13 March 2025, decimating notorious bandit hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari Local Government Area.

“The airstrikes, which preceded careful and actionable intelligence advancing purposeful lethality, destroyed the fortified camps of notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, neutralising over 20 criminals, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills.

“The airstrike had a decisive impact on the criminals, assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing.”

Ali said Riga and Gero were key enablers of banditry in the region, providing shelter for terrorist elements responsible for deadly ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme villages.

He added that their elimination is seen as a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West.

The United States President Donald Trump has stated plans to impose a travel ban on 43 countries.

According to a report on Saturday, Reuters cited an internal memo and officials familiar with the matter.

The memo lists a total of 43 countries divided into three groups: red, orange, and yellow.

Although the list has yet to be approved by the Trump administration, it comprises several African countries, with African economic powerhouses like Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria and Egypt excluded.

The red group consists of 11 countries- Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Cuba, Bhutan, Venezuela, North Korea, Yemen, and Somalia- whose nationals would be barred from entering the US.

The orange group comprises 10 countries whose visas would be sharply restricted. They include Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Pakistan, Laos, Turkmenistan, Haiti, and Eritrea.

The countries in the last group were given 60 days to address concerns.

The nations on the 22-country yellow list include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.

The New York Times had first reported the list of countries earmarked for the proposed visa ban.

However, a US official told Reuters that there could be changes on the list and that it was yet to be approved by the administration, including Marco Rubio, the secretary of state.

The proposal is part of an immigration crackdown that Trump launched at the start of his second term in January.

Singer Naira Marley has asserted that any Muslim who doesn’t believe in Jesus isn’t a true Muslim.

This, he said, highlighted Jesus’ importance in Islamic theology.

“No Muslim is a Muslim if he does not believe in Jesus (Peace be upon him),” he wrote via his X handle.

While Muslims consider Jesus a prophet of God and a messenger sent to the Children of Israel with the Gospel, Christians believe Jesus is God or the Son of God.

This fundamental difference in perspective has sparked a lively discussion, with some users praising Naira Marley’s willingness to share his thoughts and others criticising his views.

Ruth said: “You’re just here to cause confusion. Leave Jesus for us, we don’t care if you believe in him or not. He remains the son of God, full stop”.

idristaiwo wrote: “I think many Muslims believe in Jesus, he was mentioned severally in the Quran, where the problem is Muslims not accepting him as “God” they’ve vehemently rebuffed it to irks or Christians. Christians however don’t believe in Muhammed. It’s just crazy”.

AbuTwins wrote: “You’re right but let me clear it for you; yes we Muslims respect and venerate Jesus Christ. We consider him as one of the Almighty God’s greatest messengers to humankind not as God or as Son of God. In fact The Qur’an re-affirms his miraculous birth and his miraculous abilities. Furthermore, his mother Mary is regarded as one of the most pure and exalted women of all creation”.

Al bin Rashid Al Falasi wrote: “Muslims believe in Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and his mother, Mary, so deeply that an entire chapter in the Quran is named after her. Yet, Judaism does not recognize Jesus as a prophet. Yet Christians love sending billions to Israel”

Naira Marley has been actively sharing his religious views since the start of 2025 Ramadan.

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai has created an official account on the social media platform, TikTok.

With over 200,000 followers in just 24 hours, his announcement video has racked up an impressive 1.9 million views with over 21,000 comments.

El-Rufai in the video said his TikTok page aims to share his thoughts on politics and his new party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“This is my only and official TikTok page. Please join me for videos, comments and conversations on Nigeria politics as well as the activities of our new party Social Democratic Party (SDP). Welcome on board,” he said.

Interestingly, El-Rufai’s TikTok bio describes him as an “accidental public servant, certified ruffler of feathers and deliberate SDP member.”

This comes after his recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his decision to join the SDP on Monday.