Mariam Bolaji of Nigeria early on Sunday in Paris advanced to the semi-finals in the para-badminton competition at the ongoing 2024 Paralympics Olympic Games in Paris.

Bolaji beat Mandeep Kaur of India 21-8 21-9 in their quarter-final encounter in the women’s singles SL3 event.

She will face Xiao Zuxian of China in the semi-finals later on Sunday afternoon for a place in the final.

Bolaji on Thursday in the group play stage beat Kaur 21-8 21-14 in a Group B match, while she followed that up with another group win on Friday.

She had beaten Celine Vinot of Australia 21-8 21-14 also to win the group and head into the last eight stage.

The state visit of President Bola Tinubu to China will culminate in the strengthening of bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.

Director, Economic, Trade and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolaji Akinremi, made this known during an interview on Sunday.

Mr Akinremi spoke against the backdrop of the arrival of Mr Tinubu in Beijing, China.

He described the President’s visit as a significant milestone, which would mark a new chapter in the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and China.

According to him, the visit is a multi-sectoral one aimed at strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties between the two nations.

“Essentially, Mr President is here on a state visit. The government of China is honouring Mr President with an official visit at this time. It is in recognition of Nigeria as the number one country in Africa. This is a multi-sectoral visit for Mr President,” he said.

Mr Akinremi recalled that Nigeria and China had enjoyed a robust relationship spanning over 50 years, with Nigeria being China’s number one trading partner in Africa.

He explained that the presence of high-level Nigerian government functionaries, himself inclusive, was an indication that the visit meant a lot to Nigeria.

“The visit has already seen the participation of several Nigerian ministers. These include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, alongside some governors and business leaders. As Mr President embarks on this historic visit, Nigeria and China are poised to take their relationship to new heights, building on the foundation laid over five decades ago. The comprehensive strategic partnership is a testament to the shared vision of both nations to promote economic growth, development, and cooperation,” the diplomat said.

Mr Akinremi, a former spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further explained that there were several Memoranda of Understanding to be signed during the visit.

He stated, “Mr President will also receive a huge delegation from China’s tech firm, Huawei, and China Railway, which signifies the commitment of both nations to deepen their cooperation. The visit coincides with the China-Africa Cooperation Forum where Nigeria is participating, alongside other African nations. The FOCAC is a crucial platform for strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties between China and African nations. Established in 2000, FOCAC has become a significant mechanism for a win-win cooperation for China and African countries.’’

He expressed confidence that the President’s visit was expected to yield significant benefits for Nigeria, including investments in infrastructure, technology, and economic development.

“The comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China will focus on key areas, such as infrastructure development, trade, and economic cooperation,” he said.

The President’s itinerary includes a meeting with China’s President, Xi Jinping, and discussions on cooperation between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Mr Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, earlier said that the President would also hold discussions with the Chinese business community on investment and trade.

“On the sidelines of the FOCAC, Mr President will also hold meetings with Chinese business leaders to promote investment and trade between Nigeria and China,” Mr Ngelale said in a statement before the trip.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived the Republic of China ahead of his state visit.

Tinubu’s presidential aircraft arrived at Beijing’s Capital International Airport on Sunday 19:12 China time.

On Thursday, Tinubu departed Abuja for Beijing, China for an official visit.

A statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu would have a brief layover in the United Arab Emirates.

While in China, the Nigerian president would meet with President Xi Jumping and the Chinese business leaders.

He would also attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

“In China, the president will meet with President Xi Jinping and hold meetings with Chinese business leaders on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

“President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on the trip,” said Ngelale.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appointed Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Ɗanyaya as the 17th Emir of Ningi.

Alhaji Haruna, who now holds a 1st Class status, is the eldest son of the late Emir of Ningi, Yunusa Muhammad Ɗanyaya, who passed away about a week ago.

The appointment was announced on Sunday through a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, in Bauchi.

Born in Ningi in 1956, Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Ɗanyaya previously served as the Chiroman Ningi. He is married with children.

The statement noted that Governor Mohammed made the appointment in accordance with the powers granted to him under Cap. 24 Item 3(1) of the Bauchi State laws on the Appointment of Emirs and Chiefs, following the recommendation of the kingmakers.

“The Bauchi State Government expresses its confidence in the new Emir’s ability to uphold the legacy of his late father in fostering unity, peace, and development in the Ningi Emirate and Bauchi State as a whole,” the statement read.

Governor Mohammed also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions, recognizing their vital role in maintaining peace and progress within the state.

The Federal Government has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto State to rid the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, disclosed this in a statement.

The government said that the directive is part of an intensified effort to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

The federal government expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in the states and its environs, explaining that the strategic move underscored the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region.

According to the statement, while in the North West, they would supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang were flushed out.

“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area.

And late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.

“This incident happened in kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara.

“This is not acceptable as President Bola Tinubu has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly.

“And so we are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” the statement said.

The government said that there was the urgent need to move against the terrorists to enable people to move freely.

It further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces would leave no stone unturned in flushing out the bandits.

Sesi Whingah, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency in the House of Representatives, has assured his constituents that Nigerian borders will soon be opened for commercial activities.

Mr Whingah gave the assurance during a Badagry Stakeholders and Youth Engagement organised by his office on Saturday.

The engagement had the theme: “Charting A Prosperous Future for Badagry: Unlocking Potential, Empowering People, and Accelerating Progress”.

According to the lawmaker, the government is trying to see how they can mop up revenue internally.

“This is a policy that we believe needs to be done and will lead to good.

“The current administration will soon open borders for commercial activities; I know it is affecting us and our incomes. I know what my constituents are going through,” he said.

On the issue of electrification of some parts of Badagry communities, he assured that staff of Rural Electrification would come in and attend to that in next few days.

On roadblocks, Mr Whingah said that no development would come to Badagry because of multiple checkpoints along the Lagos Badagry expressway.

“I have spoken against multiple checkpoints on the floor of the House.

“I doubt if we can achieve any development if we have people stopping and discouraging tourists and investors from coming to this corridor.

“You cannot go through the stress of these multiple checkpoints as a tourist and you would want to come back to this place.

“The security agencies need to start looking at using technology to address this. A single drone can secure and monitor this axis,” he said.

On his achievements in office, he said he had secured employment for 30 youths in Badagry in federal agencies.

“Again, we are trying to bring in 40 pensionable jobs for our deserving youths of Badagry.

“Furthermore, our NIN registration centre in Badagry has registered more than 70,000 individuals in Badagry as of today.

“This is a critical step in ensuring that our people are accounted for in the national database and can access full benefits of citizenship,” he said.

Mr Whingah said that he had engaged with his colleague in Lagos House of Assembly to meet Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to help in fixing Mowo-Ikoga road.

“I can assure you that contractors will begin work on the road in the few weeks to come. Though it is a Federal road, Lagos state has agreed to help us to fix it.

“Also, on the uncompleted Gbaji-Owode-Apa expressway, the federal government is considering re-awarding it, this time, concrete road.

“This will be captured in the new budget of 2025,” he said.

In his keynote address, Prof, Henry Hunjo, a lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), highlighted the achievements of Mr Whingah, emphasising their positive impact on Badagry.

He addressed the region’s pressing challenges, adding that there was need to develop Badagry beyond the present status quo.

“We must begin to address challenges such as environmental issues and infrastructural deficits, including electricity,” he said.

There was a panel of professionals who deliberated the way forward for the coastal town of Badagry.

Setonji Koshoedo , the deputy bational secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), proposed a collective approach to problem-solving, which he termed a “Solution Revolution.”

“Let’s come together with our individual contributory solutions to solve our community problems,” he said.

Gbenu Mathew, a political commentator, canvassed for the need to unlock Badagry’s dormant potential through collaboration among political leaders.

“There are potentials, but they remain untapped; this can be done through the collaboration of our political leaders.”

Dr Busola Odedina, the sole female panellist, called for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles within the community.

She stressed the importance of gender equity in driving Badagry’s progress.

Bisiriyu Fanu, a former chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA), Seme border, said government policy of fairly used vehicles had affected majority of the residents.

He urged the government to reintroduce the importation of fairly used vehicles through land border since the borders had been opened, adding that some of his members had died because of the policy.

The lawmaker awarded cash prizes, laptops, and other gifts to select individuals in recognition of outstanding contributions to Badagry.

Mr Whingah, announcing an ICT programme for 1,000 youths, tagged “Badagry Tech Talents 1,000 Programme” where youths will be trained, empowered and connected.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have detained a man for allegedly pushing his 47-year-old younger brother to death.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this on Saturday.

He said that the case was reported to the police on August 24 by a fellow whose name was not mentioned.

Hundeyin said the fellow reported that one Ayodeji Busari of Iba area in Lagos allegedly pushed his 47 years old younger brother, whose name was not mentioned.

According to the police image maker, the younger brother was said to have come from Port Harcourt to visit his friend in Lagos.

Hundeyin said that the suspect allegedly pushed his younger brother down and he hit his head on a pavement during a fight.

“The victim became unconscious and was rushed to Igando General Hospital for treatment, but was later confirmed dead by doctor on duty.

“The detectives visited the scene of incident and take photographs, the corpse removed and deposited at Mainland General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba for autopsy.

“The case file and suspect to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti-Yaba for investigation,” he said.

Tragedy struck in the Makwarari quarters in the Kano metropolis on Friday when a one-storey building collapsed, killing a 35-year-old woman, Balarabe Tijjani and injuring two of her children.

It was gathered that the building collapsed following a downpour in the area which lasted for many hours from Thursday night through Friday morning.

According to a resident, the mother and her two children, Abdulnasir and Abdallah, aged 11 and 13, were rescued and rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital but the mother succumbed to her injuries.

“After rescuing the victims from the debris, they were transported to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Unfortunately, Tijjani succumbed to her injuries while the children are currently receiving treatment,” the resident said.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, said the one-storey building collapsed at about 9:30 am on Friday.

“Therefore, the building crushed three people, mother, Balaraba Abba about 35 years old and two children, Abdulnasir Jilani about 12 years old and Abdullahi Jilani about 9 years old.

“With the effort of the people around the area all victims were rescued alive and taken to Murtala Muhammad hospital on the arrival of the brigade,” Abdullahi said.

Lagos State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly robbing three commercial sex workers.

The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

Hundeyin said the suspects allegedly picked the victims on August 23, 2024, around 4:30 pm from Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Bode Thomas, seeking their services.

According to him, the suspects, pretending to drive the sex workers to a location where they falsely claimed to be staying, abruptly stopped the vehicle midway, leaving the victims in shock.

“The commercial sex workers were picked up at Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Bode Thomas, Surulere by the two suspects.

“They were taken to where they claimed the (suspects) lodged. Suddenly, the suspects parked and ordered them to surrender their valuables.

“In the process, two Iphone valued at N1.05 million, one REDMI Note 12 valued at N140,000, Iphone SR valued at N240,000 were collected from them.

“The suspects also compelled the victims to transfer ₦25,OOO to an Opay Account and N8, 000 to same account,” he said.

The police spokesperson said that during investigation, the suspects confessed to the crime.

He disclosed that the suspects operational vehicle, a Toyota Camry with Reg. No. APP335 JA, two other blank number plates they were using for their operation were recovered.

Hundeyin said that one of the victim’s cell phone, REDMI NOTE 12, was also recovered from the suspects, while investigation was ongoing.

The Nigerian Army says troops have eliminated several terrorists during engagement with bandits in general areas of Kampani Doka and Rifigoro communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement on its social media platform, it said the troops also recovered a substantial number of dangerous automatic weapons and ammunition.

“The troops who conducted offensive operations into the terrorists’ stronghold near Kampanin Doka met strong resistance from the terrorists who opened fire upon sighting the troops.

“In a shootout that lasted for hours, the gallant troops subdued the criminal elements with superior fire power, thereby neutralizing 7 of the terrorists,” it said

According to the statement, the troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, eight AK 47 magazines (four fully loaded with 120 rounds of 7.62mm Special), a magazine carrier, 6 motorcycles, three mobile phones, two Baofeng communication radios, and three pairs of civil clothes.

“The troops further projected offensives to Gayam village of the same Local Government Area, where a notorious insurgent leader was neutralized, while some of his accomplice fled with gunshot wounds, leaving behind their weapons and equipment.

“Among the items recovered by the troops were a PKT machine gun with eight rounds of ammunition, a Baofeng radio, multiple communication devices, one SMF magazine, and 14 mobile SIM cards,” it added.

The statement advised the public to continue supporting the relentless efforts of security forces, who are tirelessly working to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

The arrested and detained EndBadGovernance protesters have demanded vacation of the orders of the Federal high court, Abuja, which permitted the Inspector General of Police to detain them for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

In a motion on notice dated the 26th day of August, 2024, through a consortium of human rights lawyers led by foremost human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, they demanded that the order of the court be set aside, discharged and vacated outrightly for them to be set free.

The ex-parte order for their 60 days detention was made on the 22nd day of August, 2024 by Justice Emeka Nwite in a Suit with no: FHC/ABJ/CS/1233/2024 between the IGP and Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo & 48 others.

The 49 protesters clamped into police custody on detention maintained that neither the IGP nor President Bola Tinubu have right to arrest them on account of exercising their fundamental rights to object to policy of government exposing them to hardships.

They cited several protests in the past led by Tinubu without any harassment, molestation, arrest or detention insisting that Tinubu is the biggest beneficiary of protests and dissent in the country.

In an affidavit in support of their motion deposed to by one Paul Ochayi, the protesters maintained that protest is a right and that President Tinubu had led protests in the past without being harassed, detained or remanded.

They also challenged the remand orders on the ground that Justice Nwite who issued them had no jurisdiction to grant the ex-parte order he made pursuant to section 299 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Meanwhile, no date has yet been fixed for hearing of the motion by the court.

It has however been served on the Inspector General of Police for his response as required by law.

The king of New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori people died Friday while recovering from heart surgery at age 69, with aides saying he had “passed to the great beyond”.

King Tuheitia passed away peacefully surrounded by family, a spokesperson said, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

He had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery.

“The death of King Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness,” the spokesperson added in a statement. “A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”

The Kiingitanga — Maori King movement — was founded in 1858 to unite New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori under a single sovereign.

The position has significant political and symbolic weight but carries no legal status.

New Zealand’s Maori currently make up about 17 per cent of the population or about 900,000 people.

King Charles III, New Zealand’s formal head of state, said he was “shocked” by the news, having recently spoken to King Tuheitia by phone.

“My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia,” the king said in a statement.

“I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades.

“He was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Maori and Aotearoa-New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion,” he said, using the country’s Maori and English-language names.

The UK monarch said he remembered with “immense fondness” his meetings with King Tuheitia in New Zealand in 2015 and at Buckingham Palace last year.

New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon led the tributes from the Pacific nation as flags on government and public buildings were flown at half-mast.

“Today, we mourn,” Luxon said in a statement from Tonga, where he is attending the Pacific Islands Forum.

“His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation.

“I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna (young people), his passion for te ao Maori (customs), and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.”

Tuheitia was the seventh Kiingitanga monarch. In 2006, he succeeded his mother, Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who held the position for four decades.

The Maori monarch has been a powerful voice in New Zealand politics, particularly on issues stemming from the country’s colonial past.

The arrival of Europeans to New Zealand in 1642 brought colonisation, anti-Maori discrimination and pitched warfare that was eventually stopped through the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi.

The treaty, signed between the British and hundreds of Maori chiefs, is seen as the founding document of New Zealand and established British control over the country.

But it also granted the Maori the same rights as British subjects and authority over “taonga” or treasures that can be intangible.

In March, Tuheitia made an impassioned call for whales to be granted the same legal rights as people, in a bid to protect the hallowed yet vulnerable species.

He wanted the mammals to have inherent rights, such as having a healthy environment, to allow the restoration of their populations.

Former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern praised the late Indigenous king in a post on Instagram.

“You have been an advocate for Maori, for fairness, justice and prosperity. You wanted children, young people, and those who have been left behind to have opportunities and hope.

“You worked tirelessly on building understanding and knowledge of our shared history and in doing so, strengthening Aotearoa. And amongst all of that, you made everyone feel welcome — including me. Rest easy now.”

Community members of Matusgi village in Talata Mafara local government area of Zamfara State, on Wednesday, foiled an attack by armed bandits who stormed the community to kidnap residents and rustle cattle.

It was gathered that the armed bandits in their large numbers, faced stiff opposition from the villagers who were earlier informed about the invasion, as they came out en masse with local weapons, including fabricated guns against the bandits.

According to one of the villagers, identified as Usman Matusgi, unlike previous bandits’ operation, when everybody would be running for safety, this time, the bandits had unexpectedly received fire power from the villagers, from various angles saying that the situation forced the bandits to retreat.

“The bandits, while struggling to escape into a nearby forest, returned fire on the locals during which three people were killed.

“We killed over 30 of them and many were injured before they retreated; they were faced with the locally-made ammunition that were fired by the ambushing locals in defense of the community”, he added.

According to him, many villages would borrow a leaf from them and banditry activities would gradually come to an end in the state.

“The community members should assist the military and security operatives by engaging the terrorists in operation fire for fire.

“They are human beings like us and we should not leave everything about security only in the hands of the security operatives,” he stated.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said it has apprehended a four-man fraud syndicate for allegedly impersonating and blackmailing the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede in a $1 million deal.

In a statement by the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale on Thursday, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Gimbiya Street, Garki and Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.

According to him, “the alleged fraudsters contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority, NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko claiming his indictment in some phony investigative activities of the EFCC during his tenure as the MD of NPA.

“They alleged that Olukoyede was ready to give him a soft landing for $1 million or risk being arrested and prosecuted.

“On receipt of intelligence regarding the moves of the impersonators, operatives of the Commission were deployed to play along with the alleged fraudsters. They were successfully arrested and are in the custody of the Commission.”

He said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden, on Thursday, said the U.S was not seeking a new Cold War or looking to change China’s system.

Sullivan made this known during a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China in Beijing.

He explained that the revitalisation of U.S. alliances especially in Asia was not against China.

The presidential aide also conveyed the regards of President Biden to President Xi.

He recalled that since the San Francisco Summit between the two world leaders, the duo had earnestly implemented their common understandings and achieved positive progress.

According to him, the earlier round of strategic communication with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi in China was “in-depth, candid, substantive and constructive.”

“The U.S. does not seek a new Cold War; it does not seek to change China’s system.

“The revitalisation of U.S. alliances is not against China.

“The U.S. does not support Taiwan’s independence and it does not seek conflict with China.

“The One-China policy of the U.S. has not changed and it has no intention to use Taiwan as a tool to contain China,” Sullivan said.

He said the U.S. hoped to maintain strategic communication with China and find a way for the duo to coexist in peace.

The National Security Advisor expressed confidence that U.S.-China relations would develop in a sustainable way.

Sullivan further said Biden was looking forward to having communication again with Xi soon.

Earlier, Xi stated that in a changing and turbulent world, countries needed solidarity and coordination, not division or confrontation.

According to him, people want openness and progress, not exclusion or regress.

The Canadian government has rolled out a policy preventing Nigerians and other holders of Canadian Visitor Visa from applying for a work permit within the country.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The policy is expected to kick off immediately, the Canadian government stated.

“While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system,” the statement read.

Recall that the policy was introduced in August 2020 to assist visitors in Canada who were unable to return home because of border closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The policy implies that Visitors could apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada.

However, the IRCC in a fresh move said “some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization.”

The fresh policy comes amid strict measures by the Canadian government to tighten its immigration policy.

This comes from the country’s recent immigration reforms that have sparked protests, especially among international students.

Tensions heightened earlier this week when several international students hit the streets across Canada to protest against new immigration policies introduced by the country’s government that could see about 70,000 of them deported.

As of 2023, international students made up 37 percent of study visa holders in Canada.

However, the recent limitation on student visas is expected to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35 percent, a move the government argues is necessary to alleviate pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services.

Barely two days ago, the Canadian government further tightened regulations by announcing that foreign nationals would no longer be able to apply for a PGWP at the border.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mazi Afam Osigwe, has been inaugurated as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association in Lagos.

Osigwe takes over from the immediate past president of the association, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, whose tenure ended, Thursday.

In his inaugural speech, Osigwe stated that under his watch, the NBA will hold the federal and state governments to account.

He also commended his opponents, Tobenna Erojikwe and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chukwukwa Ikwazom, for their decorum during the electioneering process and extended a hand of fellowship to them to join him in moving the association forwards

He promised to run an all-inclusive bar that keeps the association not only united but moves the NBA forward.

The inauguration of the new President and National Officers of the NBA will bring to a close the week-long annual general conference of the association which began on August 23rd.

A coalition of Southern Kaduna youths has condemned an alleged smear campaign against Senator Sunday Katung, accusing the detractors of selfish motives.

The Coordinator of the group, Luke Augustine, urged the critics to stop their attacks and allow the senator to continue his work in the senatorial district.

Mr Augustine highlighted the senator’s achievements within his first year, including security improvement, healthcare initiatives, and educational support.

He praised Mr Katung’s collaboration with the security agencies, efforts to combat diseases, and his push for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan and a Science University in Manchok.

”We have been keenly following events of the last few months where some individuals or a group of individuals have decided to launch a campaign of calumny against our respected senator by trying to smear his name and his hard earned reputation. We have decided that we will not sit back and watch insignificant, bitter minded and political businessmen who have not contributed anything to the development of their communities. All the insults and smear campaigns against the senator are for their selfish political interests,” the group stated.