The lawmaker representing Abia South, Senator Abaribe, said the arrest of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland is a welcome development.....Read Full Article>>

The lawmaker stated that the arrest would deter purveyors of violence in the southeast region from continuing the mayhem being unleashed in the region. According to him, Ekpa and his supporters are hiding behind the Biafra agitation to perpetrate crimes in the region.

In an interview with Channels TV, Abaribe said: “The arrest of Simon Ekpa is something that is very very welcome because this will tell all those people at home, who are purveyors of violence and instigated by Simon Ekpa that he actually said that he is just a content creator and not a serious person.

“We have always said that his activities in South East are totally wrong and not what Ndigbo stands for.

“The quest by the IPOB seeking non-violence referendum was turned by all these criminals. They are using IPOB to cause mayhem in the South-East.”

Naira crashes drastically against dollar on FX markets. The naira crashed against the dollar at both official and parallel foreign exchange markets to begin the week on a negative note.....Read Full Article>>

FMDQ data showed that the naira weakened to N1,675.62 per dollar on Monday from N1652.62 last Friday, indicating a N23 loss. Similarly, at the black market, the naira depreciated to N1,755 per dollar on Monday from the N1,750 exchange rate at last week’s end.

This comes as the FX transaction turnover dropped significantly to $108.79 million on Monday from $243.05 million recorded on Friday, according to FMDQ data.

In the past months, the country’s FX market has continued to witness fluctuations despite interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

A judge on Monday granted a request by prosecutors to dismiss the election subversion case against Donald Trump because of a Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.....Read Full Article>>

Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed to the request by Special Counsel Jack Smith to dismiss the case against the president-elect “without prejudice,” meaning it could potentially be revived after Trump leaves the White House four years from now. “Dismissal without prejudice is appropriate here,” Chutkan said, adding in the ruling that “the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office.”

‘My songs will make you buy bedsheets’- Ironha, who took hawking when fire razed his Yaba shop

Trump, 78, was accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden and removing large quantities of top secret documents after leaving the White House, but the cases never came to trial.

Smith also moved on Monday to drop his appeal of the dismissal of the documents case filed against the former president in Florida. That case was tossed out earlier this year by a Trump-appointed judge on the grounds that Smith was unlawfully appointed.

The special counsel paused the election interference case and the documents case this month after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election.

Smith cited the long-standing Justice Department policy of not indicting or prosecuting a sitting president in his motions to have the cases dismissed.

“The Government’s position on the merits of the defendant’s prosecution has not changed,” Smith said in the filing with Chutkan. “But the circumstances have.”

“It has long been the position of the Department of Justice that the United States Constitution forbids the federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting President,” Smith said.

“As a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated.”

In a separate filing, Smith said he was withdrawing his appeal of the dismissal of the classified documents case against Trump but pursuing the case against his two co-defendants, Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira.
– ‘Empty and lawless’ –

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the cases were “empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.”

“Over $100 Million Dollars of Taxpayer Dollars has been wasted in the Democrat Party’s fight against their Political Opponent, ME,” he said. “Nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before.”

Trump was accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding — the session of Congress called to certify Biden’s win, which was violently attacked on January 6, 2021 by a mob of the then-president’s supporters.

Trump was also accused of seeking to disenfranchise US voters with his false claims that he won the 2020 election.

The former and incoming president also faces two state cases — in New York and Georgia.

He was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter.

However, Judge Juan Merchan has postponed sentencing while he considers a request from Trump’s lawyers that the conviction be thrown out in light of the Supreme Court ruling in July that an ex-president has broad immunity from prosecution.

In Georgia, Trump faces racketeering charges over his efforts to subvert the 2020 election results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in office.

Today, the world has 195 recognised countries, including some of the newest nations to join the global community. New countries often come from independence struggles, the breakup of larger nations, or international agreements.....Read Full Article>>

These countries face challenges like building stable governments, growing their economies, and creating a national identity. The newest country in the world, South Sudan, became independent in 2011.

Here are the five newest countries in the world:

How i spent 10 years in jail without trial for bank robbery i heard about in court – Adeshina
South Sudan

South Sudan became independent on July 9, 2011, after years of conflict with Sudan. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 allowed South Sudanese to vote for independence in a 2011 referendum, where 98.83% chose to separate. Its capital is Juba, and it became the 193rd United Nations member state soon after. Despite independence, South Sudan has faced challenges, including a civil war from 2013 to 2020, causing a humanitarian crisis.
Montenegro

Montenegro declared independence on June 3, 2006, after a referendum where 55.5% of voters supported separation from Serbia. This ended the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, which had replaced Yugoslavia. Montenegro’s capital is Podgorica, and it joined the United Nations on June 28, 2006, as the 192nd member state. Montenegro has worked toward joining the European Union and became the 29th member of NATO on 5 June 2017 when it deposited its instrument of accession to the

North Atlantic Treaty with the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C.

On 7 June 2017, The Flag of Montenegro was raised at NATO Headquarters in a special ceremony to mark the country’s accession to NATO.
Serbia

Serbia became an independent state on June 5, 2006, after Montenegro’s decision to separate. Serbia, as the successor state of Serbia and Montenegro, retained membership in international organisations, including the United Nations. Its capital is Belgrade. Serbia is focused on economic growth and aims to join the European Union while dealing with the unresolved status of Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008.
Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, also called East Timor, gained independence on May 20, 2002, after decades of Indonesian occupation. In a UN-backed referendum in 1999, most voters chose independence, despite violent resistance. Its capital is Dili, and it became the 191st United Nations member state in 2002. Timor-Leste is rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, relying heavily on oil and gas resources.
Palau

Palau became independent on October 1, 1994, after being a United Nations Trust Territory under U.S. administration. Its independence was formalised under a Compact of Free Association with the U.S., which provides financial aid and defense support. Its capital is Ngerulmud, and Palau joined the United Nations on December 15, 1994.

Ghanaian adult film actress Daisy Melanin recently engaged with her followers during a live session on TikTok, addressing various questions from fans and critics alike. This interaction followed a controversial moment that captured widespread attention on social media. A 38- minute video of Daisy involved in a group scene with six men went viral, sparking heated debates online.....Read Full Article>>

The video polarized opinions, with some expressing shock and others openly criticizing her career choice in the adult entertainment industry.
During her live TikTok session, Daisy faced a variety of inquiries, with one viewer pointedly asking whether her parents were proud of her career.
She candidly replied, acknowledging that she couldn’ t confidently say her parents were proud of her decisions. However, she emphasized her independence, stating that she has her own life to live, just as her parents have theirs.

In the session, Daisy also revealed that she is 22 years old, adding a personal note to the discussion. Her comments triggered a wave of reactions, with viewers expressing mixed opinions. Some showed support for her individuality and personal freedom, while others criticized her lifestyle and professional choices.
The viral video and her live responses have kept Daisy Melanin in the spotlight, continuing to generate discussion about societal expectations, personal choices, and the boundaries of freedom in a modern context.

The debate remains active as netizens share their thoughts on her statements and the broader implications of her career in the adult entertainment industry.
The clip elicited varied comments with netizens chipping in their opinions on her statement.

One @johnjoy295 wrote: ” Hmmm the painful part is that none of those guys wear condom 😢. ”

sompee_afrik wrote: ” I won’ t blame the girl, I will blame her parents for improper home training. ”

abbyforreal5 wrote: ” You’ re 22 no wonder! When you reach your 30′ s you will remember all your videos. ”

simplygladys_1 wrote: ” How will I use my stomach to carry you for 9 months and nurture you and you said I have my own life to live! ! ! ! It’ s best to disown you and assumed I didn’ t have you as a child. 😢😢😢. ”

powerbank_nigeria wrote: ” May we not born what we can not explain. ”
victor_ossai_2 wrote: ” Abi don’ t criticize her she’ s trying to survive you guys even do more than her indoor nobody be saint. ”
Express your views in the comment section and remember to like share and follow my news channel for more trending stories and gossip.

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) faced a fierce battle with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State on Monday, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers. The clashes occurred in the Kukawa and Monguno areas, regions known for frequent terrorist activity.....Read Full Article>>

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer at the MNJTF Headquarters in N’ djamena, Chad, disclosed the details in a statement. Despite the casualties, he highlighted significant achievements in the operation, which dealt a heavy blow to the insurgents.

Osoba stated, ” The operation resulted in the elimination of terrorists and the recovery of valuable assets. ” According to him, the joint troops repelled an offensive by ISWAP and Boko Haram, who employed suicide Vehicle- Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). The attackers were met with superior firepower, supported by airstrikes and artillery bombardments.

During the operation, five terrorists were neutralized, while many others sustained gunshot injuries and fled the scene. Military air assets successfully destroyed three VBIEDs, preventing further damage. Additionally, the troops seized 40 motorbikes, each equipped with assorted weapons, including four anti- aircraft guns and one rocket- propelled grenade launcher.

However, Osoba confirmed the tragic loss of three soldiers during the operation. ” Unfortunately, three soldiers paid the supreme price, ” he said, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the troops. He emphasized that the operation demonstrates the MNJTF’ s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring security in the Lake Chad region.
The latest operation demonstrates both the resilience of the Nigerian Army and its regional allies in countering terrorist threats. Efforts to neutralize the insurgents and recover weapons signal ongoing determination to restore peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.

There was stir on social media when the pictures of Labour Party member representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Thaddeus Attah (LP, Lagos), wearing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signature cap, surfaced on the internet.....Read Full Article>>

Attah was one of those who rode into office on what some pundits attributed to the popularity of Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election.

Obi, who came third in the election, defeated President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, the president’s stronghold, and Attah was one of the federal lawmakers elected on same day as the presidential and parliamentary election held same day.

But at the weekend, Attah posted a picture of himself adorning Tinubu’s cap with the inscription: “THE TASK OF GOOD GOVERNANCE HAS BEGUN. Hon Thaddeus Atta Achief Honourable member, Federal House of Representatives Representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency.”

While reacting, some Nigerians asked Attah was he was up to.

Posting on his X handle, one Prince Saviour stated, “Opposition Otilo ooh. Our Lagos Labour Party House of Representatives, Representing Eti OSA Federal Constituency Putting on Tinubu cap. Ire ooh. What pains most is the people sacrifices, time, resources, sweat and tears and blood put together to elect this guys voluntary.”

Tweeting via @JustKingss, another X user said, “Nobody elected him bro, nobody even knew him. The thing is everyone was voting LP from top to bottom so he was lucky that Peter Obi grace got him elected. If it was by candidate Banky W was the best candidate and everyone knew about that. The odds for him joining APC for next.”

A. Adedotun @Sen_Adedotun reacted saying “Politics is about personal interest. Don’t be surprised he will decamp to APC before 2027”.

@_JtAtta Bros is this your @officialABAT cap insignia an indirect way of telling us that you are porting to
@OfficialAPCNg?
abbeygovernor @abbeygovernor1 commented saying, “It’s called Poltics; no permanent enemies just common interest sir.”

Although Attah has not stated that he is planning to defect, tongues have been wagging.

When our reporter attempted to reach the lawmaker’s phone number, a lady who picked the call, said Attah is not planning to decamp from the Labour Party.

She said, “He is not planning to decamp. He is a citizen of Nigeria under Tinubu. So, I don’t think the Cap is limited to only APC members. He is not planning to decamp. He is one hundred percent in LP.”

In July, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, a Labour Party Senator defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Onyewuchi’s defection letter was read on the floor of the red chamber by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Acting COAS raised the concerns during a condolence visit from the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.....Read Full Article>>

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, has lamented that the Nigerian Army has been making annual recruitment of approximately 15,000 personnel but there has been no sufficient accommodation support for them.

Oluyede, who voiced the concerns on Monday, also raised the alarm over the decreasing budget allocations for the Nigerian Army despite the growing number of recruits.

The Acting COAS raised the concerns during a condolence visit from the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.

Oluyede expressed worry that, in the event of a reduction in insecurity, the Army might not have enough housing for its personnel.

“I need to reiterate that Nigeria belongs to all of us. Without your support, securing Nigeria will be very difficult.
“So I appeal to you, the eminent leaders of Nigeria, to support us in making our job easier so we can better secure the nation,” he said.

He added, “Over time, the resources allocated to the Nigerian Army have been steadily decreasing.
“This forum is a good opportunity to ask that, when considering next year’s budget, some critical issues be addressed regarding the Nigerian Army.
“For example, in recent years, we’ve been recruiting about 15,000 personnel annually, but not a single provision has been made for their accommodation.
“I often wonder, if we manage to resolve the security challenges, where will these soldiers retire to? It’s something that keeps me up at night.

“Therefore, I ask the National Assembly to consider these pressing concerns, along with other combat enablers, especially in the area of technology, so we can enhance our ability to secure Nigeria.”

GDP Growth: Nigerian Chamber Of Commerce NACCIMA Faults NBS Report For Not Reflecting Harsh Economic Realities. In a statement released on Monday, NACCIMA’s National President, Dele Kelvin Oye, called for caution in interpreting the figures, citing the disconnect between the reported data and the harsh economic realities facing Nigerians.....Read Full Article>>

The Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has expressed reservations about the recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicating a 3.46% GDP growth and a drop in unemployment to 4.6% for Q3 2024.

In a statement released on Monday, NACCIMA’s National President, Dele Kelvin Oye, called for caution in interpreting the figures, citing the disconnect between the reported data and the harsh economic realities facing Nigerians.

“The data does not adequately consider critical factors such as rising taxation by sub-national entities, the implications of the 2024 tax bill, and regulatory barriers stifling local and foreign investments,” Oye stated.

He also noted the adverse effects of volatility in the oil and gas sector and insufficient collaboration between regulators and private investors, which he said undermine genuine economic growth.

Oye questioned the reported decline in unemployment, pointing out the pervasive issues of underemployment and informal unemployment.

“While the statistics suggest improvement, many graduates and skilled workers remain unable to secure meaningful employment. It is disheartening to equate a statistical reduction with actual economic recovery or job creation,” he added.

NACCIMA further criticised the economic strain caused by hyperinflation, frequent fuel price hikes, power shortages, and naira devaluation, which have severely impacted the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians.

He also noted the prohibitive borrowing costs, with commercial interest rates between 35% and 40%, as a major obstacle for businesses trying to contribute to economic growth.

Under the circumstances, NACCIMA described the NBS’s growth narrative as implausible and urged policymakers to address the operational challenges confronting businesses.

Oye stressed the need for a realistic approach to achieving sustainable development, warning that statistical growth must not overshadow the economic difficulties endured by millions of Nigerians.

He called for enhanced collaboration with the Private Sector.

“In light of the above, we urge the government and relevant authorities to engage more vigorously with the organized private sector, acknowledging their insights and addressing their concerns within the policy making process.

“It is essential that statistical reporting reflects the true economic conditions on the ground so that any growth can be measured not just in numbers but also in terms of real improvements to the quality of life and economic opportunities available to our citizens.”

He added, “In conclusion, while the NBS report might convey an optimistic narrative, we implore all stakeholders to consider the complexities and contradictions inherent in our economic landscape. It is only through an authentic understanding of these dynamics that Nigeria can aspire toward sustainable growth and development.

“We must recognise that mere growth that leaves 56% of Nigerians living in poverty, as reported by the World Bank in 2024, cannot be considered a success. Real growth necessitates a government commitment to supporting the private sector with appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks.”

It said, “We continue to offer our suggestions for reducing interest rates and stabilizing the Naira. It is vital that we work collaboratively toward collective success; anytime government missteps, it normally leads to widespread suffering, but with the right policies, we can achieve shared prosperity.

“We advocate for genuine growth—not merely self-congratulatory statistics from the NBS that may mask deeper issues, akin to applying a band-aid to cancer. Without addressing the root causes of economic malaise, we risk further deterioration in the long run,” Oye added.

The spread of Christianity in Africa gained significant momentum during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the arrival of European missionaries. These missionaries came with a dual purpose: to introduce the Christian faith to new regions and to convert local populations to Christianity.....Read Full Article>>

This era marked a transformative period in African religious history, as mission stations and schools became key tools in their efforts.
Missionaries not only focused on spreading the gospel but also played a vital role in community development. By establishing schools and healthcare centers, they improved access to education and medical care, positively impacting the quality of life for many Africans. These institutions often became entry points for introducing Christian teachings, as they catered to the basic needs of the local populations.

However, the mission to spread Christianity was not without challenges. African traditions and spiritual beliefs often clashed with the teachings of Christianity, presenting significant cultural and religious barriers. Missionaries had to adapt their approaches, learning local languages and understanding cultural nuances. This adaptation gave rise to indigenous churches and Christian movements that incorporated African cultural practices into worship and theology, creating a unique blend of Christianity that resonated with local communities.

Today, Christianity stands as one of the dominant religions on the African continent, with millions identifying as Christians. African Christianity has not only flourished but has also significantly contributed to the global Christian community. From innovative liturgies to vibrant gospel music and unique theological perspectives, African Christians have enriched the global church, making their influence felt far beyond the continent.
As Christianity grew, so did the size and influence of its worship spaces. Africa is now home to some of the world’ s largest church auditoriums, reflecting the faith’ s deep- rooted presence on the continent. Below are some of the most notable mega- churches in Africa:
Dunamis International Gospel Centre (Glory Dome)– Nigeria
Located in Abuja, Nigeria, this church is renowned for its massive 100, 000- seat auditorium, making it one of the largest church buildings globally.
Deeper Life Bible Church– Nigeria
Situated in Lagos, Nigeria, this church has a seating capacity of 65, 000, earning it the title of the largest church auditorium in Africa.
Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel)– Nigeria
Another prominent church in Lagos, this 50, 000- seat auditorium is known for its grandeur and vibrant worship services.
Church Doxa Deo– South Africa
Based in Pretoria, South Africa, this mega- church has a capacity of 30, 000 and is a key spiritual hub in the region.
The Word Of Life Bible Church– Nigeria
Located in Warri, Nigeria, this church can accommodate 30, 000 worshippers, reflecting its strong community ties.
The Lord’ s Chosen Charismatic Revival Church– Nigeria
With a 30, 000- seat capacity, this Lagos- based church is another testament to the city’ s status as a hub for Christianity in Africa.
Christ Embassy (Believers’ LoveWorld)– Nigeria
Known for its vibrant services and global reach, this Lagos- based church also has a capacity of 30, 000 worshippers.
United Family International Church– Zimbabwe
Situated in Harare, Zimbabwe, this church can seat 20, 000 people, making it one of the largest in Southern Africa.
Basilica Of Our Lady Of Peace– Ivory Coast
Modelled after St. Peter’ s Basilica in Rome, this architectural marvel in Yamoussoukro has a capacity of 18, 000 worshippers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Apostolic Church– Nigeria
Located in Ketu, Lagos, this church has a seating capacity of 10, 000 but regularly hosts services attended by over 40, 000 people.