Tinubu condoles Jigawa Governor over mother’s demise

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar Namadi, over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi. Hajiya Maryam, who was the family’s matriarch, died on Wednesday, December 25. She has been buried according to Islamic rites in the governor’s hometown of Kafin Hausa. President Tinubu extolled the deceased’s community service and strongly encouraged her family to immortalise her by continuing her philanthropic undertakings, thereby ensuring her legacy lives on. In a comforting message, the president urged Governor Namadi and other family members who survived the deceased to take solace in the enduring good name left behind by her.

Read More

UniAbuja: SERAP threatens to sue FG over attack on media

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to sue should the Federal Government fails to investigate assault on Channels TV crew at University of Abuja. The nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy organization committed to promoting human rights, transparency, and accountability in governance claimed security operatives brutally assaulted Channels TV crew covering a protest at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) and vandalised the crew car, after detaining them for over an hour on Tuesday. The organisation however urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to immediately instruct the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate the alleged assault on the media crew. In a statement on the organisation’s official X handle on Wednesday, SERAP demanded that those suspected to be responsible must be identified and prosecuted. “The authorities must ensure justice and effective remedies for the journalists and crew affected, including financial compensation and repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle and equipment. “We’ll see in court if the recommended measures are not promptly taken. “Those responsible for physically attacking journalists and the UniAbuja authorities need to be held to account. The administration needs to make clear that attacks against journalists and media workers will not be tolerated. “No journalists should face physical violence for doing their jobs. “Nigerian authorities should guarantee that all journalists in the country are able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals. The de facto impunity for crimes against journalists and media workers must end. “The Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] in section 39 guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, information and the media. Similarly, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party protect freedom of expression, information and the media. “The constitutional provisions and international standards serve as a critical check on authorities at all levels,” SERAP stated. Professors at UniAbuja were protesting the selection process for the university’s vice-chancellor, and the Channels TV crew was present to cover the demonstration.

Read More

Seyi Tinubu’s family shows off on Christmas Day

The President’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu and family is having the best of fun of the Yuletide season, as they posed for a family picture on Christmas Day. Mr. Tinubu along with his wife Layal Holm and their two children were dressed in Christmas outfit to celebrate the season. It can be recalled that Seyi and Layal got married on August 10, 2016, in a grand ceremony at Lake Como, Italy. The wedding was a star-studded event, attended by numerous high-profile guests. Their love story continues to capture the hearts of many Nigerians, showcasing a strong and enduring bond.

Read More

Sanwo-Olu greets Lagosians at Christmas, assures of better 2025

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with residents of the State, particularly the Christians as they join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Speaking at the Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday during the presentation of a book, titled “Beyond Rhetorics: Sanwo-Olu Unprecedented ” which was written in his honour by the Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration will do more for Lagos residents next year. “We wish you all the very best of the season. We say to you that, next year, we will work better, smarter, bigger for the citizens of Lagos,” he said. Governor Sanwo-Olu, while appreciating LAGOCO for the book, described journalists, particularly those covering the Lagos State Governor’s Office as the “real engine of growth.” He said: “We want to assure you that we will not disappoint you. We will ensure that the book is available in every nook and cranny of the State and even beyond the State. “Through its pages, readers will find insights into the governance and leadership principles that guide our administration, as well as the collaborative spirit that drives our vision for a better Lagos. “I extend my gratitude to LAGOCO for this initiative and to everyone who has contributed to the creation of this book. Together, we will continue to work towards a Lagos that is not only a hub of innovation and opportunity but also a beacon of hope for future generations.” Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Mr. George Okojie, said Governor Sanwo-Olu has endeared himself to the residents through the projects executed in various sectors as captured in the book. He commended the Governor for sustaining the giant strides being recorded in the development of Lagos State. The book presentation was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and other cabinet members.

Read More

Senator Dino Melaye visits mom’s tomb at Christmas

A former Senator of the Federal Republic, Dino Melaye has again visited the graveside of his mom, Deaconess Comfort Melaye, on Christmas Day. Melaye on his X handle former Twitter was spotted observing solemn moment, he bowed down his head and walked away. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 Kogi State elections and a member of the 8th Nigeria National Assembly, representing Kogi West Senatorial district, against the video he posted on social wrote; “Mummy I miss you, till we meet to part no more.” The Senator’s mum, Deaconess Comfort Melaye JP died in 2019.

Read More

Dozens perish in plane crash

Dozens of people have died after a passenger plane crashed with about 70 people on board in Kazakhstan, local officials said. Authorities in Azerbaijan, where the flight originated, said there were at least 30 survivors. Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 caught fire as it attempted to make an emergency landing near the Kazakh city of Aktau. The plane was en route to Grozny in Russia but it was diverted due to fog, the airline told the BBC. Footage shows the aircraft heading towards the ground at high speed with its landing gear down, before bursting into flames as it lands. The airline said the plane “made an emergency landing” about 3km (1.9 miles) from Aktau. It took off from the Azerbaijani capital Baku at 03:55 GMT on Wednesday, and crashed around 06:28, data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed. Reports from Russian media say the aircraft collided with a flock of birds before crashing, but this has not yet been confirmed. Officials from the countries involved have stated different numbers for those who were on board and for those who survived. The airline said 62 passengers and 5 crew members were on board the Embraer 190 but other reports put the total at 72. The reported number of survivors ranges from 28 to 32. Those on board were mostly Azerbaijani nationals, but there were also some passengers from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Unverified video footage showed survivors crawling out of the wreckage, some with visible injuries. Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched investigations into the accident. Embraer told the BBC it was “ready to assist all relevant authorities”. The BBC has contacted Azerbaijan Airlines for comment. Embraer, a Brazilian manufacturer, is a smaller rival to Boeing and Airbus, and has a strong safety record.

Read More

SWAN felicitates with Christians on Christmas Day

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Christians, particularly the sporting media on the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, known as Christmas. SWAN in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Wednesday December 25, 2024, noted the day affords Christians opportunity not just to merry but to reflect on the personality of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The SWAN President then urged Nigerians to cheer-up at this time and always, bearing in mind that the challenges facing mankind are only momentary. He said, “A day like this should remind us of the essence of the celebration of Christmas. It’s a day to reflect and take stock with a view to find solace going forward. “Despite economic and other challenges facing mankind, the living joy posits that there is always hope for better times ahead.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria also enjoined Christians to share and rejoice with all as Jesus Christ exemplified while he lived on earth and through his teachings. “Christmas is also a time of sharing with one another no matter how small. We should endeavour to reach out to our neighbours, friends, loved ones, colleagues and all strata of persons around us, irrespective of tribe and religion as is in Jesus Christ nature and teachings. “Let us use this period as an opportunity to sacrifice, tough times notwithstanding, just as we promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society,” he said. President Benjamin also prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection for all SWAN members nationwide and globally at this period and ahead of coming 2025.

Read More

NWFL boss delivers message of hope for Women’s football

Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Nkechi Obi, has delivered an inspiring Christmas message, celebrating the board’s achievements in 2024 while expressing hope and determination for the future of women’s football in Nigeria. Reflecting on the milestones of the past year, Obi extended heartfelt gratitude to players, coaches, fans, and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to the league’s growth and success. The sports administrator described 2024 as a year of breaking barriers, strengthening structures, and laying the groundwork for even greater accomplishments. “As we celebrate Christmas and reflect on another remarkable year, I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who has been part of the NWFL’s journey,” Obi said. “To our players, your passion, talent, and resilience are the heart of this league, inspiring us to aim higher. To the coaches, officials, sponsors, and supporters, your commitment to advancing women’s football in Nigeria has been invaluable.” Obi emphasized the values of love, unity, and hope that Christmas embodies, drawing parallels to the collaborative spirit driving the league forward. She encouraged stakeholders to celebrate the progress made and remain optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. “The 2024/2025 season promises to be one of growth, excitement, and greater inclusivity,” she added. “Together, we will continue to push boundaries and ensure women’s football reaches its full potential in Nigeria. I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the season bring peace, love, and renewed inspiration for us all.” Her message not only celebrates the successes of the past year but also sets a tone of optimism and collaboration for 2025, reaffirming the NWFL board’s commitment to excellence and progress.

Read More