North Central APC Forum Applauds CPC Bloc for Rejecting Opposition Coalition Against Tinubu

North Central APC Forum Applauds CPC Bloc for Rejecting Opposition Coalition Against Tinubu

The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has commended the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc, led by former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, for rejecting a proposed opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. In a statement released on Friday, Forum Chairman Saleh Zazzaga praised Al-Makura’s leadership, emphasizing that the CPC bloc’s decision reinforces the North Central region’s unwavering support for President Tinubu and the APC. Zazzaga highlighted Al-Makura’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the party’s principles. ​ The Forum also reiterated its stance against forming alliances with the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones, citing past experiences of marginalization during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. They expressed concerns over the current coalition efforts led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, asserting that such alliances do not serve the broader interests of the North Central region. Emphasizing the importance of unity within the APC, the Forum expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the party’s prospects in the upcoming 2027 elections. They urged all party members to remain steadfast and avoid distractions from opposition coalitions.

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Long Premier League Weekend on GOtv: Top Teams Eye Vital Wins in Tightening Race

Premier League action continues over the Easter long weekend, with clubs across the table battling for European places and survival. With five Champions League spots now available to English clubs, the race for the top five heats up.. On Saturday, all eyes will be on the late kick-off between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at 5:30 PM. Newcastle, currently third, are the league’s most in-form side with six straight wins, including a dominant 5–0 midweek victory over Crystal Palace. Their forward line, led by Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, has hit peak form, while their midfield trio continues to dictate play. Villa, just one point behind in seventh, are also on a four-game winning run. With Champions League qualification within reach for both sides, the clash could be season-defining. Earlier at 3:00 PM, Manchester City visit Everton hoping to extend their winning run after a comeback 5–2 win over Palace. Pep Guardiola’s side are closing in on a top-two finish. Simultaneously, Brentford face Brighton, Crystal Palace host Bournemouth, and West Ham play Southampton. Sunday offers another wave of key matchups. Arsenal travel to Ipswich Town at 2:00 PM, aiming to recover from two league draws despite a confidence-boosting win over Real Madrid in Europe. Ipswich, rooted deep in the relegation zone, held Chelsea last weekend and are still fighting for survival. Manchester United host Wolves, looking to halt a poor run, while Chelsea visit Fulham with a top-five spot in sight. At 4:30 PM, Liverpool travel to Leicester City in a tie that could impact the European qualification picture. The weekend concludes on Monday at 8:00 PM with Tottenham Hotspur taking on Nottingham Forest. Spurs remain in the Champions League chase and will look to take full advantage of the fixture. Catch all the Premier League matches live on SuperSport Premier League (Channel 65) with GOtv.

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Morocco 2025: Flamingos Seek high-margin win to assure World Cup ticket

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere said on Friday that Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will aspire to win big in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against their Algerian counterparts on Saturday, in order to reduce the pressure ahead of next week’s return leg duel in North Africa. “We have been working very hard to correct the lapses noticed in our last matches (against South Africa), and we believe we are in good form to achieve a handsome win here and then go all out in the second leg in Algeria,” Olowookere told thenff.com. “I have always told the girls that no two matches are the same, so the fact that we beat South Africa home-and-away does not mean we will rest on our oars in this final round. We have to keep our feet on the ground, and keep working harder, bonding better and aiming higher. Our mission is to pick the FIFA World Cup ticket, and go to Morocco to make Nigeria proud.” Saturday’s encounter comes up at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, where the Flamingos turned back South Africa’s Bantwana 2-0 following a 3-1 hammering of the latter in Pretoria. It is also the same venue where the Super Falcons defeated their Algerian counterparts 2-0 in a friendly match in October last year. Olowookere will unleash forward Harmony Chidi (now on 16 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, including the 13 she scored on the way to the finals in the Dominican Republic last year), midfielder Shakirat Moshood (who scored four goals at the last FIFA World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic and also opened the floodgates against South Africa in Pretoria) and Aishat Animashaun (who was among the scorers against the Bantwana last month) on the Algerians in order to achieve his objective. The return is scheduled for the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algeria) on Friday, 25th April. This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will take place in Morocco, 17th October – 5th November.

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Nigerian Navy Hands Over Kidnap Suspects to Police

Nigerian Navy Hands Over Kidnap Suspects to Police

The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday handed over a three-man kidnapping gang to the Police, following their arrest in connection with the abduction of a naval officer, Lieutenant Cynthia Akor and other victims in Abuja. Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, Commander of the Naval Unit in Abuja, said the officer was kidnapped on Friday, March 21, 2025, around Mpape, Abuja. He was later tracked to a forest hideout in Nasarawa State where she and other victims were rescued. Until the abduction, she was a staff of Armed Forces Radio, which is based at the Mogadishu Cantonment, off the Abuja-Nyanya Expressway. Sources confirmed that Lieutenant Akor was kidnapped in the evening of Friday March 21, 2025 while she was driving in a Toyota saloon car along with another passenger at approximately 7:45 p.m. The abduction was carried out by four armed assailants who opened fire before seizing the victims. The abducted individuals, including Gold Alfred, a resident of Bwari, and an unidentified person, were returning home after visiting a relative in Beggar Quarry, Mpape. According to Oladipo, the successful operation was carried out by a joint Quick Response Squad from the Naval Base, in collaboration with troops from the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel from the Nigeria Police Force. “In line with our mandate to provide security within the FCT and surrounding areas, we maintain strong synergy with other security agencies,” he said. “Despite ongoing efforts, the FCT continues to face threats including kidnappings, ‘one-chance’ abductions, and car thefts.” The base commander explained that after receiving the report of the officer’s abduction, a joint search-and-rescue mission was launched, supported by both human and technical intelligence. The victims were freed in the early hours of Sunday, March 23. Subsequent follow-up operations led to the arrest of two prime suspects and an accomplice, all of whom have confessed to kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities. The suspects, along with relevant exhibits, were formally handed over to the FCT Police Command for further investigation and prosecution. Commodore Oladipo reaffirmed the Naval Unit’s commitment to the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to maintain a motivated naval force capable of ensuring security across Nigeria’s maritime and land-based environments. He also expressed appreciation to the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his leadership in enhancing security within the capital. “The Base will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that Abuja remains safe and secure,” he concluded.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU'S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

I heartily felicitate Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as they commemorate Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope. As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all. The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused. Let me assure you that my administration’s resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay. With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability. We are also grateful to all Nigerians for your patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery. We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians. During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis’s recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity. I earnestly pray that Easter’s spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day. I urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress. The task before us is enormous, but together, with faith and determination, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Our unity and resilience are our greatest strengths. May the risen Christ bless our homes with peace and our nation with continued unity and prosperity. Happy Easter to all my fellow Nigerians Bola Ahmed TinubuPresident and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed ForcesFederal Republic of Nigeria

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LAWMA Warns Against Illegal Recycling, Vows to Prosecute Violators

LAWMA Warns Against Illegal Recycling, Vows to Prosecute Violators

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has warned property owners and residents against allowing illegal recycling and scavenging activities within their premises. The agency stressed that such acts are against the state’s waste management laws and would not be tolerated. In a public notice, LAWMA noted that unregulated recycling and scavenging pose serious health and environmental risks and contribute to insecurity in communities. The agency emphasized that any property found encouraging these unauthorized activities would face strict penalties, including prosecution. Residents were advised to engage only LAWMA-accredited waste collectors and recyclers to ensure proper and safe waste disposal. LAWMA also urged Lagosians to report suspicious activities related to illegal waste sorting and scavenging in their areas. Reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner and safer Lagos, LAWMA said its enforcement teams will intensify monitoring across the state. The agency concluded by appealing to the public to support its efforts in achieving a healthier and more organized waste management system.

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WAEC Introduces Groundbreaking Changes for the 2025 WASSCE: A New Era in Examination Integrity

WAEC Introduces Groundbreaking Changes for the 2025 WASSCE: A New Era in Examination Integrity

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has unveiled a series of transformative changes to the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), signalling a major step forward in the fight against examination malpractice. Among the key reforms is the introduction of computer-based testing (CBT) for objective sections of the exams, marking a significant shift from the traditional pen-and-paper format. According to WAEC, theory and practical papers will still be conducted manually, but the adoption of CBT is aimed at increasing efficiency, accuracy, and speed in the assessment process. The council noted that this hybrid approach will allow students to adapt gradually to a more digital examination structure while maintaining fairness and accessibility across all regions. In addition, WAEC is implementing a revamped registration process that includes enhanced biometric verification to curb impersonation and data falsification. Question randomization technology will also be introduced to reduce the likelihood of cheating, as no two students will receive the same set of questions in the same order. These innovations, WAEC says, are designed to restore public confidence in the examination system and promote a culture of integrity among students and schools. The council emphasized that this marks the beginning of a new era in educational assessment across West Africa, ensuring that results reflect true merit and academic achievement.

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Fasoranti Hails Tinubu: I’m Satisfied Well Done

First Lady Empowers South-West Midwives, Distributes Professional Kits, N50m Grant to Women Traders Elder Statesman and National Leader of the Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his various efforts and actions at improving the country, Trek Africa Newspaper. He was speaking when the First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu paid the 98 year old, a visit at his Akure, Ondo State residence. He noted that the President had indeed surpassed his expectations and prayed for Gods continued guidance of the President. Pa Fasoranti also commended the First Lady for the support she continually gives the President through her Renewed Hope Initiative as she continues to take its dividends round the country. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi who noted that the visit was an informal one to convey the Presidents warm regards to a man she and the President considers a father figure is on the sideline of her 2-day visit to the State to hand over Professional Kits to Midwives in the South West Zone of Nigeria. She expressed her joy at how well the Elder Statesman is. Earlier Senator Oluremi Tinubu met with the over 60 Traditional Rulers in the State led by the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi Ogunlade who stood in for the Chairman of the Council, Olowo of Owo. The traditional Rulers who were full of encomiums for President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady assured that they will take the message of the Renewed Hope Initiative on heightened testing for Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, prevention/ treatment of these diseases and end to stigmatization to all their subjects. The Ondo State Traditional Council also threw their weight behind the President for a second term in office. The First Lady’s train later proceeded to the Dome, in Akure where she formally handed over Professional Kits comprising of 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 crocs to midwives in the South West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. In her remarks of welcome the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa thanked the First Lady for being a true mother especially as she has continually addressed the plight of women, youth and children. The Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa pointed out that the various interventions of the President including the siting of the Airforce School in Akure, upgrade of the Adeyemi College of Education to a University of Education among others has greatly improved the lot of the citizens. In her keynote address, Senator Oluremi Tinubu applauded the frontline health workers adding that they should take training and retraining seriously so as to get better at their jobs. “This event is to complement the ongoing Federal Government retraining exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. I am informed that 59,570 health workers have already completed their training and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of crocs, as an incentive to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our Midwives”. “I commend the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, CON, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, and their entire workforce for their dedicated focus on improving healthcare delivery for our citizens as an important pillar of development, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR”. “Since inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has provided targeted interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health and Social Investment to improve the lives of families across Nigeria. RHI recognises that the demands of the health profession require not only skills and compassion, but also the right tools and kits to encourage our Midwives as they serve others. We thank you for all your good work”. Also at the event, the First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu gave a N50m (Fifty million Naira Grant) to the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa for onward disbursement to 1,000 Women Petty Traders under the RHI Small Business Recapitalisation Program. Of the 1,000 women, 200 who are into selling fabrics also received 2 bales of the commodity to boost their trade. The distribution of Professional Kits to midwives in the South-West makes it the 5th Geopolitical Zone to benefit from the intervention by the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, an initiative of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

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