2025 | Page 27 of 136 | Trendbrio.com

One Dead, Three Rescued in Lagos Building Collapse at Idi Araba

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

LAGOS, NIGERIA — A construction worker has been confirmed dead following the collapse of a one-storey building under construction at 96 Ishaga Road, opposite Idi Araba Central Mosque, in the Mushin area of Lagos State. The tragic incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, prompting a swift emergency response. The Lagos Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the fatality and noted that three other individuals were rescued alive from the debris. “So far, one person has been confirmed dead, while three others have been rescued alive. Search and rescue operations are ongoing,” Farinloye said in a statement. Spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Shakiru Amodu, also confirmed the casualty. “Unfortunately, one adult male has been recovered dead,” he stated. Director of the fire service, Margaret Adeseye, clarified that the building was still under construction when it suddenly collapsed. She reported that three adult males were pulled from the rubble with varying degrees of injury and were receiving treatment. According to Adeseye, emergency responders included personnel from the Isolo Fire Station, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and the Nigeria Police. “The rescued victims were attended to at the scene and later transported to the hospital for further medical attention,” she added. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the cause of the structural failure. 🔗Kamal Yalwa

Which Premier League teams will qualify for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League?

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

How the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League qualifying spots will be decided this season, including what Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win means for the Eagles and other Premier League sides… How eighth can still qualify for Europe and it hinges on Chelsea and Newcastle If Chelsea win the Conference League and then finish seventh and Newcastle finish inside the top six – or Chelsea finish sixth and Newcastle seventh – eighth place in the Premier League will qualify for Europe. Chelsea would enter the Europa League as Conference League winners and Newcastle’s Conference League spot for winning the Carabao Cup would be passed on, with the Magpies going into the Europa League through league position. This would mean the Premier League has 10 teams in Europe. So who could finish eighth?

President Tinubu Meets, Lauds Pope Leo XIV

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extolled the virtues of Pope Leo XIV after the inauguration of the pontiff in Mass at the Vatican on Sunday. The Nigerian President wrote on his Twitter handle now X; “Today, at the Vatican, upon the personal invitation of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I joined world leaders and millions of Catholics in witnessing the beginning of a new papacy. “Pope Leo XIV’s humility, history with Nigeria, and message of peace remind us of the moral leadership the world desperately needs. “As a nation of deep faith and great diversity, Nigeria remains committed to building bridges across belief, race, and continent—for peace, for progress, and for all of humanity. “May the Almighty guide the Holy Father and strengthen all who labour for a more just and compassionate world.” Pope Leo XIV was elected by a college of Cardinals following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

33 States, FCT Repay N1.85trn Domestic Debt as FG Clears $3.26bn IMF Loan

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

The Federal Government has announced that 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have significantly reduced their domestic debt profiles, repaying a combined total of N1.85 trillion between June 2023 and December 2024. This was revealed in the May 16, 2025 edition of The Explainer, a weekly publication of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which detailed the nation’s debt reduction progress. According to the report, the 36 states and the FCT had a domestic debt stock of N1.66 trillion in December 2014, rising to N5 trillion by June 2023. However, aggressive fiscal reforms under the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and naira floatation, helped unlock increased revenue flows to the states. The publication noted that state and local governments shared N6.16 trillion in FAAC allocations in 2023—a 28.6% increase from the N4.79 trillion received in 2022. In 2024, allocations soared further to N9.58 trillion, enabling record debt repayments. Top-performing states in debt reduction include: However, Niger, Enugu, and Rivers States were the only ones that increased their debt burden during the period. Rivers topped this list, adding N138.89 billion in new domestic debt. The Federal Government also made strides in reducing external debt, paying off its entire $3.264 billion obligation to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within 18 months. By Q2 2025, the outstanding balance of $800.23 million—as of December 2024—was cleared, marking the full repayment. Other federal debt repayments include: In total, domestic debt servicing reached N8.81 trillion over the 18-month period. As a result, Nigeria’s total public debt stock dropped from $113.42 billion in June 2023 to $94.22 billion by December 2024. The NOA praised the Tinubu administration’s fiscal discipline and transparency in public finance management, describing the developments as a “landmark turnaround” in Nigeria’s debt sustainability trajectory.

Trump Demands Investigation into Kamala Harris Over Celebrity-Backed Campaign Events

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

Former President Donald Trump has called for a “major investigation” into former Vice President Kamala Harris, alleging that her presidential campaign may have broken the law by paying prominent celebrities to perform at rallies and publicly endorse her Trump criticized Harris for what he described as an overreliance on star power during her campaign events in the run-up to the November election. He specifically named global icons such as Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and U2’s Bono, all of whom were involved in high-profile appearances supporting Harris. “These campaign spectacles weren’t just political rallies — they were paid performances by world-class entertainers,” Trump claimed. “It raises serious legal and ethical questions that must be investigated.” The former president did not provide specific evidence to support his claims, but his demand for an inquiry has sparked fresh controversy as the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. As of now, neither Harris nor representatives from her campaign have publicly responded to the allegations. Legal experts note that federal election law allows for celebrity endorsements, but any financial arrangements must comply with campaign finance rules. Further developments are expected as pressure mounts on election oversight bodies to clarify the legality of such campaign practices.

EFCC Arrests 120 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 120 suspected internet fraudsters in a major crackdown across various locations in Lagos State. The suspects—comprising 95 males and 25 females—were apprehended on Monday, May 19, 2025, following credible intelligence and extensive surveillance operations carried out by the anti-graft agency. According to a statement by the EFCC, the coordinated sting operation led to the recovery of 26 exotic vehicles, high-end jewelry, smartphones, laptops, and several incriminating documents linked to cybercrime activities. All suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation. The EFCC noted that they will be formally arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing probe. The commission reiterated its commitment to eradicating internet fraud and urged the public to continue providing useful information to aid its mission.

China’s Industrial Output and Retail Sales Slow Amid US Trade Tensions But Economy Shows Resilience

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

China’s industrial output and retail sales posted slower growth in April, reflecting mounting pressure from ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Despite the dip, analysts say the Chinese economy is demonstrating surprising resilience. According to data released Monday by China’s National Bureau of Statistics, industrial production grew 6.1% year-on-year in April—down from a 7.7% increase in March. Retail sales also slowed, rising 5.1% compared to 5.9% the previous month, and falling short of expectations. Forecasts had predicted weaker results, with Reuters projecting a 5.5% growth in factory output and Bloomberg forecasting 5.7%. Fixed-asset investment, which includes spending on infrastructure and property, rose 4% year-on-year, while the unemployment rate edged down slightly from 5.2% to 5.1%. The figures come after China’s economy grew 5.4% in the first quarter of the year, exceeding many analysts’ forecasts and fueling optimism about the country’s ability to weather external economic shocks, particularly U.S. tariffs. In a statement, the National Bureau of Statistics said the economy continued to show “new and positive development momentum,” thanks to Beijing’s targeted economic policies. However, it cautioned that “many unstable and uncertain factors” remain in the global environment, and emphasized the need for further efforts to consolidate the recovery. The data follows last week’s trade breakthrough between Washington and Beijing, where both sides agreed to sharply reduce tariffs for 90 days. Under the deal, the U.S. cut tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China lowered its duties from 125% to 10%. Despite this temporary relief, concerns linger over the long-term impact of tariffs on global supply chains. “The risk is that tariffs remain in place for a long time, and eventually, we see production offshored,” said Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING. “But amid tariff unpredictability—not just for China but across the world—few companies will be rushing to commit resources to set up offshore manufacturing facilities.” “This could mean that a decent portion of China’s manufacturing and exports will be less impacted than originally feared,” Song added. The figures underscore the balancing act facing Chinese policymakers as they seek to stimulate domestic demand while navigating an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.

Governor Zulum Presents ₦30 Million Cheque to Family of Fallen Military Hero

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has presented a cheque of ₦30 million to the family of the late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari, in a moving gesture that underscores the values of sacrifice, duty, and national gratitude. The presentation, which took place in Maiduguri, serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and selflessness of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, particularly those who have paid the ultimate price in the fight against terrorism. Governor Zulum praised the late officer’s bravery and dedication, emphasizing that the gesture was not just about financial support, but a demonstration of the state’s deep appreciation for those who defend the nation’s peace and security. “This is not just a cheque. It is a symbol of our collective gratitude and a message that the sacrifices made by our gallant soldiers will never be forgotten,” the governor said. The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the families of military personnel who have lost their lives in active service, noting that true leadership must include compassion and acknowledgment of those who safeguard the nation. Such acts of recognition, Governor Zulum said, not only provide comfort to grieving families but also inspire continued patriotism and hope among serving officers and citizens alike. “The families of our fallen heroes deserve more than just words—they deserve action that honors their sacrifice and gives them a sense of dignity,” he added. Lieutenant Colonel Alari was celebrated for his outstanding service and leadership in counterterrorism operations in the North-East before his untimely death in the line of duty.