2025 | Page 6 of 66 | Trendbrio.com

Kwara Raises Alarm Over Fake Agriculture Offers

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago03 mins

As the planting season approaches, the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has observed a rise in the circulation of unsolicited messages on Kwara cial media platforms—particularly WhatsApp—asking farmers and agribusiness owners to submit personal information or register for certain initiatives allegedly linked to government programs, loans, or agricultural input support. The Ministry, in a press statement signed by the Press Secretary, Ashaolu Omotola, categorically stated that it is not in partnership with any unverified platform or group currently soliciting such information. The statement reads; “This is a sensitive period in the agricultural calendar, and we understand that many farmers are on the lookout for genuine support and training opportunities. Unfortunately, this is also the time when dubious individuals or groups may attempt to exploit public trust. “We therefore urge all farmers, agribusiness owners, and cooperative groups across the state to exercise caution and verify all information before engaging. Do not release personal or business data to any platform or individual not officially announced by the Ministry. “The Ministry remains committed to transparency, and to providing timely and credible support to the farming community in Kwara State. In line with this, the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, has emphasized that this alert reflects the Kwara State Government’s commitment—under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq—to proactively safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure transparency across all agricultural support systems. “It also underscores the administration’s forward-thinking approach to strengthening public trust and protecting genuine initiatives from abuse. “We encourage everyone to stay vigilant and avoid falling prey to misinformation. “If you come across any suspicious messages or individuals making unverified claims in the name of the Ministry, please report them through our official communication channels.”

Portable Shows Off New Look, Shaves Off Hair

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago02 mins

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has showed off his new look after regaining freedom from the Kwara State Command of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). Portable, in a video that has gone viral, shaved off his hair and was thanking his maker and his fans alike for standing by. Recall, a lawsuit was filed by Saheed Osupa’s management team over alleged intellectual property rights infringement and defamatory actions. Osupa’s team took legal action against alleged intellectual property rights violations and damaging public behaviour. The legal case stems from claims of intellectual property infringement and defamation. Saheed’s management team initiated legal proceedings over alleged rights abuses and public misconduct. In a trending video that informed the public of the street singer’s release, he was seen looking absolutely different. Fans soon noticed that his hair had been shaved off. Another post sighted his public apology to Saheed Osupa for his conduct so far. He remorsefully wrote: “Alhamdulilahi for everything Big Thanks to all my lovers. “ZAZUU am sorry for everything. If i do you bad ninu Ogun ni ogo wa. “To those people outside there wey dey pray for me beg for me una too no go fall 00o. “Only God I never see ogo ni mi, God sent God love me. I love you all. “ZAZUU Ono ope mi Opor, OPOR FAR, Sope Por.”

Ex-Eagles’ Defender, Taye Taiwo, Celebrates 40th Birthday

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago01 mins

Former Super Eagles’ and AC Milan defender, Taye Taiwo on Wednesday celebrated his 40th birthday. The defender born 16 April 1985 took to his Instagram field to announce his new age. “Happy birthday to me. “Nigeria always. Alhamdulilah. “Joyeux anniversaire a moi (Meaning; Happy birthday to me.) Taye Taiwo featured for Nigeria between 2004 and 2012. He played 53 games for the national team and scored 5 goals. He won many laurels with the national teams which includes; a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, African Youth Championship Trophy and also a silver medal at the Netherlands 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Tyson Fury’ll Never Fight Again -Top Promoter Says

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago03 mins

Boxing promoter Bob Arum has insisted that Tyson Fury “will never fight again” after the Brit retired from fighting earlier this year. The Gypsy King retired from professional boxing for the fourth time back in January, throwing into doubt the opportunity to see him take on Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated Battle of Britain bout. But Fury has come out of retirement three times so a fourth U-turn would hardly be surprising for the former heavyweight fighter. Arum, chief executive of Las Vegas boxing promoter Top Rank, said: “If I was a betting man I would say he will never fight again. Marvin Hagler [former US boxer] had an expression – ‘a rich guy who goes to bed wearing silk pyjamas doesn’t get up in the morning to do road work’. “Tyson, really, I don’t think wants to get up in the morning and do road work and go through the experience of having to train when economically he doesn’t have to do it any more.” Fury’s professional boxing record has seen him win 34 of 37 fights, drawing one and losing two. The draw came in 2018 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles against Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title. Both losses, his last two fights, came against Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian is seen as the one to beat at the moment having become the third man after Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue to become an undisputed champion in two weights within the four-belt era. It comes as Daniel Dubois and Usyk are holding talks over a fight at Wembley Stadium in July. Dunois was due to fight Joseph Parker in February in defence of his IBF belt but illness forced his withdrawal. Usyk has hinted at a retirement soon, but has not committed to such a decision. And it is uncertain whether British fans will ever get their Fury-Joshua clash.

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Interpol Joins EFCC in Crackdown on N1.3tn CBEX Fraud

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago04 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a full-scale investigation into a suspected N1.3 trillion crypto fraud linked to the now-defunct digital investment platform, CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX). The EFCC confirmed it is partnering with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to track both local and international culprits behind the scam. CBEX, reportedly operated by foreign nationals in partnership with Nigerians, abruptly collapsed on Monday, leaving thousands of investors locked out of their accounts. Many woke up to find their balances wiped out, with the platform demanding additional deposits before access could be restored. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the commission had already initiated a probe before the collapse, following intelligence reports. “We had our intelligence before the incident. We were already working on it, but now that the scheme has collapsed, the major actors and their collaborators will be brought in,” he said on Tuesday. He assured Nigerians that the EFCC is committed to exposing and dismantling Ponzi schemes like CBEX, highlighting that several similar operations are also under active investigation. “Additionally, there are similar frauds across the country that people are unaware of, and we are working to uncover them. We are on the local collaborators while we are partnering INTERPOL to trace the foreign operators,” Oyewale added. Although the exact scale of losses is yet to be officially verified, unconfirmed reports estimate the stolen funds at over $847 million (about N1.3 trillion), with both Nigerian and foreign investors affected. CBEX, which promised 100% returns within 30 days through online trading, began restricting withdrawals on April 9, 2025. In a move widely seen as a red flag, the platform began demanding deposits of $100 to $200 from users to “verify” accounts before allowing withdrawals — a tactic that lured even more unsuspecting victims before the final crash. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently warned against unregistered trading platforms, emphasizing that the new Investment and Securities Act, 2025 makes it illegal to operate such platforms without proper licensing. SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama urged prospective operators to seek registration to avoid sanctions. Meanwhile, CBEX’s collapse has sparked public outrage. In Ibadan, Oyo State, angry investors stormed the platform’s office in Oke Ado, vandalising the premises and carting away furniture in protest. Security forces, including the Nigeria Police and Operation Amotekun, were deployed to restore order. CBEX had been aggressively promoted on social media and among peer networks, luring thousands with the promise of high returns. Reports indicate the platform changed its domain multiple times between January 2024 and February 2025 — a tactic investigators now see as part of a deliberate effort to evade regulatory scrutiny.

Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property

Killing of 25 Persons in Enugu by Herdsmen Is Fake News – Advocacy Group

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago03 mins

The Concerned Professionals for Good Governance, a leadership advocacy group, has refuted reports alleging that 25 persons were killed by herdsmen in Enugu State. In a statement titled “Debunking the Politricks of Insecurity: Enugu State on Our Minds,” the group described the report as false, malicious, and aimed at discrediting the state government’s efforts on security. The coordinator of the group, Mr. Okechukwu Nwafor, stated that after investigating the viral claim, they found no evidence of such an attack in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. He said the report, which claimed dozens were killed and injured, was “a devious fabrication” intended to create panic and undermine the growing reputation of Enugu as a peaceful and secure state. According to the group, Enugu State maintains a digitized security control center and works in close collaboration with the police, military, and other security agencies to ensure the safety of its citizens. It also noted that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration has significantly invested in security infrastructure and public-private partnerships to enhance safety across communities. The group added that attempts to politicize insecurity through the spread of fake news were tactics used by political actors seeking to tarnish the state’s progress in sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. They urged the media and public to verify sensitive reports before accepting or sharing them, especially those related to security and public safety. Reaffirming confidence in the government, the group declared Enugu State safe and on track to becoming a leading destination for tourism, investment, and national events. It called on citizens and media professionals alike to resist the “politricks of insecurity” and to promote unity and truth for the continued progress of the state. Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property

FG Declares Friday and Monday as Public Holidays for Easter

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago02 mins

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025, as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday. This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of the government, the minister extended warm congratulations to Christians across the country as they celebrate the Easter season. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the selfless sacrifice and love demonstrated by Jesus Christ, who gave His life for the redemption of mankind. Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians to use the Easter break as an opportunity to pray for peace, unity, and the continued stability of the nation. He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at driving national growth and development. The minister also urged citizens to show love and goodwill to one another through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion, especially during the holiday period. He stressed that the spirit of Easter should inspire greater harmony among Nigerians. He concluded by wishing all Christians a joyful and peaceful Easter celebration, while extending holiday greetings to all Nigerians.

El-Rufai Slams Tinubu Government as Nigeria’s Most Failed Administration

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago04 mins

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, labeling it the most corrupt and dishonest in Nigeria’s political history. In a fresh round of criticism, El-Rufai accused the federal government of thriving on false propaganda, particularly in its handling of the country’s worsening security crisis. He described the administration as “the most lying government” and questioned its credibility on key national issues. Addressing reporters, El-Rufai challenged the narrative that things were improving under the Tinubu-led government. “Can you afford three square meals? Can your salary buy what it used to two years ago?” he asked, highlighting the deteriorating economic situation. He insisted that the government had failed to offer practical solutions to the root causes of insecurity and had instead resorted to misinformation. “They announce that security has improved while notorious bandits like Dogo Gide, Mallam Abba, and Bello Turji are still at large,” he stated. He criticized the government for inflating claims of success in the fight against terrorism and banditry, arguing that most high-profile criminals remained active. “How many local governments in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto are under bandit control?” he queried. El-Rufai warned that ignoring these realities amounted to a dangerous delusion. “You are free to engage in your grand delusion, but when you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth,” he said. On his past support for Tinubu, El-Rufai distanced himself from the federal administration, stating that while he had campaigned for the president as the APC candidate, he was never part of his government. “From 2015 to 2023, I was focused on my duties as governor of Kaduna State. I can only account for what I did there. I was not involved in the running of the federal government,” he clarified. El-Rufai also revealed his efforts to rebuild the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he described as a party with a credible history but in need of revitalization. “We have to build it from the ground up, just like we did with the APC,” he said. He affirmed his commitment to challenging what he called tyranny, incompetence, and grand corruption. Responding to comments from the APC national chairman that Tinubu cannot be unseated in 2027, El-Rufai replied, “Silence is the best answer.” He concluded by expressing hope that Nigerians would rise to reject bad governance and hold leaders accountable, emphasizing his visit to Katsina was both to offer condolences and to consult with SDP leaders on the party’s future.