2025 | Page 65 of 145 | Trendbrio.com

FG Directs WAEC NECO to Fully Adopt Computer-Based Testing by 2026

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago11 mins

The federal government has directed major examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), to transition fully to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026. Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, issued the directive during a meeting with chief executives of examination bodies in Abuja. He emphasized the need for Nigeria’s assessment systems to align with global best practices and improve efficiency, credibility, and transparency in national examinations. Prof. Mamman noted that while the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has successfully implemented CBT for years, it is time for other examination bodies to follow suit. “This move will modernize our examination system and ensure Nigerian students are competitive globally,” he stated. The Minister urged the bodies to begin preparations immediately, including upgrading technical infrastructure, training personnel, and sensitizing students and parents ahead of the 2026 rollout.

The federal government has raised alarm over the growing trafficking of Nigerian youths into forced cybercrime operations across West Africa. In a statement issued on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that victims — including teenagers — are often deceived with fake promises of lucrative jobs abroad, particularly in cryptocurrency-related businesses. The government revealed that many of those trafficked end up trapped in “419 cyber-scam factories,” where they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send fraudulent emails, texts, and calls targeting individuals worldwide. “Nigerians are advised to exercise caution by thoroughly verifying employment offers, especially those involving international travel, cryptocurrency operations, or promises of easy wealth,” the statement read. The federal government urged citizens to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities for prompt investigation and intervention. It also noted that Nigerian agencies are collaborating with regional partners and international law enforcement to dismantle these criminal networks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians, pledging continued public awareness campaigns to combat emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad.

FG Raises Alarm: Traffickers Forcing Nigerian Youths into ‘419’ Cybercrime Rings

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The federal government has raised alarm over the growing trafficking of Nigerian youths into forced cybercrime operations across West Africa. In a statement issued on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that victims — including teenagers — are often deceived with fake promises of lucrative jobs abroad, particularly in cryptocurrency-related businesses. The government revealed that many of those trafficked end up trapped in “419 cyber-scam factories,” where they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send fraudulent emails, texts, and calls targeting individuals worldwide. “Nigerians are advised to exercise caution by thoroughly verifying employment offers, especially those involving international travel, cryptocurrency operations, or promises of easy wealth,” the statement read. The federal government urged citizens to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities for prompt investigation and intervention. It also noted that Nigerian agencies are collaborating with regional partners and international law enforcement to dismantle these criminal networks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians, pledging continued public awareness campaigns to combat emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad.

Court Sentences Husband of Late Gospel Singer Osinachi to Death by Hanging

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago22 mins

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging, News360 Nigeria reports. The judgement, delivered today, comes after the court found him guilty of culpable homicide, which led to the singer’s death on April 8, 2022. The ruling followed a thorough trial in which the court held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt. Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on behalf of the Federal Government. He faced a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and other related offences. During the proceedings, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children who testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses. In addition, 25 documentary exhibits were tendered before the court. Nwachukwu, on his part, testified in his own defence and called four additional witnesses while tendering four exhibits. Before the sentencing, the defendant’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency. However, prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to uphold the law as prescribed. Justice Nwosu-Iheme thereafter handed Nwachukwu a death sentence by hanging on Count 1. The court also imposed two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months imprisonment on Count 10; and three years on Count 11. Additionally, the defendant was fined N500,000 and N200,000 on Counts 6 and 7 respectively.

Cubana Chief Priest Denied Entry at 17th Headies Awards

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago21 mins

At the prestigious Headies Awards last night, popular nightlife entrepreneur and socialite, Cubana Chiefpriest, was reportedly bounced at the entrance and denied access to the main event. shocked Eyewitnesses claim the celebrity businessman arrived in grand style, expecting a warm reception, only to be turned away by security personnel. Sources close to the organizers revealed that Cubana Chiefpriest was not officially invited to the ceremony, leading to the dramatic scene outside the venue. Videos circulating online show Chiefpriest visibly upset as his entourage tried to intervene, but security stood their ground, insisting on a guest list policy to maintain order during the highly anticipated event.

17th Headies Awards: Zerry DL Tems Flavour Rema, Davido Shine at Lagos Event

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Headies awardsFull list of winners at 17th The 17th edition of the Headies Awards was held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, celebrating the brightest talents in the Nigerian and African music industries. Major winners included Zerry DL, Tems, Flavour, Rema, and Davido. The star-studded ceremony attracted top names from entertainment and politics, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Notable appearances on the red carpet included Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and his wife Priscilla, actress Nancy Isime, BamBam (Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan), Cubana Chief Priest, and Big Brother Naija 2021 winner, White Money. Also present were Collins Enebeli Ajereh (father of Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy) and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso. Here’s the full list of winners at the 17th Headies Awards: Special Recognition Awards were presented to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick, while the Humanitarian Awards went to Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy). The 17th Headies celebrated not only musical excellence but also recognized impactful contributions to society, setting a high note for the future of African entertainment.

Over 11 Million Nigerians Living with Diabetes — Expert

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago13 mins

No fewer than 11 million people are currently living with diabetes in Nigeria, with many more cases remaining undiagnosed, according to a medical expert. Zubairu Iliyasu, a specialist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, revealed this while delivering the keynote address at the 14th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists of Nigeria (ACEN) held Thursday in Kano. The conference, themed “Endocrinology and Public Health”, gathered medical experts from across Nigeria to discuss the growing burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria and across Africa. Iliyasu emphasised the urgent need for widespread public sensitisation on adopting healthier lifestyles to combat the rising threat of diabetes and obesity. Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Musa Borodo, lamented the high cost of healthcare delivery in Nigeria and stressed the need for proactive strategies to reduce the burden of illnesses like diabetes and obesity. According to Borodo, the conference would help fine-tune efforts towards public enlightenment and disease prevention. In his address, ACEN President, Williams Balogun, called on the government and other stakeholders to invest more resources into tackling NCDs. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to developing effective strategies to address the rising health challenges facing the country. “This meeting will unveil a variety of ideas and research aimed at ensuring that the challenges of diabetes and obesity are thoroughly addressed,” Balogun said. In his remarks, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf — represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran — described the conference as timely. He pledged the state government’s readiness to partner with medical associations like ACEN in the fight against diabetes, obesity, and other public health challenges, urging participants to develop actionable resolutions to curb the alarming rise in diabetes cases nationwide.

WARDC, Stakeholders Push for Passage of Safe School Declaration Bill

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago14 mins

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and other key stakeholders have called for the urgent passage of the Safe School Declaration (SSD) Bill into law to ensure the protection of students, teachers, and educational institutions across Nigeria. Speaking at a recent advocacy meeting in Abuja, Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, emphasized that the increasing cases of attacks on schools, particularly in conflict-prone areas, demand immediate legislative action to safeguard the right to education. “The Safe School Declaration is not just a document; it is a commitment to protect our children and their future. Without legal backing, efforts to secure schools remain weak and inconsistent,” Akiyode-Afolabi said. She noted that Nigeria had endorsed the international Safe School Declaration in 2015 but stressed that without an enabling law, implementation has been fragmented. WARDC and its partners are urging the National Assembly to fast-track the legislative process to domesticate the SSD and make its principles legally binding. Several civil society organizations, education experts, security agencies, and representatives from the Ministry of Education joined WARDC in advocating for the bill. They highlighted the disturbing trend of mass abductions of students, school closures due to insecurity, and the resulting setbacks in education, especially for girls in the North. Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi also presented findings from a recent WARDC report, revealing that more than 1,500 students have been kidnapped from schools in the past five years, with many incidents occurring in the North-East and North-West regions. “Our children deserve to learn in a safe environment without fear. We must act now to stop this threat from stealing their dreams,” she urged. Stakeholders also called for greater investment in school security infrastructure, training for school personnel on emergency response, community involvement, and collaboration between security agencies and education authorities. Representatives of the National Assembly present at the event assured participants that steps are being taken to ensure the speedy passage of the bill. They pledged to work closely with civil society groups and other stakeholders to strengthen measures that guarantee safe learning environments. The Safe School Declaration, first launched in Oslo, Norway in 2015, is an inter-governmental political commitment to protect education during armed conflict and to ensure schools and universities are safe spaces for all students.

Liverpool Clinch Premier League Equal Manchester United’s Record with 20 Titles

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions following a dominant 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday. Arne Slot’s side needed just a point to secure the title and equal Manchester United’s record of 20 top-flight crowns. Goals from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah, along with a Destiny Udogie own goal, sealed the emphatic win. “This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this,” captain Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports after the match. “We are going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it all in. I was desperate to win it for the fans, for the supporters around the world, and for ourselves.” Salah’s strike marked his 185th Premier League goal, making him the highest-scoring foreign player in the league’s history. With Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the Gunners can no longer mathematically catch Liverpool, even with four games remaining. Liverpool now hold a 15-point advantage, having lost just twice in 34 matches this season. It caps a spectacular debut campaign for Arne Slot, who arrived from Feyenoord last summer to succeed Jürgen Klopp. Slot reflected on the team’s resilience and determination:“It was clear we couldn’t lose this game. Everyone on the bus said, ‘There’s no way we’re losing.’ They always find a way to win. I’m incredibly proud — not just of the players, but the entire staff and management. They deserve a big round of applause.” Slot also emphasized the scale of the achievement:“Let’s forget it’s only the second title in 35 years — it’s two titles in five years.” Liverpool’s triumph adds another glorious chapter to the club’s storied history, reaffirming their place among English football’s elite.