Author: Editor
…Says playing for Nigeria, the greatest privilege of his life Our Reporter, Abuja Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long service to Nigeria marked by leadership, passion and historic achievements. Troost-Ekong made the announcement in an emotional video message posted on Thursday, saying representing Nigeria “has been the greatest privilege” of his life. “Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international football,” he said. The defender recalled how his journey with the national team began in 2015 after receiving a career-defining call from the late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi.…
By Azu Ishiekwene None of the three Guineas is thriving, but in Guinea-Bissau, the country that sits on Africa’s map like a tongue of fire, recent events are twisting that nation’s fate into profound misery. Guinea Conakry is in the grip of a military dictatorship with a messianic complex, while Equatorial Guinea is led by an authoritarian civilian government that has lost its way. Now, Guinea-Bissau, the country that gave the world Amilcar Cabral, one of Africa’s most foresighted revolutionaries, has added manufactured military coups to its long list of notoriety, which includes being one of the continent’s most deadly…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Director-General of the Project Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, Dr. (Engr.) Peter Ogbobe, has urged members of staff to continually promote peace and unity in the workplace to ensure sustained progress. Ogbobe made the call during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2025 PRODA Games Festival held at the institute’s sports arena. He described the festival—and sports in general—as a strong unifying force, particularly within the work environment. According to him, the festival, now in its third edition under his administration, has fulfilled its purpose by fostering unity and creating an atmosphere of conviviality among…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The abductors of seven members of Ezimo community in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State have demanded a ransom of N20 million for their release. A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers — suspected to be bandits — contacted the relatives on Tuesday to make the demand. “They have called us to demand N20 million,” the source said. As at the time of filing this report, neither the Enugu State Government nor the State Police Command has issued an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon.…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Enugu State Sector Command, has confirmed that two persons died in a multiple road crash involving 11 vehicles along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway on Wednesday. Sector Commander, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu shortly after operatives of the Corps concluded rescue operations at the scene. Agbakoba said no fewer than nine males sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash, which involved 30 persons — 26 males and four females. He explained that the accident occurred at about 11:45 a.m. on the Port Harcourt–bound lane of the expressway,…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnap and armed robbery syndicate allegedly linked to a proscribed secessionist group. The suspect, 43-year-old Kalu Okafor, was apprehended at Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area in the early hours of Wednesday. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, said Okafor’s arrest is part of ongoing investigations into a case of conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and car snatching connected to the group’s activities. Ikenga disclosed that operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, two AK-47 magazines, 88 rounds of ammunition, two…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The United States of America has announced visa restrictions on individuals and entities implicated in genocidal attacks against Christians in Nigeria. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, made the announcement yesterday (Wednesday) in a post on X. Rubio said the visa ban targets those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out violations of religious freedom.” His statement comes a day after US lawmakers convened a roundtable in Washington with religious freedom and foreign relations experts to examine Nigeria’s escalating violence and what they described as the “targeted persecution” of Christians. The Secretary of State noted…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence. His confirmation followed a five-hour screening session and came barely 24 hours after his nomination by President Bola Tinubu. Gen. Musa assumes leadership of the Ministry of Defence at a time insecurity—particularly mass abductions in schools—continues to escalate across the country. His appearance before lawmakers was largely dominated by concerns over the recent kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, following reports that troops stationed in the area withdrew shortly before the…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered about 250 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State with business grants as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 to support and strengthen their existing small businesses. The initiative, implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, aims to provide financial assistance to PWDs nationwide to help recapitalise their enterprises. The annual programme was launched simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including for members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, with a…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka The Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC) has announced plans to establish a Disability Counselling Centre as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the state. Chairman of the commission, Barr. Chuks Ezewuzie, disclosed this during a press briefing to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), themed “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.” Ezewuzie said the centre—being developed in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme—will provide educational, psychological, and social support for children with disabilities and their parents. According to…