2025 Budget: FG allocates N2.5 billion for passenger boarding bridges at Lagos airport
The Federal Government has allocated N2.5 billion in the proposed N49.74 trillion 2025 budget for the procurement and installation of passenger boarding bridges at the Lagos airport.
This funding is part of the N105.95 billion allocated to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, of which N93.03 billion was earmarked for capital expenditures.
The project aims to enhance passenger convenience and operational efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
The provision for the boarding bridges is part of a broader set of aviation infrastructure projects detailed in the 2025 budget. According to the budget document, the allocation is categorized as an ongoing project, highlighting government’s efforts at modernizing airport facilities and improving the overall travel experience.
Passenger boarding bridges are critical airport infrastructure, allowing passengers to board and disembark aircraft directly from the terminal, eliminating the need for shuttle buses or walking across the tarmac.
Their installation at the Lagos airport is expected to streamline operations, particularly for international flights, and enhance safety standards.
The installation of the passenger boarding bridges at the Lagos airport in the 2025 budget is part of a larger strategy to upgrade critical airport facilities nationwide.
Additionally, the budget allocates N500 million for upgrading instrument landing systems from CAT I to CAT II/CAT III and installing these systems in major airports, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Kano. It also provides N1.5 billion for the provision and enhancement of Wi-Fi services in five international airports and select domestic airports.
Other key allocations include N3.68 billion for establishing Nigeria College of Aviation Technology annexes in five geopolitical zones (Akure, Osubi, Ebonyi, Ilorin, and Yola), N1 billion each for baggage handling systems at Lagos airport and water cooling chillers at Lagos and Abuja airports, and N200 million for completing the General Aviation Terminal Protocol at MMIA Lagos.
Further allocations include N100 million for constructing car parks at the Hajj and cargo terminals at MMIA Lagos, N200 million for replacing elevators and escalators at Wings D and E of Lagos airport, and N50 million for rehabilitating the perimeter fence and road at Lagos airport.
The budget also sets aside N500 million for procuring, installing, and maintaining weighing bridges at cargo terminals in MMIA, Abuja, and other airports, along with N50 million for rehabilitating the Hajj terminal at Lagos airport.
A high court in Port Harcourt has ruled that Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers state governor, can conduct official business with three lawmakers at the state house of assembly who have not vacated their seats.
In a judgement delivered on December 20, 2024, Sika Aprioku, the presiding judge, dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Registered Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners.
The suit sought to compel Governor Fubara to re-submit the 2024 budget to the faction of the state assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.
The claimants had questioned the failure of the defendants to re-present the 2024 budget to the state house of assembly, arguing that it was necessary for the proper functioning of the state government.
During the hearing of the matter on November 12, 2024, counsel to the defendants, Lawrence Oko-Jaja, tendered documents to the court citing a precedent where the Rivers state house of assembly, with only six members, transacted business with Nyesom Wike, former governor of the state, between December 2015 and February 2017.
Oko-Jaja told the court that between 2015 and 2017, the six members of the Rivers state house of assembly confirmed appointments and also passed the 2017 appropriation bill into law on December 28, 2016, a number far less than the 24 members that ought to form a quorum.
In his ruling, the judge agreed with the submissions of the defence counsel.
“Therefore, the same way his excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, presented Budgets and financial Bills with only six members when the numbers were less than two third 2/3 of the 32 Members, so shall his excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers state be constitutionally guided to interface, and approach the properly constituted house of assembly led by Oko-Jumbo, to carry on the business of the state and until the 27 lawmakers who defected and lost their seats, approaches the court, for a redemption or INEC conducts another election to the seats vacated by the 27 lawmakers upon their defection,” the court held.
“In sum, until the supreme court gives its verdict on the issue of jurisdiction which affects the status of the 27 lawmakers, it is only those who did not vacate their seats, the governor can constitutionally approach to the present budget, appoint chief judges and president, customary court; also screen commissioners, including the attorney general and make board appointments.
“That the claimant’s claim seeking declaratory and injunctive reliefs for the representation of the 2024 budget to the former 27 lawmakers, who defected and automatically vacated their seats, lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed.
“That this suit be and is hereby dismissed, with cost in the sum of N500,000.00, awarded in favour of the defendants and against the claimant.”
Meanwhile, Fubara signed the N1.18 trillion appropriation bill at the government house in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
In December 2023, Fubara presented the 2024 budget to five-member of the Edison Ehie-led Rivers house of assembly.
Since 2023, the Rivers assembly has been factionalised following the feud between Fubara and Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
THE RIVERS BUDGET CRISIS
The pro-Wike lawmakers, who are the majority, are being led by Martin Amaewhule.
In October 2023, Ehie resigned as lawmaker to become chief of staff to the governor, as Oko-Jumbo took over as speaker to a four-member faction of the assembly.
In January, a federal high court in Abuja voided and set aside the presentation and passage of the state’s 2024 budget.
James Omotoso, the presiding judge, ordered Fubara to re-present the budget to the “legally” constituted house of assembly led by Amaewhule.
The Rivers governor refused to re-present the 2024 budget.
In another suit, the Amaewhule faction of the assembly sought an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the commercial banks, and the attorney-general of federation (AGF) from honouring any financial instruction from Fubara.
In October, a federal high court in Abuja restrained the CBN from further disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.
Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, had held that monies from the federation account should not be released to the state pending the passage of a lawful appropriation act by a “validly constituted” house of assembly.
The judge ruled that Fubara was wrong to have presented the state’s 2024 appropriation bill to a five-member assembly “that was not properly constituted”.
In December 2024, the court of appeal in Abuja set aside the judgment restraining the CBN from disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.
Zinox demands apology from Femi Falana SAN over alleged defamation, reputational damage
The management of the foremost African digital conglomerate, Zinox Technologies Limited, has demanded a public apology from Mr. Femi Falana SAN over alleged defamation and reputational injury inflicted on the company and its representatives by Falana and his client, Benjamin Joseph, the CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, an Ibadan-based computer firm.
In a statement on Sunday, Zinox referenced recent news items in the media relating to certain charges filed byFalana, purporting to act on a fiat donated to him by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, whom Zinox said may not have been properly briefed.
“We are sure that if the circumstances of this case were made available to the respected Honorable Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, he would not have granted the purported fiat to Femi Falana,” Zinox said in the statement.
In the news reports, Falana was said to have filed a suit before Honorable Justice A. O. Ebong of the FCT High Court in charge no. FCT/HC/CR/985/24 in November 2024, a suit Zinox said was based on the same claims which various courts had in the past dismissed as falsehood and baseless.
“Our initial reaction was to ignore these publications as the usual campaigns of calumny that have been orchestrated against Zinox since 2014 by one Mr. Benjamin Joseph, the Managing Director of Citadel Oracle Concept Ltd, the client of Mr. Femi Falana SAN. However, we are persuaded to respond by the consideration that once falsehood is sustained over time, it tends to acquire the garb of truth.”
Zinox said the case arose from a contract between Citadel and Technology Distributions Limited over the supply of computers to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), stressing that the matter has no bearing whatsoever with Zinox and its promoter, Mr Leo Stan Ekeh.
“Firstly, we are shocked that Femi Falana would include Zinox in his purported fiat/charges, a company that has nothing to do with the transaction or allegations. For the records, we want to state as follows:
“Zinox has never been invited by any investigative agency, including the police and the EFCC, on these allegations. There is no report either by the police or the EFCC or any investigative agency where the name of Zinox was mentioned as a suspect. There is no judgment or ruling of any court where Zinox was mentioned as having anything to do, whatsoever, with the transaction or the allegations, the basis of the fiat/charges. Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman of Zinox, has never made any statement to the police in the course of any investigations and has never been mentioned in any court proceedings or judgment as part of any investigations relating to these allegations. Indeed, he has never met with Benjamin Joseph before,” the statement said.
Zinox cited instances in which Mr. Joseph lost the case and its adjunct suit. In a petition/case Mr. Joseph reported since 2013 and for which the Inspector General of Police charged him for false information in charge no.CR/216/16, he was unable to prove his allegations for more than 8years.
In another case filed by the EFCC at his instance against his partner, Princess Kama, in charge no. FCT/HC/CR/244/2018, Honorable Justice Danlami Z. Senchi of the FCT High Court (as he then was), dismissed as false all the allegations made by Benjamin Joseph, and imposed the sum of N20 million as damages against him for false petitioning in relation to these same allegations.
Zinox alleged that the current charges said to have been filed by Falana on the basis of a fiat from the Attorney General is the third in a row as he had earlier filed charge no.CR/469/2022, which was struck out by Honorable Justice C. O. Oba of the FCT High Court, by an order dated 8th November 2022.
In what appears to be forum shopping and abuse of court process, “he filed the same charges before Honorable Justice A. S. Adepoju of the FCT High Court, which charges were, once more, struck out by the Honorable Court on 19th March 2024, with Honorable Justice Adepoju holding that: “This matter was brought in dead, extinct and should be confined into the dustbin of history…I hold that the instant suit is an abuse of the process of court and it is hereby struck out accordingly,” the statement said.
Zinox said it was shocked that a “learned Senior Advocate in the person of Femi Falana, would proceed to file the same charges before Honorable Justice A. O. Ebong of the FCT High Court in charge no. FCT/HC/CR/985/24 in November 2024.”
The statement said: “It is, therefore, very clear that the deliberate intention for instituting this new charge by Femi Falana SAN, to include the name of Zinox and its Chairman and other persons who were never part of the investigations, is to embarrass them, harm their reputation, and thereby damage their businesses. In the circumstance, we hereby demand a public apology from Mr. Femi Falana SAN, if he is unable to produce the evidence demanded above.
“We, therefore, assure all our business partners, stakeholders, and friends, that we are not ruffled by these spurious allegations. While our lawyers are set to defend the present charges purportedly filed by Femi Falana SAN, we shall not fail to explore all legal remedies against persons associated with orchestrating these false allegations and publications against us,” Zinox said.
The ruler of the Kweme kingdom in Badagry, Oba Sejiro James, the Aholu of Kweme, has installed Mohammed Umar as the Seriki Fulani of Badagry.
The ruler of the Kweme kingdom in Badagry, Oba Sejiro James, the Aholu of Kweme, has installed Mohammed Umar as the Seriki Fulani of Badagry.
Fulani socio-cultural organisations in the South-West and neighbouring Benin Republic graced the coronation.
Presenting him with the traditional staff and beads at Sito Gbethrome community along the Semé expressway in Badagry, Mr James said, “Though the stool you are on is too high, you have been endorsed by God today, and He will be guarding you.”
The traditional ruler urged the new Seriki Fulani to always be on top of situations in Badagry communities. According to him, there have been issues between pastoralists and farmers in Badagry. He urged him to have someone in his cabinet who would represent him in some other communities in Badagry so that he would be on top of things.
Saidu Yusuf, the chairman of the APC for Arewa communities in Lagos State, urged Fulani and Yoruba to join hands to achieve their goals of unity and growth.
Mr Yusuf said they should put politics aside and work to develop their communities.
Mohammed Laba, the Seriki Fulani of Abeokuta and chairman of Meyiti Allah in the South-West, said the installation of such leaders played a great role in resolving conflicts.
Aminu Dogara, the chairman of the Arewa Council of Chiefs in Lagos, said his people would continue to remain committed to the welfare and well-being of all residents.
In his address, the new Seriki Fulani assured that he would work to address his people’s pressing issues of poverty, education and healthcare.
Mysterious giant metallic ring falls in Kenya ‘Red and hot’ object suspected to be rocket debris
A large metallic ring suspected to be debris from space crashed in southern Kenya’s Mukuku village on Monday, the country’s space agency said.
Villagers discovered the “red and hot” ring suspected to be rocket parts at about 3pm local time on 30 December, the Kenyan Space Agency said, adding that it “secured the area and retrieved the debris“.
“The agency wishes to clarify that the object, a metallic ring measuring 2.5 metres in diameter and weighing about 500kg, is a fragment of a space object,” the agency said in a statement.
“Preliminary assessments indicate that the fallen object is a separation ring from a launch vehicle.”
Rocket debris is designed to burn up during re-entry into the earth's atmosphere or to fall over unoccupied areas such as the oceans.
Massive object that crash landed in Kenyan village is likely rocket debris (KSA) “There are many pieces of debris in space and one cannot be 100 per cent certain which will fall where,” the agency said. “However, most debris burns up in the atmosphere, and incidents like this are extremely rare.”
“KSA officials rushed to the scene and, working alongside a multi-agency team and local authorities, secured the area and retrieved the debris.
Space junk is a growing problem, and while this may be an isolated case, the threat is real. Some pieces of space junk are as large as cars or even buses, and if they were to fall, they could pose significant risks to property and human life.
Everyone needs to be aware of this and report anything suspicious to the authorities.”
Space debris reentry sightings in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines Space observer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks rocket movements, said the Kenyan agency could be “mistaken” about the source of the debris.
He emphasised that it could not have come from a space shuttle’s rocket booster. “Totally impossible. The SRBs never reached orbit and have not been ‘in the sky’ since 2011,” the researcher from the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said on social media.
“I’m not convinced it’s not from an airplane. Don’t see obvious evidence of reentry heating,” the astrophysicist told Inside Outer Space.
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Instead of you to be getting ready for those that will be deported back to Honduras
USA don't have any choice than to do something about the influx of immigrants into their country . It's over too much
Apply for the job of International negotiator.....its seems you know alot about both International and local politicking, even though in your modest cubicle lack constant electricity and decent water supply..
SadiqBabaSani: Waiting for those Satanist anti Christ to come type their nonsense.
So same god was not involved in the exorbitant schools fee arrangement, ignoring those poor members paying tithes and offering for decades but cannot afford the school fees....hear him brag with the word "Elite" I spit on religious scammers. I am beginning to believe more of the Anunnakis theories and their earthly manipulations!!!!
GistMedia0: Is it true that the Marine Kingdom has allegedly released strange women into the world, as claimed by Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), in one of his New Year prophecies? If so, how can these women be identified?
U.S. court orders FBI to transfer $6 million forfeited by American arms dealer to Nigeria’s lawyer Jovi Usude
The Ara Dolarian case —finally a big win for Nigeria — is among a litany of cases Nigeria is fighting on international soil to protect its assets from getting yanked.
Judge Jennifer L. Thurston of the U.S. District Court Eastern District of California ordered the FBI to transfer approximately $6 million seized from illegal and convicted American arms dealer Ara Dolarian to the Nigerian government through lawyer Jovi Usude.
Mr Usude had swung into action, petitioning the court to preempt forfeiture of millions of dollars trapped in Mr Dolarian’s account but owned by the Nigerian government to the U.S. authorities, following a 2021 report by Peoples Gazette shedding light on the matter.
The Nigerian lawyer successfully argued that the seized funds did not belong to Mr Dolarian but were assets of the West African nation and should therefore be returned.
“The funds sent by ‘S.E.l’ was for the procurement of weapons on behalf of the Nigerian government. Furthermore, the ‘CLAIMANT THE FRN’ was not aware that the funds ‘S.E.I and it (sic) agents were in violation of the laws of the United States Government,” Mr Usude argued in the international court in 2022.
After several years of legal back-and-forths, Ms Thurston ruled in favour of Nigeria, directing that the confiscated funds be transferred to Nigeria.
“The court hereby enters a final order of forfeiture, recognising the superior interest of petitioner Federal Republic of Nigeria in the funds forfeited in the amended preliminary order,” Ms Thurston said in her ruling on December 19, 2024, capping yearslong legal battle.
The matter began in 2015 when the then army chief, Sambo Dasuki, sought to circumvent a U.S. ban on arms sales to Nigeria and increase former President Goodluck Jonathan’s chances of re-election.
Mr Dolarian was contracted to buy an arsenal of sophisticated weapons for the West African nation amid the raging Boko Haram crisis and with looming general elections at the time.
The weapons ranged from high‑explosive bombs, rockets, military-grade firearms, and aircraft-mounted cannons and $8.6 million was transferred.
On getting the money, Mr Dolarian began splurging the funds on luxury assets, including a brand-new BMW vehicle and settled his outstanding taxes.
His lavish spending triggered FBI scrutiny, and when Mr Dolarian was questioned, agents discovered that he was an illegal arms dealer who had no licence to conduct such business, in blatant violation of existing U.S. laws.
Subsequently, the FBI charged him to court after seizing the $6.1 million left from the $8.6 million transferred by the Nigerian government in 2015. Mr Dolarian had squandered over $1 million on his personal expenses rather than the illegal business he was contracted for.
Mr Dolarian had already forfeited his rights to the seized funds after he pleaded guilty to charges of illegal dealing in military-grade weapons and money laundering in June 2019.
The Ara Dolarian case —finally a big win for Nigeria — is among a litany of cases Nigeria is fighting on international soil to protect its assets from getting yanked.
Florida judge looks through a VR headset to put himself in the defendant's shoes (self-defense scenario):
On December 17, 2024, a courtroom in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, used virtual reality to analyze a defendant's retelling of events. South Florida's WPLG Local 10 News reported that 59-year-old Miguel Rodriguez Albisu submitted a VR reenactment to the judges for his defense.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – At a stand-your-ground hearing on Tuesday, Broward County Judge Andrew Siegel experienced a unique approach to understanding a defense expert’s opinion: He used a virtual reality headset. It’s believed to be a historic moment in a Florida courtroom.
An artist designed an immersive experience using the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset to illustrate a defense expert’s opinion in the case of Southwest Ranches wedding venue owner Miguel Albisu.
Abi Otedola’s Airjara Vanishes With N1.7m Lagos Man Paid for Canadian Work Permit 3 Years Ago
Taiwo Ogunjobi (pseudonym), a resident of Lagos State, paid Abi Otedola’s Airjara Travel and Tours N1,728,000 for a Canadian work permit in March 2022 but he has neither received the permit nor a refund to date. Even worse, he has no clue about the travel agency’s whereabouts.
Ogunjobi told FIJ he would never have parted with such an amount if Airjara Travel and Tours had been honest from the start. The company only informed him of their no-refund policy after he had made the required upfront payment.
He explained that when he visited Airjara Travel and Tours’ office in Victoria Island, after being intrigued by their offers in a social media advert, a representative told him it was company policy for prospective customers to pay part of the permit fee before receiving further information.
Before his visit, Ogunjobi learnt that the travel agency charged $5,000 to help Nigerians secure a Canadian work permit. This fee was confirmed during his meeting with them. After leaving their office, he decided to make a partial payment.
“Airjara Travel and Tours sent me their account number after I requested it. They also promised to provide further information once they confirmed my payment. I paid N1,728,000 on March 1, 2022, which was the equivalent of $3,000 at the time,” Ogunjobi told FIJ.
An email thread between the source and Airjara on his initial N1.7 million payment After the payment, Ogunjobi said the agency began demanding N216,000 for value-added tax (VAT). He expressed his displeasure, as this had not been disclosed earlier. However, after some calls, the company agreed to reduce the amount to N150,000, which he paid on the same day.
Ogunjobi said everything seemed fine until March 3, 2022, when the agency sent him a form to fill out.
“On the form, they stated that any payments made were non-refundable, regardless of the success or failure of the work permit application. I was shocked to see such a condition and immediately called them. I told them that if I had known about this earlier, I would have made a more informed decision,” he recalled.
Ogunjobi said he asked for a refund when the company insisted it was their policy but they assured him there was no need to worry because they had a high success rate with applications. He then filled out the form.
“I began to follow up to track the progress of my application. They kept asking me to be patient until the end of 2022. By mid-2023, I wrote to them, threatening legal action if I didn’t receive my permit or a refund. They responded that I was free to go to court and didn’t need to wait for the deadline I had given them,” he said.
“They even boasted that their lawyers would be ready for me. However, towards the end of 2023, I noticed that all their lines were no longer connecting, and they stopped responding to emails. I discovered they had vacated the premises when I went to their office. Both the company and its owner have been unreachable since then.”
FIJ contacted Airjara Travel and Tours via email on Tuesday, as their phone numbers were not connecting, but they had not responded at press time.
2025 will deliver Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, Betta Edu assures Nigerians
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, has assured Nigerians that the New Year will be a time to perfect President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria.
She stated this in a New Year message released on Wednesday to mark the beginning of 2025.
According to Edu, 2025 will be a year of restoration for Nigeria, unlocking endless possibilities where potential meets opportunity and hard work translates into shared prosperity.
She called on Nigerians to view the New Year as a refreshing new dawn that would crystallise their dreams and aspirations while delivering on the promises of “our renewed hopes.”
“2025 stands before us like a chapter in a book waiting to be written. It is incumbent upon us to pen optimism and hope into it, believing that the New Year offers us a refreshing new dawn to turn our dreams and aspirations into reality.
“I have no doubt that 2025 will bring full restoration from the hardships and trials of 2024. It will be a year for the optimisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
Continuing, Edu noted, “2025 holds immense promise for our dear country. It is a year when Nigerians will take charge of their great future as current economic challenges give way to a horizon of hope, leading to the blossoming of prosperity.”
She urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their love for the country and believe in the ability of the current administration to pull Nigeria out of economic difficulties.
“Mr President means well; good intentions need time to yield results. I believe in the Nigerian project. I have always given my all to Nigeria and Nigerians, and nothing will ever change that.
“I fervently urge Nigerians to approach the future with confidence and an overwhelming sense of assurance that we are inching closer to the end of our trying times as a nation,” Edu added.
Ivory Coast president says French forces to withdraw in January
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said in an end-of-year speech that French forces will withdraw from the West African nation in January, making it the latest country to weaken military ties with the former colonial power.
“We can be proud of our army, whose modernization is now effective. It is in this context that we have decided on the concerted and organised withdrawal of French forces” from Ivory Coast, Ouattara said Tuesday.
He added that the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion at Port-Bouet in Abidjan — where French troops are currently stationed — “will be handed over” to Ivory Coast’s armed forces as of January 2025.
France has been preparing for years what it called a “reorganisation” of military relations after the forced departure of its troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, where governments hostile to the ex-colonial ruler have come to power.
Last month, within hours of each other, Senegal and Chad announced the departure of French soldiers from their soil.
On December 26, France returned a first military base to Chad — the last Sahel nation to host French troops.
Ivory Coast remains an important ally of France.
About 1,000 French soldiers were deployed to the 43rd BIMA to assist in particular with the fight against jihadists who regularly strike the Sahel region, as well as the north of some countries along the Gulf of Guinea.
Ouattara also said in his year-end speech that the presidential election slated for October 2025, would be “peaceful” as well as “transparent and democratic”.
In office since 2010, Ouattara has not yet said whether he will seek a fourth term.
No foreign country will establish military base in any part of Nigeria, says CDS Musa Ex-wife of former Ivory Coast president, Simone Gbagbo 'Iron Lady' to run for president in 2025
As part of efforts to retain the whopping amount of money spent monthly to buy beer from other parts of the country and outside the country, Benue Investment and Property Company Limited has unveiled a State-owned premium lager beer called, ‘ZEVA’.
The unveiling of the premium lager beer is a significant milestone in the socio-economic growth and development of Benue State, having had the old Benue Breweries Limited sold to Nigerian Breweries PLC through defunct Consolidated Breweries PLC, and is expected to have a positive economic impact on the lives of the people and their drinking habits.
The inaugurated brewery plant, according to an official statement, has an installed production capacity of 180,000 bottles of beer per day with a huge capacity to boost the production of sorghum and cassava considered the main beer raw materials.
Recall that a section of the Media had earlier quoted Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) to have stated that Benue as a State consumed beer in the region of N850 million and N870 million monthly, and the consumption could rise to N1 billion during the festive periods in December every year.
Given this, the executive Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has officially launched the ZEVA Premium Lager Beer, a product of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC). v
Governor Alia who did the unveiling ceremony in the evening at the Ibrahim Babangida Square, Makurdi, commended the management of BIPC for their efforts in revamping the brewery industry, which had been dormant for 42 years after it was first launched in 1982 by the first civilian governor of Benue State Aper Aku.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the revitalization of moribund industries and the establishment of new ones, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and development.
He encouraged the people of Benue State to embrace the ZEVA brand, underscoring its economic benefits to the people. “Let us take ownership of our beer, ensuring that our money circulates within the state,” he stated.
The Governor further urged farmers across the state to leverage the opportunity provided by the brewery industry by engaging in the cultivation of raw materials needed for production and assured farmers of the government’s unwavering support in enhancing agricultural productivity.
The Managing Director/CEO of BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, elaborated on the strategic rationale behind the company’s foray into beer production. He revealed that Benue State records over ₦1 billion in annual beer consumption, with external brands previously dominating the market. The introduction of ZEVA Premium Lager Beer aims to retain over 70% of this revenue within the state, thereby stimulating local economic activity.
Asemakaha highlighted the broader economic benefits of the initiative, including job creation, increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and economic diversification. He disclosed that BIPC’s various strategic business units have already provided employment to over 400 individuals, with a target of creating 10,000 additional jobs by the end of 2025.
He further assured stakeholders of the company’s dedication to its mandate, stating, “BIPC will continue to establish new businesses every quarter, ensuring that Benue State becomes fully industrialized.”
Prominent stakeholders and industry experts present at the event lauded BIPC’s achievements. Prof. Barnabas Achakpaikyo, Director of the Center for Food Technology and Research at Benue State University and lead consultant for the ZEVA beer recipe, commended the company for its innovation and dedication to economic transformation.
Fubara Presents Staff Of Office To Asari Dokubo, Others As Recognised Monarchs
Asari Dokubo was recognised as His Royal Highness, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri in the Degema LGA of Rivers State.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has presented staff of office and certificates to four newly recognised monarchs in the state.
Among the honourees is Mujahid Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta freedom fighter from the Kalahari extraction of the state.
He was recognised as His Royal Highness, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri in the Degema Local Government Area of the state.
Others are, HRM Winston Odize Alamina Oputibeya XII, as the Amanyanabo of Koniju in the Okrika Local Government Area; HRM Eze Noble Friday Uwoh (CSP rtd) as the Eze Igbu-Ehuda (Ahoada) IV in the Ahoada-East Local Government Area; HRH Prince Ike Ehie as the Eze Igbu Orilukwoe also in the Ahoada- East Local Government Area of the state.
The event, held at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, marked the official recognition of the monarchs as custodians of culture and leaders within their respective communities.
At the ceremony, Fubara emphasised the importance of traditional rulers in fostering unity, peace, and development in the state.
He also charged the traditional ruler to use their positions to partner government to ensure that lives and property were protected in their domains.
Fubara urged the four monarchs not to see their new positions as tools for personal aggrandisement, rather they should see it as a call for service and responsibility to help the government protect lives and property in their respective domains.
He said, “Let me first of all, on behalf of the government, congratulate the four of you. It has not been an easy journey to get to this point. I know a lot of you have been working very hard to ensure the success of this day. Your appointment in terms of this recognition is not for personal aggrandizement, but a call for service, a responsibility to help us protect lives and property in your domains.”
The governor stated that though the government has the power to withdraw the recognition from any traditional ruler found wanting, it is not his intention to exercise such authority.
He also warned them not to use the privileged positions to create problems in their domains but to join forces with the government to ensure the success of the administration in its avowed commitment to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
He said, “I don’t want you to see this elevation as another platform to create problems in your locality. We have the power to still withdraw the recognition, but I don’t intend to do that. So, I want you to be partners with the government to ensure that we continue to succeed,” he pointed out.
He added, “I know that you are all men of integrity. Support the course of governance so that we can all succeed together. It is a privileged position, and I am very sure that you are going to use it in the best interest of your people.”
In his opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr Charles Amadi, said the newly recognized traditional rulers include two Royal Majesties and two Royal Highnesses, and commended Governor Fubara for adding to the number of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in the State.
'He is an introvert – a man of deeds, not words': How Vladimir Putin rose to power in Russia
When Vladimir Putin took over as acting president of Russia at the start of the year 2000, the former spy was an enigma to many. In History looks at how the surprise leader survived a tough childhood to rise to power in the Kremlin.
Russian president Boris Yeltsin made the shock announcement on 31 December 1999 that he was resigning, telling television viewers that Russia needed "new politicians, new faces, new intelligent, strong and energetic people". Amid widespread corruption and huge political and social problems, Yeltsin's presidency had become increasingly unpopular and unpredictable. While he played a key role in bringing down the Soviet Union in 1991, his time in office had been a traumatic period for Russia as it transformed from a communist state-run economy to a free-market one.
At midnight, Yeltsin's heir apparent Vladimir Putin made his first televised address as acting president. "There will be no power vacuum," he promised. There was a warning, too. "Any attempt to exceed the limits of law and the Russian constitution will be decisively crushed," he said. The lean, fit and sober Putin proved popular in a country used to the erratic behaviour of Yeltsin, who was so boozy and unhealthy that it was sometimes a news story when he managed just to make it into the office.
When Putin became prime minister in August 1999, he was an ex-KGB man plucked from relative obscurity. By the end of the year when he took over as acting president, he had won popularity for his tough line on the war in the breakaway republic of Chechnya. When elections were held in March 2000, Putin was confirmed as president after securing almost 53% of the vote in the first round. Polls suggested that most Russians wanted economic stability above all else. Putin's basic message to voters was that he would make Russia strong again.
The new leader of the world's largest country had risen to the top while leaving few traces. It was clear the 47-year-old was a man who liked to look and talk tough – a judo black belt who would make pronouncements such as calling lawbreakers "rats who should be squashed". But what was he really like?
Putin grew up in St Petersburg, known then as Leningrad. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great, it was a city full of western influences but also echoes of Russia's grand imperial past. The BBC spoke in 2001 to Putin's old judo coach, who said that he was a star pupil who had the potential to make the Olympic team. Anatoly Rakhlin explained that Putin was always determined to win, if not by brute force, then by outwitting his opponents: "He could throw with equal skill in both directions, left and right. And his opponents, expecting a throw from the right, wouldn't see the left one coming, so it was pretty tough for his opponents to beat him, because he was constantly kind of tricking them."
In History
Putin was born in 1952, seven years after the end of World War Two, following the siege of Leningrad that killed his elder brother and which his parents barely survived. He was brought up in a crowded communal flat with shared kitchen and bathroom, teeming with rats and cockroaches. He recalled in his autobiography how as a boy he had to fight rats on his staircase. He wrote: "Once I spotted a huge rat and pursued it down the hall until I drove it into a corner. Suddenly it lashed out and threw itself at me. It jumped down the landing and down the stairs."
The tone of his famous cornered rat anecdote becomes more or less aggressive depending on his audience, according to Prof Nina Khrushcheva, the great-granddaughter of former Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Speaking on the 2023 BBC podcast Putin, she said: "He chooses to tell it all the time to show his modest upbringing and how far he has come and what kind of enemies he had to endure in his lifetime; how he began enduring the lowest form of creatures, then moving up to face all sorts of enemies, foreign and domestic."
In the shadows Childhood friend Maria Osorina, a psychologist, told the BBC in 2003 that it was "survival of the fittest" in the tough environment they grew up in. "He was small, thin and rather weak, because he was born of such old parents, and so it was very important to him to be strong so that he wouldn't get beaten up," she said.
She said that the family had strong values of duty, patriotism and loyalty. "His parents loved him very much. He was the centre of their world, the son they'd longed for. But their character was very restrained by nature – they didn't really show their emotions. The father was outwardly very cold, and his mother, too. They wouldn't even consider kissing their son in public – that would never have occurred to them."
Friends and acquaintances remembered the young Putin as clever but self-contained. He was "never the centre of attention", schoolmate Sergei Kudrov told the BBC in 2001. "He preferred to influence events from a distance, a sort of 'grey cardinal', as the saying goes. So different from Boris Yeltsin. Remember how he climbed on a tank and gestured for everyone to follow him? You just couldn't imagine Putin doing that. He is an introvert – a man of deeds, not words."
He had a romantic desire to become a KGB agent and serve his country incognito – perhaps the perfect job for someone who liked to avoid the limelight. By his own admission, his inspiration was the 1968 Soviet spy film, The Shield and the Sword. It was about a Russian double agent in wartime Germany, stealing documents to sabotage Nazi operations while posing as a chauffeur.
Putin never wavered from his boyhood ambition to become an intelligence officer, right through university and KGB training. When he was 16, he entered the local KGB headquarters and asked for a job. They told him to study law and then wait. Six years later he was recruited by the agency. For more than 16 years, Putin would live the double life of an intelligence agent. When the Berlin Wall fell, he was serving in East Germany. He returned to a Russia where all the old certainties were collapsing.
In 1991, Putin became deputy to the new mayor of Leningrad, Anatoly Sobchak. When Sobchak was voted out, the Kremlin headhunted Putin. As the Yeltsin administration staggered towards its end, Putin rose stealthily until, in 1999, he was made prime minister. The man from nowhere was suddenly everywhere all at once.
For Putin's old friend Maria Osorina in 2003, his leadership was a breath of fresh air: "I was born in 1950, and since that time we've never had a leader who is pleasant to look at. I didn't like any of them. Putin is the first person to rule Russia since the Revolution whom I really like. He's the first normal person, the first one we're not ashamed of."
Putin has been in power for a quarter of a century, longer than any Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Now that he is aged 72 and in his fifth term as president, wrote the BBC's Paul Kirby earlier this year, "all semblance of opposition to his rule is gone and there is little to stop him staying on, if he wants, until 2036".
SPOTTED: Ministry of works budgets N4bn to construct presidential helipad, jetty in Lagos
The ministry of works will spend N4 billion to construct a presidential helipad and jetty in Lagos state.
In the 2025 appropriation bill, the federal ministry of works outlined the construction expenditure under its projected budget.
On December 18, President Bola Tinubu presented the sum of N49.7 trillion as the proposed budget for 2025 to the national assembly.
Titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Rebuilding Prosperity,” Tinubu said the proposed budget reinforces his administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for Nigeria.
An analysis of the proposed budget in the “line item” showed that the ministry is expected to spend a total of N1.057,101,549,307 for construction and rehabilitation projects.
Out of the budget earmarked for the projects, N240 million is allocated to public school construction, N724 billion for road construction, and N40.6 billion for infrastructure projects.
On rehabilitation, the ministry plans to spend N340 million on public schools, N289.4 billion on roads, and N2.48 billion on office buildings.
Some of the road projects in the budget include N10 billion for the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri road (Section V) linking Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno states, N6 billion for the reconstruction of Abuja-Lokoja road and N12 billion for the construction of section one of the Kano-Wudil-Shuarin road.
Other road projects include N34 billion for the dualisation of Kano-Katsina road, N23 billion for the rehabilitation of sections three and four of the Enugu-Port Harcourt road, and N75 billion for phase one of the Kano-Katsina road dualisation.
The budget also allocated N15 billion for rehabilitation of failed sections of the Bauchi-Jigawa state border road, N1 billion for asphalting the David Umahi Federal Medical University road, and N2 billion for the Lekki Axial road counterpart funding.
The ministry of works also allocated N5 billion for judgment debt, N5 billion for legal fees, N280 million for maintaining seven generators and N1.7 billion for office building renovation.
Other allocations include N77.1 billion for public-private partnership (PPP) due diligence and negotiations, N15 billion for an independent engineer for the Abuja-Makurdi road, N10.25 billion for a pilot HDMI corridor engineer, and N10 million for the engagement of media consultants and stakeholders.
Watianoengineer: Reno is very intelligent and I hope he contest for president in future so we nigerians can elect him. He has a better chance of being president than the Yes daddy crooner
Elon Musk has done it: iPhones and Android smartphones can now use his satellites to make calls anywhere on Earth
After revolutionizing global internet access, Elon Musk’s Starlink is poised to take smartphone connectivity to the next level. The ambitious satellite service will soon enable users to make calls from virtually anywhere on the planet, all without the need for specialized hardware.
Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service: what it means Starlink, a division of SpaceX, has announced its plans to introduce Direct-to-Cell, a groundbreaking feature that uses its vast satellite network to allow voice calls on regular smartphones. What sets this apart is its simplicity—there’s no need for modifications to your device. As long as your phone is LTE-compatible, you’re ready to connect.
This innovation could fundamentally change how we think about mobile communication. Imagine being able to make calls from the remotest corners of the Earth—whether you’re deep in a rainforest, sailing in the middle of the ocean, or trekking across deserts—with no cell towers in sight. Starlink’s satellite system makes this scenario entirely possible.
Which smartphones are compatible? According to a letter sent by SpaceX to the FCC, the service has already proven successful with devices from major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Tests confirmed smooth communication using the PCS G Block spectrum, across urban and rural areas, indoors and outdoors, and even under tree cover or clear skies.
Crucially, SpaceX emphasizes that any LTE-enabled smartphone will work with this technology—no hardware upgrades required. Even slightly older models like the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 can benefit from this satellite connectivity, proving that cutting-edge communication doesn’t have to leave older devices behind.
Phones And Android Smartphones Can Now Use His SatellitesPin
A game-changer for messaging and emergencies One of the most significant advantages of Starlink’s service is its flexibility. Unlike traditional satellite communication systems that often restrict users to preset messaging options, this new solution allows consumers to send fully customizable messages through their preferred platforms. In emergency situations, this added context could be life-saving, enabling users to clearly communicate their needs.
Whether it’s a text to check in with loved ones or a critical call during an outdoor expedition, this innovation promises seamless, reliable communication where it was previously impossible.
What’s next for Starlink? Starlink plans to roll out this new satellite phone service as part of a commercial package, with pricing details yet to be revealed. The potential impact is immense—not just for adventurers and emergency responders, but also for everyday users in rural or underserved areas where traditional mobile networks struggle to provide consistent service.
And this is just the beginning. SpaceX’s letter to the FCC hints at future expansions, including support for the Internet of Things (IoT), improved voice communication, and even web browsing through the satellite network. These advancements aim to deliver even greater value for individuals, businesses, and emergency services.
Bridging the global communication gap While those with access to fast fiber-optic internet may not immediately see the appeal of satellite connectivity, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service has the potential to address a critical need. Despite the widespread availability of mobile networks, vast regions of the world still lack reliable coverage. Starlink’s solution could offer a lifeline in such areas, particularly for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who depend on uninterrupted access for safety and convenience.
By making it possible to stay connected from virtually anywhere, Elon Musk’s Starlink continues to push the boundaries of modern communication. Whether for work, emergencies, or simply keeping in touch, this latest development could redefine what it means to be connected in an increasingly mobile world.
Nigerian Government Pays N1.1billion To Afe Babalola, Wole Olanipekun, Others As Professional Fees
The revelation came to light after an analysis of data from GovSpend, a platform that tracks government expenditures.
The Nigerian government through the Federal Ministry of Justice, has paid N1.1billion in professional fees to top Nigerian lawyers over a three-year period.
The revelation came to light after an analysis of data from GovSpend, a platform that tracks government expenditures.
The beneficiaries of the payments include prominent lawyers Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and 23 other law firms.
The scope of professional services provided by the lawyers encompasses a wide range of activities, including offering legal advice, drafting documents, and representing clients in legal matters.
Their services may also extend to transactional tasks, such as identifying potential legal risks in real estate or business dealings, negotiation, mediation, regulatory compliance, advocacy, lobbying, and risk management.
It's worth noting that the Nigerian government has established guidelines for legal fees, including the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order, 2023, which sets a scale of charges for legal services.
However, the payment of N1.1 billion in professional fees to top lawyers raises questions about the transparency and accountability of government expenditures.
Meanwhile, according to the analysis as published by PUNCH, it showed that in July 2024, Babalola, Olanipekun and Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, collectively received N482.7million from the Federal Ministry of Justice.
While Babalola was paid N372.9million on July 23 for representing the Federal Government in a court case registered FHC/ABJ/SC/8962/2023, Olanipekun and Izinyon, were paid N103.6million and N6.2million, respectively, for providing similar services at different times.
A breakdown of the payments shows that Olanipekun’s payment was made on July 26, while Izinyon received his fee July 29.
Further analysis of the Ministry of Justice’s records reveals that in 2022, no fewer than 17 lawyers received a cumulative sum of N359.7million as professional fees, while four lawyers were paid a total of N319.3million in 2021.
Among those who received payments in 2022 were Savannah Law Chambers, which was paid N17.4million; Lex Habitae, which received N21.8million; Rashida Mohammed & Co in Sokoto, which got N17.4million; and Abdullahi Haruna & Co, which also received N17.4million.
LDS Legal was paid N70.9million, while King’s Chambers and Iwuanyanwu & Co each received N15.7million. Sulaiman Salihu & Co was paid N31.4million in two tranches.
Other firms that benefited include Justice Solicitors & Attorneys, which was paid N15.7million; Pelican Legal, which received N15.7million; and Aderemi Olatubora & Co, which was paid N17.4million. Gboyega Oyewole of Lords and Temple Attorneys was paid N5.4m, while Savannah Law Chambers received an additional N29million.
Hanafi Mumini Ishola of Hanafi & Associates received N20.7million, Law Forte was paid N22.3million in two tranches, and Madyan Legal Consult received N24.8million in two tranches.
The 2021 payments included N174million to Mr. Chikwendu Madumere, N21.8million to LDS Legal, N21.8million to Olowolafe & Co, and N100.5million to Sulaiman Salihu & Co, disbursed in two tranches.
As part of their payments, Chief Afe Babalola paid a 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax amounting to N31million to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, while Wole Olanipekun paid N8.6million in VAT.
Both lawyers also paid a 10 per cent withholding tax of N41.4million and N11.5million respectively, to the Ministry of Justice.
Tax reform: We’ll show you our true colours, Bauchi governor threatens Tinubu
Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday, said President Bola Tinubu’s tax policies is “anti-northern” Nigerian and threatened that the region would show its “true colours.”
According to him, the Tax Reforms Bills are aimed at favouring just a section of the country and shortchanging northern Nigeria, threatening that “we would show our true colour, we will fight for it.”
Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, is known for his opposition to Tinubu’s economic reforms which he has been saying were against the interest of Nigerians.
Speaking when he received the Christian Community in Bauchi State who visited him at the Government House on Wednesday for the annual Christmas homage, the Governor called on the President to listen to the people and change the “anti-people” policies.
He stressed that no policy should be imposed on the people because Nigeria does not operate an oligarchy system of government or a military rule.
“I call on you to pray for Nigeria and pray for all the leaders of Nigeria including my humble self because Nigeria needs prayers. We are facing difficulties. There is a lot of wahala, there is a lot of hunger and it is something that we have to pray for God to obliterate. We have to say it but certainly, we are not insulting anybody.
“We are calling on the presidency and the Federal Government to change their style. Whenever a policy is not popular, they should listen to the people, they should not be arrogant and think that whatever we bring, must be. This is not an oligarchy, this is not a military rule, they must listen to the people and that is what makes a good leader.
“And we pledge to be loyal to them but anything they are doing contrary to that, they are calling for anarchy, they are calling for intransigence and it is unacceptable. There are a lot of wahala, we must work together across the party lines, across the tiers of government to provide succour and solace to the Nigerian people.”
Mohammed further said: “It is not about pride or ego, we must be able to do things that people will be assisted with because whatever it is, the situation was not like this before. If the situation was bad before I came, tell me! And I must change and that is why the presidency must listen to the cries about Tax Reform.
“It is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay you salaries, to do roads. They must listen, otherwise, they are calling for anarchy. And that is not good.
"We voted for the presidency in this State and other states, they must listen to us. They must not come up with policies that favour only one section of the country or even one state in the country. It is not about religion, it is not about tribe, it is about national unity, it is about national hegemony and this is what we are all about, good leadership.
“We will continue to be loyal for the time being, if the situation persists, they will see our real colour, we are going to fight for it.
“We are not afraid of them, even if it’s the President, we are not afraid of them, except that we only show respect. Whether it is a traditional institution, or it is the Federal Government or it is the President, honestly, we are not afraid of them but we can only show our obedience and respect to leadership. But we will not allow anyone to denigrate us.
“People are suffering and are hungry. They need to look at their leadership style. Leadership is listening to the people and being sensitive to their feelings, leadership is doing what the people want. But I appeal to you (Nigerians) that since we’ve endured to this point, we should continue to be more patient because living in peace is what we need.
“We should continue to pray for the President and his government that God will make them listen, may God make them change their minds and policies in a way that will be beneficial to all Nigerians, in a way that will drive away hunger, the insults, insecurity and all the things they want to bring that will cause division among Nigerians,” he stated.
Mohammed expressed appreciation to the Christian Community in Bauchi State for the support to him throughout his sojourn in politics, saying that whatever he does for them is only a reciprocation of what they’ve been doing to him for decades.
ChizzyBuna: So my parents are in village for christmas. Coming from lagos to visit for xmas I decided to visit our house in town where our family lives. Before going to meet them in village
What i found in my fathers room shocked me
Condom packets that were not prpperly thrown away.
Ky gel found open on the table For those that don't know Ky gel is lubricant for sex.
This is enough proof this man is cheating. Should i repirt him to my mum??
How old are you? See as a mumu son wants to put sansan for his father's blood tonic......
“My dog’s name is Messi” - AC shares why he named his dog after Argentina legend
AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has recently explained why he named his dog after eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi. The 26-year-old Dutchman had joined I Rossoneri from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 for a reported transfer price of €20 million.
The Argentine icon is widely considered one of the greatest players to have played the game. The La Masia graduate is the highest goalscorer in the history of European football with 704 goals and 303 assists in 853 games and currently plays for the MLS outfit Inter Miami. For Argentina, La Pulga has scored a whopping 112 goals and created a joint-record 58 more in 191 games.
In a March 2024 interview published by Sempremilan, Tijjani Reijnders revealed that he had a Pomsky, a cross between a Pomeranian and a Husky. Recently, the AC Milan man revealed why he named his dog Messi. He said:
"My dog's name is Messi, when I was young I always said if I got a dog I would name him Messi, because for me [he] is the best player in the world. Then we decided we would get a dog, and the first thing I said to my wife is if we got a dog we would name him Messi.”
Amnesty International demands investigation of Sokoto military airstrikes
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Christmas Day airstrike also killed dozens of livestock in the affected villages.
[quote]Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the killing of 10 villagers in a Christmas Day military airstrike in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said, “Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by any standard.
“Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect.”
Mr Sanusi said the reckless use of force by the Nigerian security forces in the Sokoto communities wiped out an entire family in the airstrike.
“The Christmas day air strikes on the two communities of Silame LGA of Sokoto state are unlawful and excessive force on a catastrophic scale.
“They are yet another tragic example where Nigeria’s armed forces are found applying deadly military tactics to law enforcement situations.”
“Entire families were killed inside their homes. Some villagers were burnt to death in an inferno triggered by the air strikes. International humanitarian law demands that all feasible precautions must be taken to minimize harm to civilians.”
“The Nigerian authorities must urgently investigate the decision-making process and execution of the air strikes that caused the civilian casualties in Sokoto state”, Amnesty International said.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the airstrike also killed dozens of livestock in the affected villages.
Hope she has the cctv backup to sustain her claim,cos a good criminal can change the narrative......and make the hunter the hunted. Let's always use brain before posting.
Why NASA’s Sun-Touching Spacecraft Remains Out Of Contact
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe remains out of contact on Christmas Day after its historic achievement on Dec. 24 when it got closer to the sun than any human-made object.
The mission to “touch the sun” reached a mere 3.86 million miles (6.1 million kilometers) from the surface of the sun, the closest NASA has got to any star. It’s currently inside and helping scientists understand the sun’s mysteriously hot outer atmosphere, its corona.
However, the close pass took place on the other side of the sun, as seen from Earth’s perspective. Mission operators at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland — where the spacecraft was also designed and built — have been out of contact with Parker ever since.
Waiting For A ‘Beacon Tone’ It’s due to send a beacon tone on Dec. 27, 2024, to confirm that the probe has survived one of the most extreme environments in the solar system. It’s hoped that its robust heat shield will protect its instruments.
“No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory,” said Nick Pinkine, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager at APL. “We’re excited to hear back from the spacecraft when it swings back around the sun.”
Autonomous Design The three days out of contact with Earth was expected and planned in the design of the spacecraft. “When it is flying near the sun, it has to be 100% autonomous,” said Dr. Nour Raouafi, the project’s scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, during a media roundtable at the American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting on Dec. 10, 2024. “We cannot do anything to it if it encounters any problem — it has to deal with it on its own.”
The autonomous system built into the spacecraft can continuously work for nearly two months without human intervention.
Next Status Update “This is one example of NASA’s bold missions, doing something that no one else has ever done before to answer longstanding questions about our universe,” said Arik Posner, Parker Solar Probe program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We can’t wait to receive that first status update from the spacecraft and start receiving the science data in the coming weeks.”
Parker is traveling at 430,000 mph (690,000 kph), making it the fastest-ever human-made object, fast enough to get from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. in one second, according to the mission’s website.
Parker’s close pass is the first of three to get within 4% of the Earth-sun distance. The second two will take place on Mar. 22 and Jun. 19, 2025.
Travel › FG Allocates ₦2.5 Billion For Passenger Boarding Bridges At Lagos Airport by Morbeta11(op): 8:02pm On Jan 08, 2025
