Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike Authorities in Saudi Arabia have confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, signalling the start of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Haramain, a Saudi-based Islamic news platform, via X (formerly Twitter). It said Wednesday would be the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1446. Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month in Islam. It is when millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. This year, more than one million pilgrims are expected. Among them are over 60,000 Nigerians. Haramain also…

By Atoyebi Nike The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Yobe State Government, has launched a five-day teacher training workshop. The programme targets 600 teachers and school administrators from across the state. The workshop began on Monday. It focuses on improving teaching and learning using the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Agriculture (STEMA) method. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Abba Idriss Adam, said the training aims to tackle key gaps in the education system. He noted that the sessions will promote modern, inclusive, and student-focused teaching. He described the NEDC as a strong partner in…

By Atoyebi Nike A diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, has claimed the lives of several children. Local authorities have closed schools and launched an emergency response. The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Iheukwumere Alaribe, confirmed the incident in a statement on May 26. The exact number of deaths has not been confirmed. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. It mainly affects the nose, throat, and skin. To stop the spread, all schools in Mbutu are now shut. Parents have been told to keep…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the National Assembly for a plan to raise up to $2 billion through the domestic issuance of foreign currency-denominated bonds. The proposal was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday. Tinubu said the initiative is in accordance with Section 44(1) and (2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, and Presidential Executive Order No. 16 of 2023, signed on October 19, 2023. According to the letter, the funds will be ring-fenced and invested in priority sectors with strong potential to stimulate economic…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigeria Police Force has launched a dedicated Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in Nasarawa State as part of efforts to curb insecurity and protect educational institutions across the state’s 13 local government areas. Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 4 Makurdi, Zachariah Achinyan, unveiled the initiative on Monday during a stakeholders’ forum on school safety. He stated that the programme aims to combat threats such as banditry and kidnapping, which have increasingly targeted schools across the country. “The safety of our schools determines the future of…

By Nwaduba Gerald On the 28th of May 2025, London based English footballing giants will be taking on Real Betis of Spain in Wroclaw, Poland in the final of the UEFA Europa Conference league final. Established in the 2021/2022 season as the 3rd tier of European football below the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, it has become a platform for smaller teams on the football pyramid to fight for European glory. AS Roma coached by legendary Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho won the first edition of the Conference league, before English club West Ham led by David Moyes…

By Atoyebi Nike The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the escalating security crisis in the state, citing the state government’s inability to curb ongoing attacks and killings. In a statement released on Tuesday, Daniel Ihomun, spokesperson for the Austin Agada-led faction of the party, described the recent killing of a police officer and 41 residents in Gwer West Local Government Area as “another tragic addition” to a growing list of deadly attacks on civilians. “It is now crystal clear that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia…

By Atoyebi Nike South African singer Tyla won Favourite Afrobeats Artist at the 2024 American Music Awards (AMAs) on Monday night. The event took place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. She beat top Nigerian stars Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Asake to take the award. Tyla is the first South African and first woman to win the category since its debut in 2022. Her global hit “Water” and rising popularity played a key role in the win. “This means the world to me,” she said on stage. “To be recognized here, among legends, is a dream come true. Thank you to…

By Atoyebi Nike The newly launched Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has begun distributing aid inside Gaza under a private security-led initiative backed by the United States and Israel. The group, whose operational model bypasses the United Nations, claims to have delivered truckloads of food to “Secure Distribution Sites,” with plans to expand operations in the coming days. The announcement late Monday follows widespread condemnation from international humanitarian agencies who argue that the GHF’s approach violates fundamental humanitarian principles, especially neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Critics say the use of armed American contractors and the exclusion of established aid groups risks further…

By Atoyebi Nike Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of children, describing them as the foundation of the state’s future. In a statement commemorating this year’s Children’s Day, the governor emphasized the importance of developing policies and initiatives that protect children from harm, neglect, and exploitation. He noted that his government is steadfast in its resolve to ensure every child in the state grows up in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. “As we mark Children’s Day, we are reminded of our responsibility to nurture the next generation,”…