The Cuban government has restated its firm opposition to terrorism and renewed its call for enhanced cooperation with the United States and other countries to address regional and global security threats. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cuba said it unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and stressed that it neither harbors nor supports terrorist or extremist groups. The government also reaffirmed its strict stance against terrorist financing and money laundering, noting that it adheres to international standards aimed at preventing and combating illicit financial activities. Cuba clarified that any previous contacts with individuals later…
Author: Adetutu Audu
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered an alleged human trafficking operation following a coordinated raid on a popular hotel in the 33 Area of Onitsha, Anambra State, resulting in the arrest of six suspects and the rescue of 17 victims. The operation, which was carried out with the support of military personnel, led to the arrest of four suspected traffickers at the hotel, while two other suspects believed to be involved in the buying and selling of babies within the South-East region were apprehended during related operations. NAPTIP disclosed that four of the…
Traditional and cultural leaders from across Africa have pledged to intensify efforts to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) as a high-level continental conference opened on Monday, 2 February, 2026, in Lagos. The Conference of African Traditional and Cultural Leaders on GBV Prevention, convened by the Ford Foundation and UN Women in partnership with the Government of Nigeria, brought together influential monarchs, policymakers, development partners, and civil society actors to advance community-driven solutions to gender-based violence. The two-day meeting, holding from Monday, 2 February to Tuesday, 3 February, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, reflects growing recognition that sustainable approaches…
Fresh from their victories at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, Nigeria, Tanzanian stars Juma Jux and Folex have described the platform as a major driver of global visibility for African creatives, as industry stakeholders met in Dar es Salaam to review the impact of the awards on the region’s music industry. The award-winning artistes shared their views during a Media and Stakeholders’ Parley hosted by AFRIMA’s International Committee, which brought together artistes, regulators, music executives and the media to examine opportunities created by the awards and how East Africa can better harness them. Speaking at the…
Vereran Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi was arrested alongside military officers accused of planning a violent overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration Mr Amandi, a director and former chairperson of the Enugu State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was arrested in September 2025. This is the first time the actor’s alleged role in the alleged coup plot is being made public. It was gathered that the actor was hired to play the role of a propagandist by the alleged coupists who planned to assassinate top government officials last year. The officers allegedly planned a violent takeover in…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Nigeria Boxing Federation has rolled out a detailed calendar of activities for the 2026 season, signaling an aggressive push to reposition Nigerian boxing through competitions, technical development and international exposure. According to the programme, which was developed by the NBF technical committee and signed by Secretary General Vivian Azimene, activities will begin in January with a National Coaches Workshop in the North-Central zone. This will be followed in February by an international friendly bout involving Rwanda and Madagascar, alongside a National Open Trial to select boxers for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Also scheduled…
The people of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State have bestowed a prestigious chieftaincy title on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, describing him as a catalyst for “abundant development” in the Niger Delta region. Speaking during the installation ceremony at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Ogu, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, said Ogbuku was being honoured for his exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to community development in the Niger Delta region. He declared: “By the authority vested in me as…
A cleric, Rev. Chika Ubani of Glorious Kingdom Chapel International, has berated Governor Alex Otti over the worsening situation in Abia State, saying Enyimba FC, the only source of joy and pride for Abians, is dying under the watch of the current administration. Speaking while reacting to the declining fortunes of Enyimba FC of Aba, Rev. Ubani said he honestly does not see what Governor Alex Otti has done on ground as governor when compared to the amount Abia State is receiving from the Federal Government. “I honestly do not see what Governor Otti has done as governor compared to…
By Tunde Odesola (Published in The PUNCH, on Friday, January 30, 2026) Three occupants of a black Mercedes-Benz were heading to work on a good Friday morning. One was the driver, another was the aide, and their oga patapata. They came to crawling traffic on George Street in Ikoyi, Lagos, en route to Obalende, their office. The Federal Secretariat was at a touching distance. Suddenly, a hail of gunshots rained on the black Benz like a hundred stones from the devil’s sling. Then the tyres screeched away. Then silence. Rivulets of hot blood trickled from the heads and torsos of…
Bauchi State Government has intensified collaboration with international health partners to curb the spread of diphtheria, address rising malnutrition cases and strengthen routine immunisation across the state. The Chairman of the state Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwan Muhammad, disclosed this while briefing journalists on recent public health interventions and outcomes recorded by the state. He said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has continued to play a key role in supporting Bauchi’s response to diphtheria following an increase in reported cases. According to him, MSF initially operated a Diphtheria Treatment Centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital but later relocated…