Following the successful execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Backbone Infrastructure Ltd and the Ondo State Government, through the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), for the construction of a 500,000 barrels-per-day refinery and the development of a 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone in the Ilaje area of Ondo State in July, Backbone has secured project funding exceeding $50 billion for both projects through a joint venture agreement with its partner, NEFEX Holdings Limited of Canada. The team, which arrived in Nigeria last Sunday, is set to visit Ondo State to interact with the State Government Officials and…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner Baba Azare, on Tuesday, 4 November, 2025 disclosed that operatives of the Command on in collaboration with marine hunters, have arrested a suspected militant, Samuel Geofrey, who allegedly specialises in sea piracy and kidnapping in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of the state. Azare also confirmed that the command has also launched a manhunt for a traditional ruler (name withheld) believed to be Geofrey’s collaborator and reportedly in possession of operational tools used by the militant. Azare, who made this disclosure to newsmen in Uyo, the state capital on Tuesday, said the suspect was arrested…
Naomi Olayinka, a 16-year-old student of Chrisland Schools, has emerged as the top in the World in English as a Second Language at the 2024 Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations. Olayinka’s recognition by the Cambridge Assessment International Education follows her outstanding performance in the June 2024 IGCSE examinations. Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH on Monday, the visibly elated teenager described the news as surreal, saying her success was a product of faith, discipline, and the support of her teachers and parents. “Honestly, I was completely speechless at first. It didn’t even sink in right away.…
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, on Tuesday, 4 November, 2025 presented a total of N897,865,078,282.05 as the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly on Tuesday, 4 November, 2025. Speaking during the presentation at the Chamber of the State House of Assembly, Radda noted that the submission of the proposed budget was for the house’s consideration. He said, “Mr Speaker, honourable members, it is therefore my honour and privilege, as the Executive Governor of Katsina State, to present before this esteemed House the highlights of the 2026 Appropriation Bill as follows: “The total size of the budget is…
A Bradford Crown Court in the United Kingdom presided over by Judge Sophie McKone on Monday, 3 November, 2025 sentenced a 29-year-old Nigerian named Chiemka Okoronta, to 10 years imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old girl after offering to share a taxi with her when her bus terminated unexpectedly in Leeds, in the country. The court convicted Okoronta of three counts of rape and will also serve three years on an extended licence and remain on the sex offenders register for life, and he would be deported to Nigeria after completing his sentence. Okoronta, who was convicted of multiple rape offences,…
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has recorded a clean sweep in the recently concluded State Local Government Council elections, winning all 25 chairmanship positions across the state. The Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) officially confirmed the results, describing the polls as “credible, transparent, and reflective of the people’s will.” The Commissioner for Operations, Mohammed Liman, who made this disclosure through a statement NSIEC said all Returning Officers had completed the collation and declaration of results in accordance with the Electoral Law and the Commission’s operational guidelines. “After careful review, the Commission approved and ratified the…
In a commendable display of international collaboration and community dedication, Hon. Seyi Jakande, Chairman of Òdì-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has joined forces with Eko Club Atlanta to launch a comprehensive medical service which cut across medical consultation, health screening ,medication distribution, cervical and prostate screening, dental and eye examination with free glasses in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye. The initiative, held on Monday, 3 November, 2025, at the Council’s Secretariat, provided essential healthcare services to residents, showcasing a commitment to health and well-being in the community. The outreach involved a team of experienced medical professionals from the USA, including doctors, pharmacists, dentists,…
Nigeria’s journey toward industrial self-sufficiency and sustainable economic growth has reached a defining moment as the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) 30% Value Addition Bill successfully passed its third reading in the House of Representatives, moving it closer to presidential assent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act, No. 28, 2022, to Provide for the Protection and Development of Nigeria’s Local Manufacturing and Processing Industries and Related Matters,” mandates that all raw materials produced or extracted in Nigeria must undergo a minimum…
Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan was inaugurated as president on Monday, 3 November, 2025 with an internet blackout still in place after election protests in which the opposition says hundreds were killed by security forces. The electoral commission said Hassan won 98 percent of the vote. She was sworn into office despite the main opposition party, Chadema, which was barred from running, rejecting the results. It has called for fresh elections, saying last Wednesday’s vote was a “sham”. Ahead of her arrival, state television showed officials and foreign dignitaries in stands overlooking parade grounds in the State House in the capital,…
The Kannywood film industry is presently in mourning mood following the death of veteran actor, Malam Nata’ala, celebrated for his captivating role in the popular Hausa television drama series Dadin Kowa. Before his eventual death, the Mato’s illness had drawn public concern in recent months, leading to fundraising appeals and reported interventions from both Yobe State Government and authorities in Niger Republic. According to sources, the actor passed away on Sunday, 2 November, 2025, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. Malam Nata’ala’s passing marks a great loss to the Hausa entertainment industry, where he was…