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Winner of BBNaija Can’t Earn More Than African Champion — Presidency Defends Tinubu’s $150k Falcons Gift

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The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu's $150,000 reward to the Super Falcons, Nigeria's women's national football team. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, compared the gift to the ₦150 million prize money awarded to winners of the reality TV show, Big Brother Naija. Onanuga argued that the gesture is well-deserved, saying President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit. He expressed surprise that some Nigerians are unappreciative of the President's rewards to the Super Falcons. According to Onanuga, the reward is a testament to the team's outstanding performance and dedication to their craft. Each player received a national award of Order of the Niger (OON), a three-bedroom apartment, and $100,000 in cash. The 11-member technical team was also gifted $50,000 each in recognition of their contribution to the team’s success. The reward is a...

NDLEA Auctions Forfeited Properties of Drug Traffickers in Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted a public auction of forfeited properties belonging to drug traffickers. The auction, which took place at the agency's national headquarters in Abuja, involved eight properties across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun states. The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), said the exercise is part of the agency's strategic efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks by depriving offenders of their liberty and illicit wealth. He emphasized that targeting proceeds of crime serves as both punishment and deterrence, sending a strong message to would-be offenders that they stand to lose everything, including their ill-gotten assets. Six properties were auctioned to pre-qualified bidders, with two sold at over N139 million. The properties that were auctioned had been forfeited to the federal government after being acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking or used as instrumentality of committing the...

NCS Warns Nigerians on Responsible Use of US Visas

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a warning to Nigerians travelling to the United States, cautioning them to use their visas responsibly. According to the NCS, the US government has raised concerns about Nigerians misusing entry visas, engaging in activities inconsistent with the stated purpose of travel and visa classification. The NCS warned that US authorities continuously monitor visa holders' activities and can revoke visas if they violate US immigration protocols, import/export guidelines, and other laws. This can lead to severe consequences, including denial of future visa applications and even deportation. The NCS also reminded travellers to declare excess cash above $10,000 or its equivalent at the point of exit or entry. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in penalties and fines. Travellers are also advised to ensure that prohibited items are not included in their baggage. The NCS emphasized that attempting to smuggle prohibited items ...

Over 150 Players Set for ITTF Africa Youth Championships in Lagos

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The 2025 International Table Tennis Africa Youth Championships is set to hold in Lagos, with over 150 table tennis youngsters participating in the event. The championships will take place at the Molade-Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, from July 27th to August 3rd, 2025. Home-grown talents Tobi Adebakin, Adeoye Hussein, and Ojo Favour are part of the team representing Nigeria in the youth-based championships. The event features 16 categories, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team events. Successful teams in the U-15 and U-19 categories will qualify for the World Youth Championships in Romania. Additionally, the finalists in the singles events will earn their tickets to the global stage. Lagos is hosting the world, with over 17 countries registered to participate in the championships. The event aims to promote mass participation in sports and empower the youth to thrive. The championships provide an opportunity for young players to sho...

Lagos Launches Comprehensive Campaign to Eliminate Hepatitis

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The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step towards eliminating Viral Hepatitis as a public health threat by launching a comprehensive campaign. The initiative, which coincides with the 2025 World Hepatitis Day commemoration, aims to raise awareness, promote a testing and vaccination program. According to Prof. Abayomi, the State Commissioner for Health, Viral Hepatitis affects millions globally and has become a silent epidemic in Nigeria. Hepatitis B and C, the most dangerous forms, are responsible for chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, often without showing symptoms until it’s too late. The Commissioner highlighted some key statistics, including: - Over 16 million Nigerians live with Hepatitis B - Over 2 million Nigerians live with Hepatitis C - Lagos has a 5% and 1% prevalence for Hepatitis B and C, respectively The campaign aims to eliminate Viral Hepatitis by 2030 through a four-pronged approach: 1. Prevention 2. Testing 3. Treatment 4. Awa...

Delta CP Orders Detention of Policemen for Assaulting Young Man in Asaba

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The Delta State Police Commissioner, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has taken swift action against some policemen within the command for their unprofessional conduct. The officers were involved in the assault of a young man in Asaba, the state capital, and have been detained pending disciplinary action. The incident was captured on video and circulated on social media, prompting the police command to take immediate action. The Command's spokesman, Bright Edafe, said that upon receiving the video, the CP ordered the identification and detention of the policemen involved. The policemen have been identified and detained, and their team leader, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, has been queried. The CP has assured the public that the officers will be dealt with in accordance with the law, and their actions will serve as a deterrent to others. The Delta State Police Commissioner emphasized that the command will not tolerate such conduct from its officers. He tasked officers and me...

Bayelsa Govt Nullifies Suspension of Ikebiri Traditional Ruler, Sets Up Panel of Inquiry

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The Bayelsa State Government has taken a decisive stance on the suspension of the paramount ruler of Ikebiri Community, declaring it illegal, null, and void. The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the declaration at a meeting with stakeholders and feuding parties in the community at the Government House in Yenagoa. According to Senator Ewhrudjakpo, the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law is clear on the matter. The law does not empower any individual or group to suspend or dethrone a government-recognized traditional ruler. Instead, only the Governor possesses the legitimate authority to remove a traditional ruler after fulfilling the requirements prescribed in the state Chieftaincy Law. In light of the allegations leveled against the Amananawei of Ikebiri Community, His Royal Highness Francis Timi Odudu, the government has set up a 12-member panel to investigate the matter. The panel is chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komon...