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  The alleged financial corruption scandal at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is still unfolding, with a document revealing that Minister Edu Betta purportedly transferred N585,198,500.00 to a personal account.  The document, circulating widely and signed by Edu, instructs the disbursement of the funds to Oniyelu Bridget, raising questions about the payment's legitimacy. In response to the controversy, the Minister's Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, insisted that the N585.198 million payment followed proper procedures.  Zubair explained that the funds were intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. He justified the payment to Oniyelu Bridget, stating that she currently serves as the Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups. Zubair emphasized that the N585.198 million grant is part of the Federal Government's social intervention schemes, specifically the Renewed Hop

  Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the economic challenges in Nigeria promptly, emphasizing that he should not wait until the public expresses discontent through protests or other means.  Ayodele warned Tinubu to prioritize the country's worsening economic situation, expressing concern about hunger and the inability of salary earners to sustain themselves.  He cautioned that failure to take swift action could lead to massive protests, affecting not only Nigeria but also other African nations. Ayodele had previously outlined five key areas for President Tinubu to focus on in 2024, including stable electricity, improved security, infrastructure development, agriculture, and job creation.

  The Nigerian military successfully eliminated Ba’a Shuwa, the leader of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group, along with many of his fighters in a significant offensive in Borno State.  The airstrikes conducted on January 2, 2023, at Kwatan Dilla in Abadam local government area led to the death of Ba’a Shuwa and his associates, according to information from intelligence sources provided by Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region. Ba’a Shuwa had been leading ISWAP in  various regions, and his group was responsible for numerous attacks, ambushes, and incidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines in Borno and Yobe States.

  Swiftship, a military manufacturing company based in the United States, has generously donated two advanced unmanned water vessels, namely the S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, to the Nigerian government. The donation occurred during a recent visit by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. In a statement released on Friday by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Henshaw Ogubike, it was revealed that the minister had traveled to the USA to inspect the facilities of high-tech military hardware companies.  During the presentation of the vessels to President Bola Tinubu, the minister emphasized that these cutting-edge devices would contribute to safeguarding the maritime environment of the country and other vital areas. The minister specified that the unmanned vessels would be deployed to regions such as the Niger Delta, Lake Chad, and other maritime zones in the country.  The statement highlighted the minister's efforts in promoting innovative technologies during his recent vi

  Darts may have originated as a British pub game, but at the age of 16, Luke Littler, who recently lost in the World Championship final, is still too young to legally purchase an alcoholic drink.  Despite his youth, Littler's impressive journey to the all-English final at London's Alexandra Palace, where he narrowly lost to world number one Luke Humphries, earned him a £200,000 (231,941 euros) runners-up prize just months after completing his high school exams. Notably, Premier League footballers like Luke Shaw of Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, and Jonny Evans have reached out to Littler, who gained significant social media following after his remarkable performance.  His road to becoming the youngest world finalist in darts involved defeating five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld and 2018 champion Rob Cross in the semi-final. For darts enthusiasts, the game requires fine motor skills and mathematical knowledge, with professional players facing the ch

 Five individuals aboard a Coast Guard plane lost their lives when it collided with a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 during landing at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on January 2. Fortunately, all 379 passengers on the airliner were safely evacuated.  The sequence of events, based on a communications transcript released by the Japanese government, indicates that the Japan Airlines flight JAL-516 was cleared to land on runway 34R at 5:44:56 pm. Simultaneously, the coast guard flight JA722A was instructed to taxi to holding point C5, situated at least 50 meters from the runway edge. Approximately two minutes later, the Japan Airlines flight landed, colliding with the coast guard's DHC-8 aircraft.  The pilot of JA722A, Genki Miyamoto, who is the sole survivor, claimed to have received permission to take off. The JAL flight crew had no visual contact with the other plane, although one crew member spotted an object just before impact.  Investigators have yet to publicly draw conclusions, and bo

  The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has forecasted sunny and hazy weather for the North and North Central states of the country starting from Wednesday, January 3, 2024.  NiMet also cautioned about cloudy and hazy conditions, with limited chances of isolated thunderstorms over coastal cities such as Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states during the afternoon and evening.  The agency issued these predictions in its Weather Report released in Abuja on Tuesday. The report advises airline operators to obtain updated weather reports from NiMet for effective operational planning.  Additionally, individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues are urged to exercise caution regarding the weather conditions. The forecast specifies a slight dust haze over the Inland areas of the South during the forecast period, along with a few clouds in the hazy atmosphere over coastal cities.  There are slim prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa states during the afterno

  A pastor from North Carolina, Dwayen Waden, is accused of trying to force the head of his wife's co-worker into a McDonald's deep fryer after the employee allegedly disrespected his spouse.  Waden, 57, from High Point, has been arrested and charged with assault and battery. The pastor's wife, a manager-in-training at a High Point McDonald's, reportedly informed her husband about employee disrespect.  Waden allegedly confronted the co-worker, placing his hands around the victim's neck and attempting to push their head into a deep fryer.  The victim suffered injuries, including a contusion to the forehead and right eye, along with neck scratches. Waden, captured on surveillance footage, was arrested by the police.  The local McDonald's franchise confirmed the pastor's wife is no longer with the organization, emphasizing the priority of employee and customer safety. Waden posted $1,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 22.

  Uwak responded to criticism by clarifying that the state government did not issue a directive to ban alcohol sales and consumption.  Reports suggested the Niger State Liquor and Licensing Board planned a ban in Suleja and the relocation of joints in Minna, but the state government denied this, stating the board didn't exist.  Uwak defended Governor Bago as a pan-Nigerian leader, emphasizing his inclusive approach, religious tolerance, and international mindset.  Despite Bago's devout Muslim beliefs, Uwak highlighted his participation in diverse religious events and language proficiency. Uwak asserted that Bago's focus is on development and attracting investments rather than implementing an alcohol ban.

  Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the 2024 budget, and the Yoruba Progressive Youths, a support group of the APC in the South West, praised the National Assembly for promptly passing the Appropriation Bill.  The group expressed confidence that the legislative process aligns with President Tinubu's positive intentions. Otunba Kola Salau, the group's president, commended the proactive and patriotic leadership of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and specifically highlighted Hon. Abubakar Bichi's effective handling of the budget scrutiny.  Salau praised Bichi for delivering on the mandate within one month and successfully coordinating his colleagues to meet the January-December budget timeline, emphasizing their celebration of his sincerity, doggedness, and patriotism in contributing to Tinubu's renewed hope mantra. The group expressed complete loyalty and support to the 10th House leadership, acknowledging their role in facilitating smooth legislative activities on the 2024 Appropriati

  The National Leader of Unity House Foundation (UHF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Kingsley Wenenda Wali, urged the people of Rivers to reject hatred and embrace love and peace in the New Year.  The head of UHF, focusing on good governance, social justice, and peace advocacy, conveyed this message amidst the ongoing crisis in the state. Wali highlighted the prevalence of hatred and negative politics during political transitions, expressing concern about the focus on tearing down the achievements of previous administrations rather than building on them.  He questioned the prolonged existence of political animosity and the detrimental effects it has on governance and the well-being of the people. Reflecting on the history of political transitions in Rivers State, Wali emphasized the need to break free from the cycle of animosity and emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace over conflict.  He questioned the cost and benefits of past political wars, urging a shift towards

  As Nigerians usher in the New Year, they are urging the federal government to enhance the quality of life for citizens by implementing favorable policies that promote economic growth and ensure the safety of lives and properties. Those expressing their views are calling for a reduction in inflation and the stabilization of the foreign exchange.  In November 2023, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a headline inflation rate of 28.20%, compared to October 2023's rate of 27.33%. This indicates a 0.87% increase in the headline inflation rate for November. Ibrahim Olawale, a teacher, emphasized the need for President Bola Tinubu's economic team to address rising inflation and the escalating prices of goods, particularly staple foods like rice, Garri, and Yam, which have become unaffordable for the masses. Ikechukwu Chukwuma, a car accessories salesman, highlighted the importance of government improving the security situation in Nigeria.  He pointed out instances of w

 The Benue State Police Command brought Terver Agwa and Terna Agwa from Mbapen in Kendev, Tombo community of Buruku Local Government Area, before a Makurdi chief magistrate court.  They are accused of killing a Gboko-based businesswoman and robbing her of over N490,000. The charges include criminal conspiracy, robbery, and culpable homicide. Inspector Godwin Ato, the prosecuting police officer, informed the court that the suspects deceived the victim by offering bags of rice for sale.  When the woman visited their residence in Buruku to buy the rice, the accused allegedly conspired to lead her to an isolated bush, where they strangled her, buried her in a shallow grave, and fled with her N490,000. Ato revealed that the deceased's husband reported the incident to the police, stating that his wife received a phone call from one of the accused, Terver Agwa, regarding the rice.  During the police investigation, both accused individuals were arrested, and they purportedly confessed to t

  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported that its operatives intercepted a Qatar-based businessman, Agu Evidence Amobi, and another individual, Uchegbu Onyebuchi Obi, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Amobi was arrested on December 30 at the departure point of terminal 2 while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to Doha with 1.30kg of cannabis sativa concealed in a bag of foodstuff.  He claimed to have bought the substance in Enugu to deliver in Doha for financial reasons.  Obi was taken into custody the same day for attempting to ship 72,000 pills of tramadol 225mg to Kano on a local flight.  NDLEA officers at the domestic wing of the airport intercepted the tramadol pills with a gross weight of 38.50kg and subsequently arrested Obi.  Additionally, NDLEA operations in Yobe State led to the interception of cannabis sativa and opioids, with arrests made, and in Imo State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus on Christmas Eve along

  First Lady Oluremi Tinubu graciously welcomed the first baby born in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the year 2024 at the National Hospital Abuja (NHA).  The newborn, Boluwatife Johnson, made a timely entrance at midnight on January 1, 2024, to the Johnson family. Mrs. Tinubu extended her warm greetings to all the recently born infants in the hospital, offering blessings, baby gifts, including post-natal care items, nutritional supplies, and monetary presents.  During the occasion, she expressed her pleasure at being present on this significant day, emphasizing the symbolism of hope and a fresh start for the nation. Acknowledging the profound impact of each new life on society, Mrs. Tinubu celebrated not only the birth of Boluwatife but also emphasized the continuous cycle of life.  As a mother, she affirmed her dedication to fostering an environment that supports the well-being of children and families, ensuring a safe, loving home, and access to quality education and health

  Kylian Mbappe is reportedly contemplating a move to Liverpool instead of Real Madrid once his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires this summer.  According to Sports Mail, the 25-year-old French superstar is free to negotiate with foreign clubs starting January 1, entering the final six months of his PSG deal.  While Real Madrid has been considered the frontrunner for Mbappe's free transfer, a report in Le Parisien indicates that Liverpool is seen as the 'most credible and dangerous candidate' by PSG, who are keen on extending his stay.  The French newspaper suggests that Mbappe is interested in the possibility of joining Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp steadfast in his pursuit of the world-class player.  Additionally, Liverpool views Mbappe as a significant signing to compete with Manchester City in the future, according to Le Parisien.

  The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of several passengers near Nde 3 Corners Akparabong Junction in Ikom Local Government Area.  Gunmen ambushed the transit vehicles, shooting at them and injuring three passengers. The spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, verified the incident but did not provide specific details.  The attack occurred on Sunday, and efforts are underway to secure the release of the abducted passengers and prevent a recurrence in the area.  A local resident, Mr. James Ese, mentioned that the Akparabong Junction has become a dangerous spot for motorists and commuters, attributing the frequent attacks to alleged herdsmen. He urged security agencies to address the situation promptly.

  The Benue State Police Command has brought charges against two brothers, Terver Agwa and Terna Agwa, in a Makurdi chief magistrate court. They are accused of killing a Gboko-based businesswoman and robbing her of over N490,000. The suspects, both from Mbapen in Kendev, Tombo community, Buruku Local Government Area of the state, face charges of criminal conspiracy, robbery, and culpable homicide. The criminals murdered the victim, Mrs. Nguhemen Sesugh, and buried her remains in a shallow grave. Before her death, Mrs. Sesugh, who traded in bags of rice, was lured by her killers to their enclave in Kendev, Mbatie in Buruku LGA, under the pretense of purchasing bags of unmilled rice. "Mrs. Sesugh, dealing in rice at the Gboko rice mill, received a call from her murderers, who claimed to have several bags of rice for sale," revealed a source. Unaware of their criminal intent, she went to make the purchase with about half a million Naira in Buruku LGA, but she never returned. Eff

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Drugs abuse and self-medication are pervasive issues with profound implications for individuals and society. This comprehensive exploration aims to shed light on the causes, consequences, and potential solutions surrounding these phenomena. Definition and Scope: Drugs Abuse Drugs abuse refers to the misuse or excessive consumption of substances, often leading to physical, mental, or social harm. It encompasses both legal and illegal substances. Self-Medication Self-medication involves individuals diagnosing and treating their health conditions without professional guidance. This can include over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or even illicit substances. Causes of Drugs Abuse and Self-Medication: 1. Psychological Factors: Mental health issues, stress, and trauma can drive individuals to seek solace in substances, leading to abuse or self-medication. 2. Social Influences: Peer pressure, societal norms, and cultural factors can contribute to the initiation and continuation o

  The Plateau State Police Command has refuted reports of recent attacks on a community in the state. In a statement released on December 31, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, stated that contrary to circulating news on various media platforms, the incident at Durbi village in Jos East LGA is not linked to the recent attacks in some Plateau LGAs. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Okoro J. Alawari, clarified that it was an attempted kidnapping and culpable homicide, not an assault on the entire community. Alabo mentioned that the command received credible intelligence about the unfortunate killing of a man and his son by unidentified hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers. Upon receiving the information, Angware division's DPO, SP Taru Pariku, promptly led a team of police officers to the crime scene. Further investigation revealed that during the incident, the victims resisted the hoodlums. While attempting to escape from the advancing police team

 The Nigeria Police Force has affirmed its intention to proceed with the planned demolition of the shopping complex owned by the Police Officers Wives Association in Ikeja, Lagos State.  This decision is despite what they consider as baseless claims, unsupported protests, and media manipulation by the affected traders.  The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, explained in a statement that the POWA Shopping Complex in Ikeja, officially allocated to wives of police officers and their relatives, is scheduled for demolition.  This move is deemed necessary due to the potential environmental hazards posed by the current structure, including the risk of flooding and possible sudden collapse.  Adejobi emphasized that the demolition and reconstruction will occur in phases, with the aim of creating a modern shopping complex. He assured that all legal requirements have been met, occupants have been adequately notified, and temporary accommodations are arranged during the reconstructio

  President Bola Tinubu has, over the past six months, rolled back several policies initiated by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Despite both being members of the same political party, there are notable differences between them, particularly in economic policy. Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State, leans towards a more liberal economic stance, in contrast to Buhari, a former military leader, who tends to be more protectionist. In 2013, they joined forces against former President Goodluck Jonathan. During his eight-year silence on government policies, Tinubu spoke out only when a policy seemed targeted at him during elections. He openly disagreed with the former administration on the Naira redesigning policy. Since taking office, President Tinubu has continued to overturn some of the policies implemented by former President Buhari. Notably, he reversed the decision to remove ASUU from IPPIS, a longstanding issue between university lecturers and the government.   The lecturers co