STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS THE DEATH OF FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the United States on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100. As the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter was a model of selfless service, showcasing how leadership can positively impact humanity beyond the highest office. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate and global statesman, President Carter dedicated his post-presidential years to advancing peace, democracy, and the fight against tropical diseases. His tireless efforts left a lasting legacy. “President Carter demonstrated the power of staying relevant and impactful after leaving office,” remarked President Tinubu. “He addressed global challenges, from disease eradication to conflict resolution, and promoted democratic ideals with grace, dignity, and compassion.” President Tinubu recalls President Carter as a trus...

Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah says he is "far away" from signing a new deal at the Premier League club. Salah, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season and can enter negotiations with non-English clubs on 1 January over a free transfer once his deal expires. The Egyptian scored his 20th goal of the season as Liverpool beat West Ham 5-0 at the London Stadium on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points. Asked about his future following the victory, Salah told Sky Sports: "No, we are far away from that [contract] and I don't want to put anything in the media. "The only thing on my mind is I want Liverpool to win the league and I want to be part of that. "I will do my best for the team to win the trophy. There is a few other teams catching up with us and we need to stay focused and humble and go again."

After 179 people were killed on Jeju Air Flight 2216 in the worst plane crash in South Korea, the low-cost carrier told AFP Monday it was facing a wave of cancellations. In Sunday’s accident at Muan, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea made a mayday call and belly-landed before crashing into a barrier and bursting into flames. Two crew members are the only survivors of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 which crash-landed at Muan International Airport on a flight from Bangkok. “From midnight the previous day (Sunday) to 1:00 pm today (0400 GMT Monday), the number of canceled flight tickets totaled approximately 68,000,” a Jeju Air official told AFP. Domestic flights accounted for around 33,000 cancellations, while international flights cancellations stood at around 34,000, the company said. “Many also are asking if their aircraft is the Boeing 737-800, and if so, they want to cancel,” they said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A Jeju Air flight from Seo...

  Former President Jimmy Carter, died Sunday. He was 100. His son, Chip Carter confirmed that the former president died at his home in Plains about 3:45 p.m. Carter, who lived longer than any other U.S. president, entered home hospice care in Plains, Georgia in February 2023 after a series of short hospital stays. “People will be celebrating Jimmy Carter for hundreds of years. His reputation is only going to grow,” Rice University history professor Douglas Brinkley wrote in his book “The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter.” Born on Oct. 1, 1924, Carter grew up on a peanut farm and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. In the Navy, he eventually served on submarines and rose to the rank of lieutenant. The Navy commissioned a nuclear-powered submarine in 2005, naming it the USS Jimmy Carter. He was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1962 and was a little-known Georgia governor when he began his bid for the presidency ahead of the 1976 election. He ...

President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday aligned with key supporter and billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk in a public dispute over the use of the H-1B visa, saying he fully backs the programme for foreign tech workers opposed by some of his supporters.  The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has voiced late Friday to go to "war" to defend the visa programme for foreign tech workers. Also tech entrepreneur such as  Vivek Ramaswamy, who with Musk is to co-chair a government cost-cutting panel under Trump – say the United States produces too few highly skilled graduates, and they fervently champion the H1-B programme. In an interview with The New York Post, Trump hinted that he "always liked" the H1-B visa programme and used it to attract qualified foreign workers to the US mainland. "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great programme," he was quoted as saying. “I’ve always liked the visas, I ha...

  About 69 migrants, including 25 Malians, lost their lives after a makeshift boat en route to Spain from West Africa sank off Morocco’s coast, Mali’s authorities confirmed. Details of the Tragedy: - Passengers: The boat carried about 80 people; only 11 survived. - Survivors: Nine survivors are Malian nationals, according to Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad. - Timing: The incident occurred last week but was formally confirmed on Thursday. Mali’s Crisis and Migration: - Instability: Mali continues to grapple with political turmoil, jihadist violence, and separatist uprisings following two military coups in 2020 and 2021. - Hardship: Economic challenges and climate change effects on agriculture have forced many Malians to seek opportunities abroad, often risking dangerous sea routes. Deadly Atlantic Route: - Risk: The Atlantic migration path from West Africa to Spain is one of the most perilous in the world. - Statistics: Spanish human rights group Caminando Fronteras rep...

The 2024 Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai, celebrated the 15th anniversary of recognizing football’s finest talents globally. Key Highlights: - Vinicius Jr. claimed “Best Men’s Player” and “Best Forward”, celebrating a stellar year with Real Madrid. - Cristiano Ronaldo secured the “Best Middle East Player” award. - Rising star, Lamine Yamal won “Best Emerging Player”, while Carlo Ancelotti was named “Best Coach”. Complete List of Winners: - Best Men’s Player: Vinicius Jr. - Best Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmati - Best Midfielder: Jude Bellingham - Best Men’s Club: Real Madrid - Best Women’s Club: Barcelona - Career Awards: Neymar Jr., Thibaut Courtois, Rio Ferdinand - Special Career Awards: Florentino Pérez, Alessandro Del Piero The event honored current icons like Vinicius Jr. and Bonmati, alongside legends like Del Piero, highlighting football’s evolving legacy.

  Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister whose economic reforms made his country a global powerhouse, has died at the age of 92. Singh, who held office from 2004 to 2014, was credited with having overseen an economic boom in Asia’s fourth-largest economy in his first term, although slowing growth in later years marred his second stint. India “mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders”, current Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media platform X on Thursday, shortly after news broke of Singh’s passing. “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.” Singh was taken to a hospital in New Delhi after he lost consciousness at his home on Thursday, but could not be resuscitated and was later pronounced dead, according to a statement by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. “I have lost a mentor and guide,” opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a statement, adding that Singh had “led India with immense wisd...

Sporting have appointed Rui Borges as head coach after sacking Joao Pereira, who lasted just over a month in charge at the Portuguese club following Ruben Amorim's departure. Pereira took over as boss of the Lisbon side soon after Amorim left to become Manchester United head coach in November, but he endured a difficult spell at the helm. Sporting lost four of their eight games under Pereira, form which has resulted in them being knocked off the top of the Primeira Liga, with rivals Benfica leapfrogging them into first place. Borges has left Vitoria Guimaraes to become Sporting boss and has signed a contract until June 2026, with the deal including an option for a further one-year extension. "The time for me is right," said Borges, whose first game will be against Benfica on Sunday. "It's always right. I'm very positive, I believe things happen when they have to. It's an opportunity we've all worked for." Amorim led Sporting to last season's ...

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Nigerians on the Christmas celebration, saying Nigeria is on the path to restoration and progress. The President in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday urged the citizens to pray for the nation’s leaders at all levels. “On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures,” he said. “Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria. “Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.” To Tinubu, Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. He said the event is a poignant reminder that light can emerge...

  The Federal Government has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th of December 2024, and Wednesday 1st January, 2025 as public holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies. Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities. The minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development. “The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodw...

A U.S. court has sentenced Nigerian-born Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, 49, to a combined 40 years in prison for running a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking operation on the dark web. Adegboruwa received a 30-year sentence, lifetime supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit over $20 million—the largest forfeiture in the District of Utah for such crimes. Isong was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. Between October 2016 and May 2019, Adegboruwa sold over 300,000 oxycodone pills, generating $9.1 million in illicit proceeds. The operation, involving a team he supervised, sourced, packaged, and shipped the drugs across the U.S., with payments processed through cryptocurrency. Adegboruwa admitted to managing the dark web operation and its financial transactions. U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins emphasized the importance of dismantling drug trafficking networks, while DEA officials and IRS investigators highlighted the sig...

  Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi has been granted ₦30 million bail by a Magistrate court in Ekiti State. The court also asked Farotimi to provide 3 sureties with a landed property within the jurisdiction. He was told to refrain from media interview and to submit his international passport. The case has been adjourned till 13th February 2025. Farotimi, who has been remanded in a correctional centre in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital for over two weeks, arrived at the Magistrate Court premises around 9:45 am on Friday. He was conveyed to the court premises in a prison’s van with a police escort, alighting while raising his hands up in appreciation of a cheering crowd outside the court. His bail comes after the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, had at the last sitting, reserved ruling till December 20 on the bail application and ordered that the activist be remanded in prison.During the court proceedings, Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge preferred against him by th...

  A 77-year-old retired lecturer from Edinburgh, Nikki MacLeod, has cried out about being deceived in an online romance scam that involved AI-generated deepfake videos. A  fraudulent business scheme,  which resulted in MacLeod losing £17,000, shows the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals who use artificial intelligence to manipulate unsuspecting victims. MacLeod explained that after experiencing loneliness from losing her parents during the COVID-19 lockdown and the end of a long-term relationship, she turned to online chat groups, where she met a woman named “Alla Morgan. Ms MacLeod was led to believe the woman Alla Morgan working on a North Sea oil rig.  The deep fake scammer concocted a story about how she needed to use Steam gift cards to get an internet connection on the rig.  They convinced the elderly victim to buy the cards, typically used for buying video games, that she needed to buy one so they could carry on speaking. While she initially...

A 40-year-old Nigerian woman, Roselime Oluchi Ikeoha, was apprehended  in Bengaluru, India, in connection with one of the city’s largest drug trafficking busts. The Anti-Narcotics wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) recovered 12 kilograms of MDMA, a powerful synthetic drug, from her possession, valued at approximately ₹24 crore [ 258,797,500.00 USD] Police Commissioner B. Dayananda confirmed the arrest, describing the seizure as one of the biggest in Bengaluru and Karnataka. Investigations revealed that Ikeoha had been running a grocery store in the TC Palya area for five years, which allegedly served as a front for her drug distribution activities. “This is one of the largest drug seizures in Bengaluru and Karnataka. The CCB team successfully dismantled an international MDMA crystal drug network, seizing 12 kg of pure white and yellow MDMA,” Dayananda stated. During the raid on Ikeoha’s premises, officials discovered 70 SIM cards, suggesting a wider criminal operation. Ikeoha r...

  Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced the arrest of the organizers of a children’s carnival in which an undisclosed number of children were reportedly killed in a stampede. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Governor confirmed the incident took place in the Bashorun area of Ibadan earlier that day . Makinde stated that the state government has taken immediate actions to prevent further fatalities, including initiating an investigation into the incident. He emphasized that those responsible will be held accountable. The Governor also mentioned that medical teams and ambulances have been dispatched to the scene, the event has been halted, and attendees were safely escorted out of the venue. “Earlier today, a tragic incident occurred at Islamic High School Bashorun, where an event for families was being held. We have deployed security personnel to restore order and prevent further casualties, while medical personnel and ambulances have been sent to assist. The event h...

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has canvassed for a young man who was sentenced to death by hanging in 2010 for allegedly stealing a chicken and eggs.  For years, Olowookere's parents, human rights groups and other Nigerians have fought for his release. His parents were recently on a podcast where they cried and begged for their only child to be pardoned.  In an interview with Biola Adebayo, a Nigerian actress, the parents of the victim claimed that police officers from the Osun command arrested Olowookere for an offence he did not commit. Olowookere Olanrewaju, the man’s father, said a divisional police officer (DPO) asked him to pay N30,000 for his son’s release, but N20,000 was all he could raise at the time. The case resurfaced during an interview with Nigerian actress Biola Adebayo, where the man’s parents maintained that their son, Olowookere Olanrewaju, was wrongfully accused.  “We are here to beg Nigerians to help us. In 2010, I was at the shop where I was r...

  The World Bank plans to approve three major loan projects for Nigeria in 2025, totaling $1.65 billion. These loans will focus on addressing critical issues such as internally displaced persons, education, and nutrition. The projects include the $300 million Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project, the $553.8 million HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All project, and the $800 million Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0. These loans are part of the World Bank’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s development and economic recovery, and the loans are expected to be approved in early 2025. The World Bank has approved $6.95 billion in loans for Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu's administration over the past 18 months.

  The Federal Government has declared free train rides for Nigerians wishing to travel during the Christmas season. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement on Monday following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. He stated that the free train services will be available from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Idris added that Nigerians can enjoy the free rides on all routes where train services are currently operating. Idris said the initiative aims to cushion the impact of transportation costs, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians“As we did last year, there will be free train service to all Nigerians from December 20 up until January 5, free train service nationwide,” Idris said. The minister said the free train ride is consistent with President Tinubu’s desire to cushion  the effect of government policies on transportation costs, especially for the most vulnerable Nigerians.  Last year, the president also appro...