FG Declares Public Holidays For Christmas, New Year

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Friday on behalf of the Federal Government.

He felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion of the celebration.

Tunji-Ojo urged Christians to emulate the lifestyle of Jesus, the teachings of humility, service, compassion, and patience.

The minister stressed that peace and security are critical prerequisites for economic development and prosperity, assuring that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to put in place adequate measures for the security of lives and property.

Tunji-Ojo also urged Nigerians to be security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agencies.

He reiterated that the Yuletide season calls for discipline to protect the lives and property of everyone in their respective communities and the nation as a whole.

Tunji-Ojo admonished all citizens to remain focused, adding that 2024 will be a better year with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu.

Brainnards Set To Conclude Quiz Competition With Book Review, Award Winners (Photos)

Brainnards Educational Consults, a renowned tutorial in Surulere has revealed plans to launch a book, conclude mathematics quiz competition, and honor winners with prizes today, December 20 by 4pm.

 Brainnards Week is a carefully orchestrated series of events to celebrate achievements and inspire the current generation on their journey toward future leadership. The theme for this year's event is tagged "Current Achievers; Future Leaders."

This year's Brainnards Week commenced last Thursday, featuring the Mathematics splash for junior students, with Alawode Aasiyah emerging as the winner after three rounds. 

Aasiyah Alawode, Winner of the mathematics splash competition (Junior category)

However, it was discovered that the senior category concluded on December 14th, with Abdulmojeed Abdussalam securing victory.

Day 3 included a film show featuring the insightful Indian movie "Chalk N Duster," offering students reflection and relaxation. 

        Pictures from the Film show 

The event then transitioned to sports and games like football, egg race, and bottle flipping.

The grand finale is scheduled for today, December 20, 2023, featuring prize awards for the mathematics splash winners and a book review.

As the curtains of the grand event draw close, the book scheduled for review during the formal closing is "The Glowing Lantern and Civilian Barracks" by Habeeb Gidado, an alumnus of the tutorial  and also a graphic of Obafemi Awolowo University.

WAUG 2023: OAU Releases Schedule Of Activities

By Tijani Abdulkareem

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife has released schedule of activities for the 2023 West African Universities Games 

In a statement made available to our correspondent, the OAU Students Union Director Of Sports, Sumade Saudiq, disclosed that sport activities to be played include Basketball, Table Tennis, Long Tennis, Javelin, High Jump, Long Jump, and Triple Jump, Short Put and Relay races.

The schedules are as follows:

Basketball:

- Commences on Monday at 8 am and 4 pm in the evenings.

Table Tennis:

- The draws unfold today on 18/12/2023 at 2 pm, at the Table Tennis hall.

Games:

- Kick-off on Tuesday 19/12/2023, concluding on Wednesday 20/12/2023.

Athletics Programme:

Day 1 – Tuesday, 19th December

Morning Session:

- 9.00 am – 1,500m (M/W) – Final

- High Jump (M/W) – Final

- 9.30 am – 100m (M/W) – Semi Final

- Shot Put (M/W) – Final

- 10.20 am – 400m (M/W) – Semi Final

- 11.30 am – 4x100m (M/W) – Final

Afternoon Session

- 2.30 pm – 110mH/100mH (M/W) – Final

- Javelin (M/W) – Final

- Triple Jump (M/W) – Final

- 3.00 pm – 800m (M/W) – Final

- 3.30 pm – 100m (M/W) – Final

- 4.00 pm – 4x400m (M/W) – Final

Day 2 – 20th December

Morning Session:

- 9.00 am – 5,000m (M) – Final

- Discus (M/W) – Final

- 10.00 am – 400m (M/W) – Final

Afternoon Session:

- 2.30 pm – 200m (M/W) – Semi Final

- Long Jump (M/W) – Final

- 3.30 pm – 400mH (M/W) – Final

- 4.00 pm – 5,000m (W) – Final

- 4.30 pm – 200m (M/W) – Final

- 5.00 pm – 4x100m Mixed Relay – Final

Man Arrested For Killing Mother, Sister In Enugu

Tijani Abdulkareem

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Somadina Orji from Igboariam in Anambra State for allegedly killing his mother, Mrs Charity Orji, and his sister, Miss Ukamaka Orji. 

The tragic incident occurred on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Umuagu Inyi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The late Charity, who was married in Igboariam but residing in her family house in Inyi, had been living with her children for some years. The suspect, reportedly involved in drug dealing, had ongoing issues with his mother.

A community leader, Mr Ben Obi, revealed that the trouble began weeks ago when Somadina had a dispute with his younger brother. The mother intervened, reporting the incident to the kingsmen, expressing concern that Somadina intended to harm his younger brother.

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Tragically, after the mother went for a condolence visit, Somadina killed and buried her in a shallow grave upon her return. The younger brother, noticing the mother's absence, raised an alarm, leading to Somadina's confession when villagers interrogated him.

Somadina also confessed to killing his younger sister weeks before. The remains of both victims were exhumed, deposited at the mortuary, and the suspect was arrested. Charity, who sold fufu to support her family, faced a tragic end.

Community leaders, including Mr. Ben and Mr. Ejike Tasie, urged government intervention to prevent such incidents in the future. The coordinating president general in Oji River highlighted the alarming drug use in Inyi, calling on anti-drug agencies to address the issue.

DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the suspect's arrest, stating that investigations are ongoing, and once concluded, the suspect will be prosecuted in court.

CBN Warns Nigerians As Fake Naira Notes Circulates The Country

Tijani Abdulkareem

The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a warning, urging Nigerians to be cautious of counterfeit naira notes circulating amidst reports of a currency shortage in the country.

In a statement released on Friday titled ‘Beware of Counterfeit Naira Banknotes in Circulation,’ the apex bank advised Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses, Bureau de Change, and the public to be vigilant and implement necessary precautions.

The Central Bank assures the public that it is actively working with law enforcement operatives to apprehend those responsible for circulating counterfeit currency.

The statement, in part, said, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, significantly higher denominations, by some individuals for transactions in food markets and other commercial centers across major cities in the country.

“Members of the public are also encouraged to report anyone suspected of having counterfeit naira notes to the nearest police station or branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria."

Tragedy As Missing OAU Student Killed By Ritualist

Tijani Abdulkareem

The decomposed body of 18-year-old Quadri Salami, a 100-level student at Obafemi Awolowo University, who had been missing since November, was discovered in a shallow grave in Mile 6, Ajemo area of Abeokuta.

Two suspected ritualists, Akeem Usman and Ifadowo Niyi, confessed to slaughtering the victim, dismembering his body parts, and selling them for rituals.

 Niyi allegedly took Salami's head and wrists, paying N100,000 to Usman. The suspects continued selling other body parts to internet fraudsters, burying the heart, legs, and flesh for rituals.

The police, led by Commissioner Abiodun Alamutu, exhumed the body parts after tracing a clue to Akeem, arrested with the victim's phone. 

The suspects admitted using four other human heads for money rituals. They are in custody, facing prosecution, as the police vow to ensure justice and eradicate such crimes.

FLASH: OAU Grieves As Another Student Dies

Tijani Abdulkareem

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, Ile Ife, could not hold back their tears as a 300-level student, Aliu Asisat Olashile, from Faculty of Pharmacy is dead. 

It was learnt that the deceased passed away on Tuesday night, and the cause of her death was not disclosed.

The leadership Pharmaceutical Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, OAU, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday on their official social media handle. 

According to the statement,  "We are displeased to announce the demise of Sister Azeezat. Aliu Asisat Olashile was one of us until her soul was taken far above last night. However, it is a promise that every man would fulfill, we endeavour us to take heart and remain Strong.

"We pray that Allah grants her Jannah and eternal rest. We express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, may Allah fortify them with the patience to bear the loss.

"We want to also use this medium to beseech your presence at her JANĀZAH process this morning. The process shall occur at Al Minhal Cemetery. The time would be communicated duly when OAUTHC clears her corpse (hopefully before 11:00 AM).

"May Allah bestow his peace on her and make her of the righteous on the day of judgement."

Nigeria's Osimhen Bags AIC Footballer Of The Year Award

Napoli's Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian striker, was announced on Monday night as the Italian Footballers’ Association Footballer of the Year.

 This recognition was a result of his stellar performance last season, where he played a crucial role in Napoli's triumph, securing the league title for the team.

Osimhen's contribution was remarkable, with 26 goals that proved instrumental in helping the Partenopei clinch their first Scudetto in 33 years. 

His impressive feat has also garnered him nominations for various prestigious awards, including the FIFA Best and the Ballon d'Or.

In addition to individual accolades, Osimhen was included in the Serie A Team of the Year. He shares this honor with standout players like Mike Maignan, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Kim Min-jae, and others. This recognition further underscores Osimhen's exceptional impact on the field, solidifying his position among the top talents in Italian football.

Mawlud Celebration: Tinubu ReactsTo Killing Of Villagers In Kaduna, Orders Probe

Mawlud Celebration: Tinubu Condemns Killing Of Villagers In Kaduna, Orders Probe

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of villagers in an accident bombing of Tundun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

It was learnt that about 150 Muslims lost their lives in the incident, which occurred on Sunday night during the celebration of Maulud in the village.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tiinubu described the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful.

The president directed a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and called for calm while the authorities look diligently into the sad incident.

President Tinubu also sympathized with the families of the victims, the people and the government of Kaduna State over the death of the villagers in the bombing mishap.

The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu sympathizes with the families of the victims, the people and the government of Kaduna State over the bombing mishap in a village at Tundun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

“President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.

“The President directs a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and calls for calm while the authorities look diligently into the mishap.

“The President also directs swift and comprehensive medical attention for surviving victims while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.”