Author: Abimbola Ogunnaike

The Lagos State Government has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeal’s judgment that nullified sexual assault conviction of the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. Femi Olaleye. Olaleye, a medical practitioner, was charged with child defilement and sexual assault by penetration and was convicted by the Lagos Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in October 2023 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in November 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction, citing errors in the lower court’s judgment. The appellate court deemed the evidence provided by the prosecution to be “tainted”…

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Democracy And Good Government Watch Initiative, has commended the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr Lekan Fatodu, for turning around the fortunes of the commission within few months of assuming office. This is contained in a statement entitled; “Lekan Fatodu Brilliance and Visionary Leadership of Transformation at Lagos State Sports Commission,” signed by Comrades Gbenga Soloki and Nelson Ekujumi on behalf of the Leadership, dated Monday, 30 December, 2024. The group stated that ever since his appointment as “the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr Lekan Fatodu has…

We write this letter with a deep sense of urgency concerning the unravelling situation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, a party that once stood as a beacon of hope for many but now appears to be embroiled in a chaotic struggle for power and relevance. The current state of affairs raises serious concerns not only about internal party dynamics but also about the very principles of democracy and governance that should guide us as a state. As we approach the crucial local elections, the impending battle between the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State House…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to the government and people of the United States of America on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100. President Tinubu described the late President Carter, 39th President of the United States, as a beacon of service to humanity, demonstrating to leaders worldwide the profound impact of dedication beyond the highest office during his lifetime. “As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and global statesman, President Carter devoted his post-presidential life to the causes of peace, democracy, and the eradication of tropical diseases. His unwavering…

Former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, is dead, reports thegazellenews.com Carter, who was the 39th President of the US died early hours of Sunday, 29 December, 2024 at the age of 100. As at the time of his death, thegazellenews.com can report that he was the oldest lived US President in history and the first to reach the age of 100. Born on October 1, 1924, James Earl Carter, he was an American politician who served as the 39th president of the United States, from 1977 to 1981. A member of the Democratic Party, he served…

The Vice-Chairman Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC Abuja Dear Sir SOS ON MASSIVE EXTORTION OF CUSTOMERS BY IKEJA ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, IKEDC This is to formally alert and seek your urgent intervention on the rampaging extortion drive by the above mentioned company. As the sole supplier of electricity in Ikeja where I live in government quarters, IKEDC recently began to deactivate the UNISTAR PRE-PAID METERS SERVING RESIDENTS OF LASG QUARTERS at 47 Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja GRA.. The deactivation continued after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, warned IKEDC against activities on the UNISTAR meters.( https://guardian.ng/news/respect-directives-on-obsolete-meters-fccpc-warns-discos/;…

Authorities in the aviation sector have concluded plans to establish mobile courts at airports to try unruly passengers. Recall that some passengers protesting against flight delays or cancellations sometimes resort to physical attacks on airline and airport workers or disrupt facilities at the airports. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have frowned against the attitude. Also as part of measures to address incidents of flight disruptions especially at airports without 24-hour operation, authorities have agreed to extend airport operational hours to 10 pm at sunset airports. The sunset airports are those operating…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, hasa stated that President Bola Tinubu is person that has shown commitment to Igbo people’s development, especially through the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC). Kalu stated this on Saturday, 28 December, 2024 during an empowerment programme organised by the lawmaker representing Ukwa east/Ukwa west federal constituency, Chris Nkwonta. At the event which was held in Ndoki, Ukwa east LGA in Abia State, over 3,000 members from various political parties reportedly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Addressing the gathering, Kalu revealed that an influx of more defectors to the…

Popular American rapper, OG Maco, is dead. The singer reportedly died of gunshot injury on Thursday, 26 december, 2024 at the age of 32. OG Maco has been hospitalised on 12 December, 2024 after suffering a self inflicted gunshot wound. He was reportedly found in his home unresponsive and had been on life support in the intervening period. The singer’s family announced his passage on his Instagram post on Friday,27 December, 2024. “With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved OG Maco. “His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love,” the…

Operatives of The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) has announced that its operatives have intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of cannabis, commonly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” at Eleko Beach in Lekki, Lagos, on Christmas Eve. The anti-drug agency also disclosed that at least six foreign nationals, who had brought the consignments from Ghana, were arrested during a midnight operation on Christmas Eve. The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who made this disclosure in a statement issued on Sunday, 29 December, 2024, said the suspects include two Ghanaians, Godsway John (38) and Freedom Kelvin (33), and four Beninese: Chegoun Hounsou…

A 32-year-old man, identified as Ezekiel Elijah, has been arrested by the operatives of the Delta State police Command for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old physically challenged girl in Aviara, Isoko area of Delta State. The Delta State Police Command Public relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, who announced the arrest in a video posted on Sunday, 29 December, 2024 via X, added that the suspect allegedly lured the victim into his house, where he committed the offense. “He deceived this girl, took her into his house, locked her inside, and sexually molested her,” Bright said during the suspect’s interrogation. The state police…

Human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, has expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for collective voice that he said saved his life. Speaking on Sunday, 29 December, 2024 via YouTube and circulating on X, Farotimi attributed his freedom to the unwavering support of Nigerians who stood by him during his ordeal. “We stopped being human because we became Nigerians. They divided us, and we fell for it. “Because you wouldn’t see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me. Because you wouldn’t see me as a Christian, you spoke for me. Nigeria couldn’t happen to me because you spoke,” Farotimi said, just…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced that it destroyed over ₦120 billion worth of seized products between July and December 2024 across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory(FCT). The agency also reassured Nigerians that measures are in place to safeguard their health before, during, and after the yuletide season. This was disclosed from The NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Made this disclosure in the yuletide message to Nigerians Adeyeye through a statement signed by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, on Sunday, 29 December, 2024 emphasised the importance of eating safely during…

Persons with disabilities in Ondo are currently in happy mood as the Ekiti State Government has provided for them vocational training, tools to make them self –reliance. The state government reaffirmed its commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through vocational training and essential support, fostering self-reliance and economic independence. The Chairman of the Office of Disability Affairs, Dr Ebenezer Ogunlade, praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s inclusive policies and encouraged PWDs to pursue their aspirations with determination. “Pursue your dreams with confidence and determination. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to,” Ogunlade declared during the graduation and empowerment ceremony held…

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command (FCT) have arrested four minors for allegedly stealing iron rods from an uncompleted building in the Guzape area of Abuja. The suspects, identified as 15-year-olds Matthew Vincent and Timothy Shedrack, 11-year-old Moses Vincent, and Lucky Enock, were arrested following a complaint lodged at the Guzape Police Station. The FCT command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest of the minors in a statement issued on Sunday, 29 December, 2024. According to Adeh, the arrests were made after residents reported suspicious activity at the construction site, stating that the minors were observed entering…

A Jeju Air passenger plane with 181 persons aboard burst into flames on the ground early on the morning of Sunday, 29 December, 2024 in South Korea. The incident occurred in Muan, which lies about 290 kilometers from Seoul, the country’s capital city. According to BBC, the Transport Ministry has identified the plane as a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet returning from Bangkok in Thailand, with two Thai nationals on board. About 167 persons have so far been confirmed dead, with the death toll expected to rise, officials said. The plane had skid off the runway before ramming into a concrete…

The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Samuel Ibitoye, has disclosed that no fewer than 13 people lost their lives in a road accident along Ikare-Akoko/Owo Road on Saturday, 28 December, 2024 in the state. Ibitoye disclosed this sad development in a statement issued on Saturday, 28 December, 2024 in Akure, the state capital. “FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State. “The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in…

A passenger plane, Jeju Air, with 181 people onboard crashed in the South Korean city of Muan on Sunday, 29 December, 2024. The plane, which had malfunctioning landing gear veered off the runway, hit a fence, before going up in flames at the airport. The Jeju Air jetliner was carrying 175 passengers and six crew when it crashed on landing at the airport in Muan county. The ill-fated plane was returning from Bangkok in Thailand when the incident occurred. AP News quoted South Korean media as reporting that the fire left over 28 people either dead or injured, while two…

The Washington-based World Bank has disclosed that inefficiencies in public spending are costing Nigeria and other developing nations a significant portion of their investments. The global bank disclosed this in its recent report titled “How Can Developing Countries Power Up Public Investment?” According to the report, more than a third of public investment in emerging markets and developing economies is lost to inefficiencies, undermining potential economic growth and development. In extreme cases, it leads to “white elephant” projects with limited economic returns but high costs and, as a result, undermines sovereign risk and debt sustainability. “Improvements in government spending efficiency…

President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff (CoS), Femi Gbajabiamila, has finally opened up on the rumour making the round that he is interested in running for governorship in Lagos State Gbajabiamila , a former House of Reps speaker, said he has no time to think about becoming because he is currently occupied with his duties as CoS to the president, just as he also attributed such claims to detractors determined to pull him down. The president’s CoS made this disclosure while addressing the general assembly of the Surulere All Progressives Congress (APC) at the indoor hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium…