Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi has confirmed the return of over 110 million dollars in assets recovered from various countries.
Prince Fagbemi made this known during a budget defence session with the House of Representatives Committee on Justice.
The minister explained that the ministry has developed a template for most of the agreements and sharing it with some of the state governments in order to help them review contracts.
While speaking on the judgment obtained against the government, Prince Fagbemi recalled that in the “popular case of P&ID”, there were so many issues involved including engaging lawyers that were not up to the task.
Mr Fagbemi pointed out that state governments are at liberty to engage in foreign transactions, however, he noted that the sub-national governments are not recognized in case there is arbitration, stressing that it is the national government that takes such responsibilities.
The chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Olumide Osoba, who expressed displeasure about the failure of the minister to give a breakdown of the fund including the 52.88 million dollars recovered assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, also frowned at the failure of the ministry to provide details on the utilisation of the 4.7 billion naira reportedly spent on legal services.
The committee also accused the ministry of usurping the powers of the parliament for re-appropriating the approved funds for the 2024 fiscal year for other purposes not approved by it without due process.
UK Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq has resigned following mounting pressure related to an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh.
Siddiq had referred herself to the Prime Minister’s standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, after questions arose regarding her connections to her aunt, the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from office last year.
While Sir Laurie stated there was no evidence of impropriety, he noted it was “regrettable” that Siddiq had not been more mindful of the “potential reputational risks” posed by these familial ties.
In her resignation statement, Siddiq maintained her innocence, asserting that she had done nothing wrong but acknowledged that remaining in her role could distract from the government’s work.
Before her resignation, Siddiq was named in a second investigation in Bangladesh.
Reports have linked her family to allegations of embezzling up to £3.9 billion from infrastructure projects in the country; she has also faced scrutiny over her association with London properties tied to her aunt’s allies.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s handling of the situation, accusing him of delaying action.
Writing on X, she said: “It was clear at the weekend that the anti-corruption minister’s position was completely untenable. Yet Keir Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend”.
“Even now, as Bangladesh files a criminal case against Tulip Siddiq, he expresses ‘sadness’ at her inevitable resignation. Weak leadership from a weak prime minister.”
In his letter accepting Siddiq’s resignation, Starmer expressed his gratitude for her service and stated that “the door remains open” for her to return to government in the future.
Siddiq, who served as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, was tasked with addressing corruption in UK financial markets during her tenure.
The 7th Edition of the “Celebrate Jesus” Crusade by Global Harvest Church will be held on Friday at Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Global Lead Pastor of Global Harvest Church, Reverend Victor Adeyemi, announced this during a news conference at the church’s headquarters in Oke Ado, Ibadan.
Reverend Adeyemi revealed that the crusade will kick off with a free medical outreach benefiting about one thousand residents of the ancient city on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan.
He highlighted that this edition of the “Celebrate Jesus” crusade will play host to renowned Gospel musicians such as Tope Alabi, Mercy Chinwo, Bidemi Olaoba and Buchi.
Emphasizing its purpose during these challenging times in the country, Reverend Adeyemi stated that the crusade will impact lives through healing, testimonies, and preaching the Word of God.
He assured attendees of adequate security measures to ensure their safety throughout the event.
Addressing the nation’s economic challenges, Reverend Adeyemi urged faith-based organizations to extend support to the less privileged.
Meanwhile, the presiding pastor of Global Harvest Church, Oke Ado, Ibadan, Femi Aladesanmi, called upon journalists to prioritize disseminating factual information that promotes peace in the country.
Ahead of next Saturday’s Local Government election in Ondo State, the All Progressives Congress, APC, party in the state has constituted two committees for the purpose of the election.
The committees are a five-man council poll campaign committee to be chaired by Sir Charles Fagbohunka while another three-man reconcilatory committee will be headed by Mr Agaba Atili.
Briefing newsmen at the party’s secretariat in Akure, APC state’s publicity secretary, Mr Alex Kalejaye explained that the committees were put in place to ensure a smooth campaign ahead of the poll and to also address aggrieved party members.
Mr Kalejaye who said the party was fully prepared for the election noted that the APC campaign would come to an end on Thursday, January 16th.
The APC publicity secretary expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in Saturday’s poll as residents would want to reciprocate the ongoing people’s oriented projects across the state
Mr Kalejaye expressed satisfaction with all the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC’s conditions adding that APC alongside 12 other political parties would be participating in the council poll.
As preparations intensify for the January 18th local government elections in Ondo State, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on the people of the state to come out en mass to elect candidates of their choice into Chairmanship and Councillorship seats in the 18 Local Government areas of the state.
The State Director of Ondo NOA, Mr James Adekunle made the call during an engagement with stakeholders and Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) of the Agency where he instructed the COMOs across the 18 LGA of the State to intensify voter education and elections sensitization.
In a statement signed by the Ondo NOA Public Relations Officer, Mr Ralph Oguntibeju, The state director assured residents of ODIEC’s determination to conduct credible, free and fair elections into various positions at the Local Government level.
Mr Adekunle advised the electorate to shun vote selling and other forms of practices inimical to democratic governance.
While discouraging any act of violence during the election, Mr Adekunle called on Security Operatives in the State to ensure peace, safety and Protection of people before, during and after the poll.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa said his administration will no longer allow stools of traditional rulers to be unnecessarily vacant.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this at the opening ceremony of a public hearing on the draft of the Chieftaincy Declaration held in Akure the state capital.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Amidu Takuro the governor described as unacceptable a situation whereby stools of monarchs were vacant for over 10 years due to litigation or other factors.
He said the draft of the Chieftaincy Declaration was aimed at making Ondo State a model for other states to copy in Nigeria and to put an end to unnecessary delay in throne ascension in all towns and communities in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa who lamented the rate of litigations surrounding Chieftaincy tussles across the state said there was the need for the state government to wade in by coming up with documents that would address succession plans for every traditional ruler.
Some traditional rulers at the event commended the state government for coming up with the public hearing, expressing the hope that the step would put an end to the Chieftaincy title crises.
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update GroupBy Kayode Animasaun
Nigerians love swallows such as eba, amala, fufu and the like. These swallows are products of gari, yam flour and cassava respectively.
But, do you know that you can make fufu with coconut flour?
Oh! I heard you say loudly. Read along and you get to know how to do it.
Coconut flour has an impressive nutrient profile, being particularly high in fibre, potassium, iron, and plant-based protein. A 1/4-cup (28-gram) serving of coconut flour contains ( 3 ): Calories: 120. Carbs: 18 grams.
Coconut flour is nutritionally beneficial. It has a lower glycemic index rating than wheat flour, meaning it takes longer to digest and absorb the carbohydrates in it. It also contains more fibre and protein than wheat flour. Coconut flour can also help you: control blood sugar.
Coconut flour is derived from natural sources and contains a high amount of antioxidants. To gain most of its benefits, consume one teaspoon of coconut flour daily.
Coconut swallow, specifically fufu, is a low-carb and nutritious African dish made from coconut flour. At only 12 net carbs, it is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy coconut swallow with your favorite African soups!
Recipe:
3 Coconuts
Water
As a start, first, get three or four pieces of coconut fruit, cut them into bits and blend or grind.
Blended coconuts are sieved, the milk extracted from the chaff with the help of a cheesecloth, you can sieve with the cloth used in making pap (akamu). The last picture here shows the coconut milk in a different bowl from the chaff. Then, the chaff goes for drying in the sun or oven. I dried it in the sun.
Blend or grind the dry chaff. Now it is ready for use for coconut fufu.
Boil the coconut milk, add a little water if the coconut is too little.
The trick is to start with one and a half cups of water to one cup of coconut flour and add more water if needed. Too much water too fast will leave you with a mushy mess.
Sift the coconut flour; this helps break up lumps in the flour, which makes it lighter and easier to mix evenly. It is however possible to make coconut fufu with the flour sifted and also to make it without sifting it, and 100% of the time, the sifted flour works better.
The texture of sifted coconut is a bit softer and easier to handle, and when cooked, is similar to regular fufu dishes. Un-sifted coconut fufu is quite dense and gets hard pretty quickly.
Sifting does make not the flour light, but it at least makes it a bit fluffy and breaks up any clumps.
While the coconut milk boils, stir gently with a ladle while adding the coconut flour or powder gradually until it becomes thick.
Coconut fufu is now ready to serve. It can be eaten with egusi soup.
The Delta State Government says it has settled over two hundred billion naira debt owed by previous administrations since the inception of the current dispensation in May 2023.
The State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information Mr. Charlse Aniagwu, stated this in Asaba, at a press briefing on the State of Affairs in the Delta State in the New Year.
Mr. Charles Aniagwu who did not give the figure of the total debt profile of the state, noted that the government has not borrowed since May 2023, despite ongoing projects across the state.
In efforts to reduce the housing deficit in the state, the Commissioner said the government had embarked on the construction of one hundred and fifty housing units located in Isoko North, Ndokwa West, and Ika North East local government areas in the state.
Mr. Charles Aniagwu also disclosed that the government will embark on a tour of the twenty-five local government areas of the state in January, to ascertain the state of ongoing projects and to make inquiries on need to establish new initiatives.
A lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Ekiti State University, Professor Oluwayemisi Arowosoge has called for synergy between agriculture and water resources ministries to curb the food crisis this year.
Professor Arowosoge who gave the advice in Ado Ekiti while speaking with Radio Nigeria, noted that climate change last year led to low food productivity, hence the need for stakeholders to assist farmers in the area of irrigation.
The university lecturer also called for adequate protection of farmers against the destruction of plantation farms by cattle, kidnappings as well as honeybee pollination of crops.
She advocated adequate farm inputs such as fertilizers, chemicals and improved seeds for the real farmers from the government and warned farmers against diversion of such inputs.
Professor Arowosoge emphasized the need to add value to perishable crops through processing and storage.
President Bola Tinubu had in December declared that the vision of his administration was to position Nigeria as a leading agricultural export nation by the year 2025.
Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, at a forum in Abuja, the President stressed that Project “Earn from the Soil” would transform subsistence farming into robust, export-driven economic opportunities, thereby revolutionising the country’s agricultural landscape and ensuring National Food Security.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has donated the sum of 25 million naira, and gifted 7 vehicles with a promise to include the Nigeria Legion, Oyo State chapter on the new minimum wage salary scale.
He said this at the launch of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem held at the Executive Chamber, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Governor Makinde stressed that the cash donation would assist in taking care of the families of fallen heroes and old soldiers alive.
The governor equally expressed gratitude to the Legion for their selfless service to the country, noting that the 7 vehicles donated would cover the various geopolitical zones as he would deliver more based on effective utilization of the vehicles
Earlier, the Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Oyo State Chapter, Evangelist Ogunjoko Julius explained that the essence of Remembrance Day was to raise funds and awareness to take care of concerns of war veterans still alive but incapacitated as well as the children and widows of the departed heroes.
Evangelist Ogunjoko called on Nigerians and Non-Nigerians to donate generously to the cause.
As part of efforts to address food scarcity and boost local food production, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced plans to engage more youths in agriculture.
Speaking during an inspection of a government warehouse in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for state governors to prioritize food security as a critical strategy to combat hunger across the nation.
He revealed that his administration has already launched the first phase of the programme which involves young farmers actively participating in crop cultivation and livestock farming across the state.
Governor Oyebanji disclosed that the government would be purchasing produce directly from the young farmers and also provide them with the necessary tools and resources to cultivate crops and rear livestock.
Oyo State Governor, Engineet ‘Seyi Makinde, has sworn in forty-eight (48) newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state Civil/Public Service, urging them to discharge their duties effectively and do their best for the state.
The governor stated this at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan shortly after the Oaths of Office and Allegiance were administered to the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries
He urged the new Permanent Secretaries to work hand in hand with his government to achieve its vision of sustainable development in the state.
Governor Makinde described the event as historic, adding that the process of their appointments was based on objectivity, and merit and without any interference from anywhere.
The governor noted that the appointment of Permanent Secretaries in education and local government sectors was done to encourage and motivate people working silently and also to institutionalise the sectors in the service.
He congratulated the new Permanent Secretaries, while he also appreciated the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, for handling the appointment processes diligently.
Governor Makinde said: “History is being made today because appointing 48 permanent secretaries is no joke but those are vacancies that have to be filled. We didn’t play politics with it. We did not create those positions, as they have been in existence. It’s just that over time, we have had mostly Coordinating Directors but now, we have appointed Permanent Secretaries.
“If you remember, when this administration came in, what we met on the ground was a situation where the appointment of Permanent Secretaries was discretionary. But we started a new culture when we came in. We had the exam and we were picking from the list.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Head of Service for handling this situation diligently.
“When you work hard, the reward is more work. So, I want to say to you that this is just the beginning. You have to do your best to justify the appointment.
“Also, you need to know that you swore to an oath to be fair to everybody. So, don’t forget the oath when you are making decisions and writing memos.
Please do your best for our state.”
Reacting, some of the new permanent secretaries, Rotimi Babalola, and Adefemi Akinyode appreciated the state governor, pledging effective service delivery towards the development of Oyo State.
The 48 new Permanent Secretaries include three (3) Permanent Secretaries earlier appointed and fifteen (15) newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries from the mainstream; fifteen (15) from the Education sector comprising Inspectors-General of Education and Tutors-General; and six (6 ) from the health sector.
Others are seven (7) from the local government sector; Permanent Secretary/Clerk of the House and the Surveyor-General of the state.
Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Nurudeen Oseni, from Omi Adio, Oyo State for unintentionally allowing the fire he set while clearing his site to engulf a property.
A statement by the police public relations officer in Ogun State, Miss Omolola Odutola, explained that the complainant, Yinka Dolamu a 33 year old from Ifalagba CDA, Kila, Orile Ilugun was in the church with his family around 4:30pm , when he received a call from a neighbor notifying him that his house was ablaze.
Miss Odutola said that the house and its contents were completely destroyed and extent of the damage could not be determined as the complainant was in a state of shock.
According to the PPRO, the suspect later surrendered to the station and was now in police custody, and that the case, will be transferred to the State CID Eleweran in Abeokuta for further investigations.
Operatives of Ogun State Police Command have arrested Odeale Fatimah for allegedly inflicting injury on a ten-year Olasunkanmi Oluwadamilara over six hundred naira in the Obada Oko area of Abeokuta.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Miss Omolola Odutola confirmed the arrest of the woman in a statement in Abeokuta.
Miss Odutola explained that a delegation from the National Association of Proprietors private schools, Obada Oko, led by coordinator, Olagbegi Moses had reported the alleged abuse at the police station when they noticed serious cuts on the boy’s hands.
She the victim who attended a private school in the area had told the police his guardian had inflicted the cuts on his hands.
The command’s spokesperson said the guardian admitted to using a razor blade to inflict the wounds as punishment for allegedly stealing six hundred naira to purchase ice cream for his friends.
She pointed out that the commissioner of Police, Mr Lanre Ogunlowo had ordered an investigation into the case.
The Oyo State Police Command has refuted rumours making the rounds of social media that fifty persons have died in mysterious circumstances
The rumour also said the tale had led to the declaration of a State of Emergency
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, in a release made available to Radio Nigeria, said the story was a figment of the author’s imagination.
It also warns the public against the spread of fake and unverified news that could disrupt the state’s enviable relative tranquillity.
It further urges the people of Oyo State to go about their lawful businesses without any fear or molestation as the Command will not renege on its statutory duties of protecting all lives and property.
Authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta have announced the closure of the Polytechnic effective from today, 13th January, 2025, till further notice.
A statement by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol of the Institution, Mr Yemi Ajibola says that the decision was to ensure safety of lives and properties owing to the protest by some students on the decision of the Management to verify their National Diploma results from their former schools.
It notes that the Management expressed its zero tolerance to fake results from any quarters and advised the students to stay away from the campus in their own interests.
The statement assures parents and the general public of timely updates as events unfold.
In recent years, the quest for an improved standard of living has increasingly seen many people, especially the youths, leave their fatherland for other countries of the world where they believe things work better.
It is therefore not surprising to discover that a friend, family member, relative or colleague you saw and communicated with today, would by tomorrow or in no distant time have landed abroad.
In fact, people now easily assume that anyone they haven’t seen in a little while must have JAPA, a yoruba word coined for run, flee or escape and which interestingly has now been registered into the dictionary.
It is worth noting that, in the quest for green pasture, those taking their flight from the shores of Nigeria, hardly give a second thought to what might lie ahead.
Many of them have even gone to the extent of burning the bridge behind them by selling their properties to raise for their exodus.
Statistics from the Nigerian Immigration Service Information Data Analysis System, MIDAS, reveals that over 3.6million Nigerians migrated from the country in the last two years, while the number is still counting.
Currently, Italy is experiencing a significant influx of African refugees, including many Nigerians, who are among the West Africans arriving by sea.
Ironically, the fervency for migration at all cost good oes on at a time when some Blacks in the diaspora are yearning to return to their ancestral homeland, embracing the maxim that ‘there’s no place like home,’
This paradox is particularly evident in Nigeria, where the younger generation is fast losing hope in the country’s future.
They feel disillusioned with the attitude of leaders who seem to prioritize short-term gains at the expense of masse’s welfare and long-term development.
Infact, for many youths in the country, the hope of becoming future leaders looks bleak as they believe the nation’s leaders are not only controlling the rave of the moment but also strategically setting the tone for the future, positioning their children to take over from them, without the interest of the vast majority at heart.
They feel entrapped in a corrupt system, ensnared in a vicious cycle with no apparent exit strategy or clear escape route.
The harsh socio – economic reality marked by soaring unemployment rates, Inflation, insecurity, and incessant strikes in tertiary institutions, which prolong their studies beyond the normal duration, have also created a sense of desperation among the youths to leave the country
Today, The JAPA syndrome is currently exacting a devastating toll on the health sector, among other critical sectors of the economy, with innocent lives bearing the brunt of the consequences.
Brain drain has thus comes at a huge! cost, undermining Nigeria’s prospects for growth and prosperity.”
Undoubtedly, human capital remains Nigeria’s most valuable asset as the nation’s future relies heavily on the creative potential, innovative ideas, and capabilities of its youth to drive progress and development.
Sadly, the exodus of young people fleeing Nigeria in desperation due to inefficient systems, corrupt institutions, and poor planning is a devastating loss, as each departing individual takes with him or her a vital piece of the country’s future potential.
While some individuals are slowly finding stability abroad, others are secretly grappling with tales of hardship, but bearing it for fear of being ridiculed or mocked by their friends back home in Nigeria, having realized the pasture is not as green as they thought.
Though migration is not an unusual occurrence in human existence, it is very vital to approach such junction of life with careful consideration and guidance, as any decision taken can either make or mar a person’s destiny.
While there is absolutely nothing wrong in anyone migrating to other countries of the world for advancement in life, individuals embarking on such moves must ask themselves these among other critical questions;
Why I’m i migrating?
What are the laws of the land I’m migrating to?
Do i possess the necessary and lawful documents to travel?
Do i possess the needed skill to secure jobs?
The ability to respond to this questions should also be accompanied by seeking wise counsel from experienced and knowledgeable people, for knowledge is power.
A wiseman does not just launch into the river, he must know the depth and danger zones before throwing his body into the river to swim.
It is also not out of place to seek divine guidance through prayers and personal meditation as only God sees the end from the beginning,! because He created and controls time and seasons.
To stem the increasing scourge of brain drain being witnessed in the country, governments should prioritize establishing industries and improving living standards, making home a comfortable and attractive option for citizens.”
Let this however be a note of caution that youths should never allow any situation push them into frustration and hasty decisions as such can lead to serious regrets and setback.
If only one can reflect deeply, with the inner eyes wide open, the greener pastures may just be very close and not as far as you imagine !
The ruling was pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, on Monday.
The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted the bail applications filed by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, owner of a prominent indigenous radio station, Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi.
The ruling was pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, on Monday.
Oriyomi was granted N10 million bail and required to provide two sureties.
The court also ruled that his organization must not broadcast the news.
The defendants argued their bail applications before the court last Tuesday but the court later ruled that the defendants should be remanded in prison till today (Monday) for a ruling on their bail application.
Last Tuesday, the defence team made a case for bail, arguing that the accused didn’t pose a flight risk and were willing to cooperate with the investigation.
However, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly countered this motion, highlighting the seriousness of the charges and the need to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), counsel for one of the defendants, Hamzat Oriyomi, said, “Well, what we did was we applied that he should be admitted to bail pending arraignment, and the application was argued today.
“The court listened to all the various arguments, and the ruling was reserved till the 13th of January. So principally, we are saying that he ought to be admitted on bail based on certain grounds which I would not want to expatiate on here.”
The defendants were arrested over the ill-fated children’s festive party in December 2024 which claimed the lives of at least 35 children following a stampede at the Islamic High School, in Bashorun, Ibadan.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted that those involved in the stampede must face trial.
He, however, added that he wasn’t against the suspects being granted bail in the case.
Weather forecasters in California are warning fierce winds which fueled the infernos around Los Angeles are expected to pick up again this week, as fire crews on the ground race to make progress controlling three wildfires.
Officials warned that after a weekend of relatively calm winds, the notoriously dry Santa Ana winds would pick up again from Sunday night until Wednesday, reaching speeds of up to 60mph (96km/h).
Ahead of the wind’s uptick, some progress has been made in stopping the spread of the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires, which are burning on opposite ends of the city. Local firefighters are being assisted by crews from eight other states, as well as Canada and Mexico, who continue to arrive.
The LA County medical examiner updated the death toll on Sunday to 24, while officials said earlier at least another 16 remain missing.
Sixteen of the dead were found in the Eaton fire zone, while eight were found in the Palisades area.
Three conflagrations continue to burn around Los Angeles.
The largest fire is the Palisades, which has now burnt through more than 23,000 acres and is 13% contained.
The Eaton fire is the second biggest and has burnt through more than 14,000 acres. It is 27% contained.
The Hurst fire has grown to 799 acres and has been almost fully contained.
The wildfires are on track to be among the costliest in US history.
On Sunday, private forecaster Accuweather increased its preliminary estimate of financial losses from the blazes to between $250bn-$275bn.
While crews have managed to start containing the largest fires, authorities have warned the incoming wind event could lead to “potential disastrous wind conditions”, with the whole of LA County put under fire threat.
“Unfortunately, we’re going right back into red flag conditions with some potential disastrous wind conditions between now and Wednesday, with the peak winds expected to be on Tuesday,” Pasadena fire chief Chad Augustin told the BBC.
“While we’re making some progress, the end is not even close yet,” he said.
The National Weather Service has issued a rare ‘particularly dangerous situation’ alert for Tuesday, warning of “extreme fire behaviour” running from 04:00 local time, until midday on Wednesday.
Kristin Crowley, the fire chief for the city of LA, called for residents near evacuation zones to be prepared to flee if an order is issued, and to stay off the roads as much as possible in order to not hinder crews.
Despite the dire forecast, all schools except those in mandatory evacuation zones would reopen on Monday, the LA Unified School District announced.
Topanga Canyon resident Alice Husum, 67, told the BBC a new fire that began in the area overnight was quickly contained, but that she and her neighbours are all “dreading Tuesday” when the wind speeds are likely to peak.
But Ms Husum, who has stayed behind despite evacuation orders, notes that the forecast “is a little better than the 100 mile-gusts that were hammering us” earlier in the week.
New fires continued to flare up on Sunday, threatening communities in the San Fernando Valley and near Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
At least 29 people have been arrested for looting in mandatory evacuation zones. Two people were caught posing as firefighters in order to steal from evacuees.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a news conference Sunday he had requested more National Guard troops to bolster the 400 already in the area. California Governor Gavin Newsom has since announced that 1,000 additional members of the National Guard would be deployed.
“When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter. And I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn’t realise we had him in handcuffs,” Sheriff Luna told reporters.
“We are turning him over to LAPD because he was dressed like a fireman, and he was not. He just got caught burglarising a home. So those are issues that our front-line deputies and police officers are dealing with.”
There are now 14,000 firefighters in the southern California region, being assisted by 84 Aircrafts and 1,354 fire engines, said Sheriff Luna.
Evacuation numbers have dropped, with around 105,000 residents still under mandatory evacuation orders and 87,000 under evacuation warnings.
Deanne Criswell, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema), told CNN on Sunday that a significant threat remained.
Benjamin Netanyahu sits with his hands on his knees in the oval office, wearing a blue tight and dark suit. Joe Biden sits to his left, wearing a navy suit with clasped hands. The White House is pushing for a deal as Biden ends his term in office this week. US President, Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken by phone – Biden’s final week in office – as momentum builds towards a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Israel and Hamas are understood to be making progress but uncertainty remains over key aspects of the potential agreement.
The White House said Biden discussed the “fundamentally changed regional circumstances” following Israel’s ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the weakening of Iran’s power in the region.
Netanyahu’s office said he had updated Biden on instructions he had given to senior negotiators in Doha “in order to advance the release of the hostages”. During Sunday’s call, which was the first to be publicly announced since October, Biden “stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal”.
It came a day after Netanyahu sent a top Israeli security delegation, including the directors of the Mossad spy agency and Shin Bet security service, to indirect negotiations in Qatar’s capital mediated by Qatari, US and Egyptian officials.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu was meeting members of his cabinet opposed to a ceasefire deal to persuade them not to resign.
And UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy met his Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem to discuss progress on a deal.
On Saturday, Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met the Israeli prime minister amid efforts to try to reach a deal before the president-elect’s inauguration on 20 January.
Trump has previously said that “all hell would break loose” if the hostages were not released before he returned to the White House.
Last Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said an agreement was “very close” and that he hoped to “get it over the line” before Trump took office. Any deal would be based on the proposals Biden set out in May, he added.
Despite the apparent heightened activity, a lack of clarity on several key issues – including whether an initial truce will lead to a permanent ceasefire and whether the Israeli military will agree to fully withdrawing from Gaza – remain.
Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, said he was doubtful that a deal would be achieved quickly.
“We’ve been here so many times before,” he told the BBC’s Today Programme.
“There is a bit more room for optimism, but until there is an official announcement or a truce or ceasefire and we start seeing hostages coming out, I’m going to remain sceptical.”
But he added that it was in both Israel and Hamas’s interest to strike a deal before Trump entered office.
“There is a fear [from Hamas] that Trump will somehow give Israel permission to unleash devastation that hasn’t yet been unleashed on Gaza.”
“Both sides feel so invested, they’ve suffered so much.”
The war was triggered by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken back to Gaza as hostages. Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza to destroy Hamas in response.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 46,500 people have been killed during the war.
Israel says 94 of the hostages remain in Gaza, of whom 34 are presumed dead, as well as another four Israelis who were abducted before the war, two of whom are dead.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented Staff of Office and certificate of appointment to the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Akeem Owoade, indicating the formal ascension of the new monarch to the revered throne of Alaafin of Oyo.
Governor Makinde, while presenting the instrument of office, believed that the new Alaafin would uphold the cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.
The governor said Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but a custodian of rich history and tradition, saying Oba Owoade would lead with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to the unity of Oyo kingdom.
The new Alaafin succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, whose reign lasted for five decades.
The new Alaafin expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo with a promise to prioritize the development of the kingdom and the welfare of its residents.
The ceremony was held at the state government house, Agodi,Ibadan.
The event was attended by traditional rulers and leaders, government officials, and some Oyo indigenes.
In the meantime, the people of Oyo town are now set to welcome the new Alaafin, Oba Abdul Akeem Owoade.
Towards this end, all markets, including the ancient Akesan market have been closed down while people have positioned themselves along major roads leading to the palace and family house of the monarch at Agure.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Iyaloja of Oyo, Alhaja Adijat Bakare explained that the suspension of trading activities was in consonance with the custom and tradition of Oyo people.
A woman’s hair is her beauty as a popular maxim says hair is a source of pride and expression of identity.
Infact, some African societies regards the hair as a sacred symbol believed to connect people with the divine. Hairstyles could also tell a lot about someone’s age, marital status, wealth, and rank in a society. It is of utmost importance to note that, African women use various natural materials, techniques to style and adorn their hair. These materials include clay, oils, herbs, shells, beads, feathers, and metal. They also develop tools such as combs, pins, and razors to shape and cut their hair. Some of the most common and distinctive hairstyles in pre-colonial Africa were:
Afro: A round and voluminous hairstyle that showcases the natural texture and curl pattern of the hair. It was worn by both men and women of various ethnic groups such as the Wolof, Mende, Mandingo, and Yoruba.
Braids: A hairstyle that involves dividing the hair into sections and weaving them together in various patterns and sizes. Braids could be worn in simple or complex designs, and could be decorated with beads, shells, or other accessories. Braids were popular among women and children of many cultures such as the Fulani, Hausa, Zulu, and Ndebele.
Cornrows: This type of braids are plaited close to the scalp in straight or curved lines.
Cornrows could be worn in geometric or symbolic patterns, and could also be used to create other hairstyles, such as buns, mohawks, or crowns. Cornrows were worn by both men and women of various cultures such as the Ewe, Ashanti, Igbo, and Yoruba.
Locs: A hairstyle that involves matting or locking the hair together into sections that hang down from the scalp. Locs could be formed naturally or intentionally, and could vary in thickness, length, and shape. Locs were worn by both men and women of various cultures, such as the Maasai, Nubian, Berber, and Rastafari.
Sadly, however, the arrival of European colonizers and traders in Africa had a profound impact on the culture and identity of African people, including their natural hair. The Europeans imposed their own standards of beauty and civilization on Africans, and often discriminated, oppressed, and enslaved them based on their physical appearance. As a result, many Africans were forced or coerced to change their natural hair styles and adopt more European ones such as straightening, cutting, or covering their hair. Some Africans also internalized the negative stereotypes and prejudices of the Europeans, and developed a sense of inferiority and shame about their natural hair.
In the 1700s, traders used to shave their slaves’ heads as a way of erasing their cultural identity, and this was a huge dehumanizing act that damaged their connection with their culture.
As a result, many African women make us of hair relaxer to straighten their hair, which according to report is injurious to their health.
A study published last in 2024 from Boston University suggests that Black women who have used relaxers more than twice a year or for more than five years have a 50% increase in uterine cancer risk.
It is therefore, not out of place if women go back to the roots and embrace hair care routines as obtainable in the olden days for a healthier hair.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians to collaborate with governments at all levels to build a nation where unity and peace prevail over division, silencing the echoes of conflict.
Governor Abiodun made this call during a special church service marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
He emphasized the importance of preserving the legacies of the country’s fallen heroes, noting their sacrifices for Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The Governor stressed that caring for the families of these heroes should not rest solely on the Nigerian Legion but should be a collective responsibility of all citizens.“Armed Forces Remembrance Day is not just another date on the calendar; it is a sacred moment to honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to the ideals they fought for,” Abiodun said. “Their patriotism, resilience, and courage serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing measures that promote economic growth and ease challenges for citizens.
He also pledged continued support for law enforcement agencies in Ogun State to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
In his sermon, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Akinrodoye, Bishop of Egba Diocese of the African Church, called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith, united in purpose, and prayerful despite the nation’s challenges.
He highlighted the importance of gratitude to God and extending kindness to others as pathways to healing the nation.
Bishop Akinrodoye urged the government to provide security agencies with adequate resources to combat insurgency and called on Nigerians to show appreciation for security personnel working tirelessly to protect the nation.
He also advocated for support for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.
Prayers were offered for the peace of Nigeria, Ogun State, and the families of the fallen heroes.
A Memorial Service has been held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State in honour of late former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, who died on the 29th of December last year in Plains, Georgia USA, at the age of 100.
The memorial service, organized by Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo at the Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta was coordinated by the President of the Baptist Convention, the Reverend Israel Akanji.
In a special tribute, entitled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”, Chief Obasanjo explained that his decision to organise the service, about 5000 miles away from the home country of the deceased was in recognition of the late former US President Carter’s lifestyle as a humble man.
Chief Obasanjo described the 39th US President as a great world leader and a righteous lover of God and humanity who fostered real independence as well as economic and social progress for all African nations.
“With less than a month in office, President Carter told us to begin our walking and working together with the US Administration under President Carter leading to my State Visit to the US on October 11, 1977, and culminating in President Carter’s State Visit to Nigeria on March 31-April 3, 1978, the first of such State Visits to any country in Africa by a sitting American President. From then on, whatever the US was doing in Africa, we were carried along”, Chief Obasanjo stated.
Acknowledging the late Carter as a personal friend that stayed true to their friendship of many decades, former President Obasanjo affirmed that the former US President established and sustained the peace, through a virile relationship between Nigeria and the United States and equally between the United States and the entire African continent.
He maintained that the late Carter had also shown that success could easily be achieved while leading by example and in humility, through a leadership style that carried along an army of co-workers who shared the ideal and burden of the work.
In a sermon, President of the Baptist Convention, the Reverend Israel Akanji also highlighted the laudable contributions of the late Jimmy Carter towards ensuring global peace and stability, stressing the need for other world leaders to emulate the virtues of putting the people’s interest above all other considerations.
A 40ft trailer load of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 2,217.6 kilograms has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, while being distributed into six vehicles at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja for onward distribution to some Northern states.
The intelligence-led operation, which took place at 1:20am on Saturday 11th January 2025 led to the seizure of not only the large illicit consignment but also the trailer and the six vehicles as well as the arrest of a suspect, 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond.
Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA in a statement on Sunday said the consignment was loaded into the trailer at Uzebba in Owan local council area of Edo State.
In another raid in the FCT, two suspects: Anthony Nnamdi, 42, and Abba Ali, 27, were arrested by NDLEA officers at Nyanya, where a combined 1.398kg cocaine and a precursor substance used in preparing crack cocaine were recovered from them.
No fewer than 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330grams have been recovered from a cargo going to Australia at a logistics firm in Lagos by officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, in NDLEA.
The cocaine parcels were concealed around the body of face cream containers in the shipment.A total of Three Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred (338,200) bottles of codeine-based syrup worth more than One Billion One Hundred and Ninety Million One Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Naira (N1,190,168,200.00) in street value, were intercepted in two containers watch-listed by the Agency following processed intelligence.
The illicit consignments were discovered during joint examination of the containers by NDLEA operatives, Customs and other security agencies on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th January 2025 at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state.
In Lagos, the traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine, Alpha beach Ajah Lekki where 2,760kg skunk was recovered on 25th October 2024, Bariu Aliu (alias Malo) has been arrested by NDLEA operatives after over three months of manhunt for him.
Though two of his accomplices were earlier arrested at the shrine last year and had since been charged and convicted in court, Bariu was said to be the leader of the syndicate.
A suspect, Habibu Ya’u, 23, was nabbed by NDLEA officers who raided Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria road, Kano on Thursday 9th January where they recovered 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2kg; and 40,800 pills of opioids including tramadol from him.
While commending the officers and men of DOGI, FCT, PHPC, Lagos, and Kano Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.
