Saturday, April 18, 2026

DJ Cuppy Shines at DIAFA 2025

By
Justice Oladapo
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DJ Cuppy

Nigerian DJ, producer, and philanthropist Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, better known as DJ Cuppy, has added another milestone to her illustrious career by receiving a prestigious honour at the ninth edition of the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) in Dubai.

The glamorous red-carpet ceremony, held on December 17, celebrated outstanding contributions to arts, culture, and philanthropy from both Arab and international figures. DJ Cuppy was recognized for her global influence as a music artist and her impactful charitable work through the Cuppy Foundation.

Arriving in full traditional Yoruba attire, complete with an elegant gele headwrap, DJ Cuppy turned heads and proudly represented African heritage on the international stage. Her choice of outfit drew widespread admiration, with many praising it as a powerful display of cultural pride amid Dubai’s cosmopolitan glamour.

During her emotional acceptance speech, the star dedicated the award to her home country. “I dedicate this award to my beloved Nigeria, where so many hearts are hurting. May this be a beacon of hope.” she declared, emphasizing her commitment to showcasing African excellence worldwide.

Visibly moved, she continued: “Thank you so much, all glory to God and shukran DIAFA. Shukran, Dubai – I love this city.” The moment quickly went viral across social media, with fans and commentators hailing it as an inspiring representation of Nigerian talent on a global platform.

The recognition underscores DJ Cuppy’s evolving legacy beyond music, highlighting her philanthropic efforts that have supported education and health initiatives across Africa. Observers noted that her DIAFA honor signals growing appreciation for African voices in international cultural conversations.

Nigeria Customs Imposes Penalties on Banks for Delayed Revenue Remittances

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun enforcing penalties against designated banks that fail to promptly remit collected customs revenue, marking a tougher stance on compliance in government revenue collection.

In a statement on Wednesday, the NCS said it had observed recurring delays in remittances by some banks after reconciliations processed through the B’odogwu platform. Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer, described these delays as a serious breach.

“Such delays constitute a breach of remittance obligations and negatively impact the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of government revenue administration,” Maiwada stated.

Under the terms of the Service Level Agreement between the NCS and the designated banks, any bank that fails to transfer collected revenue within the agreed timeline will now face penalty interest calculated at three percent above the prevailing Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for the entire period of delay. The NCS said affected banks would receive formal notifications specifying the outstanding amounts, the applicable penalties, and deadlines for settlement.

The service warned that repeated or persistent violations could trigger further sanctions, including regulatory and administrative measures allowed under the agreement and relevant laws.

Maiwada stressed the non-negotiable nature of timely remittances. “Prompt, accurate, and complete remittance of Customs revenue is a fundamental obligation of Designated Banks,” he said, adding that any transfer of collected funds into unauthorised accounts, whether intentional or mistaken, would be treated as a grave violation.

The NCS urged banks to bolster their internal controls and adhere strictly to the agreed timelines. “The Service remains committed to enforcing accountability, safeguarding government revenue, and promoting a transparent and predictable financial system in support of national economic development,” the statement concluded.

The announcement has drawn attention across Nigeria’s financial and trade sectors, with some observers suggesting it could strain relations between the customs authority and commercial banks. As of December 18, 2025, no public responses from the affected banks or the banking industry have been reported.

U.S. Adds Nigeria to Expanded Travel Ban

By
Kazeem Busari
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US President Donald Trump

The United States government has officially placed Nigeria on a list of countries subject to travel restrictions and entry limitations in a newly signed presidential proclamation, a sweeping move that has sent shockwaves across global travel and diplomatic circles. The policy, unveiled on Tuesday, signals a significant tightening of U.S. immigration and border security measures, citing national security concerns as its primary justification.

President Donald Trump, in the proclamation titled Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States, said that it is the declared policy of the U.S. “to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security and public safety, incite hate crimes, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.”

According to the White House document, the expanded restrictions come after extensive review and consultation with senior national security and intelligence officials. It follows earlier immigration orders issued during the president’s current administration, which sought to tighten entry controls for foreign nationals from various nations.

Under the new directive, Nigeria appears on a list of **15 countries whose nationals will face partial restrictions on entry into the United States. The proclamation states that “the entry into the United States of nationals of Nigeria as immigrants, and as non-immigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.” It further notes that “consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other non-immigrant visa issued to nationals of Nigeria to the extent permitted by law,” a policy expected to disrupt tourism, academic study, vocational training, and business travel from the West African nation.

The United States government said that the restrictions on Nigerian nationals stem from concerns about screening, vetting, and information-sharing protocols. In the proclamation, it highlights what it describes as persistent “inadequacies” in identity-management systems and criminal record reporting, which the administration asserts make it difficult for U.S. authorities to confidently assess the risks posed by applicants from affected countries.

Bayelsa in Mourning as Diri Describes Late Deputy as Trusted Ally

By
Kazeem Busari
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Gov Diri during a visit to the family of the deceased.

Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has described his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a trusted friend and brother, insisting that their relationship was never defined by hierarchy but by mutual respect and loyalty.

Governor Diri spoke on Friday night while leading a delegation of state legislators and senior government officials to commiserate with Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo and the family of the late deputy governor at the Government House in Yenagoa, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah

Expressing shock over Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death on Thursday, Diri said their bond spanned more than a decade, dating back to their time in the administration of former Governor Seriake Dickson.

“We came a long way from the leadership of the government of my predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson. We worked together for eight years and now in our own government, we have been together for almost six years,” the governor said

Diri praised his deputy as loyal, dependable and deeply committed to public service, noting that Ewhrudjakpo brought rare dedication to governance.

“You know what it means when you have a deputy governor who works with you loyally. He was dependable, workaholic and very resourceful,” he said

Rejecting any notion that his deputy was treated as a subordinate, the governor stressed the personal nature of their working relationship. “We came together as friends and brothers. Our working relationship was not that of a boss and subordinate but it was that of a brother and friend yet recognising that I was his principal,” Diri added

The governor also highlighted Ewhrudjakpo’s professional versatility, describing him as “a man of many parts” who combined his background as a lawyer with expertise in public health.

He noted that Ewhrudjakpo chaired the state committee on primary healthcare and recalled the irony that Bayelsa received a primary healthcare award in Abuja on the same day his deputy passed on. “God called him when the ovation was loudest,” Diri said, lamenting that they had expected to complete two full terms together in office

Calling the death a profound loss to Bayelsa State, the governor urged the Ewhrudjakpo family and the Ofoni community to submit to the will of God, while taking solace in the late deputy’s achievements in public life. He assured the family of the state government’s support, pledging to take over the education of Ewhrudjakpo’s children “to any level” and to retain his aides within government service

Diri further assured the Ofoni community that their son, who died while in active service, would be accorded a befitting state burial

Responding on behalf of the family, former Commissioner for Education and ex-member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Dr. Oyovwhi Osusu, thanked the governor for standing with the family and community in their moment of grief. He said although the loss had left the family and Ofoni community in deep shock, they accepted it as the will of God and appreciated the government’s support.

Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Neutralise VBIEDs, Recover Arms

By
Agency Report
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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a forward operating base in Mairari, Borno State, dealing a significant setback to the group’s operations in the area

According to multiple military sources, the attack began late on Friday, and extended into the early hours of Saturday, as ISWAP elements attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs)

Both explosive-laden vehicles were detected in time and neutralised by troops, preventing any penetration of the base.

CCTV footage reviewed after the engagement showed that several of the attackers were killed, while others sustained serious injuries. Surviving fighters were seen evacuating their dead and wounded from the scene, indicating heavy losses during the failed assault

In the early hours of Saturday, troops of Sector 3 OPHK/Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a detailed exploitation of the area

The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist corpses and a cache of weapons and logistics abandoned during the militants’ withdrawal.

Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, belts of PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies and other sustainment items, underscoring what the military described as evidence of sustained terrorist activity in the area

The military also confirmed that the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by OPHK’s defensive fire systems, causing damage to the road at two separate points. However, officials stressed that there was no breach of the forward operating base, highlighting the preparedness and resilience of the troops

Troops are continuing aggressive fighting patrols around Mairari to prevent further attacks and reassure local communities of a sustained security presence, the military said. OPHK reaffirmed its commitment to “decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East region”

Operation HADIN KAI is the Nigerian military’s counter-insurgency campaign in the North East, targeting ISWAP and Boko Haram factions that have carried out repeated attacks on military positions and civilian communities across Borno and neighbouring states.

Oyebamiji Emerges APC Candidate for 2026 Osun Governorship Election

By
Kazeem Busari
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Oyebamiji

Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has been affirmed as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 Osun State election, following the party’s primary held in Osogbo on Saturday.

Oyebamiji’s emergence comes after an affirmation process involving 1,660 delegates at the governorship primary, during which other aspirants moved and seconded his nomination. Kunle Adegoke (SAN) formally nominated him, and Senator Babajide Omoworare seconded the motion before the Chairman of the primary election committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, asked for a voice vote. The delegates unanimously affirmed Oyebamiji as the party’s flag-bearer.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji pledged to “put Osun back on the track of development,” signaling his intention to build on the state’s progress and mobilise support ahead of the general election. The former NIWA boss, popularly known by his political initials “AMBO,” served previously as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State, a background that he says equips him to manage the state’s fiscal and developmental priorities.

The party’s primary committee chairman, Governor Okpebholo, described the unity displayed at the event as a strong indicator of victory for the APC in the 2026 poll, emphasising the importance of cohesion in the party’s efforts to reclaim the governorship seat from the incumbent.

Several party heavyweights and regional leaders attended the primary, demonstrating significant political interest in the outcome. Among them were the Governors of Ondo and Nassarawa states and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, underscoring national support for the APC’s process in Osun.

Oyebamiji’s emergence follows a contentious screening exercise earlier in this month, when several high-profile aspirants, including former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, former Senator Babajide Omoworare, and ex-National Secretary of the APC Senator Iyiola Omisore, were disqualified by the APC’s screening committee for failing to meet required nomination criteria. Those aspirants later pledged support for the party’s eventual consensus choice, citing a reconciliation meeting convened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the primary.

Speaking after the primary, Omisore, who was among those barred from contesting, said he accepted Oyebamiji’s candidacy, stressing that the party must follow the direction set by its leadership. He added that he intends to brief his supporters on the outcome and remains committed to party unity going into the election.

The 2026 Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 8, 2026, and both major political parties are intensifying their campaigns. Oyebamiji now faces the task of consolidating support within the APC and across the state to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other contenders in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched governorship races.

Cole Palmer Declared Fit for Everton Clash

By
Agency Report
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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that attacking midfielder Cole Palmer is fit and expected to feature for the Blues in Saturday’s Premier League home game against Everton, despite recent injury concerns that have limited his play this season.

Palmer, 23, had missed Chelsea’s midweek Champions League defeat to Atalanta as part of his managed return from a lengthy lay-off caused by a groin injury and a broken toe, but Maresca indicated on Friday that he has now resumed training and is available for selection. “Cole is okay. He’s better, he is, at the moment, available… yesterday he finished the session with us with mixed feelings. But overall he’s fine,” the Italian manager told reporters.

The England international had been out for approximately six weeks due to the combination of injuries, missing a significant portion of Chelsea’s schedule and forcing the club to adapt without one of its most creative attacking talents. Despite not being fully at 100 percent, Palmer’s availability is seen as a boost for Chelsea, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks.

Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just one point above Everton, and are keen to halt a four-match winless run across competitions. Maresca emphasised the importance of regaining momentum, saying that achieving greater consistency remains “the next step” for his team.

In addition to Palmer’s return, defender Wesley Fofana has also been cleared to play after being substituted in the defeat to Atalanta due to an eye injury sustained in mid-week. “Wesley is fine. He took part in the session yesterday and is completely fine,” Maresca added.

While Palmer and Fofana are available, Chelsea will be without striker Liam Delap, who is expected to be sidelined for between two and four weeks with a shoulder issue.

For Everton, who head to Stamford Bridge eager to build on recent results, the fixture offers a chance to climb the table and pose a challenge to a Chelsea side in need of a confidence-boosting victory.

Palmer’s return not only strengthens Chelsea’s attacking options but also gives manager Maresca more tactical flexibility as the club navigates a congested schedule that includes domestic and European commitments.

Supreme Court Upholds Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence, Overrules Tinubu’s Clemency

By
Kazeem Busari
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Maryam Sanda and late husband

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday delivered a landmark ruling affirming the death sentence imposed on Maryam Sanda for the 2017 murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, and striking down a controversial clemency earlier granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The apex court’s decision reinforces the authority of the judiciary and limits the scope of executive intervention in active criminal appeals.

Sanda, an Abuja‑based housewife and daughter‑in‑law of a former Peoples Democratic Party national chairman, was convicted of culpable homicide by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in January 2020. She was sentenced to death by hanging after the court found that she stabbed Bello to death during a domestic dispute at their Maitama residence. Her conviction was later upheld by the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

Earlier this year, President Tinubu exercised his constitutional power of mercy by commuting Sanda’s death sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds, citing her good conduct in custody, remorse, and the welfare of her children. That act of clemency, published in an official gazette, sparked public controversy and legal debate over the limits of presidential pardon in cases where judicial processes are still underway.

In a split decision of four to one, the Supreme Court held that the exercise of executive clemency was unconstitutional and improper while Sanda’s appeal was pending before the courts. Justice Moore Adumein, delivering the lead judgment on behalf of the majority, stated that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that both the trial court and the Court of Appeal had correctly upheld the original sentence. The apex court dismissed Sanda’s appeal in its entirety for lacking merit.

The court’s ruling emphasised that presidential pardon powers cannot override or pre‑empt judicial authority, particularly in capital offences that remain under appellate consideration. This interpretation of constitutional boundaries has significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and judiciary in Nigeria’s legal framework.

Sanda has spent approximately six years and eight months in custody at the Suleja Correctional Centre. With the Supreme Court’s judgment now final, her death sentence is reinstated, effectively nullifying the earlier reduction of her term. Unless extraordinary constitutional provisions are pursued, the apex court’s ruling stands as the conclusive determination in the case.

Carney Close to Majority as Second Conservative MP Joins Liberals

By
Agency Report
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Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canada’s governing Liberal Party has moved a step closer to securing a parliamentary majority after a second Conservative Member of Parliament crossed the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney’s caucus. Michael Ma, the MP for Markham–Unionville in Ontario, announced his defection from the Conservative Party on Thursday, marking the latest shift in the country’s fractious political landscape.

In a statement released by the Liberal Party, Ma said his decision followed careful reflection with his family and consultations with constituents. “This is a time for unity and decisive action for Canada’s future,” he said, adding that he believes Carney offers the “steady, practical approach” necessary to address economic and social priorities he encountered while door-knocking in his riding.

Ma’s move increases the Liberal tally to 171 seats in the House of Commons, leaving the government just one seat shy of an outright majority. Were the Liberals to secure that majority, Carney’s government would be better positioned to pass legislation and implement its agenda without relying on support from opposition parties.

The MP’s decision comes just weeks after another Conservative, Chris d’Entremont of Nova Scotia, also joined the Liberals in early November, further eroding the opposition’s ranks. Ma thanked his supporters and emphasized the importance of working collectively to build “a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future” for Canadians.

The defections have delivered a significant blow to Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who is already confronting internal challenges, including a leadership review scheduled for January. Poilievre has criticised Ma’s defection, describing it as a departure from the policies Ma previously championed.

Ma was narrowly elected as a Conservative in the April federal election, defeating his Liberal rival to win the Markham–Unionville seat. His decision to switch allegiances has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his focus on unity and others questioning the implications for voter representation given the party shift since the election.

Prime Minister Carney publicly welcomed Ma at a Liberal caucus holiday event in Ottawa on Thursday evening, highlighting his government’s growing support. Political analysts suggest the recent defections reflect broader tensions within the Conservative Party and could influence the balance of power in Ottawa in the run-up to future parliamentary sessions.

Shettima Launches Dangote Foundation’s ₦100bn Scholarship Scheme

By
Kazeem Busari
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Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative, describing it as a transformative intervention that will reshape Nigeria’s human capital landscape and expand opportunities for young people nationwide.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Shettima urged national stakeholders to recommit to building a future in which every Nigerian child can aspire to reach their full potential.

The initiative, introduced by the foundation’s President, Aliko Dangote, is backed by a ₦100 billion annual education support programme, with a projected investment of ₦1 trillion over the next decade. Dangote said the programme will support students across all educational levels through an array of targeted schemes aimed at strengthening learning outcomes and improving access to quality education. He added that beneficiaries will be selected through a transparent, merit-driven process.

The Vice President said Nigeria must confront the implications of rapid population growth, warning that a youthful population becomes a national threat when it is excluded from productive education. He reflected on historical resistance to formal education in parts of the country, observing that lingering distrust and systemic gaps still hinder national progress.

Shettima also emphasised that deliberate reforms are essential to reversing decades-old educational deficits. He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing education reforms, including the rollout of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the strengthening of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the expansion of TETFund’s intervention footprint and the acceleration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. He added that digital learning has been mainstreamed as a core national priority.

In his remarks, Dangote announced partnerships with NELFUND, NECO, WAEC and other government institutions to ensure accountability and fairness in the delivery of the scholarship schemes. He disclosed that he has dedicated 25 percent of his personal wealth to the foundation—an endowment that will continue beyond his lifetime.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the programme as one of the most comprehensive education support interventions in Nigeria’s history. He noted that 25 percent of the scholarship slots have been reserved for persons with disabilities, calling it an inclusive and humane approach aligned with the Federal Government’s reform agenda.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised the initiative, particularly its prioritisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training. She said expanding opportunities for girls’ education remains one of the most effective tools for societal transformation.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of state governors, commended Dangote’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s young population. He stated that Lagos has allocated 10 percent of its annual budget to education and pledged that state governments would collaborate to ensure the programme’s success.

Traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also applauded the foundation’s commitment to improving lives. The Emir of Lafia and Chair of the Steering Committee, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), pledged the committee’s dedication to ensuring the long-term success and measurable impact of the initiative.

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