TIMITALKS

  The Deir al-Balah municipality reports that key desalination facilities have completely shut down due to Israel's power cutoff , raising fears of worsening humanitarian conditions. After the cessation of humanitarian aid,  Arab reports claim today (Monday) that Israel has begun to partially cut off the water supply from the Gaza Strip. The disconnection is carried out by cutting off the electricity to desalination plants in the Gaza Strip. The mayor of Deir al-Balah confirmed in an interview with Al-Jazeera that the two main desalination plants have stopped operating due to the  disconnection of electricity from Israel. In an interview with Al Jazeera, the director general of planning, water and sanitation in the Gaza Municipality, Maher Ashur Salem, said that the amount of water currently available in the Gaza Strip does not exceed  25% of the natural amounts, and that more than 70% of it has been lost as a result of the destruction of supply lines, following Isra...

  The  Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has alerted that more than 60 percent of manufacturing companies in Nigeria have been forced to exit the national grid due to unreliable power supply, and have resulted in self-generation of power which have driven production costs and made Nigerian goods uncompetitive . Adelabu disclosed during the release of a National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and the public presentation of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) was also made public, in collaboration with the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF). He said that the launching of the new policy will help to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s power industry and ensure the return of the manufacturing firms which had exited the national grid. According to him, the new policy document had been submitted for the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The minister emphasized that bringing back the manufacturing companies that left the national ...

  You shouldn’t have resigned; you betrayed Lagosians, Doherty tells Meranda You shouldn’t have resigned; you betrayed Lagosians, Doherty tells Meranda/b] [b]Funso Doherty, a governorship candidate in the last Lagos election, has strongly criticised the recent leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing the lawmakers’ handling of the situation as a “betrayal” of public trust . In a statement issued on Monday, March 3, Doherty condemned the intervention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, which led to the resignation of Mojisola Meranda as speaker and the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa. Doherty did not mince words in his rebuke of the assembly members, arguing that their reversal of Obasa’s impeachment showed they had failed in their duty to represent Lagosians. “ The recent dramatic reversal of that decision under pressure from the APC leadership will not go unnoticed. It stands as a betrayal of the trust reposed in you by the electorate and ...

  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has announced a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol, to N860 per litre. This development is the latest in a price war among oil marketers and independent petroleum dealers. It is also influenced by fluctuations in global crude oil prices. The new NNPCL price, which takes effect on Monday, marks a significant drop from the previous average of N920 per litre. Last week, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced the ex-depot price of petrol from N890 per litre to N825, marking its second price cut in February. In a public notice on the price reduction, NNPCL announced three partner off-takers in Lagos: MRS at N860 per litre, AP at N865 per litre, and Heyden at N865 per litre. Source:  https://dailypost.ng/2025/03/03/nnpc-reduces-petrol-price-to-n860-litre/ 3 Likes  1 Share

  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to halt offensive cyber operations and information operations against Russia, a U.S. official familiar with the matter said. Hegseth gave the order to the head of the command, Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh, in late February, the official said. It is unclear clear how long the order will last. A senior U.S. defense official declined to comment on the decision "due to operational security concerns." “There is no greater priority to Secretary Hegseth than the safety of the Warfighter in all operations, to include the cyber domain,” the official told NBC News. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which is housed in the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement that its "mission is to defend against all cyber threats to U.S. Critical Infrastructure, including from Russia. There has been no change in our posture." Representatives for U.S. Cyber Command did not immediately respond t...

  The Pan Niger Delta Youth Employment Forum (PANDYEF) has strongly condemned the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the reinstatement of 27 lawmakers as valid members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The group warned that Nigerians should hold the judiciary accountable for any breakdown of law and order in the state. In a statement released on Saturday by its spokesperson, Mazi Chika Art Adiele, and made available to journalists in Awka, PANDYEF alleged that the Supreme Court’s decision amounts to economic sabotage against the people of Rivers State. The group argued that the verdict threatens the peace and sustainable development fostered by Governor Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Joseph Fubara. Expressing disappointment, the statement read: “It is an invitation for war and against equity, justice and fair play. “We, equally condemn the order nullifying the Local Government Election, as reckless and vindictive. “Unfortunately, the Justices of the Supreme Court, positioned themselves...

  Suspected  bandits have ambushed and killed six members of a local vigilante group in Matankari Forest, Kebbi State, after they attempted to recover stolen cattle. Intelligence sources said that the vigilantes had been tracking the bandits following a cattle rustling incident in Dan Tulu and Rusakde villages, Arewa Local Government Area. The attackers, numbering several gunmen, stormed the communities on 27 February 2025 at about 15:30 hours. They arrived on approximately seven motorcycles, took an unspecified number of cattle, and escaped into the Sokoto Forest. In response, vigilantes from Dantulu mobilised and embarked on a self-organised operation to recover the stolen cattle. However,  in the early hours of 28 February 2025, they fell into an ambush by the bandits, who opened heavy fire and killed all six of them on the spot. Upon receiving intelligence on the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the police and additional vigilante member...

  Alleged Sexual Harassment: Senate President Akpabio’s Wife Sues Senator Natasha For N250billion Mrs Unoma Godswill Akpabio, wife of the President of the Senate, has taken legal action against Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following allegations of sexual harassment against her husband. She filed fundamental rights and defamation lawsuits at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court,  seeking N250 billion in general damages. Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of victimising her in the Senate because she rejected his alleged sexual advances. She had claimed that Akpabio made multiple advances toward her, including in the presence of her husband. However,  Mrs Akpabio dismissed these allegations, stating that Natasha was "lying and creating content for her personal gains." At a press conference,  Mrs Akpabio announced her legal action against the senator. The fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25) was filed under S...

  Paul Okoye and Jude Okoye at FHC Lagos Photo: TheCable Singer Paul Okoye aka RudeBoy has accused his twin brother Peter of being responsible for the case of fraud instituted against their elder brother Jude. On Wednesday,  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Jude, the former manager of Paul and Peter who made up the defunct group P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦ 1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59. Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge. He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Justice Owoeye remanded Jude in the Ikoyi correctional facility pending hearing for his bail application after the prosecuting lawyer Larry Aso countered Jude’s lawyer Inibehe Effiong who wanted his client remanded in the EFCC’s custody. In a trending video recorded at the court’s premises on Friday, Paul promised to secure his release. He told journalists t...

  The  Bauchi State government, through the Ministry of Education, has announced the closure of all schools in the state in preparation for the five-week-long 2025 Ramadan fast. The announcement is contained in the approved school calendar for the 2024-2025 academic session in the state. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Bauchi on Friday, the Information Officer, Ministry of Education, Mr Jalaludeen Maina, said the holiday had already been incorporated in the calendar long before now. He explained that  the closure would take effect from March 1 to April 5 . Maina said the closure affected all the institutions of learning, which includes all public and private primary, Junior and secondary schools, as well as higher institutions of learning in the state. “ Yes, we are closing all our schools and this is included in our 2024-2025 approved calendar for the academic session that our students are not going to do the Ramadan fasting while in school . “ The five-week ...

  According to the counting of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), today marks the 29th of Sha’aban, 1446 AH. This means that Ramadan will begin either tomorrow or the next day, depending on the sighting of the moon. As Muslims in Nigeria, we must take guidance from our recognized leadership. The NSCIA, under the Sultan of Sokoto, is our reference point. There is no Hausa moon, no Fulani moon. Islam unites us beyond ethnicity. Let us wait for the official announcement before we begin our fast, as unity in worship is a key principle in our Deen. Ramadan is a blessed month, a time of immense mercy and reward. Let us make the most of it by: - Reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an - Increasing our acts of worship, including Nafl prayers and Qiyaam al-Layl - Attending Tafseer sessions to deepen our understanding of Islam - Giving generously in Sadaqah to those in need - Strengthening our connection with Allah through Dhikr and sincere Du'a - Seeking forgiveness and...

The  factional Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has said that he has been a disciple to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since he left secondary school . Obasa stated this while answering questions in relation to the crisis rocking the state House of Assembly during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Thursday. Obasa had stormed the assembly on Thursday alongside his security details and presided over ‘plenary’ attended by four lawmakers, a development which has deepened the crisis. When asked whether he has Tinubu’s backing in the crisis, Obasa said, “ I have been following this man since I just left secondary school. I have pictures to prove this. During SDP I contested for delegate. “ Since then I have always been one of his disciples and I will not change tomorrow. I have always been a loyalist. If they are just realising that now, then they have not been part of us from the genesis. ” On the alleged misunderstanding with Governor Sanwo-Olu,...

  DISCHARGED! The Pentagon has issued a memo stating that transgender service members will be discharged from the military. The U.S. will begin removing transgender troops from the military within 30 days unless they obtain a waiver on a case-by-case basis, the Pentagon said in a Wednesday memo. The memo became public as part of a court filing in a case challenging President Trump's late January executive order that was aimed at barring military service by transgender personnel. "Service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria will be processed for separation from military service," the memo read. The memo regarding the separation of transgender individuals from the military stated, “The department only recognizes two sexes:  male and female.” www.cbsnews.com/news/transgender-separated-military-pentagon-trump 10 Likes  1 Share

  University of Ibadan 400 Level Student Goes Viral over His Unique Full Name A 400 level student of the University of Ibadan (UI) has become a viral sensation because of his full name His full name became public knowledge after he celebrated bagging two awards at his department's event The young man shared the awards on X (formerly Twitter), which had his full name, and people could not help but notice it. The 400 level student, a mixologist, had won two awards at his department's event and celebrated the feat on X by displaying them. A University of Ibadan 400 level student went viral on X over his unique full name. The mixologist won Socialite of the Year and Best Dressed (male, 400 level) awards. He wrote on X: "What a nightt🖤💯." PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! University of Ibadan student's unique full name The awards had his full name,  Will John Flourish , in bold. A University of Ibadan ...

  On 13 January, Mr Obasa was impeached by a two-thirds majority of the House members while he was on holiday in the United States, seemingly ending his decade-long hold on the office. PREMIUM TIMES has confirmed that the Nigerian government facilitated Mudashiru Obasa’s return to office as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday. On 13 January, Mr Obasa was impeached by a two-thirds majority of the House members while he was on holiday in the United States, ending his decade-long hold on the office. The members cited alleged high-handedness and financial misappropriation for his removal and promptly elected Mojisola Meranda as their new Speaker. However, Mr Obasa rejected his removal, saying it did not follow the procedures of the legislative assembly. He immediately headed to court to seek redress. At its last sitting on 13 February, the members passed a vote of confidence in the new Speaker, who was under pressure from some party leaders to resign and adjourned ...

  After defending my Bsc Geography and Natural Resources Management from the department of Geography, University of Uyo in August, 2024, I waited in Uyo hoping to see a part time job. Unfortunately, I didn't locate any good one. Things began to be tougher because my parents didn't send me money again. I decided to move to Port Harcourt this year. On getting to Port Harcourt, I applied as a Geography Teacher in one of the prestigious schools. Fortunately, I got the job after series of interviews and started teaching. Yesterday my account was credited and I went and withdraw half of the salary. To God be the Glory. 2 Likes

  Over the weekend, a former Liverpool star Carragher while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 omitted AFCON as a major tournament. Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand has said the Africa Cup Of Nations(AFCON) needs to be given the same prestige as the likes of the World Cup and other major trophy tournament. ”It should be respected more than it is but what I would say is the lack of resources put into it.. the narrative from the media that comes out is that it is a Mickey Mouse tournament,” Ferdinand said during a podcast on Monday. The 46-year-old’s comments come after fellow Englishman and pundit, Jamie Carragher speaking after Liverpool‘s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, felt that Mohamed Salah playing in AFCON was a drawback in his becoming the best player in the world. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) shattered viewership records, reaching a total of 2.2 billion viewers...

  Govt plans to phase out power generators The Federal Government said there are plans to boost power generation and phase out the use of power generators in individual homes and offices. This is as the government concluded plans to unveil the Integrated Resource Plan for the power sector. The Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, told our correspondent that the resource plan is to ensure Nigerians “stop using generators.” According to him, the Integrated Resource Plan will be unveiled on Thursday (today) in Abuja with the support of the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility. The event, which he said will highlight critical milestones in Nigeria’s electricity reform and transformation journey, will include the presentation of a comprehensive policy designed to guide Nigeria’s power sector towards universal electrification, inclusivity, and s...

  Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has hit back at ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri, following allegations that he played a role in the genocide of Southern Kaduna Christians. Omokri had accused El-Rufai of enabling violence and demolishing the homes of political opponents while in office. He also referenced El-Rufai’s controversial past statements about Christians and accused him of paying off killer herdsmen. Responding on X,  El-Rufai dismissed Omokri as a “PR consultant” and “online influencer,” adding that such individuals thrive in the “Renewed Hope era” due to their “moral flexibility” and “total shamelessness.” “The only qualifications needed to be on the payroll are (1) moral flexibility, (2) total shamelessness, (3) selective amnesia, (4) wretched upbringing, and (5) intense craving for quick and easy money,” El-Rufai wrote. Omokri, in turn, reiterated his claims that El-Rufai’s government was responsible for human rights violations, including the 2015 Z...

  The Naira yesterday appreciated to N1,490 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,502 per dollar on Tuesday. Similarly, the Naira appreciated to N1,499.8 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) Data published by FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for the naira fell to N1,499.8 per dollar from N1,501 per dollar on Tuesday, indicating 20 kobo appreciation for the naira. Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate widened to N9.8 per dollar from 50 kobo per dollar the previous day. Source:  https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/02/naira-rises-to-n1490-in-parallel-market/ 6 Likes  1 Share