An early morning fire has destroyed the only market in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.
The blaze reportedly began around 3:30 am shortly after the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) restored power to the area.
However, the exact cause of the fire remains unclear.
Firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, dispatched from the EFCC and Sauka stations, successfully extinguished the flames approximately two hours after it started.
Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has called on Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno to remain steadfast during this season of mourning.
Speaking after attending the funeral service of the governor’s late wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Bassey Eno, Akpabio offered words of comfort, praying for divine strength for the governor to endure the irreplaceable loss.
Hajia Shettima, wife of the Vice President and leader of the Women for the Renewed Hope Agenda, also expressed her condolences, describing the late First Lady as a compassionate woman whose life was dedicated to uplifting others and spreading joy.
Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, remembered as a devout Christian, philanthropist, and advocate for women and youth empowerment, was celebrated for her lasting contributions to Akwa Ibom State and her steadfast support for her husband throughout their 38 years of marriage.
Visibly emotional, Governor Umo Eno expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and solidarity from attendees, calling his late wife his “partner in progress and source of inspiration.”
The solemn event attracted dignitaries, including former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Hajia Shettima, governors from the Niger Delta and northern regions, traditional rulers, legal luminaries, and other prominent figures.
REPORTER: SIMPLE IWAT, ADBN NEWS.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her unanimous re-election as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, a globally acclaimed economist, made history in 2021 as the first African and the first woman to lead the WTO.
Her reappointment for a second four-year term, beginning September 2025, highlights the trust placed in her leadership to advance sustainable global trade practices.
President Tinubu commended her efforts in promoting equitable trade and international cooperation, reaffirming Nigeria’s steadfast support for her bold reforms and dedication to global economic inclusivity.
He emphasized that Nigeria, as an active member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), will continue to champion the WTO’s mission for a fair and inclusive multilateral trading system.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has presented the 2025 fiscal appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly in Lafia. Dubbed the “Budget of Economic Growth and Stability,” the ₦382.5 billion proposal focuses on education, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and security as key sectors for development.
The budget allocates ₦78.1 billion (20.4%) to education, science, and technology, ₦71.7 billion (18.7%) to infrastructure, and ₦50.7 billion (13.3%) to governance, security, and general administration. Recurrent expenditure is pegged at ₦159.9 billion (41.82%), while capital expenditure takes ₦222.6 billion (58.18%), emphasizing the administration’s commitment to impactful development.
Governor Sule highlighted the state’s progress under the 2024 budget, achieving 80% of its revenue projections by September despite economic challenges. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic diversification, attracting investments, and supporting vulnerable populations through targeted programs.
In response, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Danladi Jatau, assured the Governor of the legislature’s full support in realizing the budget’s objectives. Governor Sule urged stakeholders to collaborate in driving Nasarawa State toward economic growth, stability, and improved living standards.
REPORTER: MARY OJIJI, ADBN NEWS.
Nigeria’s Flamingos have been placed in Group B for the inaugural WAFU B Under-17 Women’s Championship, set to take place in Accra, Ghana, next month.
The Nigerian team will face Ivory Coast and Niger Republic in their group-stage matches.
Hosts Ghana have been drawn into Group A, where they will play alongside Burkina Faso and Benin Republic.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 12th to 26th December in Accra.
REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down Manchester City’s recent dip in form, describing it as a mere setback and reaffirming their status as serious contenders for the Premier League title this season.
Currently, on a six-match winless streak, Manchester City could find themselves 11 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool if they suffer defeat at Anfield on Sunday.
In a news conference on Friday, Arteta acknowledged City’s long-standing consistency over the past nine years, noting that their recent struggles have sparked much discussion.
However, he expressed confidence that the defending champions will quickly regain their form.
Arteta also emphasized the intensity of the Premier League, pointing out that success requires flawless performances, optimal squad availability, and a bit of fortune to go your way.
REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS
President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron have signed two agreements aimed at fostering cooperation on critical infrastructure development, agriculture, and food security. The agreements were finalized during an economic forum held at the Palais des Elysée in Paris, as part of President Tinubu’s state visit to France.
The agreements, supported by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, Mr. Antoine Armand, highlight a commitment to projects worth over €300 million. These projects will span healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, human capital development, and agricultural value chains across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
A second Letter of Intent was signed by Mr. Edun and the Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD), Mr. Remi Rioux, to support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agreement aims to stimulate economic growth through sustainable urban infrastructure, transportation networks, STEM education, food security, and energy transition initiatives.
The AFD reiterated its long-term commitment to Nigeria, pledging capital support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in high-impact sectors. Both nations agreed to remove fiscal barriers to trade while safeguarding labor rights to enhance economic collaboration.
Zenith Bank inaugurated its Paris branch during the forum, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s banking sector expansion to Europe.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to head the World Trade Organization (WTO), has been officially reappointed for a second term as Director-General.
The WTO announced the decision on Friday, November 29, through its verified X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming that her second term will commence on September 1, 2025.
The reappointment, finalized during a closed-door session of the WTO’s General Council, saw unanimous support from the organization’s 166 member states. Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment underscores the global trust in her leadership and her efforts to address the complexities of international trade.
Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council, noted that no other nominations were submitted by the November 8 deadline.
The swift reappointment process, which often spans several months, was expedited due to Okonjo-Iweala’s sole candidacy and robust backing from African nations. This move ensures stability ahead of the WTO’s upcoming ministerial conference in Cameroon, slated for 2026.
Okonjo-Iweala’s first term, which began in March 2021, has been marked by her commitment to reforming the WTO. Despite challenges, including a delayed appointment caused by the Trump administration’s veto in 2020, her leadership was ultimately endorsed following President Joe Biden’s assumption of office in early 2021.
At 70, Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment reinforces her pivotal role in navigating global trade challenges and advancing the organization’s agenda. Her second term is expected to build on her ongoing mission to strengthen multilateral trade and enhance the WTO’s relevance in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu has made history as the first Nigerian player to be nominated for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award, given to the player who scores the best goal of the year.
Onuachu received the nomination for his breathtaking flying backheel goal in the Turkish Süper League, which came during Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Konyaspor on 10th November, 2023.
The moment of brilliance unfolded when Enis Destan delivered a cross from the left. With defenders closing in, Onuachu twisted his body mid-air and executed a sensational backheel finish, leaving the Konyaspor goalkeeper helpless.
Voting for the award is now open on FIFA’s official website, giving fans worldwide the opportunity to help Onuachu’s remarkable backheel goal secure its place as the best goal of the year.
REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.
Super Eagles players Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have been nominated for the prestigious FIFA Best 11 awards.
Lookman is nominated in the Best Attacker category, while Troost-Ekong is listed among the contenders for Best Defender.
Lookman faces tough competition from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Erling Haaland, among others.
Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles captain, will compete against standout defenders such as Euro 2024 winner Dani Carvajal, Achraf Hakimi, and Antonio Rudiger, to name a few.
For the first time, fans have the opportunity to vote for both the Men’s and Women’s Best 11. Voting is open on FIFA’s official website and will close on Tuesday, 10th December.
REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.
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