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School Building Collapses In Lagos, Sanwo-Olu Orders Probe

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School Building Collapses In Lagos, Sanwo-Olu Orders Probe

Panic gripped residents of the Odo-Kekere community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Thursday evening following the collapse of a building within a public school.

The incident occurred after school hours and was accompanied by a loud sound that startled residents in nearby buildings. The Lagos State Government, through the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools, confirmed that the collapsed structure was a bungalow classroom block and said no casualties were recorded.

The committee stated that all students were safe and expressed the government’s regret over the incident.

According to the committee, classified information revealed that the affected classroom block had already been marked for demolition as part of plans to construct a more suitable classroom facility to accommodate the school’s growing population.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the immediate relocation of the affected pupils to nearby schools to ensure their academic activities are not disrupted.

The government also said officials of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools would visit the school for an on-the-spot assessment to enable the commencement of immediate construction of an ultra-modern classroom block.

The collapse adds to a series of building failures recorded in Lagos over the past six months, including incidents in Idi Araba, Ojodu-Berger, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Alimosho and Oyingbo, some of which resulted in fatalities and multiple rescues.

Trump Praises Venezuela’s Machado For ‘Wonderful’ Nobel Prize Gesture

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Trump Praises Venezuela’s Machado For ‘Wonderful’ Nobel Prize Gesture

US President Donald Trump has praised Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for what he described as a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect” after she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a meeting at the White House.

Trump made the remarks in a post on his Truth Social platform following the closed-door meeting, describing Machado as “a wonderful woman who has been through so much.”

“She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much,” Trump wrote, adding that the presentation of the medal was “such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”

Machado confirmed on Thursday that she presented the Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump, saying the act was meant as recognition of what she described as his commitment to Venezuela’s freedom.

“I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize,” Machado told reporters outside the US Capitol after meeting lawmakers. “It was recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”

In a separate interview, she described the moment as emotional, saying Trump deserved the honour.

“He deserves it, and it was a very emotional moment,” she said.

It remains unclear whether Trump retained the medal after the meeting, as the Norwegian Nobel Committee maintains that Nobel prizes are not transferable.

Trump had openly campaigned to win the Nobel Peace Prize last year, arguing that his efforts helped stop multiple global conflicts. The prize, however, was awarded to Machado, who travelled to Oslo last month to receive it after fleeing Venezuela by boat. She later dedicated the award to Trump.

Despite the symbolic gesture, Trump has continued to back Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, provided her administration aligns with Washington’s interests, particularly regarding access to Venezuela’s oil resources.

Trump has previously questioned Machado’s level of domestic support in Venezuela and opted to maintain ties with Rodriguez following recent political developments in the country.

The US president and Rodriguez reportedly held their first telephone conversation on Wednesday, with the White House later saying Trump “likes what he’s seeing” from Venezuela’s interim leadership.

Rodriguez, however, said her government was not intimidated by Washington.

“We know they are very powerful. We know they are a lethal nuclear power… we are not afraid to confront them diplomatically, through political dialogue,” she said.

Rodriguez delivered Venezuela’s state-of-the-nation address to parliament as former President Nicolas Maduro remains in detention in New York on drug trafficking charges.

Meanwhile, Machado, who has long campaigned against Maduro’s rule, was welcomed by cheering supporters as she departed the White House. The White House Press Secretary described her as a “remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela,” while noting that the US administration hopes to see elections in the country in the future, without committing to a timeline.

Since Maduro’s removal, the United States has increased pressure on Venezuela, including seizing oil tankers and brokering oil sales as part of efforts to influence the country’s energy sector.

Washington has also welcomed the recent release of several political detainees, though many remain in custody, as political and diplomatic tensions surrounding Venezuela continue to unfold.

Rivers Assembly Urges Chief Judge To Begin Impeachment Probe Against Fubara, Deputy

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Rivers Assembly Urges Chief Judge To Begin Impeachment Probe Against Fubara, Deputy

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday called on the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The call followed a unanimous vote by lawmakers, who declared their resolve to proceed with the impeachment process.

Earlier in the day, members of the Assembly addressed a live press conference in Port Harcourt, where they accused the governor of resorting to blackmail and intimidation of the legislature.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol said Governor Fubara no longer enjoyed the trust required to resolve the political crisis rocking the oil-rich state.

According to him, the Assembly had been left with no option but to invoke its constitutional powers after what he described as repeated violations of the 1999 Constitution by the governor.

Maol said the lawmakers believed impeachment was the only viable solution at this stage.

“It is obvious that the only solution now is to apply the solution prescribed by the 1999 Constitution as altered, which is the impeachment of the incorrigible governor and the deputy governor,” he said.

He appealed to leaders and residents of Rivers State to support the Assembly’s decision, insisting that the process was in the best interest of the state.

“We therefore strongly appeal to leaders at all levels and the good people of Rivers State to kindly consider the problem at hand and understand that the impeachment process is the best way to go at this point,” Maol stated.

The lawmakers also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis, noting that his efforts at mediation had not yielded results.

“We thank our dear President, Bola Tinubu, who has demonstrated so much love for Rivers State. He did his best for the resolution of this impasse, but the governor and deputy governor are adamant,” the deputy speaker added.

The Assembly members further called on the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, to reconvene the House to allow constitutional processes to proceed without obstruction.

During the press conference, four lawmakers who had earlier called for a political solution reversed their position and declared support for the continuation of the impeachment process.

Shortly after the briefing, the lawmakers proceeded to the chambers, where a plenary session was held.

At the session, the House unanimously voted in favour of investigating the allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy.

“This voting clearly shows the decision of the House,” Amaewhule said, as he formally called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State to set up a panel of investigation.

Darlington Orji: Rivers Impeachment Plot Lacks Merit, Will Collapse

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Darlington Orji: Rivers Impeachment Plot Lacks Merit, Will Collapse

The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Rivers State Governor, Darlington Orji, has dismissed the impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting the process is baseless and will not succeed.

Orji made the assertion while speaking on a television programme on Friday, where he refuted claims that the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally served impeachment proceedings on the governor.

“I can confirm to you up until this minute, he has not received any proceedings from the Assembly,” Orji said.

He maintained that there was no justification for initiating impeachment proceedings, stressing that allegations of misconduct against the governor were unfounded.

“The truth of the matter is that there is no cause for even initiating the impeachment process,” he stated.

According to Orji, the move does not reflect the will of the people of Rivers State, expressing confidence that the lawmakers involved would eventually abandon the process.

“I’m very sure, I’m convinced that they will drop the process, because there is no need for it. That is not what Rivers State wants for now,” he said.

Addressing suggestions that Governor Fubara was reacting late to the situation, Orji rejected the narrative, describing the governor as calm and deliberate in his leadership approach.

“This is a man that does not want to join issues with people. He’s very calm, he’s very humble,” he said.

On claims that the governor travelled out of the state to avoid being served impeachment notices, Orji said the allegation was false, explaining that the Assembly reconvened unexpectedly.

“The governor did not run away. The governor is not afraid of service, because there is no cockroach in his cupboard. He has nothing to hide,” Orji said, adding that the governor was in Port Harcourt.

Orji also dismissed allegations that the governor made appointments without legislative screening, insisting no constitutional breach had occurred.

“The governor has not made any appointment that requires screening,” he said.

He explained that following a Supreme Court judgment recognising Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the House, the governor retained only officials who had already been screened under that leadership.

“The governor dropped them, leaving the eight persons that were screened by Martin Amaewhule,” Orji explained.

On the appointment of special advisers, he said legislative screening was not required.

“The only five appointments that were made are members of special advisers, which Martin Amaewhule has already given clearance to. They are never screened,” he added.

Responding to financial issues linked to demands for a supplementary budget, Orji said the governor did not see the need for additional funding.

“The governor himself said that when he came back on board, that he has about ₦600 billion in the coffers of Rivers State Government,” he said.

According to him, the governor declined to present a supplementary budget late in the fiscal year.

“The governor said, I don’t have a need for a supplementary budget,” Orji stated.

He further alleged that lawmakers had already received funds for constituency projects.

“The ₦350 million that was given to each of them for their constituency project, where did it come from?” he asked.

Orji also claimed that lawmakers were provided with vehicles.

“It’s Range Rover 2025. I can make the record available,” he said.

Expressing confidence about the outcome of the impeachment process, Orji insisted it would fail as support continued to dwindle.

“I can tell you for free that this process will not get through because there is no truth in it,” he said.

He added that the number of lawmakers backing the impeachment had already reduced.

“When they raised that issue, there were 26. As of today, there are 22. Their numbers will reduce by the day,” Orji concluded.

Shettima, Akpabio, Others Mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja

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Shettima, Akpabio, Others Mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and wreath-laying ceremony was held on Thursday at the National Arcade in Abuja, with top government officials and dignitaries in attendance.

Vice President Kashim Shettima led the delegation, which included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other senior officials. The dignitaries were led in a solemn march to the cenotaph, where wreaths were laid in honour of fallen heroes who lost their lives in service to the nation.

Prayers were offered for both the living and departed servicemen who fought for national integration and global peace. The prayers were led in succession by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants) of the Army, Colonel Rev. B. P. Nyam; the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic) of the Navy, Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R. C. Diala.

A minute of silence followed the prayers in honour of the fallen heroes, after which an artillery gun salute was fired. The wreath-laying ceremony then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Vice President Shettima laid the first wreath, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya. He was followed by Senate President Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also laid a wreath, alongside the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheeden, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon.

The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police also participated in the ceremony.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour veterans of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and to commemorate members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the country.

NIS Upgrades Passport Tracking System After Public Outcry Over Delays

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NIS Upgrades Passport Tracking System After Public Outcry Over Delays

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the rollout of an upgraded passport tracking feature following sustained public complaints over delays in passport issuance and collection.

The Service disclosed the update on Thursday, saying it had taken note of growing frustration among applicants, many of whom complained that their passports had been produced but not collected, leading to confusion and prolonged waiting periods.

Under the updated system, a new status — “Produced (Passport Produced, Ready for Collection)” — has been added to the existing online passport tracker. According to the NIS, the feature is designed to give applicants clearer information on when their passports are ready for physical collection or available for courier delivery.

The Service explained that the enhancement would help applicants distinguish between passports still undergoing processing and those already produced but yet to be retrieved, thereby reducing uncertainty around processing timelines.

The move comes after weeks of heightened criticism on social media, where Nigerians, including prominent public figures, expressed anger over delays that reportedly stretched into several months. Some applicants also alleged deliberate bottlenecks within the system.

In a statement, the NIS said the new tracker status would improve transparency and keep applicants better informed. It noted that the update would allow users to see whether their passports were awaiting collection at an immigration office or had been produced but not yet delivered by courier.

One of the most high-profile complaints came from investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who shared his experience of waiting more than six months for a passport renewal despite completing payment and biometric capture in July 2025. His account generated widespread reactions online and reignited debate over the effectiveness of recent reforms in the immigration system.

In response, the NIS stated that Soyombo’s passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery, adding that delays can sometimes result from incomplete applications or technical issues on the platform.

The Service also reiterated that it had increased passport fees to improve efficiency and the quality of the travel document. The cost of a 32-page passport with five-year validity was raised from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, while a 64-page passport with ten-year validity now costs ₦200,000, up from ₦100,000. The latest increase, which took effect on September 1, 2025, marked the second adjustment within a year, following an earlier hike in August 2024.

The NIS maintained that the reforms, including the updated tracking system, are part of broader efforts to modernise passport administration and address persistent challenges faced by applicants nationwide.

Astronauts Return Safely After First-Ever Medical Evacuation From Space Station

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Astronauts Return Safely After First-Ever Medical Evacuation From Space Station

Four astronauts have safely returned to Earth following the first medical evacuation in the history of the International Space Station (ISS).

Crew-11 touched down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at about 01:30 local time (09:30 GMT), completing an emergency return journey that lasted nearly 11 hours.

The crew comprised NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. NASA confirmed that all four astronauts were in good condition and “in good spirits” after splashdown. They are expected to undergo routine post-mission medical evaluations following their early return.

The evacuation marks the first time astronauts have been brought back from the ISS due to a medical concern since the orbital laboratory began operations in 1998.

Commenting on the development, Dr Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, said the crew would likely feel a sense of relief after the return.

“It will be a relief and a luxury for them to sleep in their own beds again, and to enjoy simple things,” she said.

NASA is expected to provide further details during a scheduled news conference, including information on the circumstances that prompted the decision to evacuate the crew ahead of schedule.

The successful splashdown highlights the agency’s ability to carry out emergency procedures in space and underscores the preparedness of international partners to protect astronaut health, even in unprecedented situations.

Four Rivers Lawmakers Urge Colleagues To Withdraw Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara

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Four Rivers Lawmakers Urge Colleagues To Withdraw Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara

Four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to discontinue the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The lawmakers — Barile Nwakoh, who represents Khana I State Constituency; Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor II State Constituency; Sylvanus Enyinna Nwankwo, the Minority Leader and member representing Omuma State Constituency; and Peter Abbey from Degema State Constituency — made their positions known between Monday and Wednesday.

Nwakoh and Amadi, addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, urged the House to exercise restraint and withdraw the impeachment notice served on the governor and his deputy last week.

Their appeal followed an earlier move by Nwankwo and Abbey, who on Monday publicly distanced themselves from the impeachment proceedings and called on the Assembly to de-escalate tensions and adopt dialogue and collective wisdom in resolving the political situation in the state.

So far, four out of the 26 lawmakers who signed the impeachment notice have indicated their intention to withdraw from the process. The remaining 22 members have not signalled any such move. The spokesperson of the House, Enemi Alabo George, said the impeachment process “is still ongoing”.

While acknowledging that the impeachment notice cited alleged constitutional breaches by Governor Fubara and his deputy, Nwankwo and Abbey said the Assembly should temper justice with mercy and place the overall interest of Rivers State above partisan considerations.

They warned that actions capable of destabilising the state could undermine democratic governance and erode public confidence, stressing that peace, dialogue and statesmanship were required at the current juncture.

“The peace of Rivers State is paramount. This is a moment for reflection, dialogue, and statesmanship,” they said, adding that history would judge the Assembly by the decisions it takes at this critical time.

Observers say the House may be at a crossroads following public reactions to the impeachment process, with the withdrawal by the four lawmakers potentially offering a pathway for the Assembly to step back from the crisis.

ASUU Hopes New Deal With FG Will Prevent Strikes For Three Years

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ASUU Hopes New Deal With FG Will Prevent Strikes For Three Years

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed optimism that the newly signed agreement with the Federal Government will prevent industrial action in public universities for at least the next three years.

President of ASUU, Professor Chris Piwuna, stated this on Thursday while speaking on The Morning Brief, a programme aired on ADBN TV, following the formal signing and unveiling of the 2025 agreement between the union and the Federal Government.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, is aimed at improving the quality of university education in Nigeria and ensuring stability in the public university system, after years of recurring strikes triggered by disputes over funding, staff welfare, and the implementation of previous agreements.

Professor Piwuna said the new pact contains measurable deliverables that can be effectively tracked, giving both parties the opportunity to resolve issues early before they escalate.

“There are measurable aspects of the agreement, and we believe we can monitor it that way,” he said. “If we monitor it properly, we can raise concerns before they get to a head, and we hope that in three years’ time there will be no strike at all until this agreement is reviewed again.”

He explained that a key feature of the agreement is the establishment of an Implementation Monitoring Team, which will be domiciled at the National Universities Commission (NUC) and coordinated by the office of the NUC Executive Secretary.

According to him, the team will be responsible for continuously tracking compliance with the agreement to ensure that commitments made by both parties are honoured.

Professor Piwuna also confirmed that the long-disputed 2009 agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government has now been formally replaced by the 2025 agreement.

“For implementation, it is believed that we now have the 2025 agreement; all references will be made to the 2025 agreement,” he said. “The 2009 agreement is no longer what we will refer to.”

He noted, however, that certain provisions of the 1992 agreement signed under the leadership of Professor Attahiru Jega would still be referenced for historical context and guidance.

“The 2009 agreement is history, and while we may refer to our history to understand how we got here, there is really nothing in the 2009 agreement that we are going to implement. Implementation going forward will be strictly based on the 2025 agreement,” he added.

The new agreement is expected to usher in a period of industrial peace in Nigeria’s public universities, provided its provisions are faithfully implemented by all parties.

Iran Signals Swift Trials And Executions As Protest Deaths Exceed 2,500 Despite Trump Warning

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Iran Signals Swift Trials And Executions As Protest Deaths Exceed 2,500 Despite Trump Warning

Iran’s judiciary has signalled plans to conduct swift trials and carry out executions of detained protesters, defying warnings from United States President Donald Trump as the death toll from nationwide demonstrations continues to rise.

Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei made the declaration on Wednesday, amid growing concerns from activists that executions could begin imminently. A violent crackdown by Iranian security forces has reportedly killed at least 2,571 people, according to figures released by a US-based human rights group, marking the deadliest protest-related unrest in the country in decades and evoking memories of the upheaval surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Trump has repeatedly warned that the United States could take military action over the killing of peaceful protesters. His comments come weeks after a 12-day conflict in June, during which Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.

As tensions persist, Iranian authorities are preparing for the mass funeral of 100 security force members killed during the unrest. While anti-riot police and paramilitary Revolutionary Guard units have largely withdrawn from the streets, fear remains widespread among residents.

“We are very frightened because of these sounds of gunfire and protests,” said a mother of two while shopping on Wednesday. “We have heard many are killed and many are injured. Now peace has been restored but schools are closed and I’m scared to send my children to school again.”

Another resident, Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, said he witnessed a protest in Tehran and was shocked by the use of live ammunition by security forces. He said people had gathered to express themselves peacefully before the situation deteriorated rapidly, noting that protesters were unarmed while security forces carried guns.

In a video shared by Iranian state television, Mohseni-Ejei stressed the need for speed in dealing with detainees. He said any action taken must be done immediately to have the desired effect, warning that delays of months would reduce its impact.

His remarks directly challenged Trump, who warned that Washington would respond forcefully if Iran proceeded with executions. Trump said while protests were one thing, the killing of thousands of people and the prospect of hangings would provoke strong action from the United States.

Meanwhile, activists reported that satellite internet services are helping Iranians bypass a government-imposed internet shutdown that began on January 8. Some international mobile calls were restored on Tuesday, though inbound calls from abroad remain blocked.

Security forces have reportedly been searching for satellite internet equipment, including raiding apartment buildings in northern Tehran. While satellite dishes are illegal in Iran, enforcement had eased in recent years.

Human rights groups reported that most of those killed were protesters, alongside government-affiliated individuals, children, and civilians not involved in demonstrations. More than 18,100 people are said to have been detained so far.

Ongoing communication disruptions have made it difficult to independently verify casualty figures and the full scale of the protests across the country.

Ekpoma Protests: Seven Released As Okpebholo Approves Freedom For Arrested Students

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Ekpoma Protests: Seven Released As Okpebholo Approves Freedom For Arrested Students

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the release of persons arrested in connection with the recent protests in Ekpoma, leading to the release of seven individuals.

The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, who was on ground to facilitate the process, confirmed that only verified students were released following the governor’s directive.

Governor Okpebholo disclosed this after a meeting with the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, on Tuesday, where he insisted that the unrest in the town was not organised by students of the institution.

According to the governor, the disturbance that occurred on Saturday was a criminal act carried out by non-students who loiter around the university environment to foment trouble and extort law-abiding students.

“I have met with the SUG President of AAU Ekpoma. We had a very lengthy discussion, and as I have consistently said, this was not a students’ protest. These are people who are no longer students but are just hanging around the school, causing trouble and extorting students. We will put an end to that,” Okpebholo said.

He assured the SUG leadership that any genuine students who may have been arrested during efforts to restore order would be identified and released without delay.

“For students who were probably arrested, we will look into it and get them released to the SUG President. That is a promise I made, and I will do it as quickly as possible. The protest was not theirs. In fact, it was not a protest at all; it was an avenue to loot,” the governor added.

Okpebholo also dismissed claims of kidnapping linked to the incident, describing the allegations as false and deliberately staged to mislead the public and stir ethnic tension.

“The kidnapping they are talking about is fake. It was stage-managed. They were arranging to kidnap and release themselves. They even went as far as killing someone, which is the most painful part,” he stated.

The governor condemned the burning of markets and destruction of property in Ekpoma, warning that anyone found sponsoring or deploying hoodlums to destabilise communities in Edo State would face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation.

“I don’t care whether you are a politician or not. If you are using people to destroy our land and economy, we will go after you. We know ourselves, and we will bring those responsible to book to ensure justice for our people,” he said.

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