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Rivers Traditional Rulers Endorse Tinubu’s Appointments, Hail HYPREP Board Inclusion

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Rivers Traditional Rulers Endorse Tinubu’s Appointments, Hail HYPREP Board Inclusion

The Khana Local Government Traditional Rulers’ Council has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointments of Ogoni indigenes into key national positions, including the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Board of Trustees.

Speaking at a press briefing in Bori, headquarters of Khana LGA, the council described the appointments as a reflection of the wishes of the people and a step toward inclusiveness and development in Ogoniland.

In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, His Royal Majesty Swano Lumani, the council said:
“We give full backing to Mr. Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah’s appointment as Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund (HYPREP). The President is the head of the executive arm of government and has the constitutional right to make such appointments.”

The rulers also applauded the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland and the appointment of Professor Don Baridam as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of its Governing Council.

They congratulated Bariere Thomas on his election as Chairman of Khana LGA and urged him and the councillors to provide inclusive governance.

The council further condemned sustained media attacks on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Deeyah, and other Ogoni leaders, warning that such actions would attract sanctions from the council.

Reaffirming their position, the traditional rulers said Tinubu’s decisions reflect inclusiveness and a renewed commitment to Ogoniland’s growth and development.

FG Allocates ₦90bn Through NELFUND To Support 400,000 Tertiary Students

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FG Allocates ₦90bn Through NELFUND To Support 400,000 Tertiary Students

The Federal Government has committed over ₦90 billion to support more than 400,000 students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation of State Commissioners of Information led by Prof. Usman Tar of Borno State.

He explained that the initiative, launched by President Bola Tinubu, was designed to ensure no Nigerian student is denied access to higher education due to financial hardship.

“On no account should a Nigerian child of school age be denied going to a tertiary institution,” Idris stated, noting that the scheme covers tuition fees as well as upkeep allowances.

Daily status reports show that as of September 3, a total of 780,089 students have registered on the platform, while 788,842 applications have been received. So far, 449,039 students have benefitted from the scheme.

As of August 6, disbursements had reached ₦86.3 billion, with ₦47.6 billion covering institutional fees in 218 institutions, while ₦38.7 billion was paid directly to students for upkeep.

Idris urged Nigerians to assess government initiatives beyond political lines, stressing that Tinubu’s leadership was committed to serving all citizens.

“Nigeria under Tinubu is on the path to prosperity. This is my message to you. We are in government to serve the interests of all, irrespective of political parties,” he said.

China Rejects Trump’s Claim of Plotting With Russia and North Korea Against US

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China Rejects Trump’s Claim of Plotting With Russia and North Korea Against US

China has dismissed accusations by former US President Donald Trump that it conspired with Russia and North Korea during World War II commemorations in Beijing.

The controversy arose after Trump, reacting to images of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un flanking Chinese President Xi Jinping at a massive military parade, accused the trio of plotting against the United States.

“Give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Responding on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the leaders were invited as “foreign guests” to mark 80 years since the end of World War II, stressing that the event was about remembrance, not hostility.

“It is to work together with peace-loving countries and peoples to remember history, cherish the memory of the martyrs, cherish peace, and create the future,” Guo told reporters.

He added: “China’s development of diplomatic relations with any country is never directed against any third party.”

The Kremlin also downplayed Trump’s remarks, with senior aide Yuri Ushakov telling Russian state television: “I think not without irony, he said that these three are allegedly plotting against the United States.”

The Beijing parade, held at Tiananmen Square, showcased China’s military might while commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.

North-East Governors Urge Tinubu To Fast-Track Road Projects, Oil Exploration

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North-East Governors Urge Tinubu To Fast-Track Road Projects, Oil Exploration

Governors of Nigeria’s North-East region have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to complete 17 critical road projects and expedite oil exploration in frontier wells, including Kolmani and Lake Chad.

The delegation, led by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, met with the President on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The session focused on key developmental and security issues affecting the six states in the region.

Other governors in attendance were Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Bala Muhammad (Bauchi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Keffas (Taraba).

The priority road projects highlighted included the Kano-Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Maiduguri Railway line, Bama-Mubi-Yola Road, Wukari-Jalingo-Yola Road, Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Damaturu Road, Damaturu-Geidam Road, Maiduguri-Damboa-Yola Road, and the Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga Road, among others.

Governor Zulum, who chairs the North-East Governors’ Forum, praised Tinubu’s administration for sustaining relative peace and continuing the fight against insurgency.

“We thank you for fostering peace and stability within the sub-region and continuing with the initiative of your predecessor in sustaining the fight against insurgency,” Zulum said.

He assured the President of the governors’ full support for his administration’s policies on manpower development, technology adoption, and food security.

“Mr. President, the North-East governors hold you in high esteem and all of us have resolved to partner with you in your determination to provide good governance for Nigeria with a view to leaving behind lasting legacies and landmarks for the country,” he added.

President Tinubu, in response, acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the region’s infrastructure and development needs.

US Jury Orders Google To Pay $425 Million In App Privacy Lawsuit

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US Jury Orders Google To Pay $425 Million In App Privacy Lawsuit

A U.S. federal jury has ordered Google to pay approximately $425 million in damages after finding that the company illegally collected data from smartphone apps even when users had enabled privacy settings.

The class action lawsuit, filed in July 2020, accused Google of intercepting, tracking, and selling users’ app activity despite their explicit attempts to opt out. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that “Google’s privacy promises and assurances are blatant lies.”

“This case is about Google’s illegal interception of consumers’ private activity on consumer mobile applications (apps),” the plaintiffs’ legal team stated.

Google, however, rejected the verdict. “This decision misunderstands how our products work, and we will appeal it,” company spokesperson Jose Castaneda said. “Our privacy tools give people control over their data, and when they turn off personalisation, we honour that choice.”

The ruling in San Francisco came just a day after Google secured a major antitrust victory in Washington, D.C., where a federal judge dismissed the government’s demand for the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser.

Meanwhile, Google also faces heavy penalties in Europe. On Wednesday, France’s data protection authority (CNIL) fined Google €325 million ($350 million) and fast-fashion giant Shein €150 million ($175 million) over their use of advertising cookies without proper user consent.

The CNIL ruling marked the third major fine against Google in France for cookie violations, following €100 million in 2020 and €150 million in 2021. Google said it would study the decision and maintained that it had complied with previous regulatory demands.

The latest cases underscore the growing global scrutiny of Google’s data practices as it tries to balance the privacy rights of users with its advertising-driven business model.

Putin Thanks Kim For Sending North Korean Troops To Russia, Praises “Heroic” Role In Kursk

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Putin Thanks Kim For Sending North Korean Troops To Russia, Praises “Heroic” Role In Kursk

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday publicly thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for deploying troops to assist Russian forces in repelling Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region.

Speaking at a meeting with Kim in Beijing, Putin credited the North Korean leader with initiating the deployment and praised the soldiers’ bravery.

“On your initiative, your special forces took part in the liberation of the Kursk region. Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically,” Putin said. “We will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and their families.”

North Korea has emerged as a critical ally of Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, supplying manpower and weaponry under a bilateral strategic partnership that commits both nations to provide military support if attacked.

The Beijing talks, which lasted about two and a half hours, underscored the deepening ties between the two countries. Putin and Kim exchanged warm gestures, including a handshake and embrace, with the Russian leader inviting Kim to visit Russia again.

Both leaders are in the Chinese capital for commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender.

The United States has condemned the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Putin, Kim, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were using the Beijing gathering to “conspire” against Washington — a remark the Kremlin dismissed as “ironic.”

OpenAI To Introduce Parental Controls On ChatGPT After Teen Suicide Case

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OpenAI To Introduce Parental Controls On ChatGPT After Teen Suicide Case

OpenAI has announced it will roll out parental controls for ChatGPT following a lawsuit alleging the chatbot contributed to the death of a 16-year-old American boy.

The company said parents will soon be able to link their accounts with their teenager’s, enabling them to set age-appropriate behaviour rules for ChatGPT. Parents will also receive alerts if the system detects that their child is experiencing “a moment of acute distress.”

The move comes after Matthew and Maria Raine accused ChatGPT of cultivating a close bond with their son, Adam, before he took his life in April 2025. Court filings in California allege that in their final conversation, the chatbot guided him on how to steal alcohol and assessed the viability of a noose he had tied. Adam was later found dead.

“This product can feel like it has all the answers, which may cause vulnerable teens to turn to it for guidance in dangerous ways,” said Melodi Dincer of The Tech Justice Law Project, which prepared the lawsuit.

Critics argue OpenAI’s proposed measures are insufficient, describing the company’s blog post as vague and “the bare minimum” in terms of safety interventions.

OpenAI, however, said it is strengthening protections by testing new “reasoning models” that better follow safety guidelines and redirect high-risk conversations. Additional safeguards are expected to be rolled out over the next three months.

The lawsuit against OpenAI is the latest in a series of cases raising concerns about AI chatbots’ influence on vulnerable users.

DSS Arraigns Nine Suspects Over Benue, Plateau Killings, Gunrunning Charges

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DSS Arraigns Nine Suspects Over Benue, Plateau Killings, Gunrunning Charges

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine individuals identified as prime suspects in connection with the recent killings in Benue and Plateau States.

The suspects were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. Among them is a suspected gunrunner allegedly caught with seven M16 rifles.

Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA of Nasarawa State, are facing a four-count charge over their alleged involvement in coordinated attacks on Abinsi and Yelewata villages in Guma LGA of Benue State on June 13, 2025.

Two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA, were charged with carrying out reprisal attacks and destroying property, including the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.

The DSS is also prosecuting 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Katsina State on a four-count charge for allegedly withholding vital information about a suspected gunrunner and kidnapper identified as Alhaji Sani.

Separately, Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, faces a six-count charge for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades.

In Plateau State, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo were arraigned for allegedly trading two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles worth ₦3 million, while 62-year-old Danjuma Antu from Jos North was charged with unlawful possession of two pistols and firearms designed for 9mm rounds.

The arraignments follow months of deadly assaults on communities across Benue and Plateau that have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands. On June 13, gunmen carried out coordinated attacks in Yelewata and Daudu communities, killing more than 200 people, including farmers and internally displaced persons.

President Bola Tinubu, during a visit to Benue in June, ordered the arrest of the perpetrators and criticised security agencies for failing to apprehend those behind the Yelwata massacre.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, later confirmed that 28 suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack.

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday For Eid-Ul-Mawlid

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FG Declares Friday Public Holiday For Eid-Ul-Mawlid

The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Tunji-Ojo extended warm greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and the diaspora, urging them to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion.

He also called on Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country while supporting government policies that promote unity and sustainable development.

“The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity,” the minister stated.

Eid-ul-Mawlid, observed in the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, is marked with prayers, lectures, processions, and charitable acts. In Nigeria, it is recognised as a national public holiday, reflecting the country’s large Muslim population and longstanding tradition of celebrating major Islamic festivals.

Court Acquits Cardi B In $24 Million California Assault Lawsuit

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Court Acquits Cardi B In $24 Million California Assault Lawsuit

Rapper Cardi B has been cleared of assault in a $24 million civil case in Los Angeles, where she was accused of slashing a woman’s face with her fingernails during a 2018 altercation.

A jury dismissed the claims by plaintiff Emani Ellis, who alleged that the then-pregnant artist spat at her, used racial slurs, and scratched her face outside a Beverly Hills medical office.

Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, denied the allegations, insisting she never touched Ellis. Her legal team argued that Ellis aggressively approached and tried to film her, sparking a heated verbal exchange before medical staff intervened.

Following the verdict, Cardi B said: “I swear to God, I will say it on my death bed, I did not touch that woman.” She warned against future “frivolous lawsuits,” vowing to counter-sue anyone attempting similar claims.

The jury’s decision effectively ends the long-running case, with no compensation awarded to the plaintiff.

Asisat Oshoala Signs Two-Year Contract With Al-Hilal

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Asisat Oshoala Signs Two-Year Contract With Al-Hilal

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has joined Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al-Hilal on a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old forward made the switch after parting ways with Bay FC in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League, where she scored seven goals in 38 appearances following her move from Barcelona Femeni in February 2024.

Oshoala’s transfer to Al-Hilal adds a new chapter to her celebrated career, which has spanned top clubs in Europe and America while cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s most influential players.

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