…commissions protocol lounge at Chinua Achebe international airport

In a move to enhance Anambra State’s aviation landscape, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving aviation infrastructure across the state.

Speaking at the commissioning of a new Protocol Lounge at Chinụa Achebe International Airport in Anambra State, Soludo said that it is part of a multi-phased plan to upgrade facilities, streamline passenger experience, and attract both regional and international air traffic.

Governor Soludo reiterated that modernizing aviation infrastructure is a critical pillar of his administration’s development agenda, emphasizing job creation, skills development, and increased air connectivity as core benefits.

He stated: “By upgrading our airport infrastructure and delivering a world-class Protocol Lounge, we are not only improving passenger experience but also signaling to investors that Anambra is open for business. This is about jobs, growth, and sustainable development for our people.”

He also stressed the importance of collaboration with federal authorities and international aviation partners to ensure compliance with global standards and best practices.

The newly commissioned Protocol Lounge at Chinụa Achebe International Airport is intended to provide a secure, comfortable, and efficient space for visiting dignitaries, government officials, and high-profile travelers. The facility features dedicated check-ins, executive seating, exclusive waiting areas, and improved security protocols.

Local officials and stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Transportation, Barr. Patricia Igwebuike said the upgraded airport facilities are expected to boost commerce, tourism, and investment in Umueri and the broader Anambra State.

Chinụa Achebe International Airport, located in Umueri, has long been a focal point for the region’s aviation ambitions. The new Protocol Lounge adds to a set of modernization efforts aimed at aligning Anambra State with contemporary international aviation standards.

The post Soludo commits to improving aviation infrastructure appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Eight students of the University of Jos
(UNIJOS) have died following a road traffic accident on Zaria Road in the Plateau State capital.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when a bus carrying the students collided with a trailer opposite Unity Bank.

Eyewitnesses said eleven students were on board the bus. Seven were pronounced dead at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at a hospital, bringing the death toll to eight. Three other students are receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. All the victims were male.
The Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Peter Longsan, confirmed the accident in a statement on Thursday. “Today, 11th December 2025, FRSC Plateau State Sector Command received a distress call at about 0230 hours, reporting a road traffic crash opposite Unity Bank on Zaria Road, Jos. The crash involved two vehicles, a trailer and a bus.

Eleven people were on board the bus and were said to be students of the University of Jos. On arrival, seven people were suspected to be dead on the spot, and they were eventually certified dead by a doctor. Another victim later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to eight. Three others are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. All victims were males,” he said.
Eyewitnesses indicated that the bus was speeding and attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre, causing the driver to lose control.

The Sector Commander of FRSC Plateau, Olajide Mogaji, called on motorists to exercise caution, particularly avoiding night travel, excessive speed, dangerous driving, driving under the influence, or driving when fatigued. “The government needs you alive and wants you to enjoy life to the fullest this festive season and beyond,” he said, urging the public to report accidents or emergencies via the FRSC toll-free number, 122.

Meanwhile, a Plateau State High Court in Jos has sentenced a police officer, Ruya Auta, to death by hanging or lethal injection for the killing of University of Jos student, Rinji Bala, on May 13, 2020. The ruling was delivered on Monday by Hon. Justice David Mann, who found the officer guilty of violating Bala’s fundamental right to life.

Speaking after the judgement, counsel to the Plateau State Government, Garba Pwul (SAN), said, “It has been five years of efforts and tenacity to bring justice to the deceased, the family, and even the government. Today, we have seen justice served.”

He added that the ruling should act as a deterrent to negligent security personnel who misuse their firearms. “We hope that this judgment will serve as a deterrent to trigger-happy and dangerously negligent uniformed men, and provide some measure of comfort to the deceased’s family,” Pwul said.

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United States President, Donald Trump, on Wednesday officially launched his “gold card” visa – a new immigration route that allows foreigners to pay $1 million to speed up their visa application. 

The programme also allows companies to pay $2 million to sponsor a foreign worker they want to bring to the U.S.

“Very excitingly, for me and for the country, we have just launched the ‘Trump Gold Card,” the president said at a White House roundtable event.

The programme went live the same afternoon on trumpcard.gov, where applicants can access the official form.

How much does it cost?

According to trumpcard.gov, the process begins with a $15,000 fee from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Once background checks are cleared, a $1 million contribution is needed.

“For a $15,000 DHS processing fee and, after background approval, a contribution of $1 million, receive U.S. residency in record time with the Trump Gold Card,” the official website reads.

Businesses sponsoring employees are required to pay $2 million, along with additional fees. A “platinum” version of the card that offers special tax breaks will also be available for $5 million, the website said.

Extra fees to the government may be charged depending on each applicant’s circumstances, the site said. Individuals are also required to pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their application is reviewed.

How long will the ‘gold card’ process take?

The review period is expected to take a few weeks and includes a visa interview, according to information on the site. However, some applicants may face extra State Department charges. Those approved will receive permanent residency through an EB-1 or EB-2 visa, categories reserved for people with “extraordinary” or “exceptional” abilities.

Trump’s Upcoming ‘Platinum Card’

After the ‘Gold Card’ launch, CNN reports that the administration is also teasing a coming “Trump Platinum Card.” For a $15,000 processing fee and a $5 million contribution, eligible applicants can spend up to 270 days a year in the U.S. They won’t pay U.S. taxes on their non-U.S. income. 

The site does not specify when the platinum option will be available.

Officials criticize traditional immigration process

According to CNN, the rollout comes as Trump’s administration tightens both legal and illegal entry into the country following the killing of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. 

Tribune Online reports that Trump first floated the gold card idea in February, describing it then as a $5 million citizenship pathway for foreigners. He later signed an executive order in September directing its creation.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the program would reshape the current EB-5 immigrant investor visa, which lets foreign investors back job-creating U.S. projects in exchange for the chance to apply for residency. “We will modify the EB-5 agreement,” Lutnick said.

“Kristi (Homeland Security Secretary) and I are working on it together. For $5 million, they will get a license from the Department of Commerce. Then they will make a proper investment.”

However, Immigration law experts have noted that ending or majorly restructuring the EB-5 will require an act of Congress.

Despite ongoing questions about how the plan would work in practice, Trump has said the government could sell millions of gold cards, and Lutnick said in February that the program could generate $1 trillion to help reduce the national debt.

Lutnick has also criticized the current green card system, which gives immigrants the right to live and work permanently in the U.S., arguing that it brings in the “bottom quartile” of immigrants.

“We’re going to only take extraordinary people at the very top,” Lutnick said.

(CNN)

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attempted attack by Boko Haram terrorists on the newly resettled community of Delwa in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Akelicious gathered that the terrorists launched the attack late Tuesday night from three different directions and also attempted to ambush motorists along the Molai–Delwa road.

The source said soldiers of the 7 Division Garrison responded swiftly with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.

According to the sources, one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered a bandolier containing two 36mm hand grenades and three empty AK-47 magazines.

He added that follow-up exploitation conducted on Wednesday morning led to the recovery of 31 rounds of PKT ammunition and two machine-gun rounds.

“There were traces of blood along the withdrawal route used by the terrorists, indicating the likelihood of additional casualties on their side,” the source said.

The sources noted that no troop casualty was recorded in the incident.

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The Ondo State Government has approved the establishment of Diaspora Focal Desks across all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

The development was contained in a statement by the Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.

According to the statement, the move is aimed at deepening inclusive engagement and strengthen the bond between Ondo State and its global citizens.

The statement reads in part, “In a bold and strategic move to deepen inclusive engagement and strengthen the bond between Ondo State and its global citizens, the Ondo State Government has approved the establishment of Diaspora Focal Desks across all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

“The initiative is aimed at decentralising diaspora engagement and ensuring that every local government benefits directly from global partnerships, development opportunities, and community-driven interventions.

“The newly established Diaspora Focal Desks will serve as grassroots liaison points, enabling smoother communication, enhanced data gathering, coordinated outreach, and more effective mobilization of Diaspora-led initiatives.

“Through this structure, Ondo State indigenes across the world will experience a more responsive, accessible, and community-centered engagement system.

“During a stakeholders’ meeting with the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, and all the 18 Local Government Chairmen in Akure, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, reaffirmed that the initiative is designed to bring Diaspora engagement closer to the people and to unlock the socio-economic benefits of global linkages at the local community level.

“He noted that this development aligns with the administration’s *OUR EASE* vision of building a more connected, prosperous, and participatory Ondo State.

“The establishment of the Diaspora Focal Desks marks yet another milestone in the state’s efforts to harness the potential of its diaspora community for development, investment, cultural enrichment, and policy support.”

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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An Akwa-Ibom State lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Clement Jimbo, has said the Federal Government should not deny Nigerians the right to extra security.

Jimbo stated this on Thursday during an interview on ‘The Morning Brief’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST, insisting that the privilege must not remain exclusive to government officials.

The lawmaker, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa-Ibom State stated that every single Nigerian is a VIP, stressing that citizens who want security escorts or guards for their homes, travel or events should be able to obtain them.

According to him, in situations where government security resources are insufficient to cover the entire country, the President has the constitutional latitude to engage private security structures to support citizens who are willing to pay for personal protection.

“Why we have this police protection is not because anyone is going to attack or harm me. But it is simply because they assist us in protocol.

“Many Nigerians, especially during the festive period, want to travel to their hometowns with properties and desire security personnel to accompany them. Some citizens are ready to pay, but the federal government currently lacks the manpower.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his order to withdraw police officers from VIP escort duties.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly begun compiling charges against the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Malami, who has been in the anti-graft agency’s custody since Monday, has been granted administrative bail but remains detained due to ongoing verification of documents submitted to meet his bail conditions.

A source within the EFCC confirmed the development to Daily Trust, stressing that the commission is concluding its investigation and intends to arraign the former AGF in court soon.

“He has been granted an administrative bail but he’s with us because he’s yet to perfect his bail conditions. The documents he submitted for bail are still being scrutinised. Once that is done, he will go,” the source explained.

The source added, “Secondly, he would be arraigned in court as soon as we conclude our investigation. Charges are already being compiled against him. We’re not bittered. This is not persecution, we’re just doing our job.”

The current probe is reportedly revisiting a series of high-profile financial transactions that trailed Malami’s tenure, including those linked to the Abacha loot recovery and other controversial payments.

In the midst of the ongoing detention and compilation of charges, Malami issued a statement strongly defending his innocence and denying any involvement in terrorism financing or other crimes.

Malami stated “My attention has been drawn to a recent publication in which my name was mentioned in connection with allegations of terrorism financing and so-called ‘links’ to persons described as terror suspects or alleged financiers.

“I consider it necessary, in the interest of truth, justice and public record, to make the following clarifications.

“First, I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency—within or outside Nigeria—in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.”

He added, “Secondly, even the retired military officer cited as the principal source in the said publication categorically admitted that he was not accusing me, or other named individuals, of financing terrorism.

“His own account, as reported, was limited to a vague assertion that certain suspects allegedly had some form of ‘business’ or ‘institutional’ relationship with various persons.

“That important clarification was, unfortunately, overshadowed by a headline and framing capable of misleading well-meaning members of the public into drawing inaccurate and damaging conclusions which was unfortunately politically manipulated by my political opponents to create mischievous insinuations implying my involvement in terrorism financing.

“Terrorism financing is a grave crime with devastating consequences for national security and human life. Any attempt—whether by direct allegation or indirect innuendo—to associate an individual with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts, due process and lawful findings, not in conjecture, speculation, or guilt by association.

“To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can, without more, be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust.”

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is delighted to announce Chiedo Nwankwor as a new member of the Board of CJID. Ms Nwankwor is a distinguished academic, gender and governance scholar, and policy expert whose extensive work and global experience strongly align with CJID’s mission to strengthen media, democracy, and accountability across Africa.

Ms Nwankwor currently serves as the Vice Dean for Education and Academic Affairs and Director of SAIS Women Lead at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Washington, DC, where she also lectures in the African Studies Programme. Her career spans more than two decades of academic research, teaching, and applied policy engagement, with a particular focus on gender, political representation, and governance across the African continent.

A respected voice in global discourse on women in politics, Ms Nwankwor holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Delaware, with a major in Comparative Politics and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Her doctoral research examined the substantive representation of women cabinet ministers in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has continued to produce influential scholarship, authoring and co-authoring numerous peer-reviewed articles, policy analyses, and book chapters published in reputable platforms, including Social Politics, The Routledge Handbook of Policy in Africa, and The Oxford Handbook of Politics in Nigeria. Her work explores themes centred on women’s political participation, legislative policymaking, gendered impacts of crises, and democratic inclusion.

Beyond academia, Ms Nwankwor has led or contributed to significant international research projects on gender, governance, and development with notable partners such as the World Bank, Women Deliver, the United States Department of State, the International Republican Institute (IRI), BRAC, and Women in International Security. Her research footprint spans Nigeria, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and the United States of America, addressing critical issues including gender bias in financial services, climate change impacts on women, women’s economic empowerment, food security, and gender-based violence prevention.

Speaking on the appointment, Umaru Pate, chair of the Board of Trustees, extended a warm welcome to Ms Nwankwor as a new member of the CJID Board. He remarked that her appointment represents a significant addition to the growing influence and presence of the Centre on the African continent. “As we increasingly prioritise inclusive and sustainable innovation in journalism and development, I am confident that Dr Nwankwor will add considerable depth and value to the Centre’s initiatives, thereby contributing towards a stable democracy and media development,” Mr Pate, a professor, said.

READ ALSO: CJID-funded investigation wins 2025 Ibanga Isine impact reporter award

In his remarks regarding the appointment, CJID’s CEO, Dapo Olorunyomi, enthusiastically welcomed Ms Nwankwor, noting that her addition to the Board comes at a pivotal moment of the organisation’s growth, and in the era of deepening work at the intersection of knowledge, technology, and democratic accountability. He emphasised that Africa’s information and governance landscapes increasingly demand rigorous and principled leadership capable of building resilient frameworks that strengthen our democracies and enhance the continent’s ability to navigate the complexities of the digital age. “We are honoured to welcome her into this shared endeavour.”

Ms Nwankwor joins a distinguished board comprising leaders drawn from academia, media, policy, and development practice in Africa. Her appointment further reinforces CJID’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive perspectives in the media ecosystem, while expanding the breadth of its contributions to democracy and development across the continent.

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• A Nigerian man has shared his thoughts about the statement made by the First Lady of Nigeria to the Osun governor
• He watched the video showing the interaction between Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke and explained it
• A few people who read what he said about the two notable individuals agreed with him, while a few disagreed

A Nigerian man reacted to the reactions to the video of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

The statement of the man is coming amid the continuous criticism of the First Lady’s friendly conversation with the governor at an event that was put in place to confer a title on her.

Nigerian man says First Lady was friendly to Adeleke. Photo Source: Twitter/lexyy4real
Source: Twitter

Nigerian man explains first lady’s words

Some individuals alleged the First Lady disrespected the governor, but many have debunked the claims, including a man who was also on stage with the First Lady and the governor at the said event, as he shared a video showing another angle of their conversation.

Read also

“I have reviewed that video”: Lady reacts to viral clip of Oluremi Tinubu and Gov. Adeleke

As the outpour continues, a man has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the matter.

The individual, @lexyy4real, in his statement mentioned that there is a friendly relationship between the governor and the First Lady, hence why she made the statement she made.

He also added that they used to be colleagues at the Senate.

Nigerian man reacts to First Lady and Gov. Adeleke video. Photo Source: Twitter/lexyy4real
Source: Twitter

He shared his observation on the video and mentioned that it was a simple, friendly banter.

His statement:

“I’m glad that this video explains it. Anyone with an active mind will see that Chief Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu has been a very good friend to the governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, since their time in the Senate.””From my observation, it was a friendly banter between the First Lady and her friend, who is known for his unique style of singing and chanting, which, while an expression of joy, constituted a significant deviation from the traditional format of a goodwill speech at a formal event. Let’s not create unnecessary tension between two good friends.”

Read also

Davido, fan drag each other over Governor Adeleke, singer’s clap back trends

Reactions as man speaks about Remi Tinubu

@HNIC8 shared:

“Tension between friends? They will just be laughing at online moralists and analysts.”

Gbeborun united!”

@DipoPopson wrote:

“Opposition is simply trying every way to criticize the government. Has Adeleke or any of his family members complained?”

@wakeelsaliu noted:

“Everything is an agenda to everyone, saw Channels ran through with the narrative.”

@Mautiin01 stressed:

“Everyone should rest.”

@Chrisbamidele said:

“Anybody who still wants to manufacture a rift between the First Lady and My State Governor is just chasing shadows this time around.”

Read the post below:

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian journalist shared his thoughts after watching the viral video of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Lady spots what people missed in video

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian lady shared her thoughts after watching the viral video of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke. She said she watched the video many times and noticed that the First Lady’s words were friendly.

Read also

Man analyses Gov Adeleke’s reaction after First Lady interrupted him: “Every move is calculated”

She said it was rude at all. She also pointed out that the microphone stayed on during the whole conversation, even as the governor continued singing, which shows that there was no plan to disrespect him in any way.

Source: Legit.ng

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a case of a captive falling in love with the captor.

The party’s factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on The Morning Brief, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST.

DAILY POST reports that Fubara defected from PDP to APC on Tuesday, stating that his decision was motivated by the party’s failure to protect him during the recent political crisis in Rivers State.

“During the preparations for the convention, I remember a journalist asked Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state about what the party was doing and he clearly said we need to allow him that he’s been through a lot that they’ve been speaking, so you can’t just throw other people under the bus because of your actions and inactions.

“We sympathise with Siminalayi Fubara. We know that this is a situation where Stockholm syndrome has happened, a captive has fallen in love with a captor and he’s unable to differentiate between where the real problem lies.

“But we frown against that conscious amnesia, where he picks and chooses where the blame should be. He knows where the origin of his problem is. He knows where the continuity of his problem is. When he went to court about the issue of defection, he knew what the truth about it was, and he should be able to say that.

“So again, that deflection by him begins to beg the question whether he is placing the blame where he should rightly be,” Ememobong said.

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