Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta North)  has expressed deep shock over the sudden death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa Deputy Governor, describing his passing as a devastating blow to the Urhobo Nation and the country at large. 

Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed on Thursday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa where he died at 60.

In a statement on Friday, Dafinone described the late Deputy Governor as “a principled politician, a committed public servant, and a distinguished son of Urhobo who carried himself with dignity, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the service of his people.” 

He noted that Ewhrudjakpo’s lifelong devotion to public service and development had etched his name firmly in the hearts of those he served.

According to the Delta Central senator, the void created by Ewhrudjakpo’s demise will be difficult to fill, given his exceptional contributions to governance, community development, and national cohesion. Dafinone extended condolences on behalf of the people of Delta Central to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Urhobo Nation, and the Government and people of Bayelsa State, urging them to take solace in the impactful and honourable life he lived.

According to him: “I received the news of the passing of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, with deep shock and profound sadness. His sudden collapse on Thursday and subsequent death at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, have left our nation, particularly the Urhobo Nation, in mourning. Until his death, Senator Ewhrudjakpo remained a principled politician, a committed public servant, and a distinguished son of Urhobo who carried himself with dignity, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the service of his people.

“Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s death is a monumental loss to the Urhobo Nation, Bayelsa State, and Nigeria at large. His contributions to governance, community development, and national cohesion were exceptional. He was a man who embodied humility and forthrightness, and his political journey reflected a lifetime of service rooted in integrity, hard work, and devotion to the common good. His demise has created a void that will be difficult to fill.

“On behalf of the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Urhobo Nation, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, and all who knew and admired the late Deputy Governor. I urge his family and loved ones to find comfort in the fact that he lived a purposeful life, touched many lives, and left behind a legacy of honour and service that will endure.

“As we mourn this painful loss, I pray that God Almighty grants his family the strength and grace to bear the irreparable loss, and I pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May his memory continue to be a blessing to all of us.”

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The Bayelsa State Government on Friday confirmed the death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and declared a three-day state mourning in his honour.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government described his passing as a moment of “deep regret and profound shock.”

“The Bayelsa State Government announces with deep regret and profound shock the sudden passing of the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Ph.D, on Thursday, 11th December 2025, at the age of 60.

“The Deputy Governor was active and performing official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead,” the statement read.

Governor Douye Diri subsequently declared a three-day state mourning beginning Friday, directing that all flags be flown at half-mast.

“Governor Douye Diri has declared a three-day State Mourning in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast.

“His demise is not only painful but a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation,” the statement added.

Diri extended his condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Beatrice, their children, the wider Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and the people of the state.

He prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state.

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A young Nigerian lady has opened up about her changing views on relationships, revealing how her attitude towards dating has shifted over the years.

The lady explained that in her early twenties, particularly around ages 22 to 24, she maintained multiple relationships and often juggled several “talking stages” at the same time.

Lady.

Lady reflects on having many suitors

According to her, she once had as many as seven potential partners she was speaking with simultaneously.

However, she noted that everything changed when she turned 27. Now aged 28, she said the interest she once had in managing multiple boyfriends has completely faded.

Lady expresses desire for one man

She described the lifestyle as a “waste of time,” adding that she now desires a single, committed relationship with one man.

According to her, there was no need chasing multiple men when she can get everything she wants from one man.

Her words …

“When I was younger, around 22, 23, 24, I used to have multiple boyfriends. I had up to seven talking stages at once. But when I clocked 27, I lost interest. I’m 28 now, and I feel like having multiple boyfriends is a waste of time. Now I only want one man.”

Watch video below …

“When I was younger, around 22, 23, 24, I used to have multiple boyfriends. I had up to seven talking stages at once. But when I clocked 27, I lost interest. I’m 28 now, and I feel like having multiple boyfriends is a waste of time. Now I only want one man.”

— Lady says. pic.twitter.com/q0hnmhbjat

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) December 12, 2025

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• Interswitchhosted TechConnect 5.0 in Lagos to address how financial institutions can balance innovation compliance, and collaboration in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment
• The event featured deep-dive sessions and panel discussions emphasizing that progress in financial services depends on stakeholder partnerships rather than competition
• Interswitch reaffirmed its commitment to fostering dialogue between regulators, innovator,s and institutions to build a sustainable, inclusive, and secure digital financial ecosystem

Nigeria’s financial services sector is evolving at a remarkable pace. With new policies, digital disruptions, and heightened customer expectations, the landscape is being reshaped almost daily.

Yet, amid this rapid change lies a persistent challenge, how to sustain innovation while maintaining stability and compliance.

The financial ecosystem has long grappled with balancing innovation and regulation. On one hand, technology continues to open new pathways for inclusion and access.

On the other, evolving policies and compliance demands appear to have created layers of complexity that require strategic navigation. This ongoing tension has made collaboration across stakeholders not just valuable, but essential for the industry’s sustained growth.

It is against this backdrop that Interswitch, Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, convened industry players, regulators, and innovators at TechConnect 5.0, its flagship thought-leadership event themed “United Frontiers: Growth Powered by Innovation, Collaboration and Compliance.”

The event sought to address one of the industry’s most pressing questions: ‘how can financial institutions continue to grow and innovate responsibly in a shifting regulatory environment?’ 

Through a series of deep-dive sessions and panel discussions, the Lagos TechConnect 5.0 event explored how regulation and innovation can coexist to accelerate financial inclusion, drive growth, and sustain trust. From navigating policy shifts to de-risking innovation, the event highlighted that progress in the financial services ecosystem depends on how well stakeholders collaborate and not how fast they compete.

Interswitch, through this platform, reaffirmed its commitment to shaping an ecosystem that balances progress with prudence. The company continues to champion open dialogue between policymakers, innovators, and financial institutions to ensure that technology development aligns with regulatory evolution and customer needs.

According to Akeem Lawal, Managing Director, Payment Processing and Switching (Interswitch Purepay), TechConnect as a vital platform for shaping the future of financial inclusion, transformation and collaboration.

“At Interswitch, we see regulation not as a barrier but as an enabler. It sets the guardrails that make innovation sustainable and scalable. Through initiatives like TechConnect, we are fostering collaboration that helps the industry anticipate policy shifts, embrace compliance, and power meaningful progress.” He noted.

By positioning compliance as a foundation for innovation, Interswitch is helping redefine what it means to build a truly sustainable digital financial ecosystem, one where growth is inclusive, secure, and aligned with national and continental goals.

As TechConnect 5.0 wrapped up, the consensus was clear: the future of Africa’s financial services sector lies in collective action. Innovation alone is not enough; it must be reinforced by strong partnerships and clear compliance structures. Through initiatives like TechConnect, Interswitch continues to lead the charge by building bridges across the financial ecosystem and uniting the frontiers that power Africa’s digital future.

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The Cross River State Government has partnered with Mesotho Group for the construction of the Calabar Ultramodern International Market, a landmark project set to transform the city’s commercial landscape. 

The agreement, signed through a public-private partnership (PPP), represents a significant step towards modernizing trade infrastructure in the state.

At the signing ceremony, the Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Abigail Orok, welcomed Mesotho Group, describing the moment as “glorious” for Cross River State. 

She congratulated the group on emerging as the preferred bidder following a rigorous selection process and assured them of the government’s full support. 

“By the grace of God Almighty, we have been able to sign the agreement for the construction of Calabar Ultramodern Market. This has been a vision of this government since Governor Bassey Otu assumed office,” Orok said.

The commissioner said the market will provide modern facilities designed to improve the trading experience for both buyers and sellers. 

“Within the next two years, Calabar will have an international market with all the facilities a modern market should have, including a jetty, top-notch security, and a water view. This will create a clean, organized and safe environment for traders and shoppers,” she explained.

The market will be sited at Esit Ebom community in Calabar South, with over 40 plots already secured for the project.

Dedicated sections will be allocated to various traders, ensuring an orderly, modern marketplace. 

Orok added that the market, when operational, would put an end to the popular Watt Market, which has continued to be an eyesore in the beautiful city of Calabar.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, the Permanent Secretary, Orok Okon, described the signing as the culmination of a long journey. 

“Today, we have put pen to paper and sealed the agreement under the PPP arrangement. We look forward to Mesotho Group doing their part, while we provide an enabling environment and all that is required from government to ensure this arrangement works. I trust that the agreement and its timelines will be adhered to, and at the end, we will be grateful to the governor who made this possible,” he said.

The Managing Director and CEO of Mesotho Group, Jerry Joseph Damara, stated that the firm specializes in market development and called for maximum support from the state government. 

“We are coming from Abuja to a new terrain, and your cooperation will ensure that the market works efficiently for everyone. This project is not just for high-class traders; it is for ordinary business people, including those selling fish and other everyday commodities,” Damara said.

He commended the state government for its resilience and focus in driving the project, adding that such commitment will benefit both the people of Cross River and investors alike.

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By Progress Godfrey, Abuja

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expanded its investigation into what it suspects may be exploitative airfare practices on key domestic routes, particularly those serving the South-South and South-East, as end of year travel picks up.

The Commission said rising public complaints over sharp increases in ticket prices and what appears to be coordinated fare movements among some airlines prompted the widened review.

The inquiry now focuses on operators flying the affected routes, a statement issued by the commission on Friday and signed by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu noted.

Earlier in the year, Air Peace went to court to stop the Commission from examining its pricing template after the FCCPC launched a probe driven by widespread consumer complaints.

However, the commission stated that the ongoing investigation continues independently of the court case.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board. But the FCCPA 2018 empowers us to check the exploitation of consumers. When we receive petitions or where we find cogent evidence, we will not stand by and watch Nigerian consumers being exploited under any guise,” the FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr Tunji Bello clarified.

The Commission noted that its mandate allows it to monitor economic conduct, investigate anti-competitive actions and protect consumers where market behaviour appears unfair or coordinated.

It added that while it does not set prices, the FCCPA places fair pricing at the heart of consumer protection and competitive markets, ensuring Nigerians are shielded from excessive, opaque or collusive fares.

“Given the arbitrary spike in airfares, the Commission is extending its review of pricing patterns, the basis for the increases reported by consumers, and any practices that could undermine fair competition. Where evidence confirms a breach of the Act, FCCPC will apply appropriate enforcement measures,” the statement added.

The Commission said further updates on the aviation investigation would be released as findings develop.

The post FCCPC widens probe to curb ‘exploitative’ airfares on South-South, South-East routes appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Lagos State Police Command has refuted media reports suggesting that a death and injuries were recorded when hoodlums invaded Ajebo community, near Agbowa in the Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

In a statement on Friday, the Lagos police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the reports were not only untrue and misleading but highly mischievous.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to categorically set the record straight and correct the mischievous, untrue, and misleading report by ‘Newtelegraphng’ alleging that Ajebo community was invaded by armed hoodlums who destroyed properties, injured residents, and fired gunshots indiscriminately,” Adebisi said.

She explained that the incidents that occurred are a land dispute between two families within the Ajebo community that led to chaos and confusion in the village.

Adebisi stated that upon receiving the report, the police joint intervention teams comprising the Tactical Squads, the PMF Anti-Riots Police personnel, conventional police personnel from Agbowa Division, Area N Command, and other special Police units from the Lagos Police Command Headquarters as well as others stationed at Agbowa were immediately deployed to the location.

According to her, normalcy was promptly restored, and the people of the community continued to go about their normal business and other activities of livelihood.

However, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed a prompt intervention and investigation into the incident.

Adebisi said preliminary investigation revealed that the disturbance and clashes within the village stemmed from a land dispute between two contending families, and not an attack by gunmen against the community.

“No life was lost and no injuries were inflicted on anyone or the people of the village before and during the clashes before normalcy was restored and is currently being sustained,” she clarified.

“The Command further wishes to reaffirm that there was no firing of any firearm or guns during the incident, contrary to the claims circulated in the report.

“No death or injury was also recorded, and there was no invasion of the community by any armed group from anywhere.

“The detachments of Police Officers and other tactical Squads intervened and acted swiftly, professionally, and immediately restored peace and tranquility throughout the community. Peace has since returned to the area.”

She added that the leadership of the two parties involved in the land dispute has been identified and served police invitations to report for investigation at the office of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, immediately.

They have also been strongly warned to remain peaceful and that the police will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on troublemakers.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh, has implored and cautioned members of the public against spreading misinformation, and urged the writer of the story to desist from publishing reports that are incorrect, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic.

He has also stressed the need for responsible reporting for the benefit of the public, while reassuring residents of the affected community, and Lagos State in general, of the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, security, and order across Lagos State at all times.

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Carl Erik Rinsch, the Hollywood director behind “47 Ronin,” has been convicted by a federal jury in New York on Thursday of scamming Netflix out of $11 million.

Prosecutors said the money was meant to help complete a sci-fi series called “White Horse,” but Rinsch instead diverted the funds for personal spending and risky investments.

According to prosecutors, Netflix had already paid him about $44 million for the unfinished project. When Rinsch requested an additional $11 million to wrap up production, the company released the funds.

However, investigators said he moved that money into a personal account, where he quickly lost nearly half through failed investments before turning to cryptocurrency. He made some gains there, but then transferred the proceeds into his own bank account.

Prosecutors told the court that Rinsch later spent the money on luxury purchases, including several Rolls-Royces, a Ferrari, expensive watches and clothes.

According to the prosecutors, Rinsch also bought two mattresses for about $638,000 and added nearly $300,000 in high-end bedding, while using some of the funds to clear about $1.8 million in credit card debt.

Meanwhile, the show was never completed.

In a statement, Rinsch’s attorney, Benjamin Zeman, said he thought the verdict was wrong and “could set a dangerous precedent for artists who become embroiled in contractual and creative disputes with their benefactors, in this case one of the largest media companies in the world, finding themselves indicted by the federal government for fraud.”

According to the CNN, Rinsch is scheduled to be sentenced in April while Netflix declined to comment.

(CNN)

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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…Advances African Healthtech Innovation

Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) has announced three major healthtech partnerships at its 3rd flagship Access to Markets (A2M) event, a two-day forum designed to connect Africa’s most promising healthtech startups with strategic partners to accelerate commercialisation and impact.

The new collaborations—spanning cervical cancer prevention, malaria surveillance, and pharmacy access—signal growing global confidence in African-led health innovation.

On day one, i3 unveiled a partnership between global biopharmaceutical company MSD and Kenya’s digital health platform, MYDAWA. The collaboration aims to enhance MYDAWA’s concierge services to expand access to cervical cancer prevention through at-home and in-clinic health services, supported by online scheduling and counselling tools. MSD will provide business and technical expertise.

“This collaboration meets communities where they are, forging new paths for patient access,” said Dr Priya Agrawal, Vice President, International Health Equity and Partnerships, MSD. “Together, we’re creating sustainable and scalable solutions to break down barriers to healthcare across Africa.”

The initiative focuses on expanding access to information and services and does not include the supply or promotion of unregistered medical products.

A second major agreement was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), and Sproxil. The deal aims to strengthen malaria diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance using Sproxil’s test-to-treat model and AI-powered data systems. It will generate real-time data from pharmacies and patent medicine vendors to support manufacturers, enhance monitoring of malaria patterns, and boost accountability.

Dr Ashifi Gogo, CEO and Founder of Sproxil, described the partnership as a demonstration of African-led innovation driving “continental health transformation.” He added: “We are honoured to deploy AI-enhanced surveillance infrastructure that ensures affordable anti-malarials reach the children and families who need them most.”

The third announcement came from Boehringer Ingelheim’s Social Engagement Fund, which confirmed investments in three companies shaping Africa’s pharmacy ecosystem: Dawa Mkononi, Kasha, and Reach52.

“These partnerships reflect our belief that sustainable healthcare solutions are best built through collaboration,” said Dr Ilka Wicke, Head of Sustainability Social. “Together, we’re making meaningful progress toward improving the lives of 50 million people by 2030.”

Since July, i3 has worked closely with innovators including Chefaa, Dawa Mkononi, Meditect, mPharma, MYDAWA, Sproxil, and Zuri Health. The programme has facilitated more than 110 introductions to investors and customers, yielding 15 partnerships valued at over $20 million.

This year’s A2M event gathered 15 leading healthtech startups serving over 66,000 healthcare providers across 12 African countries, with projections to reach 167,000 providers by 2028. Also in attendance were 41 investors, pharmaceutical manufacturers, donors, DFIs, and multilateral partners such as IFC, World Bank, Pfizer, and Grand Challenges Canada.

Oladunni Lawal, i3 Lead, said: “Healthtech startups are reshaping Africa’s healthcare landscape. Through A2M, innovators are linked with high-impact partners, enabling them to scale faster. The three deals announced on Tuesday demonstrate the pace and potential of this model.”
Senior government representatives, including Dr Abdu Mukhtar of PVAC and Dr Leke Ojewale, Adviser to Nigeria’s Health Minister, also participated.

Supported by partners including the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora, Endless Health, HELP Logistics, Sanofi, and Boehringer Ingelheim, i3 says A2M continues to drive a digitally enabled future for African healthcare—powered by local innovation and global collaboration.

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…Observes a minute silence for late parents
… Swears in 25 LGAs Chairmen, Vices, Board members

Three weeks after the abduction of 315 children and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Catholic Primary and Secondary school, Papiri in Agwarra Local Government Area, Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has admitted that the incident actually took place and vowed to give political appointments to indigenes of Papiri.

It would be recalled that the Governor had said in different fora and media platforms that there was no abduction and that the figures were mere exaggerations

While assuring that the remaining children and teachers will be rescued soon and be reunited with their families, Governor Bago said, “I will appoint people from Papiri into various positions”.

He said at the inauguration ceremony of Commissioners, Chairmen, Vice Chairmen of local government Councils and Board Members on Friday at the Government House, Minna, after observing a minute silence for the late parents of Papiri students, that he is thanking God that Niger state is united after the incident.

Accordingly, he prayed saying, “Oh God, we beseech you to rescue Niger state, rescue our children and restore unto us lasting peace. Those who chose the wrong path, God please redirect them.

“Let us put the old aside and embrace a new Niger. We want a new Niger where the son of a nobody can become somebody. It is time to retract our steps.

“Three weeks ago, we woke up with the terrifying news of the abduction of our children and teachers. Thank God we have rescued 100, and we hope that the remaining are rescued and reunited with their families soon.

“In this government, we will engage and appoint people from Papiri into our government.”

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Usman, said the emergence of the appointees and elected chairmen is a result of their capabilities and pedigree.

They were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Niger state, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, who was represented by Justice Maimuna Abubakar, High Court 6, Minna.

The Governor, however, did not give portfolios to the newly sworn-in commissioners, saying, “I will announce them soon, but not now”.

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