Home Blog Page 37

Who is María Corina Machado?: Biography, Early Life and Education, Political Career and Advocacy

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Who is María Corina Machado?: Biography, Early Life and Education, Political Career and Advocacy

Biography: María Corina Machado—Champion of Venezuelan Democracy

María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader, engineer, and former member of the National Assembly who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her decades-long, non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights in her native country. Her career has been defined by uncompromising resistance to the authoritarian rule of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, cementing her status as the most enduring and recognized face of the Venezuelan democratic movement.

Early Life and Education

Born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas, Venezuela, María Corina Machado comes from a prominent, politically engaged family. Her grandfather was a distinguished Venezuelan intellectual and writer, and her father was a successful businessman.

  • Education: Machado holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Andrés Bello Catholic University in Venezuela. She later pursued a Master’s degree in Finance from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA) in Caracas and completed a year of study at the Yale World Fellows Program at Yale University.
  • Family: She married Ricardo Sosa and has three children: two daughters, Ricardo and Enrique, and a son. While she keeps her personal life largely private due to political security concerns, her family has been a consistent source of support throughout her challenging political career.

Political Career and Advocacy

Machado’s career trajectory moved from civil society advocacy to national politics, always centered on promoting transparency and democratic participation.

Early Advocacy (Súmate)

Her political life began in 2002 when she co-founded Súmate (Join Up), a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on electoral monitoring and citizen mobilization. Súmate played a key role in organizing the 2004 recall referendum against then-President Hugo Chávez.

The government responded by prosecuting her and other Súmate leaders for treason and conspiracy for accepting minor international funding, a move that first brought her to international attention as a target of political persecution.

National Assembly and Uncompromising Resistance

In 2011, Machado successfully ran for the National Assembly, securing the highest number of votes of any candidate nationwide. In the legislature, she became known for her fierce, direct confrontations with the government, often challenging the administration’s human rights record and economic policies on the floor.

In 2014, the Maduro government stripped her of her legislative seat, using a technicality after she attempted to speak at the Organization of American States (OAS) as a temporary delegate for Panama to denounce human rights abuses.

The Political Ban

Machado has been repeatedly banned from holding public office by the government, a tactic widely criticized by international bodies as a violation of her political rights. Despite the ban, she won the opposition’s 2023 presidential primary election by a landslide, only to have the ban reaffirmed, making her a symbol of the struggle against electoral suppression.

The Nobel Peace Prize (2025)

The Nobel Peace Prize recognizes not a single achievement, but a lifetime of dedicated, high-stakes commitment to non-violent change.

  • Nobel Committee Citation: Jørgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, praised her for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights” and her commitment to a “just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
  • Impact: The award provides her, and the Venezuelan opposition as a whole, with significant international legitimacy and crucial protection against further political aggression. It focuses the world’s attention on the Venezuelan crisis and affirms the struggle of millions of citizens who continue to resist authoritarianism peacefully.
  • Core Message: Machado’s strength lies in her consistency and her ability to mobilize a grassroots base, often traveling hundreds of kilometers across Venezuela on foot to rally citizens despite official efforts to block her movement. Her work reinforces the principle that peace is inseparable from the rule of law and the defense of civil liberties.

Disclaimer: 

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

It is the policy of NewsWireNGR not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or another independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of NewsWireNGR.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Top Things to Know About María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize Win

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Top Things to Know About María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize Win

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing her decades-long, non-violent fight for democracy in Venezuela.

1. The Core Reason for the Award

Machado was honored “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee specifically recognized her unwavering commitment to democratic principles in the face of escalating political repression.

2. Validation for the Venezuelan Opposition

The prize is seen as a powerful international validation of the Venezuelan opposition’s movement. It shifts the global spotlight back onto the country’s political and humanitarian crisis, providing a significant boost in legitimacy and visibility to those seeking democratic change.

3. A Challenge to the Current Government

This award directly challenges the government of Nicolás Maduro, which has repeatedly stripped Machado of her political rights, including banning her from holding office and running in elections. The Nobel Committee’s decision to recognize her struggle is a clear global rebuke of the country’s authoritarian turn.

4. Background of Her Activism

Machado is an engineer and former legislator who has been one of the most visible and uncompromising figures in the Venezuelan opposition since the early 2000s.

  • Non-Violent Resistance: Her political efforts have consistently focused on non-violent civil resistance, pushing for free and fair elections.
  • Persecution: She has endured sustained political persecution, including being barred from leaving the country and being publicly attacked, yet she has maintained a high-profile political presence through grassroots efforts and public rallies.

5. Impact of the Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize grants Machado immense international leverage and protection. It:

  • Increases Scrutiny: It will dramatically increase international scrutiny on any actions taken against her by the government.
  • Mobilizes Support: It is expected to mobilize further international support for democratic forces in Venezuela and bolster the morale of civil society within the country.

This award places Machado at the center of the world stage as the leading voice for political change in her nation.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded today to Venezuela’s opposition leader and democracy activist, María Corina Machado.

Jørgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, announced the prestigious award in Oslo, honoring Machado “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”

The committee’s recognition elevates Machado to the global stage as the most prominent champion for democratic change in the politically fraught South American nation.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Update: FCT Police Say 12 Armed Robbery Suspects Who killed ARISE News Anchor, Got Their Weapons From Niger Republic

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Update: FCT Police Say 12 Armed Robbery Suspects Who killed ARISE News Anchor, Got Their Weapons From Niger Republic

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in the September 29, 2025, armed robbery and murder case that claimed the lives of ARISE News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed the following details upon the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the crime:

  • Foreign Arms Source: Preliminary investigation revealed that the criminal syndicate sourced its firearms—including a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, and a pistol—from an unidentified supplier operating across the Nigeria–Niger Republic border.
  • Suspects’ Origin: All arrested suspects hail from Kaduna and Katsina States and have confessed to procuring their weapons from this foreign source.
  • The Shooter Identified: Further investigation confirmed that one of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, fired the fatal shot that killed the security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
  • Confessed Operations: The gang confessed to carrying out multiple armed robberies across the FCT, including prior operations at Katampe 1, a hotel in Apo, and another location in Zuba.

The Police Operation

Following the tragic incident, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, immediately established a Special Investigation Team led by DCP Aliyu Abubakar.

  • Methodology: The team used digital reconstructive intelligence to track and dismantle the criminal network.
  • Scope: Coordinated operations were successfully carried out across the FCT, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States, leading to the apprehension of the suspects.
  • Suspects Listed: The arrested individuals include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar (31).

Context: Proliferation of Illicit Arms

This case highlights Nigeria’s long-standing struggle with the influx of illicit small arms and light weapons from neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The United Nations raised concerns in 2016, estimating that approximately 350 million of the 500 million illicit weapons circulating in West Africa were concentrated within Nigeria.

The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and utilize their emergency lines to report suspicious activity.

The top things to know about Hilda Baci 

NewsWireNGR
-
0
The top things to know about Hilda Baci 

Hilda Effiong Bassey (born September 20, 1996), popularly known as Hilda Baci, is a Nigerian celebrity chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and media personality who achieved global recognition for her endurance in the kitchen.

The top things to know about Hilda Baci revolve around her record-breaking culinary achievements, her business acumen, and her role as an inspiration for African youth.

1. Guinness World Record (GWR) Breakthrough

Hilda Baci achieved global fame for breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual (Cook-a-thon) in May 2023.

  • Official Record: After review, she was certified with a time of 93 hours and 11 minutes, surpassing the previous record.
  • National Impact: Her attempt generated unprecedented national support, uniting Nigerians and drawing global attention to Nigerian cuisine and the determination of its youth.
  • Subsequent Record: In 2024, she also set a new GWR for the Largest Serving of Nigerian Style Jollof Rice(8,780 kg), reconfirming her status in the record books.

2. Successful Culinary Entrepreneur

Hilda is a dedicated foodpreneur who has successfully built a major brand around her passion for cooking.

  • Restaurant: She is the CEO and Head Chef of My Food by Hilda, a successful restaurant and food delivery service based in Lagos, Nigeria, which has been growing rapidly.
  • Media Personality: Before her record, she was already a TV host for shows like Dine on a Budget and won the 2021 Jollof Face-off competition.

3. Educator and Mentor

Following her success, she shifted her focus to empowering others through her knowledge.

  • Hilda Baci Academy: She runs the academy to teach culinary skills and, significantly, food business management, helping aspiring chefs turn their passion into profitable careers.
  • Inspiration: Her stated motivation for the GWR attempt was to put Nigerian cuisine on the global map and inspire young African women to pursue their dreams.

4. Background and Stamina

Her record was a testament to immense planning and physical preparation.

  • Preparation: Hilda underwent intense personal fitness training to build the physical and mental stamina required to cook continuously for over four days, taking only accumulated five-minute breaks per hour.
  • Upbringing: She was inspired by her mother, a restaurateur, and built her career from the ground up, moving from a degree in Sociology to becoming a globally recognized culinary icon.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Who is Hilda Baci?: Biography, Net Worth, Education, Early Life, Family, Boyfriend, Scandal and Controversy

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Who is Hilda Baci?: Biography, Net Worth, Education, Early Life, Family, Boyfriend, Scandal and Controversy

Hilda Effiong Bassey (born September 20, 1996), popularly known as Hilda Baci, is a Nigerian celebrity chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and media personality who achieved global recognition for her endurance in the kitchen.

Early Life and Family

  • Origin: Hilda Baci hails from Akwa Ibom State, located in South-Eastern Nigeria.
  • Family: She grew up as the second of seven children, primarily raised by her mother in Abuja.
  • Mother’s Influence: Her mother, a restaurateur, played a crucial role in introducing her to the culinary world. Baci has spoken about how her mother’s own business challenges later inspired her to succeed and become a source of support for her family. Her father is reportedly a medical doctor.
  • Siblings: While she has a large family, specific public details about her brother and other siblings are not widely available.

Education

  • University: Hilda Baci attended Madonna University, Okija, where she earned a degree in Sociology.
  • Culinary Training: Despite her academic background, her passion and career path were firmly established in the culinary arts.

Career and Guinness World Record

  • Early Career: Before focusing solely on cooking, Baci worked as a TV presenter for two years, demonstrating her versatility in media. She also won the Jollof Faceoff competition in 2021.
  • Business: She is the CEO and Head Chef of her restaurant and catering brand, Myfoodbyhilda, which has expanded to multiple locations. She also teaches culinary classes, mentoring thousands of students.
  • Guinness World Record (GWR) Attempt (May 2023): Hilda Baci gained international fame for her attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
    • She cooked for 100 hours and 40 minutes at Amore Gardens in Lagos, attracting massive national and global support.
    • After a rigorous review of the evidence, GWR officially confirmed her as the new record holder in June 2023 with a certified time of 93 hours and 11 minutes. (Approximately seven hours were deducted for mistakenly taking extra minutes during rest breaks).
  • Dethronement and Subsequent Record: Her GWR title was later surpassed by another chef in October 2023. However, Baci successfully set a new GWR title in 2024 for the Largest Serving of Nigerian Style Jollof Rice (in collaboration with a brand), further cementing her status in the culinary record books.

Net Worth

  • Hilda Baci’s net worth has seen a significant increase following her record-breaking fame, endorsements, and the expansion of her restaurant and culinary teaching business.
  • While precise, verifiable figures for her current 2025 net worth are not publicly released, various estimates placed her net worth around $250,000 USD (approximately N115 million) even before her record was officially confirmed, a figure which has since grown substantially due to her newfound celebrity status and commercial success.

Scandal and Controversy

Hilda Baci’s time in the global spotlight has come with a few controversies:

  • GWR Time Deduction: The most discussed issue was the deduction of almost seven hours from her final time by Guinness World Records. Though standard procedure, it sparked debates among her fans who had celebrated the full 100-hour mark.
  • Cash Prize Claims: False claims circulated widely on social media that she had received a N250 million cash prize from GWR. Guinness World Records officially refuted these claims, stating that they do not award cash prizes for setting records.
  • Personal Image and Lifestyle: Like many public figures, she has faced scrutiny over her fashion choices and personal lifestyle, particularly from critics who contrast her public image with her strong Christian faith.
  • Weight Loss Journey: An old video of her in a larger size resurfaced during her cook-a-thon, which, while not a controversy initiated by her, unfortunately fueled fat-shaming comments directed at other women online. Baci, who had lost a significant amount of weight, shared that her fitness journey was essential for building the physical and mental stamina needed for the marathon attempt.

Disclaimer: 

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

It is the policy of NewsWireNGR not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or another independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of NewsWireNGR.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Top Things to Know About Veekee James

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Top Things to Know About Veekee James

Veekee James (Ruth Erikan James) is one of Nigeria’s most prominent luxury fashion designers and a leading figure in African bridal couture. She has successfully built a multi-faceted brand that combines high-end fashion, strong Christian faith, and business education.

Here are the top things to know about her:

1. Master of Luxury Bridal and Bespoke Design

Veekee James is best known for her dramatic, figure-hugging, and heavily detailed gowns. Her signature style often features intricate corsets, elaborate stonework, and luxurious fabrics, making her the go-to designer for high-profile weddings and red-carpet events in Nigeria and beyond.

2. Average Cost of Her Bridal Dresses

As a luxury designer, Veekee James’ prices reflect the bespoke nature, high quality of materials, and extensive labor involved in her creations.

  • While prices vary based on complexity, fabrics, and specific detailing, the average cost of a bespoke bridal gownfrom the Veekee James brand typically starts in the millions of Naira.
  • Reports surrounding her own wedding dress indicated costs far exceeding that average, sometimes cited in the tens of millions of Naira, solidifying her position in the ultra-luxury tier of the industry.

3. Entrepreneurial and Educational Focus

Beyond design, she is a successful entrepreneur who runs her fashion house with the precision of a corporate business. She also uses her platform to empower others by hosting masterclasses on fashion, brand building, and maximizing financial potential.

4. Strong Religious and Content Creation Presence

Veekee James is a very public and unashamedly Christian figure, often sharing her faith and personal life journey with her audience. She is an active content creator and has also ventured into gospel singing, integrating her personal beliefs into her public persona.

5. Overcame Humble Beginnings

She was raised in the low-income area of Ajegunle in Lagos by a widowed tailor mother. Despite early reluctance towards tailoring and dropping out of a Biochemistry program in university, she leveraged her inherited skill and entrepreneurial hustle to build her fashion empire.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Who is Veekee James?: Biography, Early Life, Husband, Career, Education, Scandal, Family and Controversy

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Who is Veekee James?: Biography, Early Life, Husband, Career, Education, Scandal, Family and Controversy

Biography of Nigeria’s Luxury Bridal Designer Veekee James

Ruth Erikan James, widely known as Veekee James, is a prominent Nigerian fashion entrepreneur, gospel singer, and content creator recognized for building one of Africa’s leading luxury and bespoke fashion brands, particularly in bridal couture.

Early Life and Background

  • Humble Beginnings: Veekee James was born and raised in Ajegunle, a densely populated area of Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Family Influence: She grew up as the first daughter to a widowed mother who was a tailor. This early exposure to the sewing business laid the foundation for her future career, though she initially resisted following in her mother’s footsteps, viewing the profession as unlucrative.
  • Early Hustle: Even from primary school, James was an active entrepreneur, taking up skills like hairdressing and makeup artistry. This hustler mentality proved crucial in her later professional success.

Education and Career Origin

  • University: In 2015, Veekee James enrolled at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to pursue a degree in Biochemistry.
  • Withdrawal: Her burgeoning fashion business became a distraction from her studies. Facing challenges, including alleged sexual harassment from lecturers, she made the difficult decision to withdraw from the university in her final year to focus entirely on her passion for design.
  • Fashion Breakthrough: Realizing the immense potential in luxury fashion, she eventually embraced design. Within five years, she established her brand, Veekee James, which quickly became a sensation known for its sophisticated figure-hugging gowns, dramatic silhouettes, and intricate detailing that blend Nigerian flair with global couture standards.

Business and Career Highlights

Veekee James has successfully built a multi-faceted empire that transcends garment-making:

  • Luxury Brand: The Veekee James brand is synonymous with high-end, bespoke fashion, commanding prices that often reach into the millions of naira (with one of her wedding dresses famously reported to have cost over N44.3million).
  • Celebrity Clientele: Her work is highly sought after by Nigeria’s elite and top celebrities, including Osas Ighodaro and gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, which boosted her visibility.
  • Fashion Educator: Beyond designing, she utilizes her platform to teach, empowering thousands of aspiring creatives globally through masterclasses on design, fashion business strategy, and luxury branding.
  • Content Creation and Music: James is also an active content creator, documenting her faith, lifestyle, and business journey, and has also ventured into gospel music.
  • Mother: Veekee James’ early life was significantly shaped by her family, particularly her mother. Raised in Ajegunle, she was the first daughter to a widowed mother who was a tailor. Although Veekee initially resisted following that path, her mother’s profession laid the foundation for her future career. While information about her brother is less public, it is known she has siblings. Her mother’s financial struggles and dedication to tailoring served as a strong, early motivation for Veekee to become the successful, multi-faceted entrepreneur she is today, ultimately inheriting and elevating the family’s core business of fashion design.

Husband and Marriage

  • Husband: Veekee James is married to Femi Atere, a Lagos-based entrepreneur and the CEO of Mr. Tidy NG.
  • Meeting: The couple met after Femi served as a manager for one of Veekee’s friends. They dated for almost two years before getting married.
  • Wedding: They had a widely publicized, lavish four-part wedding celebration in early 2024 (following their official engagement in late 2023), which included the introduction, court wedding, traditional wedding, and a vintage-themed white wedding.

Controversy and Public Scrutiny

Veekee James’ high-profile success and open personal life have made her a frequent subject of public debate and controversy:

  • Husband-Snatching Rumour: The most significant controversy revolved around false online claims that she had “snatched” her husband, Femi Atere, from a friend. She publicly stated that this rumor deeply affected her, causing a period of depression which she overcame through her faith.
  • Wedding and Lifestyle Criticism: Her extravagant, multi-million naira wedding and candid public discussion of her wealth and faith have also drawn criticism. Some netizens have accused her of being excessively materialistic or attention-seeking, leading to social media “drags” and debates about appropriate behavior for a public Christian figure.
  • Design Replication Debate: The brand itself has been at the center of industry discussions regarding the replication of her intricate designs by other tailors, highlighting her role as a creative force whose work is frequently imitated.

Despite the constant scrutiny, James has largely ignored her critics, choosing instead to focus on building her business empire and sharing her life and faith journey with her audience.

Disclaimer: 

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

It is the policy of NewsWireNGR not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or another independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of NewsWireNGR.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Tinubu Approves 959 National Honours List

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Tinubu Approves 959 National Honours List

President Bola Tinubu had a marathon day of high-level meetings on Thursday in Abuja, where he approved a total of 959 National Honours and endorsed key structural reforms aimed at securing sustainable funding for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The President presided over the National Council of State and the Police Council meetings at the State House.

National Honours for 959 Nigerians and Non-Nationals

President Tinubu formally approved the conferment of 959 national honours, which include awards for 2024, 2025, and special recognitions granted earlier in the year.

  • Screening Process: Dr. Emanso Umobong, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, announced that the National Honours Award Committee, chaired by Justice Sidi Bage, screened over 5,000 applications before selecting the final recipients.
  • Recipients Breakdown: The total of 959 honourees comprises 824 recipients for the standard 2024/2025 National Honours and 135 special awardees personally recognized by the President since January 2025.
  • Purpose: The awards are an annual tradition recognizing deserving Nigerians and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity.

Dr. Umobong highlighted several distinguished individuals already recognized by the President in the spirit of inclusive national recognition, including:

  • Bill Gates, for contributions to public health.
  • Uncle Sam Pemu, for journalism.
  • The Super Falcons and D’Tigress, for excellence in sports.
  • Posthumous honours for the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, for environmental activism.
  • Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing INEC Chairman, for his service to Nigeria’s democracy.

The detailed list of all 959 awardees is expected to be published soon.

Police Council Approves Overhaul of Police Trust Fund

Following the Council of State session, President Tinubu chaired the Nigeria Police Council, where major reforms for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) were unanimously approved.

In his first press briefing since assuming office, Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, detailed the critical resolutions ratified by the Council:

1. Removal of the Sunset Clause

The Council approved the repeal and re-enactment of the 2019 Police Trust Fund Establishment Act. This action is intended to remove the existing six-year limit (sunset clause), transforming the NPTF into a permanent agency.

Geidam explained that the sunset clause “limits the lifespan of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund and impedes long-term planning, thereby constraining sustainable police reform.”

2. Increased Funding Allocation

The Council approved an upward review of the NPTF’s allocation from the current 0.5% to 1% of the Federation Account. This increase is designed to ensure stable funding for police training, welfare, technology acquisition, and logistics, which the NPTF was established in 2019 to address.

The Minister confirmed that all proposals were approved “without any omission,” and the Attorney-General of the Federation was directed to incorporate all resolutions into an Executive Bill for transmission to the National Assembly. This legislative action is expected to usher in a new era of robust and sustainable funding for Nigeria’s police force.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Lagos State Sets Dates for 2025 Trade Test for Artisans and Technicians

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Lagos State Sets Dates for 2025 Trade Test for Artisans and Technicians

The Lagos State Examinations Board (LSEB), operating under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has officially announced the schedule for the 2025 Trade Test. This assessment is designed to formally evaluate the competence, skill, and proficiency of artisans and technicians across the state.

Test Schedule and Structure

The Trade Test will be conducted in two main parts, with specific dates announced for the written and practical components:

  • Theory Component: October 18, 2025
  • Practical Component: October 21, 2025

The test is structured into three grades—Grade III, Grade II, and Grade I—to properly assess participants at varying levels of expertise in their respective trades.

Trades covered include, but are not limited to, tailoring, electrical installation, carpentry, and hairdressing.

Importance and Centres

Mr. Orunsolu Adebayo, the Director/Registrar of the LSEB, emphasized the economic significance of the certification.

“The Trade Test remains a vital instrument in enhancing productivity, employment opportunities, and socio-economic development in Lagos State,” said Adebayo.

The assessment will be administered at designated centers across the state, including:

  1. Government Technical College, Ikotun
  2. Government Technical College, Epe
  3. Skill Acquisition Centre, Egbeda
  4. Lagos State Examinations Board

Mr. Adebayo urged all eligible artisans and technicians to prepare thoroughly and seize the opportunity to gain formal recognition for their skills, affirming the state’s commitment to vocational education as a foundation for youth empowerment and sustainable development.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Asian Stocks Slide on AI Bubble Fears and US Shutdown Uncertainty

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Asian Stocks Slide on AI Bubble Fears and US Shutdown Uncertainty

Asian equity markets closed the week on a shaky note Friday, pressured by growing investor anxiety over a potential “AI bubble” and the deepening US government shutdown. The mixed week saw record highs in some sectors clash with mounting macroeconomic and political risks.

Tech Rally Falters Amid Bubble Fears

Despite hitting record highs this week—including Nvidia briefly topping a $4 trillion market capitalization—the relentless rally in technology stocks, fueled by massive AI investment, is starting to cause jitters.

Buying sentiment had initially soared following news that ChatGPT-maker OpenAI secured multi-billion-dollar chip deals with South Korean giants Samsung and SK hynix, as well as the US firm AMD. However, market analysts are increasingly warning that valuations may have become unsustainable.

  • Keith Lerner of Truist Advisory Services noted, “Some areas of the market appear overheated.”
  • Alexandra Symeonidi of William Blair pointed out that the strong tech rally has led “some market participants [to] start to question the sustainability of the price momentum and were drawing parallels with recent bubbles.”

This fear drove investors into safety earlier in the week, pushing gold to a record high above the $4,000 mark on Wednesday. While gold has since fallen due to profit-taking, a breakthrough in Gaza peace talks, and a strengthening dollar, the underlying anxiety remains.

Not all analysts are bearish, however. Michael Brown of Pepperstone remains optimistic, writing that “dips in the equity complex should still be viewed as buying opportunities,” citing resilient economic and earnings growth, alongside expectations for looser Federal Reserve policy.

US Shutdown and Japan Political Turmoil Add Pressure

Adding to the global unease is the prolonged political standoff in Washington, with the US government shutdownexpected to continue into a third week.

  • Both Republicans and Democrats show little sign of compromise, with Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicating a weekend session is unlikely.
  • President Donald Trump publicly berated Democrats, threatening to slash popular government programs as he blamed the party for the “pain and suffering” caused by the shutdown. Democrats are reportedly preparing for the shutdown to last several more weeks.

Meanwhile, political upheaval in Japan rocked that market:

  • The yen strengthened against the dollar after the junior partner in Japan’s ruling coalition announced it was leaving the alliance with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
  • The move came just days after the LDP elected stimulus-friendly Sanae Takaichi as its new leader. This fracture will likely make it difficult for the LDP to pass key legislation, including spending bills, sparking a tumble in Nikkei 225 futures.

Market Closures Summary

Following a mixed close on Wall Street, Asian indices largely retreated:

  • Major Losers: Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai were among the biggest decliners, alongside retreats in Sydney, Singapore, and Manila.
  • Outliers: Seoul rallied over one per cent, primarily due to a surge of more than six per cent in Samsung shares on optimism surrounding its AI chips and memory business. Mumbai and Jakarta also posted gains.
MarketIndexChangeClose
TokyoNikkei 225?1.0%48,088.80
Hong KongHang Seng Index?1.7%26,290.32
ShanghaiComposite?0.9%3,897.03
LondonFTSE 100?0.1%9,497.77

Export to Sheets

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

President Bola Tinubu approved a major exercise of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy to 175 persons

NewsWireNGR
-
0
President Bola Tinubu approved a major exercise of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy to 175 persons

President Bola Tinubu approved a major exercise of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy on Thursday, October 9, 2025, granting pardons, clemency, and sentence reductions to a total of 175 persons across various categories.

This sweeping action was endorsed by the National Council of State and includes several high-profile and historical figures, as well as numerous inmates recommended for rehabilitation and societal reintegration.

Summary of Key Personalities and Actions Pardoned

The individuals granted a posthumous presidential pardon and those who received a full pardon fall into two main groups: historical figures wronged by past military regimes and recent former public officials.

1. Historical and Posthumous Pardons

This category focuses on reversing convictions tied to Nigeria’s military era, aiming for national healing and justice.

IndividualSummary of Offense/CaseOutcomeSignificance
Herbert MacaulayPioneer nationalist and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).Posthumous PardonAcknowledges the nationalist’s foundational role in the independence movement.
Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd)Sentenced to death over a treason charge in 1986under the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.Posthumous PardonCorrects a controversial conviction of a soldier-poet executed decades ago.
The Ogoni NineKen Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.Posthumous PardonReverses the controversial 1995 execution of environmental activists under the Sani Abacha military regime.
The Ogoni FourChief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage.Posthumous National HonoursThese four were murdered, and their deaths were the charges used against the Ogoni Nine.

Export to Sheets

2. Former Public Officials and Other Convicts

The President also granted a full pardon to former public figures who demonstrated sufficient remorse, allowing for their reintegration into society.

  • Farouk Lawan: A former member of the House of Representatives, he was granted a pardon after being convicted of receiving a bribe.
  • Dr. Nwogu Peters: Pardoned after serving 12 years of a 17-year sentence for fraud.
  • Far-reaching Clemency and Commutation: The Prerogative of Mercy also included:
    • Clemency for 82 inmates (their sentences were cancelled).
    • Reduction of prison terms for 65 others.
    • Commutation of death sentences for seven inmates on death row to life imprisonment.

The decisions were based on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), which used criteria like old age, ill health, long-term incarceration with a good record, and demonstrated remorse.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

1...363738...4,398Page 37 of 4,398