Home Blog Page 80

Tinubu will depart Abuja to commence a working vacation in Europe

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Tinubu will depart Abuja to commence a working vacation in Europe

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja today, September 4, to commence a working vacation in Europe, as part of his 2025 annual leave.

This was disclosed via a statement by the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, “The vacation will last 10 working days.”

It further stated: “President Tinubu will spend the period between France and the UK and then return to the country.”

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU DEPARTS ABUJA TO BEGIN 2025 ANNUAL LEAVE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today, September 4, to commence a working vacation in Europe, as part of his 2025 annual leave.

The vacation will last 10 working days. President Tinubu will spend the period between France and the UK and then return to the country.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)

September 04, 2025

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

A 28-year-old mechanic, Akeem Jimoh, has been sent to prison for three years for stealing yams

NewsWireNGR
-
0
A 28-year-old mechanic, Akeem Jimoh, has been sent to prison for three years for stealing yams

A 28-year-old auto mechanic, Akeem Jimoh, has bagged a three-year jail term for stealing some tubers of yams worth N35,000.

The defendant had admitted committing the crime when he appeared before an Osogbo Chief Magistrate’s Court earlier in the day on Wednesday.

In the charge sheet containing details of the offence committed by the defendant, Jimoh was accused of stealing 17 tubers of yams behind Africa Primary School, Ataoja Area in Osogbo, around 10 pm on Friday, July 25, 2025.

After listening to his charge, the defendant, who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of bordeering on theft, pressed against him by the police.

The details of the charge further read, “That you, Jimoh Akeem, ‘M’ on July 27, 2025, at about 10:00 pm at the back of Africa Primary School, Ataoja Area, Osogbo in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did steal 17 tubers of yams valued at the sum of N35,000.00 only, property of one Tiamiyu Abegunde, ‘m.’

“And thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol 2, Law of Osun state of Nigeria, 2003.”

Asked why he committed the act, Jimoh told the court that he stole the items due to hunger, and pleaded for leniency.

Addressing the court, the police prosecutor, Babatunde Olukokun, said in the confessional statement that Jimoh wrote after his arrest that he had previously served a three-year jail term, after the man he stood surety for jumped bail.

In her ruling, the Presiding Magistrate, Muibah Olatunji, sentenced Jimoh to three years in prison with hard labour and without any option of fine.

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

“I can tell you the whereabouts of every bandit kingpin in Zamfara, even with my phone” – Dauda Lawal

NewsWireNGR
-
0
“I can tell you the whereabouts of every bandit kingpin in Zamfara, even with my phone” – Dauda Lawal

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared that he has the capacity to wipe out banditry in the state within two months if given direct control of security agencies.

The governor, who broke down in tears while recounting recent attacks in a video which went viral on Wednesday, said the major obstacle to ending the crisis is that security operatives in Zamfara still take instructions from Abuja rather than the state government.

Lawal insisted that with his knowledge of the terrain and the locations of criminal leaders, he could swiftly end the menace if he had the necessary powers.

“I can tell you the whereabouts of every bandit kingpin in Zamfara, even with my phone. I can point to you where they are right now. But I do not control security agencies, and that is the problem,” he lamented.

He cited a recent incident in Shinkafi Local Government where dozens were killed, saying security forces on the ground refused to move because they lacked authorisation from Abuja.

“People were under attack, and I kept calling the security agencies. They told me they were waiting for orders from Abuja. How do I save my people in such a situation?” the governor added in frustration.

Despite the restrictions, Lawal noted that his administration has continued to support security operatives with logistics and funding.

He said 150 patrol vehicles had been distributed to the police, military, Department of State Services and civil defence, while thousands of Community Protection Guards and over 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe States had been recruited to join the fight.

He also stressed the need to address the root causes of rural violence.

“We are working to provide water, schools and other amenities because we know that when people live well, peace is easier to achieve,” he explained.

The governor accused political opponents of exploiting the crisis for selfish gain, warning that their actions were damaging the welfare of Zamfara people.

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

NGX lifts trading suspension on Universal Insurance shares

NewsWireNGR
-
0
NGX lifts trading suspension on Universal Insurance shares

The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Wednesday lifted the suspension placed on trading of the shares of Universal Insurance Plc.

This development enables shareholders to resume trading on the company’s shares on the NGX platform.

In its weekly report, the NGX stated, “We refer to our Market Bulletin dated 1 September 2025 with Reference Number: NGXREG/IRD/MB64/25/09/01 wherein we notified Trading License Holders and the investing public of the suspension in the trading on the shares of Universal Insurance Plc (the Company).”

According to NGX the rules mandated that “If an Issuer fails to file the relevant accounts by the expiration of the Cure Period, the Exchange will send to the Issuer a “Second Filing Deficiency Notification” within two (2) business days after the end of the Cure Period; suspend trading in the Issuer’s securities; and notify the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Market within twenty- four (24) hours of the suspension”.

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

Kerosene prices jump 41% in June –NBS

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Kerosene prices jump 41% in June –NBS

The price of household kerosene in Nigeria rose by 41 per cent in June compared with the same month last year, according to new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS stated that the average retail price per litre paid by consumers in June 2025 was ?2,192.63, up from ?1,555.11 in June 2024. Month-on-month, kerosene rose by 0.80 per cent compared to ?2,175.29 recorded in May 2025.

On a state-by-state basis, Kaduna recorded the highest average price at ?2,681.58 per litre, followed by Delta at ?2,580.64 and Edo at ?2,580.41. The lowest prices were in Abia (?1,659.35), Oyo (?1,766.12) and Bayelsa (?1,796.46).

By regional profile, the South-South recorded the highest average retail price per litre at ?2,336.69, followed by the North-West at ?2,238.71. The South-West reported the lowest regional price at ?2,065.38.

For kerosene sold by the gallon, the average price in June was ?8,684.15, representing a 52.39 per cent increase from ?5,698.68 in June 2024. It also rose 2.38 per cent from ?8,482.22 in May 2025.

Edo recorded the highest gallon price at ?10,321.63, ahead of Delta (?9,850.00) and Kebbi (?9,723.15). Abia again had the lowest price at ?6,737.40, followed by Oyo (?7,064.48) and Bayelsa (?7,185.83).

Across zones, the South-South reported the highest average gallon price at ?9,103.18, followed by the North-East at ?8,884.45. The South-West again recorded the lowest with ?8,261.53.

Kerosene remains a vital household fuel in Nigeria, particularly in low-income communities, where it is widely used for cooking and lighting. The steep year-on-year increase adds pressure on household budgets already strained by rising food and transport costs.

The NBS said data was collected from over 10,000 respondents and outlets across all 774 local governments, with verification checks conducted by its audit team.

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

Tinubu has said the establishment of state police is unavoidable, as part of efforts to strengthen security across the country

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Tinubu has said the establishment of state police is unavoidable, as part of efforts to strengthen security across the country

President Bola Tinubu has said the establishment of state police is unavoidable, as part of efforts to strengthen security across the country.

The President’s declaration came as Northern elders yesterday urged him to declare a state of emergency in the North, following protracted insecurity that has devastated the socio-economic life and development of the region.

It came on a day, the president of Mzough U Tiv UK (MUTUK), Victor Aleva, also said nothing had changed in Yelewata since President Tinubu visited Benue State, in the wake of the deadly herdsmen’s attack on the community, which claimed over 200 lives in June.

This is even as Senator Ali Ndume said Boko Haram terrorists are blind to faith as they target Christians, Muslims, as well as those who don’t believe in either of the two.

The President’s declaration drew the excitement of stakeholders in the polity, especially regional socio-political and cultural groups, which have been at the forefront of the call for state police in the country.

They include the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere; its counterpart in the north, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF; and the Middle Belt Forum, MBF.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation of prominent Katsina indigenes, led by Governor Dikko Radda, late Tuesday, Tinubu said the Federal Government is committed to confronting insecurity head-on.

The President reiterated the declaration when he met with governors of the North-East yesterday, stressing that there is need to discuss with the National Assembly leadership on the issue.

He directed security agencies to reassess their operations in Katsina State, which has witnessed a spike in banditry, and disclosed that advanced military equipment and surveillance technology would be deployed.

While also revealing plans to enhance the capacity of newly-recruited forest guards in the state, Tinubu stressed that while the country faces serious security challenges, they can be resolved with determination and strategy.

He said, “The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders. We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it.

“I have directed all the security agencies to energise further and look at the strategies. We have approved the additional acquisition of drones.”

The president further instructed that he be given daily updates on security operations in Katsina, saying: “I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically.

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

Nations with the highest christian populations in the world

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Nations with the highest christian populations in the world

The visualization of Christian populations shows how demographic shifts are redefining global Christianity. For instance, while Western nations like the U.S. remain influential, rapid population growth in Africa and parts of Asia is pushing Christianity’s centre of gravity southward.

Using data from the CIA World Factbook, Pew Research, and UN World Population Prospects, here are the top countries with the largest Christian populations in 2025.

1. United States — 219 Million (63%)

The U.S. remains the world’s largest Christian nation. Despite a steady decline in percentage, population growth keeps the Christian community massive.

2. Brazil — 169 Million (79.5%)

Known for its vibrant Catholic traditions, Brazil is home to the world’s second-largest Christian population, with nearly 8 in 10 Brazilians identifying as Christian.

3. Mexico — 118 Million (89.2%)

Almost 9 out of 10 Mexicans are Christians, making the country one of the most deeply Christian nations in the world.

4. Nigeria — 109 Million (45.9%)

Nigeria has the largest Christian population in Africa, though the country is almost evenly split between Christianity and Islam.

5. Democratic Republic of Congo — 105 Million (93.1%)

An overwhelming majority of Congolese identify as Christian, making the DRC one of the most Christian-dominated countries on the planet.

6. Philippines — 100 Million (85.3%)

Christianity arrived with Spanish colonisation, and today over 85% of Filipinos remain Christian, primarily Catholic.

7. Ethiopia — 91 Million (67.3%)

Home to one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Ethiopia continues to have a strong Christian majority.

8. China — 72 Million (5.1%)

While only about 5% of China’s population is Christian, the sheer size of the country makes it one of the top nations in terms of absolute numbers.

9.South Africa — 56 Million (86%)

Christianity dominates South Africa’s religious landscape, blending traditional beliefs with mainstream denominations.

10. Kenya — 49 Million (85.5%)

Christianity is deeply woven into Kenyan culture, with over 8 in 10 citizens identifying with the faith.

11. Italy — 48 Million (80.8%)

The home of the Vatican and the Catholic Church, Italy remains strongly Christian, though secularism is gradually rising.

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

10 best countries to work abroad in 2025 and why

NewsWireNGR
-
0
10 best countries to work abroad in 2025 and why

Professionals seeking international opportunities in 2025 are gravitating toward countries that combine high salaries, expat-friendly policies, strong public services, and a healthy work-life balance. 

Leading the pack are Australia, Finland, Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and New Zealand, according to global rankings on expat destinations.

Australia

Australia tops the list with its blend of excellent salaries and lifestyle appeal. Expat workers earn and demand in fields like healthcare, engineering, and mining remains strong. The country’s universal healthcare system, cultural diversity, anda 38-hour work week make it attractive. However, Sydney and Melbourne’s high costs of living can eat into wages, though public benefits and high pay often offset this.

Finland

Finland comes second, combining an average expat salary with some of the world’s most family-friendly policies. Workers enjoy generous leave, strong job security, and booming opportunities in gaming, clean energy, and research. Finland also ranks as one of the safest and happiest countries globally. The challenge lies in its long, dark winters, though work-life balance is among the best in Europe.

Ireland

Ireland secures third place, paying expats. It has become a European hub for tech, pharmaceuticals, and financial services, attracting giants like Google, Pfizer, and Citi. Workers benefit from a friendly, English-speaking culture and dynamic career opportunities. Still, Dublin faces housing shortages, making accommodation costly for newcomers.

Canada

Canada holds the fourth spot, offering average salaries in thriving industries like IT, healthcare, and engineering. Known for its inclusive immigration system, Canada makes it easier for skilled workers to gain permanent residency through Express Entry and provincial programmes. Its strong healthcare and education systems add to its appeal, though winters are notoriously harsh and housing costs are rising in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Netherlands

The Netherlands ranks fifth, paying expats and providing one of Europe’s most international work environments. English is widely spoken, and perks like the “30% ruling” reduce taxes for skilled foreign professionals. The country excels in fintech, logistics, and design. However, limited housing in Amsterdam and Rotterdam makes competition tough for new arrivals.

Norway

Norway comes sixth and offers the highest average expat salary on this list. It is globally recognised for equality, environmental policies, and its oil and clean energy sectors. Expats benefit from generous parental leave, universal healthcare, and a healthy work-life balance. The trade-off is a very high cost of living and steep taxes, though these fundworld-class public services.

Germany

Germany, ranked seventh, is Europe’s economic powerhouse. With average expat salaries, it provides robust opportunities in engineering, IT, automotive, and renewables. Strong public healthcare, education, and worker protections make it attractive. However, navigating German bureaucracy can be challenging, and learning the language is vital for integration outside major cities.

Austria

Austria takes the eighth spot, combining an average salary with cultural richness. Vienna frequently tops global “most liveable cities” lists due to its green spaces, efficient transport, and rich arts scene. Expats benefit from strong healthcare and regulated working hours, though German language skills are often needed for career growth.

Switzerland

Switzerland ranks ninth but leads in salaries, with expats, the highest globally. Its finance, pharmaceuticals, and research sectors are globally dominant, and cities like Zurich and Geneva are among the safest in the world. The flip side is its high cost of living housing, health insurance and daily expenses are among the most expensive anywhere.

New Zealand

New Zealand rounds out the top 10, offering salaries and a unique lifestyle advantage. Known for safety, outdoor living, and beautiful landscapes, it provides a laid-back yet professional environment. Expats benefit from public healthcare and a strong sense of community. The downside is geographic isolation, which limits job diversity compared to larger economies.

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

Five standout features of the Google Pixel 10 series

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Five standout features of the Google Pixel 10 series

Google says the Pixel 10 family represents its vision of phones that anticipate your needs and deliver blazing-fast performance for years to come.

Google has officially taken the wraps off its 10th-generation phones, introducing the Pixel 10 series and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Powered by the all-new Tensor G5 chip, these devices promise a leap in AI performance, camera technology, and design refinement.

1. Tensor G5 + Gemini Nano

At the heart of the lineup is the Google Tensor G5, co-designed with DeepMind. It fuels on-device generative AI through the Gemini Nano model, enabling smarter interactions, faster responses, and more private processing.

2. Magic Cue: AI that anticipates

The new Magic Cue feature quietly works in the background, surfacing the right information at the right time. From pulling up your flight details while on hold with an airline to suggesting the perfect photo mid-conversation, it feels like an assistant that actually understands context.

3. Camera upgrade for all models

For the first time, the standard Pixel 10 gets a 5x telephoto lens, previously reserved for Pro models. Expect faster autofocus, 10x optical-quality zoom, and up to 20x Super Res Zoom.

4. Display and audio boost

The Pixel 10 sports a 6.3-inch Actua display with a blinding 3000 nits peak brightness, paired with upgraded speakers for clearer, bass-rich sound—ideal for outdoor use and immersive streaming.

5. Modern, fluid design

With a satin metal frame, polished glass back, and four colour options—Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, and Lemongrass—the Pixel 10 feels sleek and premium. It supports Qi2 wireless charging and introduces Material 3 Expressive, a refreshed interface designed to feel smoother and more personal.

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

Here’s a look at the countries where passports are the most expensive in the world 2025

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Here’s a look at the countries where passports are the most expensive in the world 2025

Passports are essential documents that grant access to international travel, but their costs vary widely across countries, with some being among the most expensive in the world.

Some countries charge modest fees, while others leave citizens paying steep sums for the privilege of holding one.

Australia

The Australian passport is the costliest in the world, priced at $412 for a 10-year validity, which averages $41.20 per year. Despite its high cost, its strength has slipped slightly, ranking only equal-seventh globally with visa-free access to 185 destinations. Australians are effectively paying $2.23 per country, the highest rate worldwide.

Mexico

In Mexico, citizens pay $335.95 for a 10-year passport, or about $33.59 per year. Although it secures access to over 160 destinations, the cost is among the steepest globally, making it one of the least efficient passports in terms of cost-to-power ratio.

United States

The United States passport comes in at $251.21, breaking down to $25.12 per year. While expensive, it remains highly powerful, giving Americans visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries. On a cost-per-destination basis, it is considerably better value compared to Australia or Mexico.

New Zealand

New Zealand charges $225.62 for its passport, with a yearly equivalent of $22.56. The Kiwi passport is not only cheaper than Australia’s but also more powerful, offering entry to 186 countries — one more than Australia, despite costing significantly less.

Italy

In Italy, a passport costs $206.10 for 10 years, or $20.61 annually. Italians enjoy one of the strongest passports globally, with access to nearly 190 destinations, making it one of the best value-for-money passports among the expensive options.

Nigeria

For Nigerians abroad, the cost of a Nigerian passport is $150 for a 32-page, 5-year validity passport and $230 for a 64-page, 10-year validity passport. These fees remain unchanged for diaspora applicants, though there has been an upward review of domestic passport fees for applications made within Nigeria. 

Austria

Austria follows closely with a passport priced at $198.99, or $19.90 per year. It gives citizens excellent global mobility, aligning with the strong standing of most EU passports.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom charges $193.78 for a passport valid for 10 years, translating to $19.38 per year. Despite being cheaper than Australia’s by almost half, it grants entry to more than 190 destinations, making it far more cost-effective.

Canada

For Canada, the price is $177.61 for 10 years, averaging $17.76 annually. Like the U.S., it ranks among the world’s strongest passports, providing entry to over 185 countries without a visa.

France

In France, citizens pay $152.67 for a passport, or $15.27 per year. The French passport is among the cheapest in the top 10 yet among the most powerful, with nearly 190 destinations open visa-free to its holders.

Fiji

Rounding out the list is Fiji, where a passport costs $142.94 for 10 years. While not as powerful as European or North American passports, its relatively high price compared to its global strength places it in the world’s top 10 most expensive.

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

Here are six of the most expensive phones in the world, which cost far more than the average car

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Here are six of the most expensive phones in the world, which cost far more than the average car

These phones are not just communication devices; they are crafted with rare gemstones, precious metals, and artistic designs, making them highly sought after by billionaires and collectors.

1. iPhone 5 Black Diamond 

At $15.3 million, the iPhone 5 Black Diamond is a phone that outprices a car like a Lamborghini. Created by British designer Stuart Hughes, its value lies in its solid gold chassis and the 600 flawless white diamonds that cover its frame. The centrepiece is a rare 26-carat black diamond used as the home button. Collectors pursue it not for functionality but for its rarity, craftsmanship, and the prestige of owning a one-of-a-kind luxury item.

2. Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond

Holding the record as the world’s most expensive phone, the Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond costs a staggering $48.5 million. Its astronomical price comes from its 24-carat gold coating and the enormous pink diamond embedded at the back. Owners of this device, mostly billionaires and royals, see it as a statement of extreme wealth. It is less about technology and more about exclusivity, as only a handful were ever produced.

3. Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme

The Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme, priced at $3.2 million, is another Stuart Hughes masterpiece. It features 22-caratsolid gold casing, 271 diamonds, and a rare 7.1-carat diamond home button. The packaging itself—a granite chest lined with leather and Kashmir gold—adds to the extravagance. Buyers are drawn to it because it merges jewelry-gradematerials with cutting-edge design, turning a simple smartphone into a collectible luxury artifact.

4. Diamond Crypto Smartphone

The Diamond Crypto Smartphone, valued at $1.3 million, combines both luxury and security. Its platinum body is studded with 50 diamonds, including 10 rare blue ones, while rose gold adds elegance. What makes it stand out is its encryption technology, designed to protect against financial fraud and data theft. Ultra-wealthy individuals often purchase it not only for its lavish design but also for the sense of digital security it provides.

5. Gresso Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot

Limited to only three units worldwide, the Gresso Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot is valued at $1 million. Its back panel is made of 200-year-old African blackwood, while its case is composed of 180 grams of gold. Each of its keys is crafted from sapphire crystals, polished by hand. This extreme rarity and the use of ancient natural materials make it as valuable as fine art. Collectors go for it because of its exclusivity—owning one means being part of a tiny elite club.

6. Vertu Signature Cobra

The Vertu Signature Cobra, priced at $310,000, is the least expensive on the list but still costs more than a luxury car. Designed in partnership with French jeweller Boucheron, it features a cobra snake motif coiled around the phone, made of emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. Its appeal lies in the artistry and the bold design statement, making it popular among collectors who value rare luxury accessories that double as status symbols.

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

OpenAI acquires Statsig for $1.1 billion as Nigerian billionaire Ogunlesi joins board

NewsWireNGR
-
0
OpenAI acquires Statsig for $1.1 billion as Nigerian billionaire Ogunlesi joins board

OpenAI acquires Statsig for $1.1 billion as Nigerian billionaire Ogunlesi joins board.

Since Nigerian billionaire Adebayo Ogunlesi joined OpenAI’s board earlier this year, the AI lab behind ChatGPT has been on a buying streak. Its latest move: the $1.1 billion acquisition of Seattle-based startup Statsig, known for tools that help companies test products and analyse real-time data.

The all-stock deal will bring Statsig fully in-house, giving OpenAI more control over product experimentation while allowing the startup to continue serving its clients.

This move follows OpenAI’s earlier $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive’s AI devices startup, IO, signalling a push into both software and hardware.

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

1...798081...4,398Page 80 of 4,398