Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday after reportedly collapsing earlier in the day. News of the deputy governor’s health crisis had triggered anxiety across Yenagoa after he suddenly slumped in his office shortly after midday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC). Medical sources said his condition appeared cardiac-related, noting that he was in severe distress on arrival before being taken into the Intensive Care Unit. Despite efforts by medical personnel, he did not survive. In a statement…

Two distinguished Nigerian women, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu, have been named among Forbes’ 100 World’s Most Powerful Women for 2025, reaffirming their global influence and groundbreaking achievements. Okonjo-Iweala, ranked 92nd, continues to make history as the first woman and first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). With more than three decades of experience in international development, she has held two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and briefly served as Foreign Minister. Her leadership at the WTO has been widely recognised for advancing trade as a catalyst for sustainable development and poverty reduction. Media…

A sweeping cross-border investigation has uncovered how a sperm donor carrying a dangerous, undetected genetic mutation fathered at least 197 children across Europe—leaving families confronting a lifetime of heightened cancer risk and, in some cases, the deaths of their children. The joint investigation, conducted by 14 public service broadcasters including the BBC through the European Broadcasting Union’s Investigative Journalism Network, reveals that up to 20% of the donors’ sperm carried a mutation in the TP53 gene—central to preventing cells from becoming cancerous. Any child conceived with mutated sperm inherits the variant in every cell of their body, resulting in Li-Fraumeni…

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with a coordinated armed robbery and vandalism attack on an international company in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area. The arrests were made on the evening of December 8, 2025, during a joint operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, and personnel of the Neni Divisional Headquarters. The operation followed an ongoing investigation into a reported case of conspiracy and armed robbery. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, in a statement on Thursday said the suspects were found in possession of one pump-action gun, 10 live…

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) community has been plunged into mourning after a tragic accident claimed the lives of eight students in the early hours of Thursday. The crash, which occurred around 2:30 a.m., involved a trailer and a bus carrying eleven students. The collision happened opposite Unity Bank along Zaria Road in Jos, Plateau State. According to Peter Longsan, Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Plateau State Sector Command, seven students were already dead when emergency responders arrived at the scene. An eighth victim later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities…

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received Letters of Credence from 21 newly accredited foreign envoys at the State House, Abuja, reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across critical sectors. The envoys—comprising 17 ambassadors and four high commissioners—were received during a ceremony at the Council Chamber. The event was announced in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. In his remarks, President Tinubu welcomed the diplomats and pledged Nigeria’s continued commitment to peaceful and productive international relations. “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you…

The head of Finchglow Holdings, Bankole Bernard, on Thursday urged the Nigerian government to cut taxes and levies on air tickets, saying the charges contribute significantly to rising domestic airfares. Bernard, whose company oversees six travel and aviation businesses, told reporters in Lagos that ticket prices typically rise during the end-of-year period due to a spike in demand and limited airline capacity. He said the imbalance between supply and demand, combined with multiple government-imposed charges, has put upward pressure on fares. “In the airline business, you make your profit either through yield or boarding,” he said. “But when you examine…

Nigeria’s crude oil output inched up to 1.436 million barrels per day (bpd) in November from 1.401 million bpd in October, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said in its monthly oil market report on Thursday. Despite the increase, Nigeria missed its OPEC production quota for the fourth straight month. The country last met its assigned target in July 2025. OPEC data showed Nigeria averaged 1.444 million bpd in the third quarter, down from 1.481 million bpd in the second quarter and 1.468 million bpd in the first. The figures underscore Nigeria’s difficulty sustaining a production rebound despite…

A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has explained why he remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after voluntarily honouring an invitation on Monday. Malami is being questioned over allegations linked to terrorism financing, ownership of multiple bank accounts, the hiring of several lawyers in the recovery of the $322.5 million Abacha loot, and the management of funds released under the conditional cash transfer programme. He said no specific reason was given for his continued detention apart from being told that his previous administrative bail had been revoked, even…

Several ambassadorial nominees, including Reno Omokri, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Senator Grace Bent, appeared before the Senate on Thursday for screening at the National Assembly. Also at the complex were former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau, immediate past INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Others sighted included former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Senator Ita Enang, Senator Nora Daduut, serving ambassadors, and several lawmakers. During the session, nominees who had previously served as ministers, ambassadors, or legislators were asked to “take a bow and leave,” a long-standing Senate practice.…