Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi What was meant to be a day of celebration turned tragic over the weekend when Lagos hotelier Otunba Kunle Akinyele suddenly collapsed and died during the 60th birthday thanksgiving service of his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele. The thanksgiving ceremony was held at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, in the Egbeda area of Lagos State. According to a video circulating online, Akinyele appeared to signal for help—possibly asking for water or an inhaler—before collapsing. He was visibly distressed and gesturing moments before he slumped. An invitation shared ahead of the event indicated that guests were…

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, speaking from Casa Santa Marta. He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. “He taught us to live…

By Deborah Nnamdi At least six people are feared dead following a renewed violent clash between members of the Ezza community in Ado Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State and their Effium neighbors from Ebonyi State. The long-standing conflict between the two communities has persisted for decades, resisting numerous attempts at resolution. According to a local source who requested anonymity, the latest outbreak of violence occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, when gunmen, allegedly from the Effium community, launched an attack on Ezza, firing indiscriminately. He said: “The people were going about their normal business when…

Pope Francis has appeared at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers. The Pope, 88, came out in a wheelchair and waved from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to cheering crowds below, saying: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” His traditional Easter address was delivered by a clergy member. After the blessing, the Pope was driven around the square. As he passed through the crowds, his procession paused a number of times as babies were brought over for him to bless. His appearance on Easter Sunday had been highly anticipated. Last month, he…

File Photo: A collapsed building By Didimoko A. Didimoko The recent building collapse in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, has claimed the lives of at least five people, with multiple others rescued from the wreckage. The incident, which occurred in a three-story building, has drawn a coordinated emergency response from various agencies. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that a total of 20 individuals were pulled from the debris. Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA’s coordinator for the South-West region, revealed that among the survivors were both men and women, but unfortunately, the death toll has now risen to five with three women and…

A Reuters agency report A Boeing jet intended for use by a Chinese airline landed back at the plane-maker’s U.S. production hub on Sunday, a victim of the tit-for-tat bilateral tariffs launched by President Donald Trump in his global trade offensive. The 737 MAX, which was meant for China’s Xiamen Airlines, landed at Seattle’s Boeing Field at 6:11 p.m. (0111 GMT), according to a Reuters witness. It was painted with Xiamen livery. The jet, which made refueling stops in Guam and Hawaii on its 5,000-mile (8,000-km) return journey, was one so of several jets waiting at Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center for final…

Photo: Gov Alex Otti of Abia State The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has announced plans to go on strike starting Thursday, following what they describe as harsh treatment of teachers by Governor Alex Otti. This decision comes after several meetings, including a session held on March 4 with national, state, and local representatives, followed by another meeting on March 28. The union had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum, followed by a seven-day notice to the governor, demanding action on their grievances. In a statement released on Saturday, the union, led by Chairman C. Madu…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported on Sunday that its officers had successfully intercepted a cocaine shipment disguised as 20 sets of religious books, en route to Saudi Arabia. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, shared that the cocaine, packed into 20 parcels totaling 500 grams, was hidden inside the pages of religious books. This discovery was made on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, during an inspection of export cargoes at a logistics company in Lagos. The contraband was destined for Saudi Arabia, and the search was conducted by officers from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI). In a…

By Deborah Nnamdi A Lagos Love Story, a romantic comedy about a lady who is hired to plan a huge festival but finds herself falling for the brash Afrobeat star, has topped the Netflix film chart in Nigeria. ‘Meet the Khumalos,’ a movie about two former friends who started a neighborhood war for personal reasons, came second, while ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ is ranked third on the chart. ‘Blue Story’, a gang movie, ‘The Life List’ and ‘Ada Omo Daddy’ are fourth, fifth and sixth respectively on the chart. ‘The Great Wall’, ‘Promised Heart’ and ‘Test’ are seventh, eighth and…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said that he is ready to forgive the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara if he apologizes over the political crisis in the state. Wike and Fubara have conflicted since shortly after Fubara assumed office as governor in 2023.Their dispute spilled over into the state House of Assembly, resulting in a division within the legislature. President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the State following the degeneration of the political crisis into insecurity challenges, Tinubu also suspended Governor Fubara for an initial six…