President Bola Tinubu has congratulated renowned educationist and former Nigerian ambassador to the Netherlands, Professor Mary Lar, on her 90th birthday.
In a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Prof. Lar for her groundbreaking contributions to education, diplomacy, and national development.
Born on May 15, 1935, in Langtang, Plateau State, Prof. Lar is widely respected for her lifelong dedication to teaching and mentoring generations of Nigerian students.
She began her career in government secondary schools before moving into academia, eventually becoming the first female professor from Northern Nigeria—an achievement that paved the way for many others.
Tinubu also commended her service as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Netherlands and her support during the tenure of her late husband, the first civilian governor of Plateau State, Solomon Lar.
Describing her as a “pace-setter and dedicated nation-builder,” the President applauded Prof. Lar’s lasting impact on Nigeria’s educational and diplomatic sectors.
“The President wished her continued good health and a long life, and hoped that she would remain a source of inspiration through her community service and mentorship,” it added.
The Police Command in Ebonyi said it has apprehended one Chibuike Solomon, a member of a three-man car snatching syndicate in the state.
Spokesman for the Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement he issued in Abakaliki on Saturday.
Ukandu said the suspect was apprehended by the officers of the command while attempting to sell the vehicle.
“On May 15, 2025, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command arrested Chibuike Solomon, a member of a three-man car snatching syndicate.
“Solomon was apprehended while attempting to sell a vehicle by officers of the command.
“The vehicle, which was stolen in March 2025 from a private school in Abuja and used as a school bus, had already been re-registered in the suspect’s name.
“During the operation, military camouflage uniforms were also recovered at the location in Idembia community in Ezza South Local Government area of Ebonyi,” he explained.
The PPRO noted that the command had intensified efforts to apprehend the other members of the gang.
“The State Police Commissioner, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, is urging the public to take advantage of the Nigeria Police Force Digitised Central Motor Registry (E-CMR) by registering their vehicles at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng.
“The registration will facilitate the tracking and flagging of stolen vehicles,” Ukandu added.
Princess Opeyemi Bright has been inaugurated as the youngest Mayor in the United Kingdom, in a historic moment for Nigerians in the diaspora and youth leadership.
At 29 years old, she now holds the esteemed position of First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
The inauguration, which took place on Friday, May 16, 2025, marks a new chapter in British politics and celebrates Nigerian global leadership.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Princess Bright’s rise is seen as a personal milestone and a reflection of the growing influence of Nigerians abroad.
“This is nothing short of God’s grace,” Princess Bright said during her inauguration.
“I’m proud to serve my borough, and as a proud Nigerian, I will represent my heritage with humility and excellence. May this journey inspire others to lead, serve, and rise.”
Bright’s political journey began early. Elected as a councillor at just 22, she has spent the last seven years championing youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic opportunities within her borough. Her dedication to service is deeply rooted in her upbringing.
She is the daughter of Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, who served as Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007, and Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Her election is emblematic of a larger trend—the growing political footprint of Nigerians in the diaspora.
From Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative MP and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to Labour MP Chi Onwurah, and from Canadian Minister Uzoma Asagwara to US Representative Esther Agbaje in Minnesota, Nigerians are increasingly asserting their voices in governance around the world.
Princess Bright’s victory challenges stereotypes about youth apathy in politics and reaffirms the impact of women and immigrants in leadership. It also reinforces Nigeria’s soft power at a time when positive narratives about the country are much needed.
For many, her story is a symbol of resilience and inspiration, proving that with support, values, and opportunity, Nigerian youth can thrive and lead—anywhere in the world.
Her ascension also presents a call to action for Nigerian policymakers. As the diaspora continues to excel globally, there is a strategic opportunity to engage this community in national development. Policies that invest in youth leadership, encourage diaspora participation, and promote global partnerships could help unlock untapped potential for the nation.
The Lagos State Government has denied claims on social media that the state is smelly and is filled with big mosquitoes.
PUNCH Online reports that a controversial influencer, Scott Iguma, had, in a now-viral podcast interview, claimed that “Lagos is smelling…There are a lot of big mosquitoes in Lagos.”
Reacting in a post via his official X handle on Saturday, the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that some individuals are deliberately trying to tarnish the state’s image.
He claimed that the individuals leveraging social media followings propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents.
Wahab noted that while constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive.
He wrote, “The deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning. It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them with the platform to thrive.
“Leveraging social media followings, these individuals propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents.
““While constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive. Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity while fostering unity and progress.
“Dear @IgumaScott, I do hope that you will put this same energy into ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best!”
A gas cylinder explosion has killed about two persons and injured several others at the Plumbing Market, along Uga Street, near Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident which occurred on Friday, caused panic in the market as traders, passers-by and customers scampered to safety.
An eyewitness near the scene said the explosion happened while a welder was working on metal with carbide.
One of the market leaders, identified as Uzomah Eke, who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday, said, “Two persons died yesterday(Friday) in our market at the plumbing section of the Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, as a result of a cylinder explosion.
“A welder was welding iron with carbide, and the gas cylinder suddenly exploded, killing two and injuring many others near the scene. It was a real tension because some body parts of the victims, which were shattered as a result of the explosion, littered the floor and this caused everybody in the area to run for safety and abandon their wares; Some traders did not lock up their shops.
“The explosion damaged some goods and properties in the sections of the market. Interventions and rescue efforts were made by good-spirited individuals who took the injured victims to the hospital and also prevented further damage.”
Although the Anambra State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, could not confirm the incident when contacted, as he said he was not aware.
However, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development when contacted on Saturday.
Ikenga added that police operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.
He said, “Police operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on May 16, 2025, complemented the rescue efforts by good-spirited individuals on the six victims of a gas cylinder explosion at a plumbing market, along Uga Street, which regrettably recorded one death.
“Preliminary information revealed that the welding gas cylinder exploded as the welder was working on the metal due to exposure to excess heat.
“Meanwhile, the six rescued victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the deceased has been deposited in a morgue.
“To this end, the Police Operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.”
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, is concerned about the unfortunate incident and has provided some safety tips to prevent such from reoccurring.
“The tips include regular inspection and maintenance of the gas cylinder equipment, ensuring that the gas cylinders are stored securely and that the equipment is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines,” he added.
The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps recently concluded an intensive weapon handling training exercise in response to escalating security challenges and the need to safeguard critical infrastructure.
No fewer than 262 personnel of the Corp were trained in weapon handling with a charge on them to uphold the ideals of the Corps.
The Kogi State NSCDC Public Relations Officer, DSC Aliyu Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday quoted the State Commandant, Esther Akinlade, as saying that the officers were encouraged to demonstrate a high sense of humour, discipline, and professionalism in their service to the nation after successfully round up the range classification exercise.
The statement said, “The Commandant noted that it becomes imperative for Officers and men to acquaint themselves with the latest skills in weapon handling following the trends of attacks on Security Personnel, Security formations, Critical National Assets and Infrastructures etc, thus the need for training and retraining of personnel on weapon handling become essential and vital”.
The Commandant asserted that the personnel had undergone rigorous and intensive training for the period of 6 weeks after satisfying the basic forensic and medical requirements before finally embarking on the shooting range classification.
Akinlade stressed on the need for professionalism and strict adherence to the acceptable standard of operation of the Corps and warned thoroughly against any act of misuse or conduct that negates the ethics of firearms.
She reiterated that the essence of these exercises is to bring about maximum and better productivity to meet up with the taste of time as the whole nation is putting more hope in NSCDC sequel to the policies and strategies put in place by the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi.
Akinlade appreciated the Commander, 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig General Sidi, including other security agencies for his unflinching support towards making the exercise a success.
She added that the officers of the command were rigorously drilled in conformity to arms training both on the G3 rifle and the AK-47 rifle respectively.
Ten inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail early Friday morning after navigating through a hole behind a toilet, prompting a manhunt and raising serious concerns about security breaches and possible internal assistance.
Authorities from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office said the escape began at around 12:22am when the inmates tampered with a cell door.
Surveillance footage later showed them entering the compromised cell and slipping through a hole in the wall behind a toilet.
They exited through a loading dock, scaled a barbed-wire fence using blankets, and fled toward nearby railroad tracks and Interstate 10.
“We have made progress,” said Orleans Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
Three of the escapees have since been captured. Kendell Myles, facing charges of attempted second-degree murder, was found hiding under a vehicle in a French Quarter hotel garage.
Robert Moody was apprehended later that day, although officials have not disclosed further details about his arrest. A third escapee, Dkenan Dennis, was located near Chef Menteur Highway.
Eight inmates remain at large, including four charged with second-degree murder: Corey Boyd, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, and Derrick Groves. Initial reports had indicated that 11 inmates had escaped, but officials later clarified that one had been relocated to another cell.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson confirmed the escape was not discovered until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. Federal and state law enforcement agencies were alerted shortly afterwards, with New Orleans police receiving notification by 10:30 a.m.
Investigators believe the jailbreak was aided by someone within the facility. “It’s almost impossible to escape from this facility without assistance,” Hutson said. Faulty cell locks are also suspected to have contributed to the breach.
Discarded orange jail uniforms were found in a nearby neighbourhood, suggesting the escapees may have changed clothes shortly after fleeing the jail.
Authorities continue to pursue leads as the search intensifies. The public is being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The Naira ended the trading week on a positive note, recording a bullish close on Friday at the official foreign exchange market.
It appreciated N1,598.72 against the U.S. Dollar, reflecting a modest gain that suggests continued efforts to stabilise the local currency.
According to figures published on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official website, the Naira strengthened by N0.60k against the Dollar on Friday.
This upward movement represents a 0.03 per cent appreciation compared to the N1,599.32 exchange rate recorded at the close of trading on Thursday.
The local currency had shown some resilience earlier in the week, posting gains on both Tuesday and Wednesday trading sessions.
On Tuesday, the Naira appreciated by 0.02 per cent, followed by a stronger gain of 0.21 per cent on Wednesday.
These improvements were seen as positive indicators of growing investor confidence and increased supply in the foreign exchange market.
However, Thursday’s trading session saw a minor setback, with the Naira slipping by N2.62 against the Dollar.
This loss equated to a 0.16 per cent depreciation, dampening the midweek rally seen in previous sessions.
Market analysts attributed Thursday’s dip to a brief increase in Dollar demand from importers and other market participants.
Despite this, the week still closed on a positive note, with the Naira showing signs of gradual recovery and increased market stability.
Analysts continue to monitor the Central Bank’s policies, especially interventions aimed at improving Dollar liquidity and managing demand pressures.
The Naira’s performance in the coming weeks will likely depend on consistent supply inflows and investor sentiment across the broader economic landscape.
The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has stated that the presidential system of government being practised in Nigeria is unsuitable for the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Cole stated Nigeria must reconsider its current system of government and embrace one that is most suitable for its people.
He explained that part of the reason the presidential system cannot work in Nigeria is that it can be exploited by a few people, adding that it has not built institutions that can hold people to account.
Cole noted that every successful country has developed a system of government tailored to its unique context, citing Arab nations and China as examples of countries that rejected Western political models.
He said, “This American system that we call the Presidential system in Nigeria, we need to go and readdress it. We cannot import the parliamentary system of the UK, and it will not work here; we cannot import a presidential system, and it will not work here.
“Every African in their country are satisfied with the political system and democracy they have, but they will tell you no. Why? Because it is contrary to who we are, absolutely contrary.”
Cole emphasised that Nigeria’s system of government should be rooted in its own culture, noting that the country had an indigenous political structure before colonisation and should consider returning to it.
He said Nigeria is building institutions that are modelled after the British system, which he noted cannot be accommodated by the Nigerian culture.
“Let us build an African, Nigerian-focused political system, and we will have it. We had a political system before the Europeans came, and we had a political system even when the slave trade was going on. So, what are we running away from? We know what to do,” he said.
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old woman identified as Gift for allegedly biting off the tip of her lover’s penis during a domestic dispute in the Mile 3 area of Diobu, Port Harcourt.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, sent shockwaves through the densely populated Bishop Okoye Street when news of the act emerged.
According to sources, the altercation began when Gift’s lover, identified only as Sunday, requested to have sex.
Gift reportedly refused, accusing him of using sex-enhancing drugs that made their encounters excessively prolonged.
A resident who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said, “Mr. Sunday became angry and allegedly descended on his female partner for her refusal.
“In the process, Gift managed to get hold of the man’s manhood with her mouth and chop off the cap of the penis.”
The man’s screams reportedly drew the attention of neighbours, some of whom attempted to mob the woman before police intervened.
“The cap of the man’s penis was completely bitten off by the woman,” the source added.
Gift was rescued by officers from the Nkpolu Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, and taken into custody.
The victim, Sunday, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the city for urgent medical attention.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident on Friday.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident. The woman (suspect) aged 43 years has been arrested and investigation is ongoing,” Iringe-Koko said.
