Elon Musk
SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, said on Saturday its massive Starship rocket would leave for Mars at the end of 2026 with Tesla humanoid robot Optimus onboard, adding that human landings could follow “as soon as 2029.”
“Starship departs for Mars at the end of next year, carrying Optimus. If those landings go well, then human landings may start as soon as 2029, although 2031 is more likely,” Musk said on his X social network.
Four states of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano shut down state-owned schools for the Ramadan.
In a communique from the CBCN 2025 first plenary meeting, signed by the its President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, the group urged the governments of the affected states to withdraw the order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society.
“We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country, withdraw such order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society,” Iwejuru said.
“We, as Church, promote integral education, health care and agriculture for individual and national development, and we require the enabling environment to play these roles among others.”
Iwejuru appealed to political, religious and traditional leaders to promote the spirit of national integration in the citizenry in order to instil hope and development.
He advised Nigerians to refuse to be cowed to silence and helplessness, but rather insist always on doing the right thing and having it done.
Iwejuru noted that the country is still facing some serious challenges bordering on harsh socio-economic situations, persistent insecurity across the nation, rising youth unemployment and restiveness.
“There is a high cost of food and other essential commodities. Cases of kidnapping and the mindless killing of innocent people still abound. We invite all to always pursue actions that make for unity and national integration,” he said.
Iwejuru observed that Nigeria has started witnessing some positive development in recent times, including the reinvigoration of the petroleum industry, the rehabilitation of some dilapidated roads and the construction of new ones across the nation.
“The introduction of the student loan scheme, the new minimum wage, and the reduction in the debt service-to-revenue ratio, as well as the proposal for new tax regime.”
He commended the cheering strides made by governments at various levels to promote agriculture, and equally appreciated the efforts of some security operatives, who often put their lives on the line to fight the criminality and put an end to their savagery.
Iwejuru emphasised the need to strengthen the electoral laws and ensure sincere execution of duties by state agents, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the courts in order to restore trust in the electoral system.
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By Chioma Obinna
On Friday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) apprehended the head of a team of fraudsters, even after it discovered a $1.4 million international fraud scheme targeted at foreign businesses.
These foreign businesses were deceived into paying for fake NAFDAC product registrations.
The apprehended team, led by Ikoro Mang Ifendu, used counterfeit documents to scam companies from China, Japan, Poland, South Korea, the UAE, and the U.S.
Ifendu was arrested in Aba, Abia State, on February 7, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into the fraudulent network.
Briefing journalists in Lagos, the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Christianah Adeyeye, further announced the arrest of the primary suspect, Mr. Ikoro Mang Ifendu, a 52-year-old trader from Abia state.
Revealing the elaborate scam, she explained that: “Ifendu was apprehended on February 7, 2025, in Ogborn Hills, Aba, following an extensive investigation triggered by a complaint from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
“The company reported being defrauded of thousands of dollars while attempting to register dried fish (seafood) for export to Nigeria.”
She said that NAFDAC’s investigation exposed a three-tier fraud scheme orchestrated by Ifendu and his syndicate. The scam involved the buyer: Fraudsters contacted foreign businesses, posing as importers needing their products.
“The Bank: The foreign companies were then directed to banks that falsely claimed that their exports to Nigeria required NAFDAC registration.
“The Lawyer: The businesses were introduced to a supposed legal expert who promised to facilitate the approval process — for a hefty fee.
As a Nigerians are willing to travel to Canada and several countries, it is pertinent to take note of certain restrictions and regulations, especially with food items.
If you want to travel from Nigeria to Canada, you could want to bring some of your home delicacies with you but there are some food items that are not acknowledged and welcomed due to strict important regulations made to protect health, safety, and the environment. A failure to declare restricted foods can lead to confiscation, hefty fines, or even criminal charges.
Immigrants are required to check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website before travelling, as regulations aren’t static rules –they can change at any time.
This article outlines six food items Nigerians are not allowed to take to Canada.
There is the prohibition of most meat products in Canada which includes fresh, dried products, including fresh, dried, smoked, or cured meats like kilishi, ponmo, sausages, and bacon. Even meat-based seasonings and broths are not allowed. These rules help prevent the spread of diseases.
Diary products such as Powdered milk, fresh milk, cheese, butter, and yoghurt are not allowed without special permits. However, commercially packaged hard cheeses from approved countries may be permitted in small quantities.
In Canada, dried catfish, crayfish, and herring are permitted but fresh or frozen seafood without proper certification is banned. The restriction helps prevent contamination from bacteria and marine toxins.
Another banned food item in Canada is Raw eggs and egg-based products such as custards and mayonnaise. These food items are not allowed due to the risk of salmonella and bird flu transmission. However, commercially processed egg products may be permitted.
Unroasted nuts like raw peanuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds are banned to prevent pest infestations(another health concern which the Canadian officers try to prevent). However, roasted, salted, or processed nuts are generally permitted.
Fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and cherry, along with leafy greens and herbs, are banned in Canada. These items can carry pests and plant diseases. However, some dried vegetables are allowed in Canada.
Maj-Gen Markus Kangye
The Defence Headquarters says troops have killed a total of 74 terrorists, apprehended 130 suspects, and rescued 61 kidnapped hostages in various operations conducted between March 5 and 13.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye disclosed this in a weekly report on ongoing military operations across the country on Friday in Abuja.
Kangye said the successful operations were jointly carried out by the land component of the Armed Forces, teams from the Office of the National Security Adviser, security agencies, and hybrid forces.
He stated that the troops recovered 71 assorted weapons, including 32 AK-47 rifles, 15 locally fabricated guns, nine Dane guns, three pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, and 10 other assorted arms.
According to him, troops also recovered 1,202 rounds of ammunition, comprising 1,133 assorted rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 69 live cartridges.
The Defence Headquarters says troops have killed a total of 74 terrorists, apprehended 130 suspects, and rescued 61 kidnapped hostages in various operations conducted between March 5 and 13.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye disclosed this in a weekly report on ongoing military operations across the country on Friday in Abuja.
Kangye said the successful operations were jointly carried out by the land component of the Armed Forces, teams from the Office of the National Security Adviser, security agencies, and hybrid forces.
He stated that the troops recovered 71 assorted weapons, including 32 AK-47 rifles, 15 locally fabricated guns, nine Dane guns, three pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, and 10 other assorted arms.
Kangye further revealed that 143 terrorists, including five adult males, 66 adult females, and 72 children, surrendered to troops in the North-East theatre of operations during the week.
Among those who surrendered, one terrorist handed over two AK-47 rifles, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two magazines
“The gallant men and women of the Armed Forces will continue to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians in line with our constitutional roles, Rules of Engagement, and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations,” he said.
Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, imo state
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, in Imo State, suspended a facilitator, Mr. Okoroafor Ifeanyichukwu, from duty on Friday after he was seen in a viral video assaulting a male student.
The suspension notice, issued in a letter with reference FPN/TEDC/80/1 and dated March 14th, 2025, stated, “You are hereby suspended from duty as a facilitator in the Technical and Entrepreneurship Development Centre pending the outcome of investigation into the incident that occurred yesterday 13th March, 2025 at the site of your entrepreneurship training.”
The letter, signed by the Director of TEDC, Dr. Okoye P.C., was copied to the Rector, Dean of Student Affairs, and the Student Union Government of the institution.
A video surfaced late Thursday showing the suspended facilitator slapping a male student, Chidera, and then kicking him, causing him to fall heavily onto a cemented walkway, damaging his phone. The facilitator then walked away.
The video garnered widespread attention and criticism.
Our correspondent noted that the lecturer, Okoroafor, sent an apology message to Chidera, which read: “Dear Chidera, LETTER OF APOLOGY TO MR CHIDERA. I am writing to offer my sincerest apologies for my behavior towards you. I am deeply sorry for the way I treated you, and I realize that my actions were unacceptable and hurtful. As your teacher, I should have provided a safe and supportive learning environment, but instead, I bullied and intimidated you.
“My behavior was not only unprofessional, but it also caused you harm and distress. I want you to know that I take full responsibility for my actions, and I am truly sorry for the pain and suffering I caused you. I understand that my apology cannot erase the past, but I hope it can be a step towards healing and moving forward.
“Please know that I am committed to changing my behavior and ensuring that all my students feel safe, respected, and supported in the classroom. I will do everything in my power to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. If you are willing, I would like to meet with you to discuss how I can make amends and support you in any way possible. Please let me know if this is something you would be open to, and we can arrange a time and place that works for you. Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies for my behavior. You deserved better from me, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Sincerely, Ifeanyichukwu.”
Netizens shared the suspension letter on social media, commending the institution’s swift action, though some questioned the lack of a fair hearing.
US President, Donald Trump
Hundreds of HIV doctors and researchers have called on the Trump administration to reverse its sweeping aid funding cuts, saying they are “doing catastrophic harm” to the global fight against AIDS.
The United States has historically been the world’s largest donor of humanitarian assistance, but President Donald Trump has slashed international aid since returning to the White House less than two months ago.
The cuts have had a huge impact on global efforts to combat HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other health scourges, putting millions of lives at risk, humanitarian organisations have warned.
An open letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed by hundreds of high-profile HIV doctors, researchers and public health experts called on the government to change course.
“Unless reversed, the dismantling of the US-supported AIDS response will cause the deaths of an estimated six million people in the next four years, decades of progress will be reversed, and the world will face growing HIV epidemics across the globe,” said the letter, dated Thursday.
On Monday, Rubio announced that 83 percent of all contracts under the vast US humanitarian agency USAID have been terminated.
This meant an anti-HIV initiative called PEPFAR, which is one of the world’s most successful public health efforts and has saved an estimated 26 million lives over the two decades, has been “virtually eliminated”, the letter said.
The cuts also immediately halted medical trials across the world, “leaving study participants stranded,” the letter said.
Research institutions have been stripped of funding, staff and political independence, it added. The prestigious US university Johns Hopkins announced on Thursday it would lay off more than 2,000 employees because of the USAID cuts.
Even if US courts eventually find these decisions illegal, “the human suffering and loss of lives happening now cannot be reversed,” the letter said.
Among the signatories was French scientist Francoise Barre-Sinoussi, who won a 1983 Nobel prize for her work identifying the HIV virus.
The US government has said the funding cuts were aimed at reducing spending, while Trump’s billionaire advisor Elon Musk has boasted of putting USAID “through the woodchipper”.
The letter was published as researchers gathered for the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in San Francisco.
Protests were held across the US last week calling for people to “Stand Up for Science”.
Kaduna gov, Uba Sani.
The Kaduna State Government has distributed 7,000 motorcycles, including 4,000 electric bikes, to civil servants across the state.
The initiative, launched by Governor Uba Sani, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and aims to ease the financial burden of transportation costs on civil servants.
“We recognise that transportation costs can be a significant burden for civil servants. It is our hope that these motorcycles will help alleviate that burden, allowing you to arrive at work early and focus on your tasks,” Sani said during the flag-off ceremony in Kaduna on Friday.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving working conditions for civil servants, including enhancing workplace infrastructure.
“The civil service is the engine of government. Civil servants play a critical role in shaping governance and ensuring the efficient delivery of essential services. Our administration recognises that large-scale rural and urban transformations, as well as economic revitalisation, are only possible with a dedicated, skilled, and well-motivated workforce,” he added.
The motorcycles are being provided through a salary-deductible loan scheme in collaboration with the Nigerian Labour Congress, Paynacle Digital Services Limited, and Optimus Bank.
The Kaduna State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Magaji, praised Governor Sani for his commitment to workers’ welfare.
“We commend Governor Uba Sani for guaranteeing the financial cover necessary to make this initiative a reality. By ensuring that these motorcycles are accessible to qualified civil servants through salary-deductible loans, Your Excellency has once again demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of workers,” he said.
The Acting State Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Hassan Ibrahim, announced that the union had purchased 1,000 electric tricycles for its members, payable over two years.
“We appeal to the Kaduna State Government to contribute its own quota so that this initiative can be sustained,” Ibrahim said.
The distribution of motorcycles marks a significant step towards improving the lives of civil servants in Kaduna State. By providing affordable transportation options, the government is helping to ease workers’ financial burdens and enhance their overall well-being.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Sarah Musa, a civil servant with the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, expressed her gratitude for the initiative.
“This motorcycle will really help me. I used to spend a lot of money on transportation, but now I can use that money for other important things,” she said.
CoAS, Olufemi Oluyede
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged battalion commanders to demonstrate exemplary leadership in their respective commands to enable troops to tackle emerging threats to national security effectively.
Oluyede made this call while addressing battalion commanders participating in the just-concluded First Commanding Officers’ Workshop 2025, held at the Headquarters of 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.
Oluyede described battalion commanders as a crucial link between the operational and tactical levels of command.
He stated, “They must demonstrate the essential leadership qualities of responsibility, accountability, and moral courage to lead their troops effectively in both battle and peacetime.”
The army chief further urged the commanding officers to “brace up to address threats to national security in their respective areas of responsibility.”
He also called on them to remain unwavering in their loyalty to the government and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Oluyede commended the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sadiq Ndalolo, and his team for organising the workshop for battalion commanders.
He also expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his continued support of the Nigerian Army’s transformation efforts.
While addressing troops of the division, the COAS praised them for their sacrifices in combating security challenges across the country and urged them to remain steadfast and professional.
He reassured them that the welfare of soldiers and their families remains his top priority.
Oluyede pledged to ensure the regular provision of uniforms, kits, and combat enablers, improved office and residential accommodation, access to soft loan schemes, increased Ration Cash and Instructors’ Allowances, and affordable housing.
During his visit, he also inaugurated the 2 Division Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants Station at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment and a Military Police Holding Facility at Mokola Barracks.
Additionally, Oluyede approved the immediate rehabilitation of the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess in the cantonment, as well as the 81 Battalion Officers’ Mess in Mokola.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, stated that the workshop aimed to reinforce both individual and collective commitment towards the COAS’s vision of a highly motivated and combat-ready army.
Onubogu added that the workshop would provide battalion commanders with insights into improved tactical operations, strategic planning, and leadership skills to enhance operational and administrative efficiency across various theatres of operations.
Nyesom Wike
The Ijaw National Congress has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to order over his comments on the Ijaw.
The INC was reacting to alleged comments credited to Wike in which he said the Ijaw people ”were a minority of minorities in Rivers and other South South States except Bayelsa”.
In a statement in Abuja on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary, INC, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, said that the congress had taken note of the FCT minister’s remarks.
”We will maintain peace and stability as we call on President Tinubu to caution him and redirect his focus to his ministerial duties.
“The INC remains committed to preserving the harmony enjoyed by all in the Niger Delta region.
“We have taken note of the recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Given his eight-year tenure as governor of Rivers we expected a more informed understanding of the state’s history,” the INC said.
The INC said that the Ijaw people are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, with over 40 million people, and the oldest tribe in Nigeria, as documented in history.
“They are the largest ethnic group in Rivers with eight local government areas, and also not a minority in Delta.
“The Ijaw have consistently advocated for fairness and equity in the Niger Delta region and the South-South, and we will not be swayed by individual attempts to provoke us,” Oyakemeagbegha said.
NAN
