Hoodlums set Kano-bound train on fire in Kwara, two coaches burnt
The Kwara State Fire Service said on Wednesday that it rescued about 13 coaches of a north-bond good train from burning by fire in the Offa area on Tuesday. The train which was coming from Lagos was reportedly set ablaze by some hoodlums when it had a stop-over for repairs at the Offa Railway station. Head of Media and Publicity of Kwara Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said two of the 15 coaches of the train conveying goods were completely burnt by the fire. Adekunle in a statement Wednesday said, “The incident occurred about 5.17pm at Offa Railway Station in Offa,
Everywhere I go, I’m asked to contest 2023 presidential seat – Kalu
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, on Wednesday expressed his willingness to contest the 2023 presidential election only if Nigerians canvassed his candidature. The two-time governor of Abia State, however, said his ambition for now is to return to the Senate in 2023. The All Progressives Congress chieftain, who is representing Abia South Senatorial District at the red chamber, stated this during an interaction session with journalists after receiving traditional title of Kibiya (Arrow) of Argungu Emirate from the Emir, Alhaji Mohammed Mera. He said, “I don’t have Presidential ambition ahead of 2023 because my plan
FG plans more loans as experts cry out
Govt will continue to borrow to finance projects, Buhari’s Minister insists The Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria and economic experts on Wednesday expressed concern about the high deficit in the 2022 budget. MAN and experts including Prof. Pat Utomi in separate interviews with The PUNCH, warned both the executive and the National Assembly against endangering the future of the country. Federal Government had on Wednesday said it planned to borrow more funds to finance the N16.45tn 2022 budget. According to the government, the total money borrowed as of July 22 was ‘only 23 per cent’ of the Gross Domestic Product. The
PDP holds make-or-mar NEC meeting today
The make-or-mar National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party is scheduled to hold on Thursday [today]. It is expected that party leaders, who are members of NEC which is the second highest decision making body of the party, will meet to ratify the recommendations of the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led Zoning Committee. Acting National Chairman of the party, Yemi Akinwonmi, had, while receiving the report on behalf of the National Working Committee of the party on Tuesday, described today’s NEC meeting as “make or mar.” The zoning panel had recommended that all party positions currently being held by
500 Nigerians lose jobs as UAE declines renewal of work visas
Over 500 Nigerians have lost their jobs and are stranded four months after the United Arab Emirates stopped granting or renewing Direct Employment Visa for Nigerians in the Western Asian country. It was gathered that while many of the affected persons had returned to Nigeria, hundreds of them are still in UAE in the hope that Abu Dhabi would reverse the decision. The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Fahad AI Taffaq, had said there was no official communication on the issuance of work permits for Nigerians living and working in his country. Taffaq, who stated this when he received
You’re trapping him at Old Trafford – Agbonlahor begs Man Utd to sell Van de Beek
Former Aston Villa striker, Gabby Agbonlahor, has urged Manchester United to sell Donny van de Beek in the January transfer window. Agbonlahor claimed that Man United are trapping Van de Beek at Old Trafford, adding that the midfielder’s situation at the club is ‘turning into a joke’. Van de Beek joined Man United from Ajax for £40m in the summer of 2020. The Netherlands international has endured a difficult spell at Man United, falling out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team. He is yet to start a league game for Man United so far this season. Asked whether he thinks Man
Alaafin visits scene as fallen tree reportedly rises again
The people of Oyo town in Oyo State were in awe when they found out that a 100-year-old tree that reportedly fell on Monday night and killed about four persons had risen back. Residents told our correspondent on Wednesday that the fallen tree whose branches had been already been hewn mysteriously rose back on Tuesday. Sources told our correspondent that the Odan tree which was uprooted by the wind during the downpour on Monday was now back standing firmly rooted to the ground where it was uprooted from a day earlier. In photos and videos which were circulated online,
