Author: damazah@gmail.com

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says South-east states and parts of the South-south are in discussion to develop a regional rail network to boost connectivity and economic integration. Mr Otti disclosed this during the July edition of his monthly media chat in Umuahia on Thursday. He said the proposed rail network would connect Port Harcourt, Aba, Enugu, Imo and Akwa Ibom. The governor said the state earlier engaged a Chinese company to design a light rail system linking major parts of Abia. “We had engaged a Chinese company which produced a design that would link many parts of the…

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has advocated for fairer tax administration, robust taxpayer protection, and greater accountability from revenue authorities, emphasising that public confidence is essential to improving voluntary tax compliance in Nigeria. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement with revenue professional bodies in Lagos on Thursday, the Chief Executive of the Tax Ombud, John Nwabueze, stated that effective tax administration relies not only on legislation and enforcement but equally on public trust. The event, themed “Promoting Fairness, Transparency and Trust in Nigeria,” centred on strengthening the relationship between taxpayers and the government. Mr Nwabueze noted that citizens are…

It all began with an innocuous video shared by Seattle resident Kiana Hall on Instagram.”What am I looking at?” Hall could be heard exclaiming, as the unusual-looking raccoon hurtles across a pavement and up some nearby steps.A caption alongside it referred to the creature as “Jimothy the raccoon with short spine syndrome”.While it is not known for sure if the condition has caused his appearance, many have assumed as such, and the description has stuck.As Hall’s Instagram reel spread, it attracted more and more likes, comments and reposts, with more than eight million views as of Friday morning.”My brother was…

Former Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Hon Sam Onuigbo, becomes first African president of GLOBE Legislators. Emameh Gabriel, in this piece, dissects his climate advocacy but warns of challenges bridging global commitments with Nigeria’s domestic action. On June 24, 2026, at the Parliament of the United Kingdom, Hon Sam Onuigbo was formally inducted as President of GLOBE Legislators, becoming the first African to lead that global parliamentary network in its 35-year history. The ceremony was hosted by former UK Minister for Climate Change and Net Zero. Also former President of GLOBE Legislators, Rt. Hon. Graham Stuart…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has completed more than 600 kilometres of roads across the Niger Delta in the past three years. The Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this during a visit by Heads of Service from across the country to the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt. Mr Ogbuku’s remarks were contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama. Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Boma Iyaye, Mr Ogbuku said the commission remained committed to transforming the Niger Delta through impactful projects. “We have completed…

Key events33km to go The lead group is starting to whittle away. Paret-Peintre is one of those who has dropped off, we’re down to 30 riders at the front.Share37km to go We go straight from the intermediate sprint on to the penultimate climb. Col d’Ornon is a category two lump in the road, 5.4km uphill at an average of 6.4%.SharePedersen extends his green jersey leadPedersen takes his tally beyond 500 points and is well clear of second-place Jasper Philipsen, who now trails by 57 points.Share39km to go The intermediate sprint is coming up and Lidl-Trek are lining to ensure Mads…

Donald Trump is expected to speak around 9 p.m. ET on Friday at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, rescheduled after the association’s traditional April event was abruptly stopped after a shooting in which a gunman breached a security checkpoint. At the time, Trump had called for a new dinner. In remarks at an event on Thursday, WHCA President Weijia Jiang said that there was determination from the association board, members and “from people across the political spectrum who reached out and said ‘That can’t be how your story ends this year.’” The rescheduled event will be different from the past:…

A smoky, refreshing highball inspired by Georgia’s amber wines and qvevri winemaking tradition (large clay vessels buried underground for fermentation). The mezcal works beautifully with the wine, which traditionally has structure and tannin from extended skin contact in those qvevri, and with the hint of citrus. The result is a cocktail that feels ancient and modern at the same time.QvevriServes 125ml mezcal – we use Quiquiriqui Espadín, but any will do75ml orange wine, or, if you can get hold of some, Georgian amber wine25ml Cocchi Americano, or white vermouth10ml crème de cassis10ml Cointreau10ml simple 1:1 honey syrup5ml fresh lemon juiceSoda…

The Kano State High Court in Kano on Friday sentenced Shuaibu Abdulkadir to death by hanging for the murder of a 23-year-old housewife, Rumasa’u Shuaibu. Mr Abdulkadir, who resides in Chediyar Kuda, Shauchi Quarters, Kano, was charged with culpable homicide. Delivering judgement, Justice Farida Rabiu-Danbappa held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. “I find Shuaibu Abdulkadir guilty. I hereby sentence you to death by hanging for culpable homicide. “May Allah have mercy on your soul. You have 90 days to appeal,” the judge held. Earlier, the prosecution lawyer, Basiru Kabiru-Ali, told the court that Mr Abdulkadir…

This is foremost in the minds of the adoptive parents in Singapore taking care of the babies. For months they have been on tenterhooks, waiting to find out whether they will get to keep their children.Speaking to the BBC after the verdict, David, the Singaporean parent whom we interviewed previously, said he wanted both governments to make a decision soon.”Since the case is concluded, how can we move on and what will happen to our son? It’s been almost a year of fear and anxiety from waiting,” said David, who spoke to us on condition we use a pseudonym for…