Uncategorized
Dozens of Nigerians, other migrants perish off Libyan coast
Many migrants, said to be more than 60 have died after drowning off Libyan coast while attempting to cross to Italy.
The tragedy followed a shipwreck, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.
The UN agency said on Saturday the vessel left the city of Zuwara with around 86 people on board.
It said high waves swamped the boat and that 61 migrants, including children, were missing and presumed dead.
Libya is among the main departure points for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean and enter Europe.
The IOM estimates that more than 2,200 people have drowned while attempting the crossing this year alone, making it one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world.
The agency said most of the victims of the latest incident were from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries, the AFP news agency reports.
It also said 25 survivors had been transferred to a Libyan detention centre and were being given medical support.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, an IOM spokesperson called the death toll for this year a “dramatic number which unfortunately demonstrates that not enough is being done to save lives at sea”.
In June, at least 78 people died and another 100 were rescued after a fishing boat sank off southern Greece.
The Mediterranean crossings frequently see scores of migrants crowded onto boats too small to safely hold them.
Those making the trip are typically hoping to land in Italy before making their way to other countries in Europe, some escaping conflict or persecution, others in search of work.
Uncategorized
Anambra debunks story of collapsed govt house structures
Anambra State has described as untrue, story making the rounds on media that some structures at the new government house collapsed on Thursday following rainstorm.
A statement signed by Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Saturday, said the report was false and malicious, saying no structure within the new government house collapsed.
The statement said what was affected was a portion of the barricade barriers constructed outside the government house perimeter fence and attributed the incident to heavy wind that affected many structures across the state including privately owned properties.
The statement reads- “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to misleading and mischievous reports by a few sections of the media suggesting that “a structure in the new Government House” collapsed due to substandard quality during the heavy rainstorm that occurred on Thursday evening, 9th April, 2026.
“For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, we wish to state categorically that no structure within the Anambra State Government House collapsed. What was affected were a few partitions of the barricade barriers erected outside the Government House, approximately 20 metres away from the perimeter fence.
“The unfortunate incident was as a result of heavy wind and thunderstorms that wreaked havoc across several parts of the state that evening, which also affected property in private homes.
“Meanwhile, the Anambra Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has already mobilised to the site. Work is ongoing to fully rebuild the damaged sections of the barrier and to introduce additional engineering measures, including the creation of ample space to allow for free flow of heavy wind, in order to prevent future occurrences.
“The Anambra State Government condemns the circulation of fake news on this matter as a deliberate attempt by a few misguided elements to mislead Ndi Anambra and politicise a natural weather event which is not exclusive to Anambra State.
“We urge the general public to disregard the fake news and continue to support the progressive agenda of Mr Governor.”
News
Kambari commends NiMet’s contributions to aviation safety, national dev
Photo caption: (L-R) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari; and the Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike on Thursday, played host to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, who was in his office at the agency’s Abuja headquarters.
The visit is part of ongoing familiarization tour by Kambari, of the agencies under the Ministry and is aimed at strengthening institutional alignment, enhancing collaboration, and reviewing operational priorities within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
During the engagement, Prof. Charles Anosike presented an overview of the Agency’s mandate, technical capabilities, and key initiatives.
He highlighted the strategic importance of NiMet’s mandate within the aviation industry and beyond, including various publications generated by the Agency such as the Aeronautical Meteorological Bulletin, the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and others in supporting air navigation, national planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience.
He noted that meteorological services have evolved beyond traditional observation, monitoring and forecasting to becoming critical tools for national security, economic stability, food security, and sustainable development.
“Accurate and timely weather and climate information plays a vital role in safeguarding lives, livelihoods and property across multiple sectors,” Anosike noted.
He also outlined notable milestones, including the attainment of ISO certifications, which underscore NiMet’s adherence to international standards in service delivery.
Additionally, he highlighted the Agency’s growing partnerships with key national institutions, as well as international partners, aimed at strengthening capacity, improving services and enhancing national resilience.
In his remarks, Kambari commended NiMet for its strategic contributions to aviation safety and national development. He stressed the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and alignment with national aviation objectives.
“Strong institutional synergy is essential for achieving the Ministry’s mandate,” The Permanent Secretary emphasized.
He further underscored the need to prioritise staff welfare, describing a motivated and well-supported workforce as fundamental to effective service delivery.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting NiMet in strengthening operational capacity, enhancing workforce development, and sustaining high-quality service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by directors and senior officials of the Ministry.
The visit aligns with the broader vision of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to promote synergy, innovation, and efficiency across agencies under the Ministry.
Uncategorized
Photo News: Jonathan Foundation host talk on Democracy and Economic Growth
By Bonaventure Phillips Melah
Photo News: Ongoing conversation organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) on Democracy and Economic Growth Nexus Report Launch at Transcorps Hilton Abuja. Among dignitaries include ex-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, SGF George Akume, Minister of state Budget Doris Uzoka Anita, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Mathew Ayibakuro, Dr. Sam Amadi (represented), Majeed Dahiru and others. The event was declared open by GJF Executive Director, Ann Iyonu. Details loading.
-
News1 year agoSenate to speed up conclusion of Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill
-
News9 months agoThe Many Lies Against Bashir Haske
-
News3 years agoBreaking: Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees
-
News3 years ago“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader
-
News3 years ago“I’m leaving the Catholic church because Bishop Onah is oppressing me,” says Okunerere
-
News3 years agoRadio Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster Kelvin Ugwu dies three months after retirement from service
-
News3 years agoDokpesi and the Gazebo Mystique
-
News3 years agoTsunami: Tinubu orders dissolution of managements, boards of MDAs, to sack all Buhari’s political appointees
