A devastating fire broke out in the Surulere area of Lagos, destroying several makeshift shanty structures. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident, emphasizing that no lives were lost. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, revealed in a public statement that the fire occurred early Saturday morning. Emergency calls were received via the 767 and 112 toll-free numbers at 1:18 am, prompting the agency to deploy its Onipanu response team immediately. Upon arrival at 1:31 am, emergency responders discovered that a row of shanty structures erected beside the canal had been engulfed in flames. Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire originated in one of the rooms and rapidly spread across the connected units. Thanks to the swift collaboration of emergency response teams, the fire was successfully brought under control, preventing further damage. Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that the fire was fully extinguished, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. Post-incident operations, including dampening down and search and rescue, were completed. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Prominent social commentator Reno Omokri has criticized former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi for focusing his remarks about insecurity on the North and Southwest while seemingly ignoring the Southeast. In a recent post on his official X account, Omokri highlighted that the Southeast recorded the highest kidnapping incidents for ransom in 2024, yet Obi’s public statements on the issue were largely centered around other regions, specifically the North, Southwest, and South-South. Quoting analytical data from SMB Morgen, Omokri pointed out that Anambra led in kidnapping cases, followed closely by Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi. Despite this, Omokri noted that Peter Obi’s social media posts seldom addressed the crisis in his home region, particularly Anambra, where he once served as governor. Omokri expressed surprise at the inconsistency, stating that while Obi often criticizes insecurity issues in other regions with strong language, his comments on Southeast kidnappings, when made, appear subdued. He further questioned Obi’s fairness and capacity to lead a diverse nation like Nigeria, implying bias in how the politician addresses regional crises. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Former Vice President and 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Senator John Azuta-Mbata on his election as the new President-General of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Azuta-Mbata, a former Senator representing Rivers East from 1999 to 2007 under the PDP, emerged as the 13th President-General of the organisation in an election held in Enugu on Friday. He succeeds Fidelis Chukwu, whose tenure concluded the same day. Azuta-Mbata, originally from the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, will lead the group alongside other newly elected executives. Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State was elected as the National Deputy President, while former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Emeka Sibeidu, will serve as the new Secretary-General. Fourteen additional executives were also elected during the process. Commending the Election ProcessIn a press statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku praised the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election, emphasizing the crucial role played by the South-East Governors’ Forum in ensuring fairness and a smooth leadership transition. Atiku lauded Azuta-Mbata’s extensive experience as a lawmaker and administrator, expressing confidence that the combined expertise of the newly elected executives will help advance the organisation’s mission. Call for Unity and CollaborationHighlighting the importance of unity, Atiku stressed the need for the new leadership to promote peace and tolerance across ethnic and socio-political lines. He encouraged the executives to not only strengthen Igbo solidarity but also collaborate with other cultural groups across Nigeria. Atiku described Azuta-Mbata’s election as a pivotal moment for the organisation, signaling a new phase of progress, unity, and development. He urged the new leadership to work towards national peace, stability, and socioeconomic advancement through intercommunal cooperation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced plans to return approximately $52.88 million in confiscated corruption proceeds to Nigeria. These funds were linked to a high-profile corruption case involving former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and her associates. Out of the total amount, $50 million will be directed towards the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) initiative. This renewable energy expansion project, supervised by the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency and backed by the International Development Association, focuses on providing sustainable energy to public institutions across the country. The remaining $2.88 million will support Nigeria’s contributions to the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), an institution promoting global justice reforms and accountability. To ensure full transparency, the energy project funds will be managed under a World Bank trust fund with strict audits, public progress reports, and regulatory oversight. The IIJ funds will also undergo external audits and regular reporting. The formal agreement was signed in Abuja, Nigeria, by US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr and Nigerian Attorney General Lateef O. Fagbemi, highlighting both nations’ commitment to responsible governance and ensuring the recovered assets benefit Nigerian citizens. The funds were recovered through the US Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which exposed a conspiracy where Nigerian businessmen bribed Alison-Madueke, who then used her influence to secure profitable oil contracts for the involved parties. The proceeds from the scheme were used to acquire luxury assets, including a superyacht and prime real estate properties in California and New York. Nigerian authorities played a crucial role in the investigation, contributing significantly to the successful asset recovery. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible commended the collaboration between both countries, emphasizing Nigeria’s valuable support in reclaiming millions in corruption proceeds. FBI Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to fighting corruption, emphasizing that returning the forfeited assets to Nigeria for essential public projects and justice reforms underscores the agency’s mission to promote accountability and transparency. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Massive Food Supply Boost as Nigeria Imports Rice Under Duty-Free Policy Nigeria has received a significant shipment of brown rice aimed at reducing soaring food costs affecting consumers. A 32,000-ton consignment, the first of its kind in a decade, recently arrived in Lagos. This delivery, facilitated by logistics company DUCAT, originated from Thailand and was made possible due to Nigeria’s temporary suspension of import tariffs on food crops such as wheat, corn, and rice, implemented last year. Despite the import duty waiver, many importers have remained cautious about large-scale purchases, concerned about the impact on local farmers. DUCAT CEO Adrian Beciri emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to expand food accessibility, stating, “Nigeria is actively seeking solutions to enhance and stabilize its food supply chain.” Nearly six months ago, Nigeria announced a series of strategies to control food inflation, which has surged to its highest rate in three decades. With almost half of the country’s population of over 200 million living in extreme poverty, the government introduced a 180-day window allowing duty-free imports of essential food crops. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari also revealed that imported foods will be sold under a recommended retail price system to prevent price exploitation. Further guidelines on enforcing the duty-free import measures are being finalized and will be released soon, according to a government official. Economic Reforms Impacting Food Prices Nigeria continues to face economic challenges linked to President Bola Tinubu’s reform policies since assuming office in May 2023. Key actions such as the devaluation of the naira and increased electricity tariffs have significantly contributed to price hikes, with food inflation reaching a 28-year peak of 41% in May. The naira’s depreciation, currently the world’s worst-performing currency after the Lebanese pound, coupled with rising costs, led the Central Bank to raise interest rates to a record high. The government recently announced plans to curb inflation through the “Inflation Reduction and Price Stability Order,” focusing on controlling price surges. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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A serious accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway left 11 injured after a Mazda bus, Mack truck, and Toyota Hiace collided. Learn more about the incident. A serious road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, specifically around the Interchange section, left 11 individuals injured on Saturday. The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed the incident, which occurred around 7:30 am. Babatunde Akinbiyi, the TRACE spokesperson, explained that the collision involved a Mazda bus and a Mack truck. The truck was attempting to enter a private company’s premises when the Mazda bus, moving at high speed, crashed into it. A Toyota Hiace bus following closely behind also collided with the vehicles due to sudden loss of control. Further details revealed that the accident took place near the Cway junction, a short distance past Heyden filling station. The Mack truck driver had been maneuvering into Cway Company when the excessive speed and impatience of the Mazda bus driver led to the crash. The Toyota Hiace driver, upon noticing the collision, failed to regain control, further compounding the accident. A total of 21 individuals were involved, consisting of 12 men and nine women. Among them, 11 sustained injuries—eight males and three females. Emergency responders from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) promptly transported the injured victims to Idera Hospital, Shagamu, for medical attention. The vehicles involved were identified as: Authorities continue to urge drivers to maintain safe speeds and practice patience on the roads to prevent similar accidents. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dismissed a circulating list of commissioner nominees and other appointees as fake, emphasizing that those included have already disqualified themselves from consideration. He revealed plans to submit the official list of new commissioners to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly next week for approval, as part of his efforts to reconstitute a fresh executive council. This comes after he recently dissolved his cabinet, which had served for 20 months since he took office. Speaking during a farewell dinner for the outgoing cabinet in Uyo, Governor Eno highlighted that individuals seeking positions through influential connections had already lost their chances of being appointed. He reaffirmed his exclusive authority to select his executive council members. Rejecting Influence in Appointments Governor Eno firmly warned against lobbying or pressure from stakeholders, stating: He stressed, “The power to appoint lies solely with the governor, and their loyalty should be to him and his vision for the state.” Upcoming Projects and Expectations Governor Eno announced plans to launch 31 new projects across the state by the end of March. He advised the incoming cabinet to take their roles seriously, emphasizing it would not be a time for leisure but hard work and commitment to governance. Emotional Farewell and Future Collaboration The governor admitted feeling emotional while parting with his former cabinet, acknowledging their contributions to the success of his administration’s ARISE Agenda. He praised their diligence, stating they were not being dismissed but rather celebrated for their service and prepared for future assignments in the state and the nation. He assured the outgoing members of continued collaboration, hinting that they may still be called upon for further roles in service to Akwa Ibom. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has approved bail for 12 individuals accused of the murder of Jeffrey Akro, a student at Ajayi Crowther University. Justice Ladiran Akintola set the bail conditions at ₦5 million for each defendant. Additionally, two sureties of equal sum must be presented, one of whom must be a biological parent of the accused. The defendants, who had earlier pleaded not guilty to the two charges filed against them, will face trial on February 21, 2025, following the court’s adjournment of the case. While delivering the ruling, Justice Akintola clarified that granting bail should not be mistaken for a declaration of innocence or an acquittal. Prosecutor Victor Otomiewo also emphasized this, stating, “Bail does not equate to innocence or a final discharge.” Wole Efunnuga, representing the seventh defendant, supported the judge’s decision, noting it fairly reflected the interests of all involved parties. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Indian politician Gurpreet Gogi, a representative of the Ludhiana West constituency in Punjab, tragically passed away on Friday, January 10, after sustaining fatal gunshot injuries. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at DMC Hospital, according to police reports. However, his family maintains that the incident was an accidental shooting. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja stated during a media briefing that Gogi’s family reported he had unintentionally shot himself, resulting in a fatal head injury. His body has been transferred to the DMC hospital mortuary, awaiting further examination. DCP Teja further clarified that the definitive cause of death will be established once the post-mortem examination is concluded. The news of his passing was officially confirmed by the district president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Sharanpal Singh Makkar, along with Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal. Authorities have initiated further investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death. Gogi joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and achieved a significant victory in the Ludhiana Assembly elections, defeating two-time Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu. His wife, Sukhchain Kaur Gogi, had also contested in the Municipal Corporation elections but was defeated by Congress candidate Inderjit Singh Indi. In August 2024, Gogi made headlines after dismantling the foundation stone of a Buddha Nullah pipeline project he had originally inaugurated in 2022. His actions were driven by frustration over project delays. Speaker Sandhwan had assured strict measures against any obstructions hindering the clean-up progress following Gogi’s public complaints. Just hours before his death, Gogi visited Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir, where he assured devotees he would take action against a group of burglars who had recently stolen silver from the temple. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Decline of Nigeria’s Education System Due to Poor Funding and Corruption In the 1990s, Kene Obiora graduated as one of the top six students from a leading university in Southern Nigeria. Inspired by his academic success, he enrolled for a master’s degree, hoping to complete it within 18 months. However, five years later, his dreams remained unfulfilled. Kene’s supervisor, citing poor remuneration, was often absent from campus in search of extra income. During one such absence, he misplaced Kene’s handwritten 300-page thesis and unapologetically asked him to start over. Unable to continue, Kene abandoned the program and later completed his master’s degree abroad in just 12 months. The Harsh Reality Faced by Nigerian Students Kene’s experience mirrors the widespread decay in Nigeria’s education sector. Students frequently encounter: Students have shared shocking accounts: Chronic Underfunding of Education in Nigeria Nigeria’s budgetary allocation for education has consistently fallen below international recommendations. Since 1999, the sector has received only 6.93% of the national budget, far below the 26% benchmark suggested by UNESCO. Comparative Figures: Even when funds are allocated, they often fail to be fully implemented, with capital project execution averaging only 30%. The Need for Increased Funding and Accountability Experts emphasize that increased funding, alongside proper resource management, can transform Nigeria’s education landscape. Some proposed strategies include: Conclusion The Nigerian education crisis demands urgent attention. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significant investment in the education sector. Proper funding, reduced corruption, and transparent implementation of policies are essential for restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s academic institutions. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD …Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain (James 5:7). The Lord Jesus referred to the Father as the husbandman, and we, the body of Christ, are the precious fruit of the earth that He waits for. The apostle James, in the theme verse, also tells us that the husbandman patiently waits until He receives the early and latter rain (James 5:7). We understand that concerning lsrael, the latter rain began on the Day of Pentecost. Peter confirmed this when he said, “…it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…” (Acts 2:17). This was the beginning of the outpouring that had been prophesied to take place in the last days. Hosea 6:3 gives us further insight into this promise: “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” This rain, spoken of in Hosea, pertains to both Israel and the Church. For Israel, the latter rain came at Pentecost, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the early Church. However, within the Church, that outpouring on the Day of Pentecost was not the latter rain but the early rain. The early rain is the seed-time rain, the rain that comes after the Word of God has been sown, causing it to sprout and grow. Acts 2 marked the start of the Church with the descent of the Holy Spirit, the beginning of a new era for the Church. The prophet Haggai also spoke of a greater glory to come: “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former…” (Haggai 2:9). This means that even though the early rain was glorious, the latter rain, which we are now experiencing, will far exceed what we saw at the beginning. We are living in the days of that greater glory, where the Church will manifest even more of God’s grace and power. Peter, James and John lived in the last days concerning Israel, but we live in the last days concerning the Church. The latter rain for lsrael is the early rain for the Church, and we’re living in the time of the fullness of that latter rain. Hallelujah! PRAYERDear Father, I rejoice in the knowledge that I’m a part of your precious fruit, nurtured by the early and latter rain. Thank you for the greater glory that is now manifest in the Church in these end times. I walk in the power and fullness of your Spirit today, impacting my world with the fruits and works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY|| Acts 2:16-17But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: || || Joel 2:23Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first [month]. || || Zechariah 10:1Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; [so] the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. || READ ALSO: I’m what God says I am, and my life is a testimony of God’s grace and infinite blessings; therefore, I affirm that I live in divine health, prosperity, abundant joy, and indescribable peace. The Lord is my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. In Him, I have divine life – an everlasting life filled with divine health, and soundness of mind and body. My life is filled with the goodness and mercy of God. I refuse to be brought down by sickness. The Name of Jesus has been named upon me, and daily, I enjoy the impact of God’s divine presence in my life! I declare that the power of God’s Spirit vitalizes my physical body, and it is shielded and protected from all evil. I display the perfections of Christ in sound health and with a life that is sickness-free. The indestructible life of God is in every bone of my body and in every cell of my blood. Therefore, I live in divine health in Christ Jesus. My body is a reflection of the beauty and perfection of God. God’s Word is established in my life and it is evident for the world to see. I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all principality and power, far above the devil and his minions, and far above sickness and disease. I live the glorious life of God who is above all and cannot be brought down by anything. My words are full of power and authority; therefore I live a life of victory, success, divine health, abundance, excellence, and glory. I am not a victim but a victor. God’s Word is producing what it talks about in my life. I am strengthened with divine enablement in my inner man by the Holy Ghost. I function today with the Spirit of might, dominion, and excellence. I am the effulgence of God’s glory. The glory of God infuses my being, keeping me strong and well every day. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I have all the things that pertain to life and godliness. All I know and experience is divine health, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the suspension of banks extending export proceeds on behalf of exporters. In a circular released by Dr. W.J. Kanya, the Acting Director of Trade and Exchange Department, the decision aligns with provisions outlined in Memorandum 10A (23a) and Memorandum 10B (20a) of the Foreign Exchange Manual, Revised Edition of March 2018. These regulations pertain to the repatriation of export proceeds for both oil and non-oil exports. Effective immediately, the CBN declared that it will no longer approve requests by Authorised Dealers to extend the repatriation of export proceeds on behalf of their customers. To ensure clarity, the circular emphasized that proceeds from oil and non-oil exports must be repatriated and deposited into exporters’ export proceeds domiciliary accounts within specific timelines: Furthermore, Authorised Dealer Banks have been directed to notify their customers of these regulations and enforce strict complianceMeta Description “Discover why the CBN has suspended export proceeds extensions by banks, highlighting its impact on exporters and compliance timelines.” READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Nigerian Police have clarified that the alleged theft of N1.09bn from the Enugu State government was a case of procurement fraud, not a cyber-attack. Suspect arrested and funds recovered. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has officially refuted viral social media claims suggesting that N1.098 billion was stolen from the Enugu State government’s account through hacking, emphasizing that no such breach occurred. According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the circulating rumors are misleading. He clarified that the incident was a case of procurement fraud and not a cyber-attack on the state’s financial system. The statement, titled “Enugu State Government Account Not Hacked – Police Dismiss N1.09bn Theft Claims,” explained that investigations conducted by the National Cyber Crime Centre (NCCC) confirmed the case was procurement-related fraud. The suspect has been apprehended, and the stolen funds have been successfully recovered. Furthermore, the Enugu State Government, in collaboration with other ministries, departments, agencies, and corporate organizations, continues working with the NCCC to strengthen their financial security protocols. The police advised the public to verify news sources before sharing information to prevent the spread of misinformation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
