Kidnappers have demanded a hefty ₦75 million ransom for the release of Reverend Canon Olowolagba, an Anglican priest, along with his wife and two children. The abduction took place on Sunday evening along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State. Incident Details The family was en route from Ipesi to Ikaram via Isua Akoko when they were intercepted near Ise-Akoko between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm. Their disappearance was only discovered the next morning when church members noticed they had not arrived at their destination. Official Confirmation Reverend Babajide Bada, Bishop of the Akoko Anglican Diocese, confirmed the kidnapping. He shared that the abducted family includes Reverend Olowolagba, his wife, Mrs. Olowolagba, their 16-year-old daughter Goodness (a 100-level student at Adekunle Ajasin University), and a nine-year-old girl named Idowu who resides with them. Bada said, “The kidnappers initially demanded ₦75 million. When we negotiated, they reduced it to ₦10 million, but later increased it to ₦15 million after we managed to gather some funds. As of now, the family remains in captivity.” Security Response Local security agencies, including Amotekun Corps, hunters, and the police in Ikare and Isua, have been notified and are actively working to secure the family’s release. READ ALSO; Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has officially announced the dates and requirements for the 2025 UTME. This examination is a critical step for students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education in Nigeria. Key Dates JAMB revealed that the 2025 UTME registration will run for six weeks, starting from Wednesday, January 15, 2025, and closing on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Eligibility and Requirements To register successfully, prospective candidates must meet the following criteria: Registration Costs The total cost for the main examination is approximately N5,200, while candidates opting for the Mock-UTME will pay around N6,700. Steps for Registration Follow these steps to register for the 2025 UTME: Examination Schedule Mock Examination: Friday, March 7, 2025 (mock slip reprinting begins Thursday, April 10, 2025). UTME Examination: Thursday, April 18 to Sunday, April 28, 2025. Results Release Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025. For more details, visit the JAMB website. Ensure timely registration and preparation to meet all requirements. 2025 JAMB UTME READ ALSO:
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a new licensing framework to address challenges within Nigeria’s Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging ecosystem. This step aims to streamline operations and ensure the sector’s sustainable growth. A2P messaging is an essential tool in telecommunications, allowing businesses to send SMS or notifications directly to mobile phones. Widely used for marketing, transactional alerts, and service notifications, A2P messaging is integral to the digital economy. However, Nigeria’s A2P ecosystem has faced significant challenges, such as the lack of unified oversight, revenue leakage, security risks, and market disparities due to unregulated termination rates. These issues have hindered the growth of the sector and created vulnerabilities. Why Regulation is Crucial The NCC’s new licensing framework aims to tackle these challenges by promoting fair competition, standardizing tariffs, and enhancing security against fraud, spam, and unauthorized traffic. The framework will also retain revenue through taxation and levies, providing comprehensive oversight to protect both businesses and consumers. During a virtual stakeholders’ forum on the draft framework, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Mrs. Chizua Whyte, highlighted the importance of A2P messaging for businesses and consumers. “A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world. It has become the go-to platform for sending transactional, promotional, and service-related notifications,” Dr. Maida stated. He stressed the need for collaboration among government, consumers, and industry players to foster innovation and ensure a fair and secure environment. Licensing Framework Overview The proposed framework includes key features such as: Benefits of the Framework This initiative is expected to: The NCC is inviting feedback from all stakeholders, including operators, businesses, service providers, and consumers, to finalize the framework. This regulatory move promises to create a robust and secure A2P messaging ecosystem, advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. 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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Israeli airstrikes targeted Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport and other key sites on Thursday, resulting in reported fatalities. According to Huthi rebel media, six people were killed in the bombings, which hit the airport, military sites, and power plants in areas controlled by Huthi rebels. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s director-general, confirmed that he was at the airport during the airstrikes and that one crew member of their plane was injured. Despite requests, the Israeli military has not yet commented on whether they were aware of his presence at the time. The attacks on Yemen come amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Huthis, who are allied with Iran’s “axis of resistance.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel’s strikes would persist until their objectives were achieved, declaring their commitment to “cutting this branch of terrorism” linked to Iran. The UN’s Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the attacks, particularly the strike on Sanaa’s airport, calling the escalation concerning. Tedros, who had been in Yemen to negotiate the release of detained UN personnel and evaluate the humanitarian situation, reported that he and his team were preparing to board a flight when the bombing occurred. He confirmed significant damage to the airport’s air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway, which would delay their departure until repairs were completed. Witnesses reported that the Sanaa airport was hit by more than six separate airstrikes, with additional raids targeting the nearby Al-Dailami air base. Yemen’s civil aviation authority noted that the strikes occurred while a UN aircraft was preparing to depart, but they expect the airport to reopen on Friday. Further strikes also targeted a power station in Hodeida. While Huthi officials confirmed six deaths from the raids, they also noted that two people were killed at the Sanaa airport, and one at Ras Issa port. Huthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the airstrikes, labeling them a “Zionist crime” against the Yemeni people, especially after the Huthis launched missile and drone attacks against Israel the previous day. 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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Enjoy 72 hours of free access to all DStv channels from December 27-29. Unlock every channel with no extra cost, regardless of your subscription package. MultiChoice is offering all DStv customers a special holiday treat with free access to every channel from December 27 to December 29, no matter what subscription package you have. This generous offer is available to both active and inactive DStv subscribers, ensuring that everyone can join in on the festive fun. According to a statement from MultiChoice Nigeria, the promotion is designed to make this December unforgettable for DStv users. “No Subscription, No Problem! Switch on your DStv decoder and enjoy 72 hours of all channels and shows, completely on us,” the statement reads. From Friday, December 27, to Sunday, December 29, all DStv customers can experience the full range of content available, from premium sports channels to kids’ programming, movies, and local dramas. Whether you’re connected or disconnected, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore everything DStv has to offer, at no extra cost. This offer is a perfect way to end the year and celebrate the holiday season with endless entertainment. All you need is your DStv decoder—no payments or calls required to unlock the excitement! 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 newly established Ministry of Steel Development has allocated N2.6 billion for the mobilization of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited as part of its N24 billion total budget for 2025. This funding was presented by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly in the proposed budget. In addition, the Ministry has set aside N250 million for the revitalization of both Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) located in Itakpe. Ajaokuta Steel Company itself has received a total budget of N6.8 billion, with N6.3 billion earmarked for personnel costs. The company also allocated N2.4 million for overheads, while recurrent expenditures amounted to N6.4 billion, and N3.9 million was set aside for capital investments. 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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Nigeria needs a minimum of $50 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) to curb inflation to 5% by 2025, according to Ayo Teriba, a renowned economist and CEO of Economic Associates, Lagos. In an interview on Arise TV, Teriba emphasized that increasing the nation’s net reserves would be essential for stabilizing the economy and moderating macroeconomic conditions. This statement comes amid President Bola Tinubu’s goal of reducing inflation to 15% by 2025, a target that some economists believe may be difficult to achieve due to rising food and fuel prices. Teriba explained that with sufficient foreign capital inflows and expanded reserves, Nigeria could stabilize its exchange rate and drastically reduce inflation, which hit a 28-year high of 34.6% in November 2024. He stressed that substantial reforms are crucial to attract FDI that could transform Nigeria’s economy, which is currently struggling with various challenges. Teriba pointed to Argentina’s success in stabilizing inflation as an example of what’s possible with the right policies. To achieve this, Teriba proposed that the government focus on implementing tax and finance reforms alongside an investment act aimed at attracting $50 billion in FDI within the next year. This would help stabilize the exchange rate and push inflation to single-digit levels. In the third quarter of 2024, FDI into Nigeria increased by 248%, reaching $103.82 million, but this figure remains insufficient to stimulate the growth needed for a major economic turnaround. FDI had hit a record low in the second quarter of 2024, standing at just $29.8 million. Despite these challenges, Teriba argued that current economic policies, particularly those focused on debt servicing, are hindering the government’s ability to achieve its inflation goals. He criticized the practice of borrowing to pay off existing debt, noting that it doesn’t address Nigeria’s fundamental economic issues. “The interest rates offered to Nigeria by international creditors are among the highest in the world, primarily because of the country’s low credit rating. This makes borrowing an inefficient and unsustainable strategy,” Teriba said. He also urged a shift away from borrowing and recommended a move towards equity-based financing. Many countries with similar economies to Nigeria’s are able to borrow at significantly lower rates due to issuing higher-grade debt instruments. Teriba pointed out that while Nigeria has pledged to reduce borrowing, it continues to rely on loans, which is not an effective solution to its fiscal challenges. He called for a shift towards more strategic borrowing, emphasizing that debt instruments’ quality is crucial to lowering borrowing costs. “Many countries with economies comparable to ours borrow more than we do, but at a third of our rates. We should prioritize equity over debt to stabilize our finances,” he advised. Teriba concluded by urging the government to focus on structural reforms and creating incentives that would attract foreign capital. Without these changes, he warned, inflation would remain a persistent issue, undermining economic stability. “If we continue with high-interest borrowing and poor credit management, we’ll miss the opportunity to stabilize our economy. However, with bold reforms and attracting $50 billion in FDI, Nigeria could enter a new era of growth and stability,” he said. 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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Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, made a festive visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Lagos residence, accompanied by his sons, Jordan and Joachin. The President warmly welcomed them, marking a brief Yuletide discussion. According to Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, President Tinubu commended Wike for his significant contributions to the transformation of Nigeria’s capital. He particularly praised Wike’s bold initiatives in land administration reforms and regulatory enforcement in Abuja. In a recent media chat, President Tinubu described Wike as a “good man” and a “performing minister.” The delegation also included former governors James Ibori of Delta State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State. SEO Title: Tinubu Hails Wike as FCT Minister During Holiday Visit 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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Meeting Nigeria’s Leaders Since 1992Since 1992, I’ve had the privilege of meeting every Nigerian leader one-on-one, except General Sani Abacha. My experiences range from private interviews to a live group media chat with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Each encounter has been unique, but interviewing Obasanjo stands out as a particularly unpredictable challenge. In 2004, during an untelevised interview in his Library at the Presidential Villa, I faced Obasanjo’s wrath for questioning his government’s handling of Chris Uba’s political escapades in Anambra State. It took the intervention of his aides to diffuse the tension and save me from a physical altercation. Handling OPC Questions on AirA similar heated moment occurred during a live media chat when I asked why he ordered a shoot-on-sight directive against the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC). Obasanjo’s fiery response was swift, accusing me of irreverence and warning me not to bring my column’s boldness to the Villa. He retorted, “If you’re a member of OPC, tell your people that I mean what I said!” Three Presidents, Three StylesOver the years, my interviews with subsequent presidents showcased distinct leadership styles: A 2016 interview with Buhari brought out his animated side when I probed his ousting by Babangida, which inspired a headline-grabbing story in The Interview magazine. Tinubu’s Path to an InterviewSecuring a televised interview with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a journey. Despite pressure from insiders, Tinubu avoided media engagements for 19 months into his presidency, citing the need to prioritize governance. A near-interview was canceled during the #EndBadGovernance protests in October. On December 18, I was invited to join a seven-member panel for the interview. Though we preferred a live format to foster transparency and spontaneity, the president opted for a recorded session, which ultimately aired as a 90-minute broadcast. Panel Insights and Unanswered QuestionsThe panel, which included prominent journalists like Dr. Reuben Abati and Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, prepared 20 questions and covered most of them during the session. However, some intriguing topics, such as Nyesom Wike’s political liabilities, local government funding, and the president’s assets declaration, didn’t make it to the broadcast. Tinubu’s responses were revealing. He praised Wike as a “performing minister” and explained the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy, emphasizing the constitutionality of direct funding. On state police, he predicted a negotiated solution in the nation’s interest. Regarding his asset declaration, Tinubu stated he had fulfilled his legal obligation and hinted at the possibility of publicizing it in the future. ConclusionWhile the interview wasn’t live, it offered valuable insights into Tinubu’s presidency and leadership philosophy. One interview may not satisfy the public’s curiosity, but it’s a step toward bridging the gap between Nigerians and their president. 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 Communications Commission (NCC) debunks rumors of a 40% hike in telecom tariffs, clarifying its commitment to stakeholder consultations and consumer interests. NCC Clarifies: No Approval for Telecom Tariff Increase The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has categorically denied recent media claims suggesting it approved a 40% hike in tariffs for telecom services starting January 2025. The disputed report claimed that the alleged tariff increase would lead to charges such as ₦15.40 per minute for calls, ₦5.60 per SMS, and a minimum of ₦1,400 for a 1GB data plan. Concerns were raised over how this supposed price hike might exacerbate the financial strain on Nigerians already facing economic challenges. NCC Refutes Tariff Claims as Fake NewsSpeaking to reporters, an NCC representative dismissed the report as “fake news” and clarified that no such approval had been granted. The commission reiterated that any potential price adjustment would follow a structured process guided by its regulatory framework, as stipulated in the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. This process involves comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and relies on a cost-based study to determine the economic feasibility of any adjustments. The NCC emphasized that consumer protection remains central to its decision-making. Economic Realities ConsideredThe NCC representative noted that while the commission evaluates macroeconomic factors like inflation and exchange rates, no decision on a tariff increase has been finalized. The NCC board must approve such decisions after engaging in wide-ranging consultations with industry stakeholders. Telecom Operators Push for Tariff AdjustmentsIn recent years, telecom operators have consistently lobbied the NCC for tariff increases, citing rising operational costs. In October 2024, Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), highlighted the economic pressures affecting the industry. During the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) in Abuja, themed “Optimising Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry,” Adebayo stressed the need for policies that ensure sustainable service delivery and infrastructure development. Adebayo stated, “For the telecom industry to remain sustainable, Nigerians will likely need to pay more. However, these increases should be implemented cautiously through collaborative efforts with the government and stakeholders.” NCC’s Commitment to TransparencyThe NCC reassures Nigerians that no tariff hike will occur without due process and stakeholder engagement. The public is advised to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official communications from the commission. As the telecom industry navigates economic challenges, the NCC remains committed to balancing the interests of operators and consumers, ensuring quality service delivery while safeguarding affordability. 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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Learn how climate change is affecting water levels in Plateau State, increasing the cost of drilling, and impacting communities. Discover sustainable solutions to reverse these effects. Kim Davou, a 42-year-old well digger from Shen, Jos South, has witnessed firsthand the alarming decline in water availability over the past decade. As new residential areas continue to emerge in Plateau State, the demand for water wells has surged, but so have the challenges of finding sustainable water sources. Changing Digging Patterns In earlier years, digging a 30-33 foot deep well during March or April sufficed for year-round water needs. However, in the last five years, Davou has had to begin digging earlier—January or February—and increase depths to 35-37 feet to find water. “This change in pattern is something I can’t explain,” he said, highlighting the difficulty posed by increasingly dry and compact ground conditions. Borehole Drilling Challenges Kassam Gaktuwe, a geologist and Managing Director of Benian General Services Limited, shared a similar story regarding boreholes. Previously, drilling 25-35 meters in Plateau was enough to access water. However, today, depths of over 100 meters often fail to yield results, forcing drillers to go as deep as 150 meters in some cases. “Climate change is affecting underground aquifers,” Kassam explained. “Aquifers that once held water are now empty, making it increasingly expensive to access water.” Rising Costs of Water Access The deeper digging requirements have significantly raised costs for both manual and machine-assisted drilling. Climate Change: A Shared Responsibility Dr. Meshach Alfa, an expert in water resources and environmental engineering, believes the crisis is reversible through collective action. He emphasized that unchecked resource exploitation and climate change threaten not just the environment but also global stability, infrastructure, and food security. Dr. Alfa advocated for: “Sustainable development requires an integrated approach that considers environmental, social, and economic factors,” he noted. Why This Matters Climate change affects everyone, regardless of social status. Ordinary individuals like Davou and experts like Alfa agree: urgent action is needed to integrate climate resilience into infrastructure and systems development. If ignored, the water scarcity in Plateau could soon become a nationwide crisis. By embracing sustainable practices and addressing climate change collectively, communities can secure a more stable future. SEO Details Let me know if you’d like further revisions! 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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Kano State’s Garun Mallam LGA shuts Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market due to rising cases of immorality. Plans for a skill acquisition center are proposed. Kano State’s Garun Mallam Local Government Area has officially closed the Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market following allegations that the location has become a hub for immoral activities, including prostitution, adultery, and homosexuality. Reports indicate that youths and even some married individuals were involved in these illicit acts within the market premises, prompting authorities to act swiftly. According to Aminu Kadawa, the Chairman of Garun Mallam Local Government, the closure aims to restore order and return the market to its intended purpose. Kadawa stated, “Considering how the market has turned into a center for prostitution and other immoral activities, it has been indefinitely closed to ensure sanity is restored.” He also announced a seven-day ultimatum for all occupants to vacate the premises or face legal consequences. Background of the DecisionThe decision has drawn support from key officials, including Aisha Saji, the Commissioner of Tourism and Management. Recalling her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs, Saji highlighted her prior efforts to combat immorality at the same market. During a security raid led by Hisbah officers and law enforcement, 43 individuals—including 34 females and nine males aged between 15 and 18—were arrested for prostitution and the illegal sale of alcoholic substances. “Shockingly, 14 of those arrested were confirmed to be HIV-positive. Ten of them knew their status, while four were unaware,” Saji revealed. She further noted that those involved hailed from Kano and neighboring states such as Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, and Taraba. Future Plans for the Market AreaAs part of long-term solutions, Saji suggested transforming the market site into a skill acquisition center. “This closure should not just mark the end of immoral activities but also serve as a stepping stone for development,” she emphasized. The proposed center aims to tackle unemployment by equipping youths with sustainable skills and reducing their vulnerability to social vices. While no reopening date has been announced for the Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market, local authorities remain firm in their commitment to enforcing morality and exploring ways to enhance community development. 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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Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, warning that the legislation could lead to regional imbalance and unrest in Nigeria. He described the reforms as unfavorable to northern Nigeria and urged the presidency to reconsider. Speaking on Thursday at the Government House in Bauchi while addressing the Christian community, Mohammed expressed his dissatisfaction with the bills currently being debated in the National Assembly. He argued that the proposed reforms are disproportionately designed to benefit a specific part of the country while neglecting the needs of the northern region. Key Concerns Highlighted by Governor Bala Mohammed Warning to the Presidency Governor Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, cautioned that if the presidency ignores the concerns raised by northern stakeholders, it risks fostering an environment of discontent and potential anarchy. He stated, “The presidency must pay attention to these cries about tax reform. This policy is not good for northern Nigeria. Without adequate funding, we cannot build roads or pay salaries. Policies must promote national unity, not division.” Regional Opposition to the Reform The proposed tax bills have faced rejection from northern governors, lawmakers, and the National Economic Council, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Critics argue that the reforms threaten to deepen economic disparities between regions and undermine the principle of equitable development. Governor Mohammed concluded his address by reaffirming the need for policies that serve the interests of all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or regional affiliation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
