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North will back Tinubu in 2027 – Gov Inuwa

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum has declared the North’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the administration’s fulfillment of key electoral promises to the region.

Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of a two-day interactive session on government-citizen engagement organised by the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House, Kaduna, Yahaya said the North’s strong backing for Tinubu in the 2023 election was a strategic move now delivering results in infrastructure, security, energy, and agriculture.

“When candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu stood before us during the 2023 campaign, he made specific commitments to Northern Nigeria. The north, believing in President Tinubu’s vision, voted strongly for him, contributing to over 60% of Tinubu’s winning votes,” the governor said.

He noted that the event, themed ‘Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,’ was not convened for “empty rhetoric” but to honestly evaluate the performance of the federal government against its stated objectives.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration has shown steady progress despite daunting economic and security challenges.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

“Today, we gather not for empty rhetoric, but to examine those promises and assess the level of progress so far. What we find is an administration that has delivered meaningful results for our region despite facing significant national challenges. I make bold to say that the evidence of progress is visible across our region,” Inuwa said.

He cited a number of federal projects to show the president’s commitment to northern development.

These include the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, rehabilitation of the Kaduna refinery, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, and continuation of drilling activities in the Kolmani oilfields.

“These projects promise to bring industrial growth and energy security to Northern Nigeria,” the governor said, adding that the administration’s renewed hope agenda is gradually transforming long-standing ambitions into reality,” he said.

Beyond legacy projects, Governor Inuwa highlighted emerging initiatives such as the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, inter-state road networks, and agriculture value chain investments specifically targeting northern states.

He also noted the ongoing expansion and upgrade of healthcare facilities as evidence of deliberate federal policies aimed at improving the well-being of northern citizens.

Inuwa further commended the federal government’s efforts in addressing insecurity, revealing that over 300 bandit kingpins and terrorist commanders have been eliminated through coordinated military operations and enhanced intelligence gathering.

6 countries where Nigerians can gain citizenship by birth

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The United States Mission in Nigeria on Monday, warned that any visa applicant found to be travelling primarily to give birth in the U.S. to secure citizenship for their child will be denied entry.

The warning was issued in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) via the official handle @USinNigeria.

The mission stressed that consular officers will deny visa applications if they suspect the applicant’s primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States.

“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the post stated, tagging it with hashtags #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa.

Read Also: Seven Asian countries Nigerians can visit without visa

However, as US immigration policies become more strict, a number of countries still uphold unrestricted birthright citizenship, granting automatic citizenship by birth to anyone born on their soil, regardless of parental citizenship or legal status.

Here are six countries welcoming citizen by birth for Nigerians

1. Canada

Canada grants automatic citizenship to any child born within its borders. While the child is immediately recognized as a citizen, foreign parents must go through a separate immigration process to gain citizenship, typically through family reunification.

Canada’s passport ranks among the top 10 most powerful in the world.

2. Mexico

Mexico maintains unrestricted birthright citizenship, excluding only children of foreign diplomats. All others born on Mexican territory are entitled to citizenship by law.

3. Brazil

In Brazil, all children born in the country are constitutionally guaranteed citizenship.

Parents are allowed to apply for residency, and can proceed to naturalization after just one year.

The Brazilian passport ranks among the 20 strongest passports globally.

4. Argentina

Argentina provides automatic citizenship to any child born within its borders.

Foreign parents can apply for citizenship after only one year of residence, making it one of the most lenient systems in the world.

The Argentine passport also ranks among the top 20 globally.

5. Peru

Peru offers unrestricted jus soli, granting citizenship to any child born in the country, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

While the child becomes a citizen at birth, foreign parents can apply for residency and later seek naturalization.

Peru’s passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries, including most of Latin America and parts of Europe.

6. Costa Rica

Children born in Costa Rica automatically receive citizenship.

Parents can apply for residency after three years and may seek naturalization after a total of ten years (three years before application + seven years of residency).

Though the process is longer, the country remains an attractive option due to its stable legal framework and peaceful environment.

Baseball legend Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame cubs second baseman dies at 65

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Baseball Hall of Famer and beloved Chicago Cubs icon, Ryne Sandberg, has died at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

The Chicago Cubs confirmed the news on Monday via a statement on social media platform X, saying, “With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today.”

Sandberg, known affectionately as “Ryno,” spent 15 unforgettable seasons with the Cubs after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981. Traded to Chicago that same year, he quickly became a franchise cornerstone and one of the greatest second basemen in Major League Baseball (MLB) history.

Over his illustrious career, Sandberg was selected for 10 All-Star Games, won nine Gold Glove Awards for defensive excellence, and earned seven Silver Slugger Awards. He was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1984, a season where he batted .314 with 114 runs, 19 triples, 19 home runs, and 84 RBIs.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute, calling Sandberg “a five-tool player who excelled in every facet of the game thanks to his power, speed, and work ethic.”

“Ryne remained active in the game he loved… His many friends across the game were in his corner as he courageously fought cancer in recent years. We will continue to support the important work of Stand Up To Cancer in Ryne’s memory,” Manfred said.

Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, also honored Sandberg’s legacy, praising his “relentless work ethic and unshakable positive outlook.” She highlighted his 2005 Hall of Fame induction speech as a testament to his character and deep respect for baseball.

Sandberg hit .285 over 2,164 career games with a .344 on-base percentage, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBIs, and 344 stolen bases. He led the National League in home runs in 1990 with 40 — an astonishing feat for a second baseman.

Read Also: Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash

Despite the Cubs only making two playoff appearances during his tenure, Sandberg made a strong impact in the postseason, batting .385 in 10 games with one home run, six RBIs, and three stolen bases.

After retiring, Sandberg returned to baseball as a manager, leading the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015 and continuing to mentor young players in the minor leagues and spring training camps.

Current Cubs manager Craig Counsell reflected on Sandberg’s visit to spring training earlier this year, saying, “It was an honor to be around a man battling for his life but still wanted to come to the baseball park and spend his day with us. We’re grateful for that time.”

Tributes also poured in from former teammates, including Cubs great Mark Grace, who said, “When you examine the offense and defense, you’ll find some years where he was the best player you’ve ever seen in your life.”

In 2023, the Cubs honored Sandberg with a statue outside Wrigley Field — a permanent reminder of his legendary career and impact on the game.

Sandberg is survived by his family, teammates, and countless fans who will forever remember his greatness both on and off the field.

Ex-football player Shane Tamura opens fire at NFL HQ, kills 4 before killing self

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New York City was left reeling Monday evening after a deadly shooting at a prestigious office skyscraper on Park Avenue claimed five lives, including that of an NYPD officer, before the gunman turned the weapon on himself.

The tragic incident unfolded at 345 Park Avenue, home to the National Football League’s headquarters, when 27-year-old Shane Tamura opened fire inside the building, killing four people and injuring others before committing suicide on the 33rd floor.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the motive behind the mass shooting. However, early findings suggest a possible link to mental health struggles associated with sports-related brain trauma. According to The New York Post, a suicide note discovered near Tamura’s body referenced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition often found in athletes with a history of repeated head injuries, and criticized the NFL’s handling of player safety.

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Tamura, a former high school football player who had more recently worked as a security guard in Las Vegas, reportedly wrote in his note that the sport “ruined his mind” and contributed to his declining mental health. The multi-page letter also reportedly described feelings of paranoia, depression, and disorientation, which he linked directly to his past football experience.

Law enforcement sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the letter could provide a critical window into Tamura’s troubled state of mind leading up to the attack. No known connection between Tamura and the victims has yet been confirmed.

The NYPD, FBI, and mental health experts are now collaborating to examine the full extent of Tamura’s medical history and potential signs of untreated neurological issues. The case has reignited debate around the long-term risks of contact sports and raised pressing questions about security protocols in high-profile office buildings.

The names of the victims have not yet been released as authorities notify families.

City officials have condemned the attack as a “shocking act of violence” and have vowed to support the victims’ families while strengthening security measures at public and private institutions.

More updates to follow as the investigation continues.

Okpebholo suspends oil, gas adviser over alleged unauthorised fundraising

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Gov. Monday Okpebholo has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, for alleged unauthorized fundraising over an upcoming Oil and Gas summit in Edo

The suspension was announced in a statement issued the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, on Tuesday in Benin.

Read Also: Okpebholo suspends Edo civil service recruitment

The SSG said the governor also announced the immediate halt of the planned summit, scheduled to begin on Aug. 7.

“Due to the breach, the proposed summit is suspended, and Isere is directed to refund all monies collected from donors for the event.

“Prospective donors are hereby advised to stop all dealings with the suspended adviser,” Ikhilor said.

(NAN)

Lassa fever kills 152 in Nigeria — NCDC

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 152 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 28 weeks of 2025.

This marks a higher case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7 per cent compared to 17.3 per cent within the same period in 2024.

According to the latest situation report released by the NCDC on Monday via its official website, 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections have been recorded so far.

The Public Health agency said that these span 21 states and 105 local government areas, with the highest burden concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Ebonyi states

“We are witnessing a slight decline in the total number of confirmed cases compared to 2024, but the fatality rate has increased,” it said.

It also indicated possible late presentation, poor health-seeking behaviour and limited access to early treatment as contributing factors.

The agency said that in epidemiological week 28 alone, 11 new confirmed cases and one death were recorded, with reported infections from Ondo, Edo, and Benue states.

It said that no healthcare workers were affected during the week.

The NCDC said that individuals aged 21–30 years remained the most affected age group, with a nearly equal male-to-female distribution of cases

In response to the ongoing outbreak, the agency and its partners have intensified interventions in high-burden areas.

“Ten National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to affected states using a One Health approach.

Read Also: Kwara begins free hepatitis screening in 16 LGAs

“INTEGRATE Clinical Trials have commenced in Ondo state to support improved case management.

“Healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states have received targeted training to strengthen clinical response,” it said.

It said that environmental campaigns and community sensitisation activities were underway, in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch, WHO, Pro-Health International, IHVN and other key partners.

Meanwhile, the agency has launched its Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform, supported by the Global Fund.

It distributed IPC materials and medical countermeasures such as Ribavirin, PPEs, and disinfectants to states and treatment centres.

Despite intensified efforts, the NCDC said that several persistent challenges remained.

“These include the late presentation of cases, which contributes to the high fatality rate.

“Poor environmental sanitation in affected areas also hinders effective control of the disease.

“Additionally, low awareness levels in vulnerable communities and the high cost of treatment continue to discourage prompt health-seeking behaviour.”

The agency stressed the need for community engagement, early detection and prompt treatment to reduce fatalities as Nigeria battles to curb the spread of the disease.

It appealed to the public to avoid contact with rodents and to seek prompt medical care at designated treatment centres at the first sign of symptoms such as fever, headache or bleeding.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to continously maintain hygiene, report symptoms early and avoid contact with rodents and their secretions.

“The public is also encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and utilise the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries,” it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats.

It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects or infected medical equipment.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from the body openings.

(NAN)

Kwara begins free hepatitis screening in 16 LGAs

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The Kwara State Government has announced plans to begin free hepatitis screening across all 16 Local Government Areas of the state, as part of efforts to combat the disease and mark the 2025 World Hepatitis Day.

Dr Amina El-Imam, the State Commissioner for Health, said this known during a news conference in Ilorin on Monday.

She explained that the 2025 theme, “Let’s Break It Down,” was a call for greater awareness, clarity, and action against viral hepatitis.

“It reminds us of the urgent need to demystify hepatitis, debunk myths, and dismantle barriers preventing access to testing and treatment,” she said.

Read Also: Nigeria’s inflation rate drops to 22.22% in June — NBS

El-Imam noted that hepatitis, particularly types B and C, remained a major public health challenge in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

According to her, these infections can lead to serious complications such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.

Citing World Health Organisation (WHO) data, she stated that hepatitis-related liver diseases claimed about 1.1 million lives globally each year.

She emphasised that early diagnosis, vaccination, and timely treatment were essential in preventing hepatitis-related illnesses and deaths.

“Many people remain undiagnosed due to limited access to testing and low public awareness,” she said.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, in alignment with Nigeria’s National Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan and WHO’s global targets.

(NAN)

US warns against using visa to give Birth for Citizenship

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The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to visa applicants, cautioning that any individual found to be travelling primarily to give birth in the U.S. for the purpose of securing American citizenship for their child will be denied entry.

The advisory was posted on Monday via the mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @USinNigeria, as part of a broader awareness campaign aimed at curbing visa misuse.

“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the statement read.

Read Also: Visa-free countries Nigerians can visit in the Americas

An image accompanying the post reinforced the message, stating plainly:

“We will deny your visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to get U.S. citizenship for your child. This is not permitted.”

The campaign, which carries the hashtags #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa, aims to educate prospective travelers on the proper use of U.S. visas and discourage attempts to exploit the immigration system.

The U.S. government has consistently reiterated that while giving birth in the U.S. is not illegal, doing so with the sole purpose of obtaining birthright citizenship without transparency violates visa rules.

BREAKING: Tinubu confers National honours on Super Falcons, gifts each player $100,000

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded national honours to the victorious Super Falcons of Nigeria following their historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

At a reception held on Monday at the State House in Abuja, the president also announced a cash reward of $100,000 (equivalent in naira) for each of the 24 players, in recognition of their outstanding performance and for clinching Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu hosts Super Falcons after historic WAFCON win

In addition to the players’ rewards, members of the technical crew will each receive $50,000, further underscoring the government’s appreciation for their efforts in guiding the team to continental glory.

The Super Falcons defeated host nation Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final in Rabat, reinforcing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

President Tinubu had earlier commended the team during a video call on Sunday, promising to receive and celebrate them in Abuja, a promise he fulfilled with fanfare.

The conferment of national honours and financial gifts is seen as a major morale booster for women’s football in Nigeria.

EFCC arrests 32 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 32 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi State as part of its ongoing clampdown on cybercrime across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that the arrests were made by operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate. The suspects were apprehended in the Sabon Kaura and Gwalameji areas of Bauchi, following credible intelligence reports linking them to fraudulent internet activities.

During the operation, a number of items believed to be proceeds of cybercrime were recovered from the suspects. These include multiple mobile devices—nine Samsung phones, 15 iPhones, one Infinix, three Redmi phones, and two iPads—as well as eight laptop computers.

Read Also: EFCC drops fraud cases against Oba Otudeko

Other items recovered include a Peugeot 406 vehicle, two PlayStation 4 consoles, one PlayStation 5, four Neonx Auto motorcycles, a Maxi E50KWH generator, and a pistol.

Oyewale noted that the suspects are currently in custody and will be formally charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts in combating cybercrime, warning that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in line with the law.