Nelson Ugwuagbo

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that they will regret launching missiles into Israeli territory.

This comes after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel earlier on Tuesday.

Netanyahu emphasized that Iran made a significant mistake and will face consequences for their actions. “Whoever attacks us, we attack them,” he declared, as he convened an emergency meeting with his security cabinet late Tuesday.

Fortunately, the Israeli military has reported no injuries from the Iranian missile attack. According to Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, the military’s spokesperson, Israel’s air defenses successfully intercepted many of the incoming missiles, although some did land in central and southern Israel.

Hagari cautioned that the attack will have repercussions, urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to the army’s public safety guidelines.

The situation remains tense, with Israel poised to respond to Iran’s aggression.

Israel’s defense system, potentially backed by U.S. assets in the Mediterranean, has proven effective in mitigating the damage from the missile attack.

Emirates Airline, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has resumed its operations in Lagos, marking a significant return after a two-year hiatus.

This is coming two years after the suspension of operation by the airline over several issues including unresolved trapped funds belonging to the airline.

The flight EK 783 landed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Tuesday at 3:32 pm, arriving at the old terminal with several empty seats on its Boeing 777-300ER.

Despite the capacity to hold 392 passengers, the exact number of passengers aboard could not immediately be confirmed; however, eyewitnesses noted the visible presence of many unoccupied seats.

This sparse passenger load highlights the challenges airlines are facing as they resume operations post-pandemic and other operational suspensions.

According to reports by Daily Trust, the operational processes also saw departing passengers being processed at the new terminal, while those arriving were received at the old terminal.

One of the passengers said, “The flight was not full at all but as usual the services were very good. And I think this is understandable being the first flight after many years.”

Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a legal expert and public analyst, has advised that Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat should be delayed due to pressing sociopolitical issues at home.

Despite being Africa’s most populous nation and a key player in UN and AU peacekeeping missions, Nigeria’s domestic challenges need attention.

In a statement issued in Calabar, Cross River State, Ahiakwo emphasized that Nigeria’s internal issues should be prioritized before pursuing a permanent Security Council seat.

He noted that Nigeria’s active participation in global peacekeeping efforts is commendable, but its domestic governance, economic, and military capabilities require improvement.

Ahiakwo’s stance underscores the need for Nigeria to address its internal challenges to strengthen its candidacy for a permanent Security Council seat. This would enable the country to effectively contribute to global decision-making and solidify its position as a leader in African and international affairs.

He said, “Nigeria has contributed significantly to the UN’s activities, yet such doesn’t guarantee a permanent seat.

“The request may be desirable but certainly not at this moment of Nigeria’s history where she is confronted with diverse records of criminal occurrences ranging from terrorism, banditry, militia, and social unrest, threatening its territorial integrity and making it vulnerable to attacks.

“We are in a long-term battle with all sorts of internal challenges, setting the nation backwards with the rising crime rate and incredible economic hardship.”

The lawyer reasoned that for the country to be enlisted into the Security Council, it must, to the admiration of the other member nations, show strong stable economic growth, display overwhelming strength in military prowess, be independent and democratically mature to be a reliable voice amongst the comity of nations.

According to the analyst, Nigeria is yet to evidently prove to have earned.

Sadly, Ahiakwo posited that in the next two decades, the situation may not abate to qualify Nigeria for the Security Council.

He maintained that Nigeria can not effectively play the role required in such a position.

“Nigeria does not also have the necessary financial muscles to drive the process of policing the world.”

He explained that “A member of the Security Council is usually a dependable ally whose support for a common goal and purpose is seen and measured in proportionate financial contributions and gains derivable from the investment in other ancillary matters.

Ahiakwo advised that the current government should ensure the betterment of its citizenry and consolidate the efforts of taking the lead on regional and continental affairs before thinking of aspiring for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

The Lagos State Government has cracked down on unlicensed vehicles, impounding 241 of them in a recent enforcement exercise conducted by the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).

These vehicles were seized for violating the state’s transportation regulations, specifically for lacking proper registration.

According to Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, driving an unregistered vehicle undermines law enforcement efforts, making it harder to track stolen vehicles or those involved in criminal activities.

Osiyemi emphasized that driving without proper registration or identification marks is a serious offense, citing Sections 15 and 16 of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018.

Interestingly, one of the impounded vehicles was found with a fake dealer number plate, prompting an investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for issuing the fraudulent plate.

The Lagos State Government is serious about ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, and Osiyemi urges motorists to adhere to the rules to create a safe and secure environment for all road users.

This enforcement exercise is part of the government’s broader initiative to improve traffic management and road safety in Lagos State.

The Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) will continue to monitor and apprehend violators to maintain the free flow of traffic and safeguard motorists.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has declared that he is worth over €100 million. In an interview with Italian sports publication TuttoSport, Osimhen expressed confidence in his abilities.

Osimhen also asserted his position among the world’s top footballers, emphasizing his belief that he is currently one of the best. The Super Eagles striker’s statement reflects his growing reputation and impressive performances in the football world.

The 25-year-old was key to Napoli’s Scudetto triumph two seasons ago, scoring 26 goals in Serie A.

It saw Osimhen also become the first African player to become the Capocannoniere.

However, last season, it was clear that Osimhen was going to part ways with Napoli. He was linked to PSG, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Al Ahli, but the deal failed to materialize.

Eventually, he signed for Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long deal, after he was frozen out of Napoli’s squad for the season.

In his four games at the club, Osimhen has registered two goals and four assists.

And in a recent interview, Osimhen said: “I am worth more than 100 million euros. There are few players like me in the world who have achieved the same results and success as me.

“Everything is linked to my characteristics, the things I do on the pitch and my quality. I think I deserve a high valuation.

“I am aware of the contribution I can give to a team. Do people think differently? Some say 15 million euros, others say 100-120-150. Everyone has different opinions.”

Omoyele Sowore, the former Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for linking nationwide protests to alleged plans to overthrow the administration.

Sowore deemed the government’s stance hypocritical, noting its instruction for Nigerians to postpone their grievances until the 2027 election cycle.

This follows the government’s response to the #EndBadGovernance protests, where demonstrators were advised to wait until 2027 to express discontent at the polls.

Following the #EndBadGovernance protests, several demonstrators faced arrest and court charges for purportedly attempting to topple the Tinubu government. Addressing the #FearlessInOctober protest in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Tuesday, Sowore refuted claims of any plans to overthrow the government.

Sowore highlighted the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) own protest history, citing the Occupy Nigeria demonstrations held in 2012 while the party was in opposition. “The APC protested in 2012, three years before the 2015 election. They didn’t wait. They’re simply hypocrites,” Sowore stated.

A horrific bus accident has claimed multiple lives after a vehicle carrying primary school children crashed and caught fire on the outskirts of Bangkok. Authorities fear the death toll may exceed 20.

The bus was returning from a school trip in the northern province of Uthai Thani when the tragic accident occurred.

Out of the 41 passengers, 16 children and three teachers managed to escape the burning bus. However, 22 children and three teachers are still missing, according to Thailand’s Transport Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit.

Rescue efforts have been hampered due to the intense heat from the fire, and investigators have not yet been able to fully examine the charred vehicle.

Eyewitness reports and photographs from the scene show the bus completely engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising as firefighters battled the blaze. Eight survivors were sent to the hospital for treatment, with many suffering from severe injuries.

Transport Minister Juangroongruangkit pointed to the use of compressed natural gas as a key factor in the severity of the fire, labeling the fuel as “extremely risky” for passenger vehicles. He called for a review of regulations regarding its use.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her deep condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “The government will cover medical costs and provide compensation for those who lost their lives.” She also ordered ministers to visit the site.

The accident is believed to have been caused by a tyre blowout that sent the bus crashing into a barrier on the highway.

Rescue workers confirmed the fire started at the front of the bus, with many of the victims trapped towards the back.

The driver of the bus fled the scene but authorities are confident he will be apprehended soon. The ages of the children onboard range from 3 to 15, but exact details remain unclear.

Thailand is known for its poor road safety record, with roughly 20,000 road fatalities per year.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have sealed a groundbreaking deal with Russia to acquire advanced telecommunications and surveillance satellites.

This landmark agreement was finalized in Bamako, Mali, through a meeting with Roscosmos officials.

The satellites will significantly boost national security and border surveillance capabilities for the three West African nations.

According to Mali’s Finance Minister, Alousséni Sanou, the technology will ensure secure communications and enhance emergency response efforts, including natural disasters like floods, droughts, and fires.

The Sahel region’s vast, porous borders have been exploited by Islamist insurgents, posing a major challenge to security forces. To counter this, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s military juntas are leveraging satellite technology to improve surveillance and response capabilities.

This strategic move is part of Russia’s expanding influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel.

As relations between West African countries and Western allies deteriorate, Russia sees an opportunity to strengthen its regional foothold.

The satellite deal underscores Russia’s growing presence in Africa’s security landscape, enabling Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to enhance their security strategy and counter insurgent threats more effectively.

China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, according to a senior US defense official, potentially embarrassing Beijing as it expands its military capabilities.

This incident comes as China already boasts the world’s largest navy, with over 370 ships, and is producing a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines.

The senior US defense official revealed that the submarine sank alongside a pier between May and June, although the exact cause and whether it had nuclear fuel on board remain unclear.

In response, a Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington claimed they had no information to provide, stating, “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide.”

This incident raises concerns about the People’s Liberation Army’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has struggled with corruption. The PLA Navy may try to conceal the sinking, highlighting the need for transparency.

Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo acknowledged that authorities are monitoring the situation through intelligence and surveillance methods. Taiwan keeps a close eye on China’s military activities, especially after a Chinese nuclear submarine was spotted in the Taiwan Strait near Taiwanese fishermen in June.

China’s military expansion includes a growing submarine force, expected to reach 65 by 2025 and 80 by 2035. The country recently conducted a rare intercontinental ballistic missile launch into the Pacific Ocean, sparking international concerns about its nuclear buildup.

The US and China have held talks to stabilize military ties and avoid misunderstandings, particularly in regional hotspots like the South China Sea.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed seven executive directors to lead the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). 

This decision was made public through a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

The newly appointed executive directors bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles.

Key Appointments Include:

– Ayo Adewuyi: has been reappointed as Executive Director of News.

– Bar. Ibrahim Aliyu: A seasoned legal practitioner, takes on the role of Executive Director, Special Duties.

– Malam Muhammed Fatuhu Mustapha: He will oversee Administration and Training as Executive Director.

– Mrs Apinke Effiong: an expert in financial marketing, who becomes Executive Director of Finance.

– Mrs Tari Taylaur: a talented audio/visual creator, producer, and showrunner, appointed as Executive Director, Programme.

– Mr Sadique Musa Omeiza: who will lead Engineering as Executive Director.

– Mrs Oluwakemi Fashina: A seasoned integrated marketing communications professional and chartered marketer, takes the reins as Executive Director, Marketing.

These appointments aim to enhance the NTA’s operational efficiency and programming quality.