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Congratulations!!
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
A huge congratulations to the newly elected President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone!
This momentous achievement marks a historic milestone as Dr. Fatima Maada Bio becomes the first Sierra Leonean First Lady to take on this prestigious leadership role. This incredible accomplishment not only highlights her dedication but also elevates Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and developmental presence on the continental stage! 🌍✨
Dr. Bio’s election is a powerful testament to her commitment to championing critical issues such as women’s empowerment, healthcare, and education throughout Africa. This is a proud moment for Sierra Leone and a transformational leap forward for the entire continent!
Let’s celebrate this groundbreaking step as we say: #WeMove! 🚀💪🏽
Passenger Plane and Military Helicopter Collide Near Washington, DC, Prompting Major Emergency Response
A mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport has led to an extensive emergency operation and the temporary suspension of airport activities.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The aircraft involved were a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The passenger plane had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the military helicopter carried three personnel.
Emergency Response and Concerns Over Survivors
Reports from Al Jazeera described a massive response at the crash site, with emergency teams deploying boats and rescue vehicles.
“This is the primary airport serving the Washington, DC, area,” a source stated. “We believe both aircraft are in the river, which is deeply concerning. Survival time in this water is estimated to be no more than 90 minutes.”
Unconfirmed Casualties and Investigation Underway
Authorities have not yet released official information regarding casualties. However, Senator Ted Cruz confirmed fatalities without specifying numbers.
Video footage circulating on social media allegedly captures the moment of impact, followed by an explosion. Preliminary reports suggest an air traffic controller instructed the helicopter to pass behind the approaching aircraft just moments before the crash.
Government officials, including President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have been briefed on the incident. Trump stated he had been “fully briefed” on the “terrible accident”.
Airport Closure and Investigation
The FAA announced that Ronald Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least 5 a.m. on Friday. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Department of Defense have launched an official investigation into the cause of the crash.
If confirmed, this would be the first fatal crash involving a US commercial airline since 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed in Buffalo, New York, killing 49 people.
Ronald Reagan National Airport, located just outside Washington, DC, is a critical hub for domestic air travel.
FG Prepares for Possible Deportation of Nigerians from the U.S.
The Nigerian government is gearing up to receive any of its citizens who might be deported from the United States as part of a wider crackdown on illegal immigration.
According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), an inter-agency committee has already been set up to handle the situation. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission’s Director of Media and Corporate Affairs, confirmed in an interview that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading the effort to manage any potential mass deportation.
What’s the Current Situation?
Reports indicate that about 3,690 Nigerians in the U.S. could face deportation. This comes as part of former President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement targeting undocumented migrants. A document from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), titled “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship”, sheds light on the numbers.
As of November 24, 2024, ICE reports that there are 1,445,549 non-citizens with final deportation orders in the U.S. Among them, Mexicans and Salvadorans top the list, with 252,044 and 203,822 individuals slated for removal. Nigerians, along with other African nationals, are also among those at risk.
Is Nigeria Expecting Mass Deportations?
At the moment, NiDCOM says it has not received any official communication about Nigerians being processed for deportation. However, in light of ICE’s reports, the Nigerian government is staying proactive. The inter-agency committee handling the situation includes:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- NiDCOM (Nigerians in Diaspora Commission)
- Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
- Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA)
These agencies are working together to ensure a smooth reintegration process should deportations occur.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown in Full Swing
Last week, U.S. authorities ramped up deportation efforts, arresting hundreds of migrants. Some were even flown out of the country on military aircraft. Given these developments, Nigerians living in the U.S. without legal status might soon find themselves under increased scrutiny.
What’s Next?
While it remains uncertain how many Nigerians will actually be deported, the Federal Government appears prepared to assist returnees. For Nigerians in the U.S. facing immigration issues, now might be the time to seek legal counsel and explore all available options.
Telecom Tariff Hike: Subscribers Engage NCC as Labour Gears Up for Showdown
Labour Unions Oppose Tariff Increase, Demand Protection for Nigerians Against Exploitation
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) is set to meet with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) today to push for a reduction of the recently approved 50% telecom tariff hike. Subscribers are advocating for a more modest 10% increase, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) prepares for potential protests to oppose the decision.
The federal government approved a 50% tariff increase after telecom operators initially sought a 100% hike. Subscribers have warned that if discussions with the NCC fail, they will file a lawsuit next week to challenge the policy.
A Decade-Long Wait for Tariff Adjustment Sparks Controversy
The tariff hike—the first in over ten years—was introduced to support Nigeria’s struggling telecommunications sector, which contributes approximately 14% to the nation’s GDP. However, the decision has sparked heated debates, with labour unions and consumer groups arguing that it places an undue burden on Nigerians already grappling with economic challenges.
Joseph Ajaero, President of the NLC, criticized the hike, calling it an added strain on workers earning less than $50 monthly. The union hinted at possible collective actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services, to force a policy reversal.
Subscribers Advocate Constructive Solutions
NATCOMS President Adeolu Ogunbanjo highlighted the importance of constructive engagement over protests, which he believes could harm investor confidence. “Going to court is the civil way to address this, not boycotting telecom services,” Ogunbanjo stated. He emphasized that the telecom sector, a successful model of privatisation in Nigeria, should not be jeopardized through disruptive actions.
Ogunbanjo also urged telecom operators to consider alternative funding avenues, such as raising capital through public stock offerings, instead of relying on tariff hikes. “These businesses are private enterprises. Investors will buy into the telecom sector if they go public. Protests are not the solution,” he added.
Labour Unions Signal Readiness for Action
The NLC has called for peaceful demonstrations and boycotts to express dissatisfaction with the tariff hike. NLC Public Relations Officer Benson Upah encouraged Nigerians to peacefully resist policies that worsen their economic struggles. “Citizens have a right to protest policies they find unacceptable. Such actions must remain peaceful yet impactful,” Upah said.
The Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Sessi Funmi, suggested that the union might escalate its actions, potentially staging protests at telecom service providers’ headquarters or organizing boycotts. “The NLC will consult its National Executive Council to decide on the next steps,” Funmi stated.
Students Reject Hike, Issue Ultimatum
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also rejected the tariff increase, describing it as “unjustifiable and inconsiderate.” NANS issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the NCC and the Ministry of Communications to reverse the hike, warning of nationwide protests if their demands are not met.
The student body emphasized that affordable internet access is critical for education and development. They argued that the tariff hike would deepen the digital divide and further exclude millions of students from educational opportunities. “The burden of operational costs should not be passed onto students and the public,” NANS stated.
Government and Telcos Justify Tariff Increase
Finance Minister Wale Edun defended the tariff hike during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He described the adjustment as necessary to address rising inflation and operational costs while ensuring improved service quality. “The tariff increase must reflect economic realities, but it will be reviewed periodically to ensure fairness,” Edun said.
Telecom operators, including MTN and Airtel, also expressed support for the tariff hike, emphasizing its importance for maintaining infrastructure, improving service quality, and driving innovation. MTN CEO Karl Toriola stated that the increase would enable critical investments to sustain reliable services, while Airtel CEO Dinesh Balsingh highlighted the need for the adjustment to foster long-term industry growth.
Conclusion
As the controversy over the telecom tariff hike intensifies, stakeholders remain divided. While labour unions and consumer groups advocate for a reversal or reduction, the government and telecom operators argue that the hike is vital for sustaining the sector. With protests and lawsuits looming, the coming weeks will determine whether a compromise can be reached to balance the interests of consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.
Today in History
Today, we remember and honor Chief James Ajibola Idowu Adegoke Ige, SAN, fondly known as Bola Ige, a true statesman, legal luminary, and advocate for justice. Born on September 13, 1930, in Esa Oke, Osun State, and tragically assassinated on December 23, 2001, Bola Ige’s life was one of profound service and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.Today in Rwanda
This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received Hon. Tete Antonio, Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, who delivered, as Special Envoy, a message on behalf of H.E. President João Lourenço, Facilitator of the Luanda Process.
President Kagame also met with a delegation from the African Materials Research Society (AMRS) and the African Renaissance Institute for Science and Technology (ARIST), led by AMRS Board Chair, Prof Wole Soboyejo. 
The delegation is in Kigali for the ongoing 12th International Conference of the African Materials Research Society, bringing together over 500 of the world’s top materials scientists, researchers, industrialists, and professors in different fields to build knowledge, promote collaboration, and reflect on the needs of the global research community, and the needs that are specific to Africa.
Celebrating Africa Legends: Wole Soyinka
A Beacon of Literary Excellence and Activism
Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian playwright, poet, essayist, and political activist, stands as one of the most distinguished literary figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Soyinka’s life and works reflect his unyielding commitment to artistry, truth, and social justice.
He is the first African laureate to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, an honor he received in 1986 for his profound contributions to the world of letters.
Early Life and Education
Wole Soyinka was born into a Yoruba family, with his father, Samuel Ayodele Soyinka, a school headmaster, and his mother, Grace Eniola Soyinka, a shopkeeper and activist. These influences instilled in him a deep respect for education and a keen awareness of societal issues.
He studied at Government College in Ibadan before attending the University College Ibadan, where he immersed himself in literature. Soyinka later traveled to England to further his studies at the University of Leeds, where he developed his distinctive voice as a writer.
Literary Contributions
Soyinka’s body of work spans multiple genres, from plays and novels to poetry and essays. His writing often delves into themes of oppression, identity, corruption, and the complexities of African traditions in a rapidly modernizing world.
Political Activism
Wole Soyinka’s life is as remarkable as his art. He is renowned for his courage in standing against tyranny and injustice. During Nigeria’s civil war in the late 1960s, Soyinka was imprisoned for attempting to negotiate peace between warring factions. Despite his imprisonment, he continued to write, smuggling out poetry that was later published in “Poems from Prison” (1969).
Soyinka’s activism has often placed him at odds with dictatorial regimes, earning him both admiration and persecution. He has consistently used his platform to advocate for democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression across Africa and the world.
The Nobel Prize and Beyond
When Soyinka won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, he was praised for being a writer “who in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones fashions the drama of existence.” This achievement not only cemented his status as a global literary icon but also spotlighted African literature on the world stage.
Legacy and Influence
Wole Soyinka’s influence transcends literature. He has inspired generations of writers, thinkers, and activists with his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power. His works continue to be studied worldwide, offering timeless lessons on the human condition and the responsibilities of individuals in shaping society.
Wole Soyinka’s legacy is one of profound intellect, creativity, and resilience. Through his art and activism, he has become a symbol of courage and integrity, not just for Nigeria but for the global community. As he continues to write and speak out on contemporary issues, Soyinka remains a towering figure whose life serves as a testament to the power of words and the enduring spirit of humanity.
Breaking: Tinubu arrives N’Assembly to present 2025 budget
President Bola Tinubu arrived at the National Assembly at 12:10 PM on Wednesday for the formal presentation of the 2025 budget proposal, set at ₦47.96 trillion.
This follows Monday’s Federal Executive Council approval and the Senate’s endorsement of the 2025–2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework on November 22.
The budget aligns with these frameworks, emphasizing fiscal strategies and adjustments. The revised timeline highlights the need for thorough refinements before submission.
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Joshua Beckford: Redefining What’s Possible as a Young Prodigy
Meet Joshua Beckford, a young genius whose remarkable story has captured global attention. Born in 2004, Beckford is widely celebrated for becoming the youngest person ever admitted to the prestigious University of Oxford at the tender age of six. But his achievements go far beyond academic brilliance—they showcase the power of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference.
A Remarkable Start
Joshua Beckford’s extraordinary abilities were evident early in life. By the age of two, he could read fluently and mastered speaking Japanese by three. His father, Knox Daniel, noticed his keen intellect and sought to nurture it by exposing him to challenging educational opportunities.
At six years old, Beckford enrolled in Oxford University’s online philosophy program for gifted children. His success in the course was nothing short of extraordinary. Studying topics like morality, ethics, and logic, Beckford earned distinctions and demonstrated a level of understanding that even many adults would find daunting.
Beyond Academics
Joshua Beckford’s brilliance extends far beyond the classroom. He is an advocate for social change and a passionate voice for environmental conservation. At a young age, he developed a strong interest in climate action, becoming a staunch supporter of green initiatives and raising awareness about the need to care for our planet.
Beckford is also an activist for autism awareness. Living with high-functioning autism himself, he uses his platform to challenge stigmas surrounding neurodiversity and to inspire others to celebrate unique talents. He represents the possibility that those with autism can excel in ways the world might not yet understand.
A Heart for Humanity
In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Beckford dedicates time to philanthropic activities. He has worked on projects aimed at supporting underprivileged communities, particularly in Africa. For instance, he has been involved in initiatives to raise funds for building schools in rural areas, ensuring children have access to the education they need to fulfill their potential.
Beckford’s advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further highlights his global perspective. He believes in empowering others through education and creating a sustainable future for all—a vision that aligns with the growing urgency to address systemic issues worldwide.
Recognition and Legacy
Joshua Beckford’s groundbreaking achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the world’s most intelligent children. He has been honored by organizations across the globe for his contributions to education, autism advocacy, and environmental conservation.
Yet Beckford’s legacy isn’t just about what he has achieved. It is about the inspiration he offers to people of all ages. He challenges the traditional notions of capability, showing that the limits we impose on ourselves often have little to do with our actual potential.
D5 Creation