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North Korea Fires Missile After Threatening Retaliation

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North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Japan’s government has said.

The defence ministry confirmed it was launched on Saturday, flew for 66 minutes and landed in the Sea of Japan.

It comes after Pyongyang showed off its massive military might in a parade that included more than a dozen ICBMs.

On Friday, North Korea threatened to unleash an “unprecedentedly strong” retaliation to any military drills between South Korea and the US.

The annual springtime exercises, which are due to start next month, are designed to help fend off North Korea’s increasing nuclear threats. But Pyongyang has long insisted the drills are in preparation to invade North Korea.

Saturday’s missile, which is the first to be launched since new year’s day, splashed down west of Hokkaido, in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) at 18:27 (09:27 GMT), Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. An EEZ is an area of the sea that a country has jurisdiction over. Japan’s is a 200-nautical mile area off its coast.

It landed some 900km (560 miles) away, and reached an altitude of 5,700km, government spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno said in Tokyo. While that is incredibly high – the edge of space is about 100km – it is not the highest a North Korean missile has flown.

In November, an ICBM reached an altitude of 6,100km. Previously, in January 2022, North Korea released extraordinary photos of the Earth that it claimed were taken from a missile launch that reached 2,000km.

ICBMs are particularly worrying because of their long range, including mainland United States.

Japan’s Defence Minister Hamada Yasukazu said Saturday’s missile would have been able to do this, with a possible range of 14,000km.

“This series of actions by North Korea threatens the peace and stability of Japan and the international community, and is absolutely unforgivable,” Mr Matsuno said.

South Korea’s military reported the missile was launched from the Sunan district, north of Pyongyang, where the international airport is located. It is also where North Korea has launched most of its recent ICBM tests.

North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programmes are banned by the UN Security Council. But this has not stopped Pyongyang from continuing with its weapons development, and holding elaborate military parades to show them off.

Nigerian University Inaugurates New Recording Studio

Oluwasola Akintonde
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The Federal University of Technology, Minna, has inaugurated a beautiful new recording studio created sumptuously and magnificently by the BuyPower organization.

GospelOnDebeatz, a well-known music producer and founder of Alternate sound, underlined that the newly constructed studio was a project intended to support, nurture, mold, and contribute to the path of every young creative. The young people needed to cultivate and work consistently on self-development for self-positioning as this was the only way to achieve, he continued, stressing that simply wanting something was not enough.

One of the challenges that student artists in Nigeria encounter is the need for adequate equipment and materials to produce excellent work. Because majority of the materials and instruments required for making art are imported, they are expensive and may only be accessible on occasion. The importance of utilizing cutting-edge technology inside the institution for a sufficient learning experience cannot be overstated.

However, Nigerian universities are improving in this area as they continue to preserve and construct the facilities and equipment students need for an optimal learning experience. The Federal University of Technology, Minna, is a Nigerian university dedicated to improving students’ learning using cutting-edge technology.

The budding musicians were privileged to speak with and learn from GospelOnDebeatz, a well-known music producer and founder of Alternate sound.

He went one step further by granting four visionary creatives who were eager and motivated to succeed; scholarship possibilities at his esteemed Music Academy, “SCRIIPO.”

It was a fantastic occasion that heralded a new era in the lives of young and ambitious creatives from the Federal University of Technology Minna. The event ended as the music producer GospelOnDebeatz demonstrated his talent by composing a beat from scratch and having comedian Seyi Law voice it.

The occasion was attended by the representative of the vice-chancellor of the institution’s Post-Graduate School, Professor Karmardeen Abubakre; the representative of the Chairman Search Media Board, Professor J.O Oyero; acclaimed Music Producer GospelOnDebeatz; and Comedian Seyi Law, among others.

 

Tribune/Olusola Akintonde

Libya Marks Twelve Anniversary Ouster Of Moammar Gadhafi

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Libyans on Friday marked the 12th anniversary of their 2011 uprising. Many cities witnessed major celebrations and in the capital, Tripoli, residents took to the streets to celebrate, with squares decorated with national flags and lights.

Music performances by Libyan singers and bands attracted large crowds of people in Tripoli’s main square.

A huge military parade took place in the square as part of the celebrations as well.

“I congratulate the Libyan people on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the February 17 revolution, and God willing, we’ll grow from better to better. If God allows it next year we will have a government elected by the entire Libyan people, and Libya will unite and become one state.” Rabie Imran, one of the men celebrating on the streets of Tripoli said.

The anniversary of the uprising comes amid the continuing political stalemate and government division since elections could not be held since December 2021.

The county split into two rival administrations in the chaos that followed the uprising, each backed by different rogue militias and foreign governments.

The UN special envoy for Libya warned at the end of last year that signs of partition are already evident and urged influential nations to pressure Libya’s rival leaders to urgently finalize the constitutional basis for elections.

On February 17, 2011, Libya descended into a series of protests similar to that experienced in many Arab states at the time- the Arab spring. People started their popular uprising that overthrew Colonel Moammar Gadhafi’s 42 years of dictatorship but the ouster of Gadhaffi is often remembered by NATO’s involvement.

A coalition including France, Britain, and the United States launched the first strikes against Gadhafi’s forces under a United Nations resolution to protect civilians on March 19, 2011. NATO assumed control of the air campaign over Libya on March 31.

 

 

AFRICANEWS/Samuel Isaiah

Privileged Wins Big At Art Is Alive Film Festival

Oluwasola Akintonde
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The action-packed movie, Privileged, produced by the Tumininu Oluyole also known as Don Crucifixto-led Don Crucifixto Entertainment, has won the Best Feature Film at the just-concluded Art is Alive Film Festival, a forum that saw filmmakers and fans meet and merge minds.

The movie, which showcases the uncomfortable conversation between the African immigrant community and the Black American community was among the films selected and premiered at this year’s edition of the film festival.

Apart from clinching the Best Feature Film award, the movie also won in the Best Male Actor category – Feature Film with actor Joshua Eady alongside actor Leo Adriaansen – Restaurant La Verite – Garden of Eden.

The award

The executive producer of the movie, Don Crucifixto said: “I am glad we won in two big categories – Best Feature Film and Best Male Actor – Feature Film.

“The awards are evidence of the painstaking effort put forward to showcase the uncomfortable conversation between the African immigrant community and the Black American community in the United States.”

Written by Aderonke Moyinlorun and directed by Bayo Alawiye of Alawiye Films, Don Crucifixto stated that Wale (the main character) had the notion that to have come from Africa means you will walk the streets of America free from any form of racism or brutality.

“Imagine if this notion were true?,” he enthused.

The movie cast includes, Joshua Eady, Tracy Ogbonna, Travis Cure, Bayo Alawiye, Bunny Olatilewa, Ayo Adey-kosh, Femi Ossai, Dami Paul, and Don Crucifixto, among others.

 

 

Tribune/Olusola Akintonde

2023 Elections: Ebonyi State Welcomes New Commissioner Of Police 

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Ebonyi State Government, Southeast Nigeria has received a new commissioner of Police, Mr. Faleye Olaleye ahead of the 25th February and March 11th, 2023 General election.

The Governor of the State, Engr. David Umahi alongside all the Executive Council members, organized the warm reception for the CP in conjunction with other Service Chiefs who were not received at the time of their posting to the State.

The reception took place at the new Executive Council Chambers of the New Government House in Abakaliki, the State capital.

Umahi assured them of a safe environment to do their job.

“Let me first of all, thank the new CP and the Director, State Security Services. You are welcomed in our dear state. Feel free and discharge your duties without fear or favor”. Umahi added.

Umahi also approved that all political parties in the State are free to hold their rallies provided that such rallies are in line with laid down rules and executive orders of the State.

“All political gladiators are free to hold their rallies without any form of molestation or infringement on their rights. Anybody caught disrupting a peaceful political activities should be arrested and prosecuted”. Umahi warned.

The new Commissioner of Police Mr. Olaleye Faleye promised to ensure adequate security in the State.

“My plan in Ebonyi State is to ensure maximum security to all and sundry at all times. We shall also ensure that the forthcoming election is is hitch free”. Olaleye assured.

He said the police belonged to everyone irrespective of your political and religious affiliation.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Benue State To Upgrade Stadium Facilities

Emmanuel Ukoh
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The Government of Benue State in North Central Nigeria has approved the upgrading of facilities, particularly the re-turfing of the Aper Aku Stadium to meet international standards.

The State government announced the decision after an emergency executive council meeting held at the government house, in Makurdi, the State capital.

VON gathered that the State Government is worried by the security risk surrounding Lobi Stars players who play their home league matches in Jos, Plateau State after the pitch at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi fell below standard to host league matches.

Benue State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Michael Inalegwu informed newsmen that the sum of 243 million had been earmarked for the renovation of the playing turf at the Aper Aku stadium.

”We also agreed to give a facelift to other facilities and structures at the Aper Aku stadium. So, we had two-way contractual obligations; one to Momimichelle Sporting Facility Construction LTD which laid the astroturf and so was chosen because of their expertise. For the other renovation on the stadium which will be done by direct labour, the sum of 65 million was approved by the Ministry of Youths and Sports”.

Inalegwu explained that apart from Aper Aku stadium, contract had also been approved to improve the standard of facilities at McCarthy Stadium, the training ground for Lobi Stars Football Club.

“For the complete renovation of the MarCarthy Stadium and make provisions for offices of the club official and accommodation for players, the council approved 73 million. We are giving the contractors not less than two and a half months to finish work on the playing turf. So, whatever is the case between now and April, the whole work should have been completed” Inalegwu said.

 

 

 

 

Emmanuel Ukoh

Benue State University Convocates 23,060 Students, Amidst Prominent Dignitaries

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Not less than 23,060 graduates of the Benue State University, Makurdi in North Central Nigeria will be awarded various Degrees, Post Graduate diplomas, masters and Ph.D. Degrees at its convocation ceremony which is slated for Saturday, 18th February, 2023.

Similarly, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in South-South Nigeria and the founder of Dunamis Gospel Church, Evangelist Paul Enenche are also among the personalities to be conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees by the University.

The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University, Makurdi, Professor Tor Iorapuu who disclosed this at the pre-convocation press briefing, said about 63 of the graduands earned First Class grades in their Bachelor’s degree programs.

The combined convocation ceremony which covers graduates between 2018 and 2021 sessions will also mark the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the University’s establishment.

Giving a breakdown of activities lined up for the convocation ceremony, the Vice Chancellor stated that about 20,815 Bachelor’s Degrees and 494 Post Graduate Diploma Certificates would be awarded to the graduands.

The list of Master’s Degree graduates is put at 1,605 while about 146 graduands would be conferred with Ph.D Degrees .

“At this occasion, Honorary Doctorate Degrees of the University will also be conferred on the following distinguished Nigerians.

“The Chancellor, His Gracious Majesty, King Disreal Bob-Manuel II – Doctor of Laws (D. LL), Honoris Causa, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, CON – Doctor of Laws (D. LL), Honoris Causa, Dr. Paul Idoko Enenche – Doctor of Divinity (D. Div), Honoris Causa.

“Others are Chief Christopher Chuka Edordu, OON – Doctor of Commerce (D. Com), Honoris Causa and Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, OFR – Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Honoris Causa”.

Professor Iorapuu also disclosed that the University had secured approval from the National Universities Commission, (NUC) and other relevant bodies to commence the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Pharmacy in the 2022/2023 academic session.

According to him, plans are equally underway with necessary approvals being sought by the University to also commence the Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Architecture, Geology, Building and Special Education within the shortest possible time.

With the humble beginning in 1992/93 academic session, and a population of 308 students and 149 academic staff, four faculties namely: Arts, Education, Science and Social Science, we have grown into 10 faculties (Arts, Education, Science, Social Science, Law, Environmental Science, Management Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Science and Clinical Sciences; and Post-graduate School); a huge population of over 23,000 students and over 2000 teaching and non teaching staff.

He particularly lamented the killing of a 400 level Chemistry student by bandits in Gwer West Local Government and expressed concern over the increased wave of insecurity in the state which he said had taken a negative toll on the University by scaring some partners and scholars away from the Institution.

Professor Iorapuu expressed the hope that upon the Completion of work on the ongoing Research and Innovation Hub Centre, the University would become more active, competitive, and visible in research and innovation.

The Vice Chancellor said the staff of the University have continued to excel in receiving grants through the Center for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), DAAD-Germany and TETFUND.

“Only recently, BSU Academic Staff were invited to defend their research work for the TETFUND National Research Fund. The visibility of the University has increased through CEFTER in terms of collaboration with local and international community as  CEFTER now has contacts and community based groups with farmers in the 23 Local Governments of the state”. He said.

He said the University has established a strong relationship with the University of Zagreb, Croatia and would soon begin to reap the benefits of this relationship in terms of equipment, exchange of staff and training.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Benue State’s Joseph Tarka University Gets New Vice Chancellor

Confidence Okwuchi
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The Governing Council of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, in Makurdi has appointed  Professor Isaac Nathaniel Itodo as the 7th Vice Chancellor with effect from 17th  April 2023.

He succeeds Professor Richard Kimbir, whose tenure as VC ended on the 19th of November, 2022.

Announcing the appointment, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Edith Uwajumogwu, said the new VC, a world-class Agricultural engineer, was the first alumnus of the University to be appointed as Vice Chancellor since the University was established in 1988.

Professor Itodo’s appointment makes it the  first time in 28 years that a non TIV is appointed the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Uwajumogwu noted that Professor Itodo emerged as the winner among 16 candidates through a credible and open process.

She stated that 18 applications were received in response to the advertisement, and the applicants were screened, and a short list of 16 candidates emerged.

“The choice of Prof. Itodo was unanimous after he emerged with the highest score from the three candidates that the selection committee recommended,” she said.

The Chairman noted that in the process, the university’s interest was put first, emphasising that nobody was under any pressure that was not controllable.

She says, “I hope other Universities will learn from the University. We went for merit and took the best for the University to take its pride of place in the Nigerian University system.”

Born 58 years ago, Professor Isaac Itodo joined the services of the University in 1987. He rose through the ranks and was elevated to the rank of Professor in  2003.

He has served the University in various capacities, including Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Dean of the College of Engineering and Director of Linkages.

Speaking on the development, the Secretary General of Committee of Vice Chancellors of universities in Nigeria, Professor Yakubu Ochefu said Professor Itodo was an outstanding scholar, administrator and a good resource manager who would undoubtedly contribute to the University’s development.

 

 

 

Confidence Okwuchi

INEC Promises To Conduct Credible Elections In Niger State

Confidence Okwuchi
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The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC has recruited over 21,000 personnel  in its preparation to conduct the forthcoming general election  in Niger State, North Central Nigeria.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner In charge of the state, Alhaji Ahmed Yusha’u Garki stated this during a stakeholders meeting  in Minna  Niger State Capital.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner said  meeting with the Stakeholders was in continuation of its series of consultation towards a successful election.

Alhaji Yusha’u Garki further said, already 95 percent of non sensitive materials for the conduct of the elections in the state have been moved to the 25  local government areas of the State.

“25 Out of the 479  candidates contesting for various elective positions in the state are females representing 5.2  percent”.added Alhaji Garki

“Niger state presently  has about 2 7 Million registered voters out of which 42 .7 percent are females while 57.3 percent are males,afer the  Continuous Voter Registration exercise,” he stated.

He said the commission was making arrangements to conduct elections in identified IDPs voting centre so that such persons would not be disenfranchised.

He also mentioned  that it would not conduct elections in 10 polling units across 3 local government councils of the  State as a result of absence of voters in the units.

He says, “The affected polling units are in Kontagora,Magama and Mashegu local government area councils”.

Representatives of The Christains Association Of Nigeria,CAN, Jama’atul Nasril Islam, JNI, Political parties and NGOs that attended the stakeholders meeting emphasised on peace and security during the conduct of the General election.

Security For Youth Corp Members

The National Youth Service Corp, NYSC Coordinator in the State, Alhaji Mohammed Taura urged the INEC and security agencies to provide adequate security for corps members that would participate in the election exercise.

Representative of the Commissioner of Police in Niger State, CP Ogundele Ayodeji, who pointed out that the command had already dispatched the intelligent teams to various local council areas where the elections would be conducted, reiterated that the command had put in place necessary measures that would ensure that 2023 general election in the state was free and fair.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Mikel Claims A Rob On 2013 CAF Award

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Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi says he was robbed of the 2013 African Player of the Year award.

Mikel was outstanding for Nigeria during the year under review as he helped the Eagles clinch the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

There has been no Nigerian winner of the African Player of the Year award since 1999, when Nwankwo Kanu beat Ghanaian defender Samuel Kuffour to the accolade following his goalscoring performance for Arsenal.

Since then, no Nigerian made a podium finish but in last two decades only Austin Okocha (twice, in 2003 and 2004) and Mikel Obi (in 2013) made it to the final three losing to eventual winners Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Toure.

“I was robbed.” Mikel said in a YouTube interview with Dubai Eye 103.8.

“Before I went, I was told that I won it. I was at the airport flying to Nigeria, because the ceremony was in Nigeria, and guess what happened? Manchester City was playing, and Yaya scored a hat-trick or two goals.”

He also revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson still snubs him after he opted out of a move to join Manchester United in 2005.

Ferguson thought he had won the race for the talented Nigerian midfielder after he signed for United from Lyn Oslo in April 2005, but the move was never finalised after Mikel claimed that he was  ‘bullied’ into the deal and wished to join Chelsea instead.

“Fergie blanked me for years,” Mikel continued.

“First time we played in the FA Cup he shunned me walking out of the tunnel. I stumbled and almost fell. Each time we met he blanked me but I have no regrets signing for Chelsea.

“Obviously, I signed a pre-contract with Manchester United, but before that I was playing for Lyn Oslo in Norway. Chelsea actually sent me to Lyn Oslo and nobody knew this.

“Chelsea was looking after me, and my family, giving me bits here and there and they were paying my school fees when I was in Norway.

“I had my trials at Manchester United before I went to Chelsea. Sir Alex Ferguson loved me and all the players loved me. Roy Keane was my biggest fan. He told Ferguson he needed to sign me. He was my protector in training.

“Whenever I got tackles in training from the likes of Paul Scholes and Nikky Butt in training, Keane was ready to get in with them.

“They heard I joined Chelsea and Fergie flew into Norway and handed me a pre-contract to sign and I could not say no. And the whole thing went viral.”

Also read: Mikel Obi retires from Football

Punch/Samuel Isaiah

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