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Libya Reopens Historic Treasure Castle Museum

Shakirat Sadiq
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Libya Reopens Historic Treasure Castle Museum

Libya’s national museum, formerly known as As-Saraya Al-Hamra or the Red Castle, has reopened in Tripoli, allowing the public access to some of the country’s finest historical treasures for the first time since the revolt that toppled Muammar Gaddafi.

The museum, Libya’s largest, was closed in 2011 during a NATO-backed uprising against longtime ruler Gaddafi, who appeared on the castle’s ramparts to deliver a fiery speech.

Renovations started in March 2023 by the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), which came to power in 2021 in a U.N.-backed political process.

“The reopening of the National Museum is not just a cultural moment but a live testimony that Libya is building its institutions,” GNU Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbiebah said at a reopening ceremony on Friday.

Built in the 1980s, the museum’s 10,000 square meters of gallery space features mosaics and murals, sculptures, coins, and artefacts dating back to prehistoric times and stretching through Libya’s Roman, Greek and Islamic periods.

The collection also includes millennia-old mummies from the ancient settlements of Uan Muhuggiag in Libya’s deep south and Jaghbub near its eastern border with Egypt.

“The current program focuses on enabling schools to visit the museum during this period, until it is officially opened to the public at the beginning of the year,” Museum Director Fatima Abdullah Ahmed said.

“Libya has since recovered 21 artefacts that were smuggled out of the country after Gaddafi’s fall, notably from France, Switzerland, and the United States,” the chairman of the board of directors of the antiquities department Mohamed Farj Shakshoki said ahead of opening.

Shakshoki said that “talks are ongoing to recover more than two dozen artefacts from Spain and others from Austria.”

In 2022, Libya received nine artefacts, including funerary stone heads, urn, and pottery from the U.S.

Libya houses five UNESCO World Heritage sites, which it said in 2016 were all endangered due to instability and conflict.

In July, Libya’s delegation to UNESCO said the ancient city of Ghadames, one of the sites, had been removed from the list as the security situation had improved.

 

Reuters/Shakirat Sadiq

US Warns Rwanda Amid DR Congo Crisis

Shakirat Sadiq
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US Warns Rwanda Amid DR Congo Crisis

The United States has threatened measures against Rwanda just days after a peace agreement was signed in Washington.

The warning follows the capture of a strategically important city in the Democratic Republic of Congo by the M23 rebel militia.

The actions of Rwanda in the east of Congo represented a clear violation of the Washington agreement co-signed by President Donald Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X on Saturday.

“The United States will take action to ensure promises made to the President are kept,” Rubio added.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame signed a peace agreement in early December in the presence of Trump.

The deal is intended to end the bloody conflict in the resource-rich eastern Congo that has lasted for more than 30 years.

Shortly after the deal was signed, the rebel militia M23 captured the strategically important city of Uvira.

According to UN experts, “the militia is supported by Rwanda.”

The US initiated the peace talks to achieve an end to the violence in the region.

President Trump announced that the US would sign bilateral agreements with both countries on the extraction of rare earths.

 

NAN/Shakirat Sadiq

VP Shettima, Others laud Emir Of Keffi On 10th Anniversary

Mosunmola Ore
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VP Shettima, Others laud Emir Of Keffi On 10th Anniversary

The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule, and other eminent nigerians have eulogized Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Yamusa III on a remarkable ten years on the throne of his forefathers.

Speaking during the ten years anniversary of the Emir of Keffi, in Keffi local government area of the state, the vice President, Dr Kassim Shettima, represented by his Chief of Staff Dr Umar Modibbo, ‎congratulated the Emir noting that the ten years on the throne is long enough for leadership to be tested and for its impact to be clearly felt.

‎”Your reign has coincided with critical period in our national life. And you have risen to the responsibility with wisdom and restraint. ‎You have consistently promoted unity in diversity, peaceful coexistence, making Keffi Emirate, a home for all”.

‎”Your commitment to the vulnerable and to ensure access to dignity, opportunity, and social support, reflects a deep understanding of leadership as service” VP said.

READ ALSO: President Tinubu Congratulates Emir of Borgu on 10th Anniversary

He further said that the nation requires leaders such as the emir, whose leadership is guided by service to the people and fidelity to constitutional values.

“Everybody is here to pray for you and strengthen the bond of friendship, So thank Allah for the blessings showered on you as emir for the past ten years.

“As we are gathered here, we pray to Allah to take us back to our various destinations safely and bring us back to mark the 20 years, 30 years and 40 years of the fifteenth emir of Keffi,” he said.

He appreciated the governor of Nasarawa for his administration’s support to traditional rulers in the state and his commitment to work with them to help them help him in turn discharge his responsibilities.

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe praised the traditional ruler for a remarkable ten years on the throne and also thanked him and other members of the traditional council for their support and advices since the commencement of his administration since 2019.

“To the royal highness and chief celebrant, the array of the people we have here today is a testament to the kind of person that you are. People are here from all spheres of life, from within the country and outside the country to honour you”.

“We pray that Nasarawa state government will continue to be beneficiaries of all the attributes of your great self and all the royal fathers that we have here in Nasarawa state,” he said.

In an interview, with the state commissioner of information Culture and Tourism, Ibrahim Tanko, described the emir as a peacemaker who had in the past ten years done a lot to influence a lot of developments in his domain hence the need to celebrate him for ten years of remarkable service.

“We are here to celebrate all his achievements in the past ten years and we are looking forward to see more achievements in the future. When you look at Keffi today, it’s not the same Keffi ten years back. A lot has happened, most of the credit to the Emir of Keffi.

In his remarks, Emir of Keffi said the day was not just to mark the 10th anniversary of his ascension to the throne but also an opportunity to reflect on the life of his late father, Alhaji Muhammadu Yamusa II, late Emir of Keffi.

He then expressed gratitude to the state government under the leadership of Governor Sule for consistently prioritizing the welfare of Keffi people and promised to continue to work hard for the development of Keffi emirate council, the state and the country.

Medical Women Advocate Community Education Against Harmful Norms

Chidimma Anikwenze
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Medical Women Advocate Community Education Against Harmful Norms

The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has advocated sustained community education as a strategy to challenge harmful norms across the six area councils.

The President of the MWAN-FCT Chapter, Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu made the call on behalf of the Association at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja the nation’s capital.

Umeakuewulu said; “harmful norms were partly responsible for the increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigerian communities.”

The association advocated the implementation and strict enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, stressing that ending GBV requires collective action by individuals and institutions.

She said; “We called for community education to challenge harmful norms, survivor-centred health, legal, and psychosocial services, safe and confidential reporting mechanisms and engagement of men and boys as allies.”

The President said the French Embassy’s commitment to advancing gender equality and protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls had significantly strengthened the association’s advocacy, community engagement and capacity-building efforts.

“We acknowledge this partnership as a powerful demonstration of international solidarity in addressing gender-based violence, and we look forward to continued collaboration aimed at building safer and more inclusive communities for women and girls in Nigeria.

“Ending gender-based violence is not the responsibility of one sector—it is a collective duty. While today marks the end of the 16 Days of activism, it must not mark the end of action, GBV does not occur for only 16 days in a year—it occurs every day.

“Our response must therefore be continuous, coordinated, and sustained,” she explained.

She reaffirmed that MWAN’s advocacy would continue, stressing that the association remained committed to building safer communities, protecting women’s health and dignity, and ensuring that no woman or girl lives in fear.

A former President of MWAN-FCT and past National Coordinator of MWAN, Dr Stella Essiet, expressed disappointment with the Nigerian judicial system, saying that much had not been done to ensure justice for victims of GBV.

Dr Essiet cited numerous cases across the country which, she said, had escaped justice, and called on judges to rise to the occasion and deliver judgments that would serve as a deterrent to others.

She further alleged that some cases collapse naturally due to insufficient evidence to sustain prosecution, a situation she said had contributed to the deaths of many women and young girls.

“It is only when the victim has died before we hear some judgment, some pronouncement, we don’t have to wait for this woman to die before we can take action,” she stressed.

 

NAN

Army Chief Tasks New Recruits on Loyalty and Discipline

Mosunmola Ore
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0
Army Chief Tasks New Recruits on Loyalty and Discipline

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged newly inducted soldiers to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they formally join the ranks of the service.

The advice was given during the Passing Out Parade of 3,439 recruits of the 89 Regular Intake, who successfully completed six months of intensive military training at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

The parade marked their official induction into the Nigerian Army and an expansion of manpower aimed at ”strengthening national security operations.”

Addressing the recruits as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the parade as “a testament to their dedication, perseverance and commitment to the rigours of military training.’

According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief said; “the successful completion of training reflected hard work, discipline and resilience and the that the recruits had been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering.

“You have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation. I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage and professionalism.”

The Army Chief noted that the injection of additional manpower was critical as the Nigerian Army continues to confront evolving domestic and transnational security threats, stressing that “the new soldiers would help sustain operational readiness across all theatres.”

He said; “Your induction today is not only a boost to our manpower but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Nigerian. You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to any threat to our nation.”

Lieutenant General Shaibu commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, describing the institution as the backbone of the Army’s training architecture.

He assured that the Depot would continue to receive sustained support in logistics, infrastructure and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.

The Army Chief further urged the recruits to maintain discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in all operations, reminding them that these values form the foundation of professional military conduct.

Lieutenant General Shaibu said; “By the Oath of Allegiance you have taken, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws. Avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”

He expressed gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and other security agencies for their continued support to the Nigerian Army.

Lieutenant General Shaibu also commended the Commandant, instructors and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication to training professional soldiers.

The ceremony marked another step in the Nigerian Army’s effort to strengthen capacity, professionalism and readiness in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

 

Arsenal Opens 5-Point Lead After Taming Wolves

Omolara Blessing
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Arsenal Opens 5-Point Lead After Taming Wolves

Arsenal needed two own goals, the second deep in stoppage time, to secure a 2-1 win against bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers, opening a five-point gap at the Emirates Stadium in London, England.

The Gunners laboured and barely had a shot on target until they took the lead in bizarre fashion in the 70th minute.

Star player Bukayo Saka whipped in a wickedly curling corner to the back post and Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone pushed it against the woodwork, only for the ball to rebound back and go in off his shoulder.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka creates own-goal directly from a corner kick.

But Wolves were not finished and in the final minutes, they had Arsenal against the ropes in their own half and hanging on.

After a long passing move, Mateus Mane’s forward pass into the area was met by Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, who directed the ball past David Raya to send Wolves fans into delirium in the 90th minute.

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare celebrates goal against Arsenal.

The striker made a statement after coming on by scoring his first Premier League goal against Arsenal, after being dropped from Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.

However, their joy was to be short-lived though as Arsenal got the luckiest of breaks to stay in control of their destiny.

Saka swung in a cross towards substitute Gabriel Jesus in the fourth minute of stoppage time and the ball flew in off the head of the unfortunate Yerson Mosquera and into the next. Another own goal sent the Arsenal fans at the Emirates into a frenzy.

Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera scores own goal in last minute.

The final whistle was met with cheers and huge relief with Arsenal’s players realising just how close they had come to handing away their advantage to Manchester City, who are in action at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Arsenal have 36 points from 16 games with City on 31 from 15. Aston Villa, who face third-from-bottom West Ham United on Sunday, have 30 points from 15.

“We will take the points and move forward. We won’t know (the significance) until May, but we can be happy tonight that we left with three points,” Arsenal star player Saka said.

For Wolves, it was a big blow as Rob Edwards’s team showed great spirit to frustrate Arsenal and almost snatch a point.

“It’s hurtful. It’s been happening to us the whole season. We play very good for the whole 90 minutes and then at the end we always concede,” Arokodare said.

Saturday’s Premier League results

Chelsea 2-0 Everton

Liverpool 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 2-3 Fulham

Arsenal 2-1 Wolves

EU Commits €45m To Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Mosunmola Ore
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EU Commits €45m To Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy

European Union and Nigeria have signed a EU-Nigeria Digital Open Day €45 million programme completing the EU Digital Economy Package for Nigeria.

The programme  which was  signed in Brussels,  between Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, aims  to facilitate access to information for European investors and suppliers interested in participating in the Nigerian digital ecosystem.

This was made known In a statement signed by the EU Commission in Nigeria,
According to the statement, the  investment will further support the cooperation in digital sector between Nigeria and the European Union.

The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said the initiative will ensure  technologies truly enrich human lives.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Unveils White Paper on EUDR Compliance Strategy Plan

“Global Gateway is about delivering new opportunities, and the EU-Nigerian cooperation in the digital area has a very strong potential to do exactly that. Our approach to digitalisation is based on skills-transfer, open standards, data protection, privacy and security. This way, we make sure that technologies truly enrich human lives. The new package will take our efforts even further by supporting modern e-public services and investing in the skills that will prepare Nigeria’s youth for the digital future.”

The Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani stressed that the programmes  offers opportunities where demand and policy alignment converge to support long-term investment and expansion.

“The EU–Nigeria digital economy cooperation reflects our shared belief that digital transformation must provide a platform for growth in productivity driven by technology. As part of this, Project Bridge provides a commercially sustainable entry point for European investors and suppliers to participate in deploying an open-access fibre network at scale. Combined with our leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure and programmes such as 3 million Technical Talents, Nigeria offers European businesses a market where talent, demand and policy alignment converge to support long-term investment and expansion”.

According to the statement the signed programme includes:
” A flagship Global Gateway support to the Project Bridge that aims to deploy 90 000 km of fibre-optic backbone across Nigeria. This project is the country’s most ambitious digital investment supported by loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank and African Development Bank. The €45 million grant supports the preparation of this strategic project with technical assistance and equipment in three complementary ways:  for the detailed fiber optic network design, for local skills development and for the supply chain deployment with the mobilisation of the EU private sector”.

” The EU programme will also contribute to modernise Nigeria’s public administration through secure, user-friendly digital services. Last, but not least, it involves targeted support for Nigeria’s nationwide digital-skills programme, helping train a new generation of technicians, engineers and IT specialists. This is essential to create new jobs, because large-scale digital projects can only work if the local workforce can maintain, operate and innovate on these networks”.

It maintained that the focus of  the Project Bridge, presented as an opportunity for collaborations between the EU tech sector and Nigeria. With this €1,7 billion flagship project is projected to extend Nigeria’s total fibre to 125 000 km (+70%), making it the third-longest terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure in Africa, following Egypt and South Africa.

It also stated  that Digitalisation is a priority area for the EU-Nigeria partnership as reflected in the €820 million Digital Economy Package launched in 2022 under the EU Global Gateway strategy.

The statement also noted that the EU-Nigeria collaboration in this sector spans from connectivity to digital skills, entrepreneurship, service and governance with multiple projects.

“Nigeria’s digital economy has potential to create jobs, foster economic growth and open greater democratic space in Africa. Nigeria hosts big companies, and Lagos offers digital and business ecosystem with incubators, access to finance and digital service platforms. It has the biggest e-commerce market in Africa with 87 platforms, employing some 2.9 million people.

It is also leading on the continent on digital and start-ups – of the 8 existing African unicorns, 6 are Nigerian, with impressively dynamic States (Lagos) eager to create an ecosystem that promotes innovation, youth and growth largely led by the digital sector”.

Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions.

The whole aim is  to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja

President Tinubu Congratulates Oyebamiji’s Emergence As Osun State Governorship Candidate

Mosunmola Ore
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0
President Tinubu Congratulates Oyebamiji’s Emergence As Osun State Governorship Candidate

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mr Bola Oyebamiji on his emergence as the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria, following the party’s primary election held on Saturday.

Tinubu also praised the Osun State APC for the unity and spirit of reconciliation that permeated the election.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the president applauded all the aspirants who graciously stepped down in favour of Oyebamiji, demonstrating party loyalty and a collective commitment to the APC’s ideals.

The President urged Oyebamiji to be magnanimous in victory by embracing party leaders and other aspirants, ensuring inclusivity and cohesion.

READ ALSO: 2026 Guber Polls: APC Clears Ekiti Governor for Primaries

1660 delegates affirm Oyebamiji

A total of 1,660 delegates from the 30 Local Government Areas had affirmed Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of the APC for the August 8, 2026 election in the state.

The endorsement followed a motion moved by one of the aspirants, Mr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN), who called for the affirmation of Oyebamiji as the consensus candidate.

Another governorship aspirant, Babajide Omoworare seconded the motion, saying all other aspirants had agreed to step down for Oyebamiji.

Consequently, the Chairman of the 2025 APC Primary Election Committee, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, put the affirmation to a voice vote, after which all 1,660 delegates affirmed Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate.

In an acceptance speech, Oyebamiji promised to foster productivity and people-oriented projects, saying he was fully prepared for the job.

He also affirmed his commitment to elevating the standard of living of Osun residents by alleviating poverty, eradicating hunger, and promoting a functional education system for all.

Oyebamiji extended the hands of fellowship to co-contenders to join him in winning the next governorship election and return the party to government next year.

Yinka Salaam, Osogbo

 

Cricket: Nigeria Outclasses Rwanda By 81 Runs

Omolara Blessing
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0
Cricket: Nigeria Outclasses Rwanda By 81 Runs

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, on Saturday defeated Rwanda by 81 runs in their West Africa Trophy tournament match, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Both teams had earlier secured final berths, but Nigeria finished top with 16 points from nine matches, ahead of Rwanda’s 12 points.

Nigeria won the toss at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and elected to bat first. Selim Salau led the charge with 76 runs off 49 balls, while Danladi Isaac added 52 off 45 balls.

Captain Runsewe Sulaimon contributed 23 runs, as Nigeria posted 154 for four wickets in their allotted overs.

Rwanda’s chase faltered, as they were bowled out for 75 runs in 15.1 overs. Didier Ndikubwimana scored 30 runs, while Manishimwe Oscar made 22, but Rwanda never threatened Nigeria’s total.

Salau was named Player of the Match as Nigeria sealed an 81-run victory.

“We executed our plan well and kept the pressure throughout,” Sulaimon said after the match.

Both sides meet again in Sunday’s final, while Zambia and Sierra Leone will contest the third-place match.

GSC Kagara Alumni Organise End-Of-Year Hockey Game

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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GSC Kagara Alumni Organise End-Of-Year Hockey Game

The Old Boys Association of Government Science College (GSC) located in Kagara, Niger State North Central Nigeria, organised a hockey match to mark the end-of-year activities of its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The friendly match featured the Class of 1984 against old boys from other sets, bringing past students together to relive their school days and promote unity among members.

Speaking at the event, the organiser of the hockey match and former senator, Shehu Sani, said sports played a very important role in education in the 1980s.

He noted that Niger State was once a strong force in hockey, with many players from the state representing Nigeria at the national level.

Sani explained that the idea behind the match was to revive interest in hockey, rather than limiting activities to indoor meetings. He said the association decided to bring together senior old boys, their mates, and younger sets to relive the good old days.

Former Nigerian Senator, Shehu Sani.

According to him, hockey was one of the most popular sports after football during their school days. He added that although many of the players are now in their late 50s and early 60s, the match gave them the opportunity to reconnect and create lasting memories.

To encourage participation, the organisers announced a prize of one million naira for the winner and five hundred thousand naira for the runner-up.

Sani also called on the state and federal governments to invest more in sports, especially at the grassroots level. He stressed that Nigeria should not focus only on football, but also support other sports such as hockey, athletics, wrestling, and table tennis.

He further appealed to the government to rebuild and reopen Government Science College, Kagara, when security improves, so that students can return to the school safely.

The hockey match attracted old boys from different sets and officials of the Nigeria Hockey Federation, raising hope that the sport will regain its place in Niger State and Nigeria at large.

The event ended in a friendly atmosphere, with participants celebrating unity, friendship, and the lasting bond of the GSC Kagara family. The Class of 1984 won the match and received a prize of one million naira, while the opposing team went home with five hundred thousand naira.

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