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Five pupils and four member of staff of the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, were abducted by gunmen who waylaid their school bus conveying 25 pupils home after school hours, in the Emure community in Ekiti State. The kidnappers have demanded N100m ransom for the release of the nine victims who were taken away. The principal of the secondary section of the school, Boje Olanireti, has confirmed the demand for ransom by the kidnappers who abducted victims. Throwing more light on how the incident occurred, Olanireti explained that the kidnapping occurred about a five-minute drive from the school. She said, “Immediately the school closed at 3pm, and by the time we gathered all the children, it was already 3:30pm. It was that time that they moved. So, the incident happened between 3:30pm and 4pm. The school is in a suburb of Emure village, so they were going back home in Eporo. The incident occurred just about a five-minute drive from the school to Eporo. “When the gunmen attacked, the peo

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Health (FMOH) has announced the elimination of River blindness in Plateau and Nasarawa states while marking the 2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day.                      Dr.  Muhammad Ali Pate Speaking during a news conference to mark the 2024 World NTDs Day in Abuja on Tuesday. With this year’s theme being “Unite, Act, Eliminate NTDs.” The minister, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the global impact of NTDs, affecting 1.6 billion people, predominantly in developing nations.  Prof. Muhammad Pate, represented by Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health, under the ministry, announced that Nigeria has achieved commendable progress in the prevention, treatment, and elimination of NTDs. He disclosed that; "However, it is gladdening to note that substantial progress has been made over the last decade, as evidenced by some major achievements highlighted. “Another achievement is the weaning of 29 million people off iv

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released US$500 million to various sectors of the economy.                Olayemi Cardoso, The Governor of CBN Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, stated this in Abuja on Monday, Janaury 29. She assured Nigerians that the Management of the CBN was dedicated to settling all legitimate forex arrears within a short time frame via addressing the backlog of verified foreign exchange (forex) transactions. She, therefore, encouraged all participants in the market to play by the rules. While emphasizing that transparency in the market would enable the fair determination of exchange rates and, by extension, guarantee stability for businesses and individuals alike. She reiterated the assurances of the Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, highlighting that the Apex Bank had begun implementing a comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in the Nigerian foreign exchange markets in the short, medium, and l

A study from Sweden which has found that a blood test can detect the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease, reports the BBC, while expansiating on it's report that;                   Image Credit: Scientific American   The Times says it could have "huge implications" for routinely screening the over-50s for their risk of the disease. The test - the paper reports - can detect the "proteins" which can cause Alzheimer's which build up in the brain for 10 to 15 years before symptoms start to show, and allowed researchers to assess how "likely" someone was to develop the disease. According to the Daily Express, the brand new diagnostic tool has been praised by experts as it may "ultimately bring us closer towards a cure for dementia". The Daily Telegraph takes the view the "simple and cheap method" can measure how likely people are to develop the illness up to 15 years before they show symptoms, citing research from the study.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is now rocked by a major crisis as yesterday, three member-countries-Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, have announced their withdrawal from the body, this comes into effect after lengthy disagreement and rejection of military rule in West Africa by ECOWAS. However, the 49-year old ECOWAS claimed that it was yet to get notification about the withdrawal announced by governments of the three countries. The three Sahel nations said in a joint statement on state televisions that they had made a “sovereign decision” to leave ECOWAS “without delay”. The juntas said they have “decided in complete sovereignty on the immediate withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the ECOWAS,” alleging that the bloc has “moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism” after nearly 50 years of its establishment. The statement added: “Furthermore, ECOWAS, under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris said that the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters and certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos are not politically motivated.  Mohammed Idris Malagi The decision had drawn criticism and support, with Ali Ndume, chief whip of the senate, saying it would have political consequences, but Muhammadu Sanusi, former CBN governor, said it was a sensible move. In a statement on Sunday, Idris said the allegations were “unfounded”, noting the relocation is a practical step to improve the operational competence and reduce the cost of operation. He said the relocation was not to marginalise any section of the country. "It is not true that the relocation to Lagos of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are political moves aimed at marginalizing a section of the count

Two months after making history as America's first Somali-American elected mayor by voters, 27-year-old Nadia Mohamed is sworn in as mayor. Nadia Mohammed  She was sworn in at the city council of St. Louis Park in the US state of Minnesota. Ms Mohamed secured 58% of the vote to win last November's mayoral poll. Nadia Mohammed is the youngest and the first Muslim and black elected mayor in the city, whose family moved to Minnesota from Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp when she was 10, after fleeing war in Somalia. Her family migrated to Kenya after the civil war in Somalia, and she lived in the Kakuma refugee camp until she was about 10. "Well, my identity is one part of my story, right? I am proud of everything that I am, but I don't want that to be the only story. I don't want that to [be] where people stop their conversation," Ms Mohamed told Minneapolis-based KARE TV station after her election. She has listed public safety and affordable housing as some of t

When the world's last reigning Queen announced her surprise abdication on live TV, history was also made in a country far, far away.                       Queen Margrethe II of Denmark "I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik," Margrethe II of Denmark said in her new year address. Her decision to make way for "the next generation" of Danish royals has sent ripples around the world. Queen Margrethe took over the throne in 1972 following the death of King Frederik IX. For most of her reign, Queen Margrethe has remained a popular figure in Denmark, and many expected her to keep the throne until death. The longest-serving monarch in the nation's history, she is known for her brightly-coloured clothing, love of archaeology and chain smoking. But it has also delivered the first ever Australian-born Queen Consort - Frederik's wife Princess Mary. Crown Prince Frederik and Queen Consort Princess Mary As millions of Danes bid farewell to the on

Big Brother Naija reality show star, Pere Egbi, has explained that he doesn’t own a car because it isn’t an investment. Pere Egbi He berated those who squander their money on exotic cars, stressing that landed properties and businesses are assets but not cars. Speaking in the latest episode of the Spill With Phyna podcast, Pere said,  “Car no be investment. A house is an asset, a business is an asset. Using all your savings to buy cars is unnecessary. Right now, I don’t own a car. I used to drive a brand new lexus LS570 but I sold it because I needed to put the money into my film. It’s an investment. At the end of the day, I made more that from the film.” What do you think of Pere's mindset on acquiring cars? 

Oscar Pistorius, known as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs, will be released from prison on Friday after receiving parole. Oscar Pistorius He became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13-year, five-month sentence for murder. This comes, nearly 11 years since the tragic death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Oscar Pistorius and  his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius would complete the remainder of his sentence in the country's community corrections system, states the South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS). He was granted parole on Nov. 24, to take effect on Jan. 5.

Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has urged his first wife, May Yul-Edochie, to desist from manipulating public opinion on social media to foster resentment towards him and evoke sympathy for herself. Yul Edochie was upset because of a post made by his estranged wife May Yul-Edochie, in which she said 2023 was her worst year.  May had on Monday said in part, “Dear 2023, you were pregnant on the very first day of Jan unknown to anyone what you would deliver. “You dealt with me in the most catastrophic ways…. Too many adversities/misfortunes and the worst of it, you stole my own flesh and blood, leaving me in the most devastating, miserable, and confused state that I could never have imagined.  "I lost all hope and nearly gave up, I had too many questions eating me all up but I kept hearing that voice echoing, ‘Who am I to question God?'” Yul called her out Instagram, the actor however replied her post by accusing his first wife of undergoing breast enlargement surgery and a tummy t

On Monday, the United Kingdom via it's Home Office, announced that it had commenced the implementation of its policy stopping overseas students, Nigerian students and other foreigners from bringing family members as dependants through the study visa route. They made this known on X platform (formerly called Twitter). The statement revealed; “We are fully committed to seeing a decisive cut in migration. From today, new overseas students will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK. Postgraduate research or government-funded scholarships students will be exempt,” the Home Office said. We are fully committed to seeing a decisive cut in migration. From today, new overseas students will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK. Postgraduate research or government-funded scholarships students will be exempt,” the Home Office said. This is as the UK government aims to bring down immigration into the country which stands at about one million. Under the new rule, to p

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to implement policies that will bolster the development of the territory.                           Nyesom Wike The pledge was made in his New Year message on Monday, by Mr Wike. The minister said the development plans for the territory in the new year will encompasses several key areas. While listing the areas to include infrastructure development, economic empowerment, social welfare, sustainability development, community engagement and security. The blue print is be taken from the successes recorded in 2023 under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Happy Prosperous New Year From Echo Blog. Let's keep hope alive, even when hope seems lost, for to lose hope is to loose everything.  This year e go better! Na so he go bi!...echoblog. We Appreciate Your Clicks... Thank you.

Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria will hike their tariffs with effect from January 1, 2024 as reported by Parrot Nigeria. Image Credit VectorStock A source from one of the electricity distribution companies who confirmed the development said a virtual emergency meeting was held in that regard. “All has been perfected for the new tariff to take effect from the first of January, 2024,” the source said on the condition of anonymity. "It is now left for various electricity distribution companies to enlighten their customers on new developments,” he added. The source noted that the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had already invited distribution companies for a meeting on the development. He expressed fear that while it is mandatory for electricity distribution companies to regularly evaluate tariffs every six months, the recent increase would meet customers’ dissatisfaction. “In fact, we were perturbed by the short notice and how we would reach o

Ms Afua Asantewaa, Ghanaian media personality has completed a five-day singing marathon. Afua Asantewaa Wrapped in her country's flag, she thanked the crowd of supporters in the capital, Accra, for their immense support, in hopes her performance will earn her a Guinness World Record. Beginning on Christmas Eve, Asantewaa performed for 126 hours and 52 minutes. Beating a previous sing-a-thon record by nearly 24 hours, the clearly exhausted, 33-year-old could barely remember what day it was. According to the rules set by Guinness World Records she was allowed a five-minute break every hour, or 20 minutes after four hours. She now has to wait to see if her effort will be officially recognised.  Some of the country's biggest music stars, were there on Christmas day to cheer her up, they included, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale and Sarkodie. Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia also came along plus a host of actors, actresses and influencers. They heard Ms Asantewaa cycle through 125 songs picke

Isn't this what a majority of us dream of, having so much money to solve almost every problem.                   Françoise Bettencourt Meyers Well, a ranking of the richest people in the world, places L'Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers as the first woman to amass a fortune of $100bn (£78.5bn; €90.1bn). Ms Bettencourt Meyers, is ranked the 12th richest person in the world, her net worth crossed $100bn on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Seventy years old, Ms Bettencourt Meyers is the vice-chairperson of the company's board. She and her family are the biggest shareholders of L'Oréal with a single stake of around 35%. On Thursday, the company hit it's best stock market performance in decades. Keeping it on track. with shares rising to a record high in Paris. The French beauty empire and the world's leading company in cosmetics and beauty, L'Oréal was founded by Ms Bettencourt Meyers's grandfather, Eugène Paul Louis Schueller, he was a French phar

Punch   • Plateau killings: Don’t allow Nigeria become ungovernable under you, CAN tells Tinubu The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and  Abuja, on Wednesday, condemned terrorists attack on communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkod and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State which claimed no fewer than 160 lives... • NAF bombs six illegal refineries in Rivers The air component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed six illegal oil refining sites in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The illegal sites were said to be clustered within an approximately 80-metre radius, situated approximately six nautical miles south of Opu Arugbana. Sahara Reporters BREAKING: Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Dies After Prolonged Battle With Leukemia The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, is dead. Rotimi Akeredolu A family source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Akeredolu died in Lagos. SaharaReporters learnt that he was managed by State House doctors up to his deat

'THIS IS STRICTLY JUST FOR LAUGH. NA JOKE OOOH!' 2023 CHRISTMAS/BOXING DAY QUESTIONS SUBJECT: HISTORY INSTRUCTIONS: ANSWER ALL Image Credit: Pinterest SECTION A 1. In what year did a senator jump out of a moving vehicle? A.2015 B.2016 C.2017 D.2018 2. Which Nigerian president is good in letter writing? A. Yar adua B. Buhari C. Obasanjo D. Jonathan 3. Which Nigerian president accused Nigerian youths of being lazy A. Babangida B. Obasanjo C. Buhari D. Gowon 4. Which country In African continent do their wives belong to the kitchen and other rooms? A. Congo B. Togo C. Ivory coast D. Nigeria 5. If the article "Transmitted Transmission" were to be a setup, who might have masterminded it? A. Ekweremadu B. Saraki C. Melaye D. None of the above 6. Which Nigeria governor Teargas broken his neck and arm, of which the arm heal up the following day? A. Wike B. Fayose C. Ortom D. Tambuwa 7. Who's Nigerian dancing Senator eventually become Governor? A. Ekweremadu B. Kwankwaso C

Written By Janet Odidi Obuotor for Echoblog. My Father My dad was not a very great talker, he spoke when it was necessary and was a great listener. He would not divulge a secret, he was wisdom personified! He is a true example of quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.  Sir Patrick Salami Odidi I remember one time I gave him a card, I opted for the colour yellow, and inscribed on the card were the words, "Wisdom comes with the age." and in it were the words, "Happy birthday to an extremely wise person." My little head was always in absolute wonder, for I pondered about this man who had answers to everything and knew everything.  In awe, I went shopping for a unique birthday card. When I came across the colour yellow (different, it stood out) and the words inscribed. I said to myself, "This card, its wordings, describes my Dad, the ever-knowledgeable one. Wise guy!" A preacher of fair play, integrity, and resilience. He believed in justice and fair