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Lagos Assembly Meets With Makoko Residents, Asks Ministries To Stop Demolition

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Residents evacuate in a boat following forceful eviction and demolition of homes

The Lagos State Assembly has met with residents of the Makoko community affected by the recent demolitions and is asking the concerned ministries to stop the exercise in the area.

Monday’s meeting, led by the Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, was to help address issues from the Makoko and Oworonshoki demolition exercise.

Adams, who is also the Chairman House Committee on Mokoko Demolition, directed all ministries and agencies involved in the demolition exercise to stop all demolition in Makoko, Oko-Afon, and Shogunro communities.

He assured the people that the state assembly members will visit the area to carryout on the spot assessment to confirm the specific setback being taken by the government.

According to him, community leaders will be elected as members of the Taskforce Committee that will be constituted.

The lawmaker stated that the state government will continue to protect lives and property, and will not ignore the dangers attributed to living under high tension.

The state assembly members were also not pleased with the Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bayo Adefuye, for distributing foodstuffs to those who were displaced in Makoko.

According to the house, what they needed most at that time was shelter not palliative.

The Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, who was at the meeting, said the state government has constantly engaged the people of Makoko on the ongoing regeneration plan.

He explained that the state government has no plan of wiping off Makoko community, and demolition has been stopped.

According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has allocated $2 million for the development of Makoko, and the community will remain there because it is part of Lagos history.

He also promised that those affected by the demolition would be duly compensated.

Credit: channelstv.com

Police Arrest Govt Official, Two Monarchs, Others Over Ebonyi Attack

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Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru

Police authorities in Ebonyi have arrested the coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre, Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, in Afikpo Local Government Area, and two traditional rulers, over the killings in Okporojo, Edda Local Government Area of the state.

Four people were beheaded during the attack. The Ebonyi Police Command’s spokesman, Joshua Ukandu, identified the traditional rulers as Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia.

“Yes, following the attack, the coordinator of Amasiri, two traditional rulers, and other individuals were arrested during a joint security operation,” Ukandu, a Superintendent of Police, said.

“All suspects are currently in our custody, and investigations are ongoing. The command will not relent until everyone involved is brought to justice.”

Ukandu noted the joint operation was carried out by the police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He said that 10 suspects had earlier been arrested as investigations continued.

The recent killing in Ebonyi followed a long-standing land dispute between the people of Okporojor in Oso Edda community, Edda LGA, and their neighbours from Amasiri in Afikpo LGA.

The dispute escalated on January 29, when suspected armed persons attacked Okporojor village, killing four residents and destroying houses and property. Three of those killed were reportedly beheaded.

Worried by the incident, the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, dissolved the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan in Afikpo LGA.

Nwifuru sacked the officials on Sunday during a visit to Okporojo village in the Oso Edda community.

A traditional leader in the community had called for immediate government intervention, urging that those responsible for the violence be apprehended.

Credit: channelstv.com

Assemblyman raises concern over allocation of ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’

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Mr Isaac Newton Tetteh, Assembly Member for the Mlitsakpo Electoral Area

Mr Isaac Newton Tetteh, Assembly Member for the Mlitsakpo Electoral Area in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality has raised concerns over the alleged allocation of 10,000 ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ day-old chicks to a single farmer, under the government poultry support programme.

Mr Newton Tetteh said the development was contrary to expectations that the chicks would be distributed among interested beneficiaries across the municipality’s 18 electoral areas.

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that assembly members in the municipality were issued with forms and tasked to collect data on residents interested in benefiting from the programme.

He said the information required included name, date of birth and Ghana Card details of prospective beneficiaries.

Mr Newton Tetteh said he complied with the directive and submitted data from his electoral area to the Agric Department on September 2, 2025 believing that the chicks would subsequently be distributed equitably among registered farmers.

He said it later emerged that the entire consignment of 10,000-day-old chicks had been released to a single farmer within two weeks, leaving out other farmers who had registered interest in the programme.

According to him, his own inquiries confirmed that the beneficiary was among those who had registered through the data collection process, questioning why one individual would be allocated the full batch when the programme was intended to support multiple farmers across the municipality.

Mr Newton Tetteh said the farmer confirmed receipts of the 10,000 chicks, together with feed and medication, adding that about 360 of the chicks allegedly died while the farmer reportedly retained about 4,000 birds, having distributed some to other farmers.

The assembly member expressed concern that the development had eroded the trust of farmers who participated in the registration exercise in good faith, stressing that all 18 assembly members had mobilised farmers in their respective areas with the expectation of a fair and transparent distribution.

He called for investigations into the matter and urged the relevant authorities to ensure accountability in the implementation of the programme.

Responding to the concerns, Mr Frederick Ofori Bekoe of Brepor Farms, the recipient of the chicks said he lost his poultry farm to bird flu in 2022 and subsequently reported the loss to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, while following up on compensation.

He said he was informed during the follow-up about the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ programme and was encouraged to participate.

Mr Ofori Bekoe said he was asked to indicate the quantity of chicks he required and was assured that he could request more if necessary, leading to the allocation of the 10,000 chicks.

He added that about 500 of the chicks had died so far and that he received 90 bags of feed and medication to support the birds.

Efforts by the GNA to reach the Director of Agriculture for the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality for comment were unsuccessful, as he declined to comment on the issue.

GNA

Blue Water Guard initiative achieving results –Armah Kofi Buah 

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Members of the Blue Guards

Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, says the Blue Water Guard initiative introduced by the government was yielding positive results.

He said the steadfastness of the guards was significantly undermining the operational framework of illegal miners, especially in the water and river bodies in communities.

In an address read for him at the inauguration of 21 Blue Water Guards for the Asokore-Mampong Municipality, the Lands Minister said he was very proud of the progress made so far by the guards in protecting river and water bodies.

He cautioned the guards to desist from any act that could undermine the objectives of the initiative and urged them to adhere strictly to the principles governing their operations wherever they might be deployed.‎

The Blue Water Guards is a government initiative designed to equip over 2,000 Ghanaian youths with the requisite skills and knowledge to protect the nation’s rivers and other water bodies adversely affected by galamsey activities.‎

Additionally, it aims to establish a sustainable community-driven surveillance system dedicated to the continuous protection and restoration of water bodies impacted by illegal mining.‎

Mr. Armah Kofi Buah pointed out that illegal mining activities contaminated water bodies through the processing of soil and crushed stones in proximity to waterways, therefore, necessitating focused intervention.‎

He said one of the most alarming ramifications was the pervasive pollution of rivers and streams, jeopardizing both human health and the livelihoods reliant on pristine water sources. ‎

He said with the training they had undergone in surveillance, survival swimming, boat handling and basic combat techniques; he was confident in their capacity to fulfill their mandate effectively.‎

According to him, the Blue Water Guards were anticipated to operate in close collaboration with the Ghana Navy and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS), to achieve the desired goals.‎

Mr. Ben Abdullah Alhassan, Asokore-mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), urged the guards to execute their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment.‎

He said such an approach would facilitate the successful realisation of the President’s vision of attaining zero pollution in water bodies.‎

Dignitaries present at the inauguration included Mr. Steven Agbo of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Dela Edem, Head of Corporate Communications at the ministry and Mr. Kobby Boamah, Executive Assistant (Support Services) among others.

GNA

Gunu, Volta MPs tour key project sites

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Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, joined members of the Volta Parliamentary Caucus on a region-wide inspection tour to evaluate the progress, quality and compliance of major government-funded development projects.

The tour began at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Hohoe Campus, where the delegation met with the Vice-Chancellor, senior management and traditional leaders to discuss infrastructure expansion, academic development and community engagement.

From there, the team inspected priority road works under the Government’s “Big Push” and Eastern Corridor Road programmes, covering key stretches from Hohoe through Asikuma, Anyrawasi, Ho and into the Ketu South District.

During the exercise, two contractors, Greenhouse International Developers Ghana Limited and China Railway, were flagged for unsatisfactory performance, with one contractor absent from the site at the time of the visit.

Mr Gunu said he supported the Caucus Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, in the decision to refer the matter to the Minister for Roads and Highways for immediate action.

Contractors delivering quality work and steady progress, including Timeline, First Sky and Rolider were commended for adhering to standards and timelines.

At Golokwati and Dzodze, the delegation interacted with residents and motorists, apologising for the inconvenience caused by ongoing construction and assuring them of improved connectivity, safety, and economic opportunities upon completion.

The team also inspected the Affordable Housing Project in Kpeve and assessed the status of the stalled Agenda 111 District Hospital Project, urging stakeholders to expedite efforts to resume work to enhance healthcare access for surrounding communities.

The tour proceeded to Agavedzi to review Phase Two of the Sea Defence Project, where officials briefed the delegation on coastal protection measures designed to curb erosion and safeguard livelihoods.

The inspection concluded at the Keta Port, where progress on port infrastructure and related facilities was reviewed in anticipation of future maritime and commercial activity.

Mr Gunu said the tour reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability, quality assurance, effective supervision and timely delivery of projects in line with the President’s directive.

“Our priority is to ensure value for money and that development projects translate into real and tangible benefits for the people of the Volta Region,” he stated.

Members of the Caucus and accompanying technical officers pledged to sustain regular monitoring and community engagement to promote transparency and steady progress across all project sites.

GNA

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton secretly dating, spend romantic weekend in UK

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Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton are secretly dating and spent a romantic weekend together in the UK, according to a new report.

The Skims founder, 45, and Hamilton, 41, have been photographed together multiple times over the past decade, but have never been linked romantically until now.

Per the Sun, Kardashian left Los Angeles Saturday afternoon in her private jet and met up with the F1 driver to stay at the Estelle Manor, a luxury hotel and country club, in the Cotswolds.

The two had a “very romantic” weekend, per a source, while being trailed by their security guards to ensure their privacy.

Insiders told the outlet that the pair shared a room and had exclusive use of the pool and the spa.

“They had a couple’s massage booked in and had full use of the facilities for just the two of them,” the insider said, adding, “In the evening, they had dinner in a private room so they didn’t have other guests around.”

The two reportedly checked out by 11 a.m. Sunday and left in the two cars Kardashian had traveled in from the airport.

An onlooker said that, despite the pair making an effort not to be seen together — he allegedly used the front doors and she was allegedly taken through a side exit — Kardashian stood out due to her eight suitcases and “enormous” Hermès Birkin bag.

“They left together, along with the bodyguards and drove off,” the onlooker explained.

Credit: yahoonews

Nicki Minaj sparks outrage after homophobic jab at Grammys host, Trevor Noah

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Nicki Minaj and Trevor Noah

The Grammys are usually remembered for big wins, bold fashion, and viral performances. This year, the headlines shifted fast. What started as a joke in the opening monologue quickly turned into one of the most heated pop culture debates of the night after Nicki Minaj fired back at host Trevor Noah with a tweet many called deeply offensive.

Social media erupted within minutes. Fans, critics, and fellow viewers all had strong opinions, and the conversation moved far beyond music. Here’s what happened and how fans and critics responded to the uproar.

Grammy host Trevor Noah kicked off the night with his signature blend of humor, roasting performers, trends, politics, and the entertainment world. He had the crowd laughing about everything from surprise award wins to celebrity guests in the audience.

But things shifted when Noah addressed the absence of Nicki Minaj. Instead of simply noting that she wasn’t at the show, Noah used the moment to reference Minaj’s recent political spotlight and crafted a joke that immediately sparked strong reactions. In the monologue, Noah quipped that Minaj was still at the White House with former President Donald Trump discussing “very important issues.”

Hours after the broadcast, Nicki Minaj posted a tweet aimed directly at Noah that changed the tone of the conversation. In the tweet, she accused him of refusing to come out and claimed that people in the industry knew about his boyfriend, adding the word “allegedly.”

The response sparked immediate outrage. Many users criticized Minaj for speculating about someone’s sexuality and for using it as a weapon in a public dispute.

The backlash was swift and intense. While Minaj has often brushed off criticism in the past, this moment felt different. The conversation shifted away from Noah’s joke and toward the impact of Minaj’s words.

Credit: yahoonews

‘Burna Boy is my number one collaboration choice’ – Ayra Starr reveals

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Ayra Starr

Nigerian Afrobeat songstress, Ayra Starr, has named Burna Boy her top collaboration choice.

Ayra Starr made this known while speaking with Love Island USA star Chelley Bissainthe during a Billboard interview about her nomination for the 2026 Grammy.

While tagging it a moment of reassurance in her career, Ayra Starr said, “I am very grateful that I’m actually a two-time Grammy nominee. The first time I was nominated, it was like, “Oh my God, I got nominated.”

“But the second time, I was like, maybe I need to trust God and myself a bit more. I have collaborated with many people, and I still want to collaborate with more people. But everyone knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with”, she said.

The songstress earned a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance for ‘Gimme Dat’ with Wizkid, released in April 2025.

The nominations were announced in November 2025 ahead of the February 1, 2026, Grammy Awards ceremony.

Reacting to the recognition, the singer described the nomination as a reassuring moment in her career.

Source: Daily Post

Davido shares message from wife after Grammy loss

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Davido and Chioma

Nigerian Artiste Davido has shared a message from his wife, Chioma, following his loss at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

The singer made the post on social media after he did not win the award in his category.

Davido wrote about a private moment between himself and his wife after the result was announced.

“I said baby listen we lost again let’s not go! She said ‘Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat’ we outside,” he posted.

The message showed how Chioma encouraged him to stay positive and confident despite the loss.

At this year’s ceremony, South African singer Tyla won the award for Best African Music Performance. The event took place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The ceremony was hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, who served as host for the sixth and final time.

French authorities raid X offices, summon Musk in cybercrime probe

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French authorities raid X offices

French police have raided the Paris offices of X and summoned its owner, Elon Musk, to appear at a hearing, amid an ongoing investigation into ⁠the social media giant, the prosecution has said.

The search on Tuesday related to an investigation launched in January last year into allegations of biased algorithms and fraudulent data extraction ‍by the platform, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office said in a post on X.

The investigation has since widened, following complaints about X’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok, to include the platform’s alleged “complicity” in numerous potential crimes, the office said.

These included possessing and spreading pornographic images of minors, defamation of personal image related to the creation of sexually explicit “deepfakes”, Holocaust denial, and manipulation of an automated data processing system.

Prosecutors have also filed requests for “voluntary interviews” of Musk – the billionaire CEO of X’s parent company xAI, as well as SpaceX and Tesla – and the platform’s former CEO, Linda Yaccarino, on April 20.

Other staff at X – known as Twitter before Musk’s 2022 purchase of the platform – have been summoned to appear the same week as witnesses, the office said.

The prosecutor’s ‌cybercrime division was conducting the inquiry in addition to ⁠the French police’s cybercrime unit and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, or Europol, the office said.

In its post on X, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office said it was “leaving” the platform, advising people to find its updates on LinkedIn and Instagram instead.

Credit: aljazeera.com

The Ghanaian Chronicle