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FG Launches Recruitment of National Health Fellows to Strengthen Rural Healthcare in Nasarawa

The Federal Government has commenced the recruitment of young medical professionals to serve as National Health Fellows, a presidential initiative aimed at fostering a new generation of leaders in the health sector.

The program targets the selection of thirteen youths from the thirteen local government areas of Nasarawa State, with the goal of strengthening local capacity for health system reform and improving service delivery, particularly for rural communities.

Implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with state health ministries and development partners, the National Health Fellows program seeks to equip young professionals with leadership and management skills in primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. Each local government area will host one health fellow.

The current session focuses on selecting fellows for Nasarawa State, with the selection panel evaluating applicants on areas of competence that will enhance healthcare delivery in rural communities. The panel emphasizes that the recruitment process will be merit-based, ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility.

Selected fellows will serve for a one-year tenure, during which they will contribute to healthcare reforms and youth leadership development at both national and state levels.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to developing youth leadership in the health sector while addressing critical gaps in rural healthcare delivery.

Nigerian Activist Agena Robert Warns ‘If U.S. Can Invade Venezuela, They Can Invade Nigeria,’ Criticizes Trump as Dictator

Nigerian human rights activist Agena A. Robert has condemned the United States over its actions against Venezuela, labeling Washington’s foreign policy as hypocritical, imperialistic, and a threat to global sovereignty.

In a statement titled “The Hypocrisy of Empire: Why the U.S. Assault on Venezuela Is a Threat to Us All,” Robert argued that U.S. claims of promoting democracy are a pretext for controlling Venezuela’s resources. He accused U.S. President Donald Trump of acting like a dictator and criticized double standards in international relations, including tolerance for elites and selective criminalization.

Robert warned that developing nations, including Nigeria, are at risk of foreign intervention disguised as benevolence, citing U.S., Israeli, Chinese, Russian, and European influence under various pretexts. He called for countries in the Global South to resist domination and uphold sovereignty, stressing that Venezuela’s experience should serve as a wake-up call.

The activist emphasized solidarity with Venezuela and the importance of defending self-determination against neocolonial exploitation.

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Venezuela Solidarity Group in Nigeria Condemns Alleged US Seizure of Chinese Vessels in Venezuelan Waters, Describes Act as Maritime Piracy

The Venezuela Solidarity Campaign in Nigeria has strongly condemned reports alleging that the United States seized Chinese commercial vessels within Venezuela’s territorial waters, describing the action as maritime piracy and a violation of international law. In a statement issued on December 20, 2025, the group accused the US of imperial aggression, economic warfare, and undermining the sovereignty of Venezuela and China. The organisation warned that such actions threaten global peace, destabilise international relations, and set a dangerous precedent for developing nations in the Global South, while calling for the immediate release of the vessels and international accountability for alleged violations.

Nigerian-American Izunna Okonkwo, Over $41M Insider Trading and Stock Manipulation Scheme

U.S. authorities have charged six individuals, including Nigerian-American Izunna Okonkwo, for a multi-year insider trading and stock manipulation scheme that allegedly earned at least $41 million in illicit profits. The defendants are accused of trading on material non-public information and manipulating the stock prices of biopharmaceutical companies developing breast cancer and opioid overdose treatments. Court documents allege the group falsified data and issued fake press releases to mislead investors. The charges include conspiracy to commit securities fraud, insider trading, wire fraud, and market manipulation, carrying potential prison sentences of 5 to 25 years per count.

US Expands Travel Restrictions, Suspends Green Card and Citizenship Applications for Nigerians

The United States government has expanded its travel restrictions on Nigerians, now suspending legal immigration applications, including green cards, naturalisation, and other permanent residency pathways. This means Nigerians can no longer submit or have their applications processed for these programs.

According to CBS News, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing the suspension in line with President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation, which initially imposed partial travel restrictions on several developing countries, including Nigeria.

The earlier restrictions affected nationals seeking entry on B‑1, B‑2, B‑1/B‑2, F, M, and J visas. The latest suspension extends beyond Nigeria to include countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, as well as Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Nationals of these countries will no longer be able to apply for US citizenship or permanent residency. US authorities cited national security concerns as the reason for the travel bans, explaining that a “general lack of stability and government control” in these countries makes it difficult to properly vet applicants or assess potential security threats.

USCIS further stated it is “conducting a comprehensive review of anyone from anywhere who poses a threat to the U.S., including those identified in the President’s latest proclamation.” The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the expanded restrictions but has previously expressed its willingness to collaborate with the US in addressing concerns related to immigration and security.

US Visa Ban on Nigerians Could Cost Nigeria $4 Billion, Analysts Warn
December 19, 2025

The U.S. government has suspended several immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories for Nigerians, citing security concerns and issues with overstays. Affected visas include B-1/B-2 (business/tourism), F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange programs), which are crucial for business, education, and investment travel.

Economists warn the ban could disrupt remittances, business travel, education, and foreign investment, potentially costing Nigeria $3–$4 billion annually in lost U.S.-sourced remittances. Nigerian entrepreneurs, professionals, and students may face higher costs, restricted access to U.S. markets, and delayed deals.

Senator Shehu Sani criticized the move, noting that the U.S. policy now affects ordinary Nigerians and reflects a broader message that developing countries must address domestic issues before sending migrants abroad. Analysts also warned of long-term impacts on human capital development, as reduced student visas may hinder skills acquisition and innovation.

BREAKING : Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has issued a powerful statement that is already sparking intense debate across Africa and beyond.

“It’s not terror!sm, it’s imperialism. Their objective is to keep us in a permanent w@r, prevent us from developing, and continue to exploit our resources.”

Traoré’s words point to a deeper accusation — that insecurity in parts of Africa is being weapon!zed to weaken nations, stall development, and maintain control over natural resources. He also criticized some West African coastal leaders, accusing them of buying into these arrangements just to remain in power, even at the cost of regional sovereignty.

This statement adds fuel to growing conversations about foreign influence, resource control, and leadership choices in West Africa at a time when many citizens are demanding true independence and security.

Do you agree with Ibrahim Traoré — is insecurity in Africa about terror!sm, or is it something deeper?

SHARE this post so more voices join the discussion.

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#NewsFlash #AfricaSpeaks #westafrica #Ibrahim #IbrahimTraore

UK Rapidly Developing Plans To Prepare For W@r”— Armed Forces Minister, AI Carns says

The UK is fast-tracking nationwide plans to prepare for the possible outbreak of w@r, armed forces minister Al Carns has said. He warned that modern conflicts are not won by the military alone, but by societies, industries and economies working together.

Carns said the thr£at of w@rin Europe is growing, echoing NATO chief Mark Rutte’s warning that the continent must be ready for a large-scale confrontation with Russia similar to past world wars. Britain has also reported a more than 50% rise in hostile intelligence activity over the past year, including spying and cyber att@cks, with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea suspected.

In response, the government is launching a new defence counter-intelligence unit and merging military intelligence branches into a single body called the Military Intelligence Services. The minister said preparations now go beyond the armed forces, with government departments working on plans to define the role civilians and institutions would play in a national crisis, including protecting UK territory. He noted that the work is developing rapidly as the country seeks to strengthen readiness for modern conflict.

JUST IN:
Taye Currency Launches Currency 93.1 FM, Expands Into Ibadan Media Scene

Ibadan’s broadcasting space has just grown bigger with the arrival of Currency 93.1 FM, a new radio station owned by renowned Fuji musician, Taye Akande Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency.

With this new venture, the Fuji star steps confidently into the league of media owners in the Oyo State capital, marking an important milestone in his career beyond the music stage.

Media insiders believe the launch of Currency 93.1 FM strengthens Ibadan’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s rapidly developing broadcast hubs, where more entertainers and entrepreneurs continue to invest in the media industry.

A big congratulations to Taye Currency and the entire @tayecurrency_official team on this exciting new journey.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fiery Thanksgiving message calling for an immediate and “permanent pause” on immigration from what he described as “all Third World countries.” In a lengthy post on his social media accounts, Trump sharply criticised U.S. immigration policies, claiming the foreign-born population is too large, overly dependent on welfare, and responsible for social and economic strain.

He repeated several unverified claims—such as immigrants contributing to rising crime, overwhelming schools and hospitals, and “taking over” parts of Minnesota—while attacking state officials and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

Trump outlined hardline proposals including stopping migration from developing nations, cancelling what he called “Biden-era illegal admissions,” ending federal benefits for non-citizens, denaturalising certain migrants, and deporting those he described as public charges or “non-compatible with Western civilisation.”

He ended the message with a pointed holiday note, saying Thanksgiving wishes did not extend to people who “hate, steal, murder, and destroy.”

The statement came shortly after U.S. authorities identified two National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism. The suspected shooter, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and illegal firearm possession.

"Our Goal Is To Use Education To End Poverty", President Tinubu Tells Duke of Edinburgh.

President Bola Tinubu emphasized that his administration’s economic and institutional reforms aim to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills to secure their future. Speaking during a meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, Tinubu stated, “Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty.”

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that discussions also covered plans for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award events in Lagos.

Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation in the G-20 this week will focus on youth empowerment and economic growth, stressing that reforms prioritize demography, skills development, and opportunities for young people.

He noted the introduction of a special education loan fund to ensure university students receive support to complete their studies, alongside broader reforms to enhance infrastructure, including fibre optics, security, and crime reduction initiatives. Tinubu also acknowledged humanitarian agencies for their role in supporting terrorism victims.

Finance Minister Wale Edun briefed attendees on the country’s median age of 17 and explained that policies are designed to expand youth participation, skill acquisition, and growth prospects. Prince Edward praised Nigeria’s reforms and highlighted the Lagos events, where 320 youths will be recognized for pursuing their passions, developing skills, and contributing to national development.

Also present were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Award’s Secretary-General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee Muhoho Kenyatta.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global program promoting non-formal education through schools, youth organizations, and community groups to develop skills, resilience, and service among young people.

ASUU Seeks Wamakko’s Intervention To End Dispute With FG.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has appealed to Senator Aliyu Wamakko to intervene in its lingering dispute with the Federal Government.

Led by its National Vice President, Professor Chris Piwuna, members of the union visited Senator Wamakko at his Asokoro residence in Abuja, urging him to use his experience, credibility, and influence to help restore constructive dialogue between the union and the government.

During the meeting, ASUU emphasised that its appeal was not politically motivated but borne out of the desire to find a lasting solution to the issues that have repeatedly disrupted academic activities across the country.

Professor Piwuna noted that the continuous breakdown in communication between the two parties has deeply affected the nation’s education sector, with students and parents bearing the greatest burden.

“We are confident that Senator Wamakko’s intervention can bridge the existing gap between the Federal Government and ASUU. Our goal is to ensure stability in the university system and to prevent future disruptions that have so far hindered academic progress.”

The union outlined key expectations from the senator’s involvement, including facilitating discussions between ASUU leadership and the Federal Government, urging both parties to recommit to the implementation of past agreements, and developing a structured framework for continuous engagement to avert future crises.

ASUU also urged the lawmaker to work with relevant Senate committees and the Ministry of Education to ensure accountability in policy execution and funding commitments.

ABU Debunks Viral Claim Linking It to Nuclear Weapons Development.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has dismissed a viral social media video alleging that the institution was secretly involved in developing nuclear weapons for Nigeria.

In a statement by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwalu Umar, ABU described the AI-generated video as false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public about Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear energy program.

The video had claimed that Nigerian scientists in the 1980s enriched weapons grade uranium in Kaduna, with ABU researchers allegedly obtaining centrifuge equipment from Pakistan’s AQ Khan network.

Umar, however, debunked these allegations as baseless and unsubstantiated, clarifying that during the 1980s, most scientists at ABU’s Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) were still undergoing training abroad and could not have been involved in any uranium enrichment activity.

He emphasized that all of Nigeria’s nuclear activities have been transparent and strictly for peaceful purposes, in line with the country’s commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Pelindaba Treaty, which ban nuclear weapons development.

According to Umar, the Centre for Energy Research and Training, founded in 1976, operates in partnership with the IAEA and other international collaborators from the U.S., Russia, and China and has never engaged in any secret weapons project.

“ABU has consistently focused on the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology to promote national development,” he stated, adding that the university’s founder, Sir Ahmadu Bello, had shown early interest in peaceful atomic research after visiting the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the U.S. in 1960.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing science and technology for the benefit of humanity and to upholding Nigeria’s international obligations on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Fearless Man Runs Scorpion Farm, Milks Deadly Creatures for ₦30bn Venom.

A fearless man identified as Scorpion Breeder has gone viral after sharing a video of his scorpion farm, where he breeds and milks scorpions for their venom, considered the most expensive liquid in the world.
Valued at about ₦30 billion per gallon, the venom is prized in medicine for its potential to treat diseases like malaria and detect brain tumors.
His calmness among the deadly creatures shocked many viewers online.

A fearless man has gone viral after showing off his unique business a scorpion farm where he breeds and milks the deadly creatures for their venom.

In the TikTok video, the man, identified as Scorpion Breeder, was seen walking calmly among hundreds of scorpions inside a large enclosure. He fearlessly picked them up and demonstrated how their venom is extracted, leaving viewers both shocked and fascinated.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “scorpion venom is the most expensive liquid on Earth,” valued at about ₦30 billion per gallon (around $39 million). However, “a single scorpion must be milked over 2.6 million times to produce just one gallon of venom.”

Experts say the venom is valuable for its medical uses, including “detecting brain tumors, treating malaria, and developing painkillers.”

The clip drew mixed reactions online while some praised his bravery, others admitted they couldn’t imagine being in the same room with a scorpion.

“You’ll Keep Contesting for President on Social Media” — Wike Mocks Peter Obi.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he would “continue to contest for President on social media, not in Nigeria.”

Wike made the remark on Thursday during the inauguration of new roads in Abuja’s Mabushi District, responding to Obi’s recent criticism of the poor state of public schools in the FCT.

Obi, during a visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa on Wednesday, had described the school’s condition as “a national disgrace” and a reflection of Nigeria’s “empty commitment to education,” lamenting the lack of chairs, toilets, and other basic facilities.

But in a fiery reaction, Wike accused Obi of politicising everything and using emotional public appearances to attract online sympathy.

“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates visited a local school and claimed the government had abandoned public education. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike said.

He also questioned Obi’s record as Anambra governor, alleging that he failed to complete key projects during his eight-year tenure and even clashed with his successor.

“Peter Obi, you governed Anambra for eight years. If you had done everything right, no one would still be talking about developing the state today. Why did you even fall out with your successor?” he asked.

Wike went on to boast that he had achieved more in two years as FCT Minister than Obi did in eight years as governor.

“We’ve been in office for just two years, not even four yet. Compare our work in the FCT with your eight years in Anambra, can you truly say you love this country or your people? Certainly not,” he said.

He further dismissed Obi’s presidential ambitions, claiming that someone who could not manage a political party was unfit to lead a nation.

“You will continue to contest as President on social media, not as President of Nigeria. You couldn’t even manage your own party. How can you manage a country of over 200 million people? It’s not available for people like you,” Wike declared.

The aircraft conveying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air.

WhatsApp Set to Replace Phone Numbers with Usernames in Major Privacy Update.

WhatsApp is testing a groundbreaking feature that will allow users to connect without revealing their phone numbers. Instead, users will be able to create unique usernames, a move similar to what’s seen on Instagram, Telegram, and X — marking one of the most significant privacy changes in the platform’s history.

The new feature, currently spotted in WhatsApp’s beta testing phase, will let people chat and join groups using usernames instead of phone numbers, giving users greater control and privacy, particularly in large or business group chats.

Le@ked images reveal a new “Username” section in user profiles, enabling people to choose personalized handles and hide their phone numbers if desired.

While this update could make WhatsApp function more like a social network, it has also sparked concerns about potential username hoarding and impersonation. However, WhatsApp is reportedly developing verification measures to curb such misuse.

The feature remains in testing, but if fully rolled out, it could redefine how more than two billion users connect — shifting WhatsApp’s focus from numbers to names.