Karl Benz, the inventor of the automobile, is pictured on the right alongside an employee riding his further-developed patent motor car in 1890. The vehicle featured three wheels and represented a major step forward in early automotive engineering.

The Benz Patent-Motorwagen (1885–1886) is widely regarded as the oldest real automobile and the world’s first practical gasoline-powered car, marking the true beginning of the modern automotive era.

Quick Facts

Year: 1885 (patented in 1886)

Engine: Single-cylinder internal combustion engine

Top speed: Approximately 16 km/h (10 mph)

Wheels: Three

Status: Preserved in museums, primarily in Germany
#AutomobileHistory, #KarlBenz, #VintageCars

No, Coca-Cola Did Not Invent Christmas — Here’s the Real Story

Christmas was not created by one person. It developed over time as a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In the early days, Christians did not celebrate Jesus’ birthday. It was around the 4th century (about AD 336) that Christian leaders in Rome chose December 25 as the date to mark His birth. The date likely aligned with popular Roman festivals at the time, helping Christianity gain wider acceptance.

Coca-Cola came much later, in 1886. What the company influenced was the modern image of Santa Claus, especially the red-and-white outfit made popular through advertisements in the 1930s. Coca-Cola did not invent Christmas.

Simply put, Jesus Christ is the reason for Christmas. The Church formally established the celebration, and no individual or company created it.

#ChristmasFacts #FaithAndHistory #TruthMatters #Culture

Tragedy as School Bus Crashes into Truck, 13 Children Die on Their Way to School…..

A deep sense of grief has enveloped parents, teachers, and residents after a tragic road accident claimed the lives of 13 schoolchildren on their way to school. Reports say their bus collided with a heavy-duty truck, killing the children instantly. Eyewitnesses described books and school bags scattered across the road as parents arrived in tears. Emergency responders rushed in, but could do little to save them, while the injured were taken to hospital. Authorities have launched an investigation and called for stricter road safety, especially for school transport.
#fintternews

Lagos Airport Police Arrest Suspected International Romance Fraudster Over Alleged ₦1 Billion U.S. Scam as Nigeria Police Uncover Celebrity Impersonation, Crypto Fraud and Gift Card Scheme

The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command in Lagos, has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, over his alleged involvement in an international romance and celebrity fraud operation that reportedly defrauded victims in the United States of over ₦1 billion (more than $1 million). According to a police statement, Akpama was apprehended on January 5, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos following months of intelligence-led surveillance.
Police said the suspect previously lived in Calabar before relocating to Lagos in February 2024 and allegedly used a sophisticated online scam, including a cryptocurrency platform known as “BullRun 2.0,” to deceive victims. In one case, investigators said he convinced a 47-year-old U.S.-based woman to transfer $1 million under the guise of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage. Another victim, a 70-year-old woman, was reportedly defrauded of over ₦25.7 million through the purchase of gift cards and high-end electronic devices that were shipped to Nigeria.
Items recovered from the suspect include multiple smartphones and a MacBook laptop valued at over ₦8 million. Police said Akpama posed as a 60-year-old United Nations orthopedic surgeon to gain trust and facilitate the fraud. The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to prevent airports from being used as escape routes for criminal suspects. The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit, and the suspect is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

#OpEd: My Prediction – Why Nigeria Will Be the Greatest Country in 2026, By Bayo Oluwasanmi

In this satirical New Year opinion piece, Bayo Oluwasanmi predicts that 2026 will be a transformative year for Nigeria, blending humor with sharp critique of the nation’s political and social landscape. He foresees a “deranged, narcissistic dictator” leading the country, a National Assembly enacting bizarre laws, and foreign-managed healthcare systems. Oluwasanmi humorously suggests radical reforms, including new countries within Nigeria, palm oil-powered lanterns replacing electricity, and K-9 police replacing human officers.

Through satire, he highlights corruption, inefficiency, insecurity, and the failures of government while urging Nigerians to confront the truth and work toward solutions. The piece blends wit, irony, and political commentary to provoke reflection on the state of the nation.

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#Nigeria2026 #BayoOluwasanmi #Satire #OpEdNigeria #NigerianPolitics #Corruption #PoliticalHumor #NewYearPredictions

Iran Launches New Satellites Ahead of Netanyahu–Trump Meeting

Iran has launched three locally developed satellites into space in a fresh show of defiance, coming just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss Iran and wider Middle East concerns.

The satellites — Paya, Zafar-2, and a second prototype of Kowsar — were successfully placed into Low Earth Orbit on Sunday using a Russian Soyuz rocket launched from a Russian space facility.

Before the June war, Tehran had carried out several satellite launches in recent years, some independently and others in partnership with Moscow. Iranian officials say the newly launched satellites include the country’s most advanced imaging technology, further highlighting Iran’s growing space and missile-linked capabilities amid rising regional tensions.

The timing of the launch is widely seen as symbolic, coinciding with high-level talks between Israel and the United States focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.

#Iran #MiddleEast #SpaceTechnology #GlobalPolitics

Stay Away from Blast Scenes to Avoid Health Consequences Sokoto Govt Warns Residents

In a related development, Sokoto State Government has warned Communities affected by insecurity to desist from visiting Areas hit by explosives in order to avoid serious health implications.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, and made available to Journalists in Sokoto.

According to the statement, the warning became imperative following the manner in which Residents of Jabo Town trooped to the scene of Thursday’s blast shortly after it occurred.

The Government noted that such actions could have serious consequences for both living and non-living things.

Experts, according to the statement, have identified several health implications associated with exposure to explosives, especially when poorly handled.

These include;Skin irritation or burns resulting from contact with certain chemicals;
Respiratory problems caused by inhalation of toxic fumes and Potential toxicity arising from ingestion or prolonged exposure to explosive residues.

The State Government reiterated its determination to continue safeguarding the lives of the People of Sokoto State, irrespective of where they reside.

The statement further directed Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in all high-risk Areas of the State to intensify Public enlightenment on the dangers associated with visiting blast sites.

It also instructed Local Government Authorities to ensure that Areas affected by explosions are cordoned off and made inaccessible to Residents.

The State Government reassured the People of Sokoto of its unwavering commitment to securing the entire State and appealed for their continued support and cooperation in this regard.

Wawa Barracks: Exposing Arbitrary Detention, Human Rights Violations, and the Moral Reckoning for Nigeria – OpEd by Evans Ufeli Esq

In this incisive OpEd, Evans Ufeli Esq examines alleged human rights abuses at Wawa Barracks in Niger State, where supporters of IPOB are reportedly detained without trial for years. The article highlights arbitrary detention, denial of due process, torture, poor living conditions, and lack of transparency, stressing violations of both Nigerian law and international human-rights standards. Ufeli calls for immediate reforms, including judicial oversight, independent monitoring, accountability for abuses, and systemic changes to safeguard detainees’ rights. The piece underscores that respecting human dignity in detention is essential for Nigeria’s moral and social stability.

The Wicked Zacchaeus Syndrome: How Corruption Hides Behind Law and Authority in Nigeria – OpEd by M. Musa

In this thought-provoking OpEd, M. Musa draws on the Biblical story of Zacchaeus to illustrate modern corruption in Nigeria. Unlike the Biblical Zacchaeus, who misused power for personal gain, today’s “wicked” exploit legal frameworks, manipulate laws, and hide behind authority to enrich themselves, while institutions fail to hold them accountable. Musa warns that corruption is no longer just about looting money—it can be the subtle theft of governance itself, where silence and inaction allow elites to prosper at the expense of justice. The piece urges society to demand accountability and highlights that history and divine justice ultimately record every wrongdoing.

The U.S. wants to turn Gaza into a luxury resort — WSJ

The Trump administration developed an ambitious plan called "Sunrise" for the Gaza Strip.

The project is valued at $112 billion and aims to completely transform the region over two decades.

The main idea, proposed by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, is to turn Gaza into a high-tech resort metropolis.

The plan includes demining, creating modern transportation hubs, and building new cities.

However, it is still unclear where the funding for such an ambitious project will come from. It is also unknown where Palestinians will live.

#OpEd: Legacy of an Evil Leader
By Bayo Oluwasanmi, December 19, 2025

The article frames Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy as that of an “evil leader”, leaving Nigeria with deep societal trauma and weakened institutions.

Buhari’s tenure is criticized for corruption, economic mismanagement, and institutional decay, including politicized military/police and compromised legal systems.

His leadership allegedly eroded truth, promoted propaganda, and fostered division along ethnic, religious, and political lines.

The author compares Nigerian politics to the fable of the Dog, the Sheep, and the Wolves, suggesting visionary leaders are often undermined while corrupt elites thrive.

Buhari’s 8-year rule is summarized under seven negative traits: incompetence, rigidity, intemperance, callousness, corruption, insularity, and evil.

The piece warns that his legacy has normalized cruelty, fear, and division, leaving a lasting societal impact.

OpEd: Is Russia Afraid of a Free Press in Africa? Oumarou Sanou Critiques Russian Embassy’s Reaction to Nigerian Media

Oumarou Sanou examines the Russian Embassy’s reaction to Nigerian media coverage of Russian-linked mercenaries in the Sahel. He argues that Russia’s attempt to discredit journalists and label criticism as “paid” or foreign-influenced reflects a fear of scrutiny rather than a defense of facts. Sanou emphasizes that independent African media must remain free to report on insecurity, human rights abuses, and regional developments, warning against external interference in Nigeria’s sovereign public discourse.

Ebonyi ACP Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola Dies Suddenly During Official Police Meeting in Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the sudden death of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, who collapsed during a management meeting in Abakaliki. According to the police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, ACP Popoola developed breathing difficulties and was rushed to the Police Medical Centre, but despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead. Preliminary assessments suggest cardiac arrest linked to hypertensive heart disease. The late officer, who headed the State Intelligence Department (SID), had shown no prior signs of illness. His remains have been deposited at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA 1).

BUK Students Plunged Into Darkness as N5.6bn Solar Plant Reportedly Fails Two Years After Launch

Barely two years after its commissioning, the N5.6 billion solar hybrid power plant at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has collapsed, throwing students and staff into erratic electricity supply and rising energy costs. The 3.5-megawatt facility, inaugurated in September 2019 by then Vice President Yaptor Yemi Osinbajo, was hailed as Africa’s largest off-grid solar plant.

Executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Energising Education Programme and handled by Greek firm METKA, the project powered lecture halls, offices, hostels and staff quarters during the day, cutting the university’s energy costs by over 60 percent. By 2021, however, the plant developed faults and was shut down, forcing the institution back to diesel generators and the national grid.

Staff and students said the collapse ended a period of uninterrupted daytime power that improved learning, security and productivity across the campus. University workers attributed the failure to overuse, lack of storage facilities, rising maintenance costs and the absence of adequate technical involvement from BUK during implementation.

Inflation and prolonged inactivity reportedly worsened the d+mage, while electricity materials depreciated over time. The REA has now announced plans to revive and expand the plant to 6MW under a N100 billion federal solarisation programme. Speaking at the launch of the upgrade on November 20, 2025, REA Managing Director, Dr Abba Aliyu Abubakar, said the project would undergo a complete overhaul to deliver 24-hour power supply.

BUK Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, said the new phase would fully involve the university’s experts to ensure sustainability, noting that the school currently spends over N130 million monthly on electricity alone. Staff and students welcomed the intervention but urged strict accountability to prevent a repeat of the failure.

In the US, a man received a kidney transplant from a donor infected with rabies. Both later died

The patient from Michigan had been waiting a long time for a transplant. The surgery itself went well, but five weeks later he developed seizures and confusion.

A week after that, he died. Doctors later found the rabies virus in his tissues.

The source was quickly identified — the organ donor. He had previously been scratched by a skunk but never sought medical care. A few weeks later, the donor also died.

The donor’s relatives did not inform doctors about the scratch when they consented to organ removal.

Corneas from the same donor were transplanted into three other patients. After the virus was discovered, the transplanted tissues were urgently removed.

In December 2014 a Russian cargo plane carrying French helicopters out of the Central African Republic made an emergency landing in Kano. The Antonov cargo plane had been traveling from Bangui to the Chadian capital N'djamena when it developed technical difficulties and made an emergency landing at Kano airport, because Kano was the closest airport facility.

Nigerian authorities detained it on arrival and questioned its French crew. The Nigerian federal and airport authorities, satisfied with the documents and the genuine character of the flight authorized the plane to continue its flight to N'Djamena.

There was no diplomatic grandstanding, accusations of invasion or unnecessary drama, just the kind of measured response you’d expect from a responsible nation.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the plane and the 11 detained personnel in B-FASO. Lets hope for a swift and positive resolution. Prolonging this situation serves neither country’s interests.

Chih-Tang Sah: The Semiconductor Pioneer Whose Ashes Returned to China After Transforming Global Chip Technology

The ashes of semiconductor pioneer Chih-Tang Sah (Sa Zhitang) — a legendary figure whose innovations power nearly all modern electronic devices — have been moved from the United States to Fujian, China, his ancestral home, for burial beside his late wife.

Sah, celebrated as one of the foundational minds of microelectronics, co-developed the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) transistor architecture with collaborator Frank Wanlass. Their breakthrough paved the way for low-power, high-efficiency integrated circuits, forming the backbone of the global semiconductor industry.

According to High-Frequency Integrated Circuits by University of Toronto professor Sorin Voinigescu, CMOS technology accounted for about 99% of all semiconductor chips manufactured worldwide by 2011, underscoring Sah’s lasting impact on modern electronics.

Despite decades abroad, those close to him said Sah “kept his homeland in his heart,” a sentiment reflected in his final return to China.

#TechnologyNews #SemiconductorIndustry #CMOS #TechPioneers

President Tinubu Considers Presidential Task Force to Boost ‘Detty December’ Tourism.

The Federal Executive Council has proposed the creation of a Presidential Task Force on ‘Detty December’ to coordinate Nigeria’s booming end-of-year tourism and entertainment season.

Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced the plan after Thursday’s Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. She said the initiative aims to unify federal and state efforts to position Nigeria particularly Lagos as a major global destination during the festive period.

Musawa explained that the Council also approved the adoption of key national tourism brands such as “Naija Season,” developed by the National Council for Arts and Culture. These brands will serve as national catalysts for promoting tourism and creative industries across all 36 states throughout the year.

She revealed that the task force would bring together key ministries and agencies including those in aviation, interior, and power to ensure seamless support for Lagos State, which hosts the highest concentration of December concerts, festivals, and diaspora events.

According to Musawa, the Federal Government’s involvement will strengthen inter-agency collaboration, enhance Nigeria’s global image, and attract private-sector participation in the creative and tourism sectors.

“Detty December,” a popular term describing Nigeria’s festive wave of concerts, fashion shows, nightlife, and cultural events, has become a major driver of the economy, especially in Lagos. The initiative is expected to further expand Nigeria’s soft-power influence, boost tourism revenue, and establish the country as a leading African entertainment hub.

Mexico’s President Files Complaint After a Man Attempted to Kiss Her on the Street, Seeks Nationwide Reform on Harassment Laws.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has filed a formal complaint after a man groped her during an impromptu walk near the National Palace, an incident that has reignited debate over the country’s troubling record on women’s safety.

The 63-year-old president was greeting supporters when an apparently intoxicated man placed an arm around her, touched her hip and chest, and attempted to kiss her neck. Sheinbaum pushed his hands away as her staff intervened. The man was later arrested.

Speaking at her morning news conference, Sheinbaum said she chose to press charges to send a clear message about the protection of women. “If this happens to the president, what becomes of all the women in our country?” she said. She added that the incident reflects everyday realities for millions of Mexican women.

Sheinbaum announced that her government will review legislation across Mexico’s 32 states, where sexual harassment is not universally defined as a crime. She urged state authorities to strengthen legal protections and make it easier for victims to report assaults, saying the country needs to hear a “loud and clear no” to violations of women’s personal space.

The attack has also drawn scrutiny over the president’s security arrangements, as her detail was not close by at the time. Still, Sheinbaum dismissed calls to increase distance between herself and the public, insisting she will maintain her approachable style.

Mexico continues to struggle with widespread harassment and gender-based violence, with rights groups warning of a femicide crisis and the UN estimating that seven in ten women have experienced at least one form of sexual harassment.

"Why I Finally Quit Smoking" — Singer Yemi Alade Opens Up

Afropop star Yemi Alade has revealed how she developed a short-term cigarette addiction while in university but quit after it began harming her voice and required her to hide the habit in public.

During an interview with chude jideonwo, the johnny singer explained that her experimentation with smoking as a teenager quickly escalated into a nightly routine before bed.

she said the need to conceal cigarettes when out in public created discomfort that ultimately led her to stop. Alade also noted the negative impact on her vocal health, a critical concern for her career.

“Some people say i don’t smoke, i don’t this, i don’t that. when i was in the university i tried smoking. I did not work out. But before it did not work out, it worked out a bit too much. I started needing to smoke before I go to bed. I was getting addicted to that lifestyle. but also, in public, I would hide the cigarette.

“So, i was like, ‘what’s this life; the discomfort that i can’t go to bed without smoking and then when i go out, i am going to hide the cigarette? as a teenager in the university trying to figure out life, i also made certain decisions for myself that if i’m going to hide to do something, i will not do it because i like to be aware of my environment and my decisions and i just said i don’t think cigarettes are for me.

“They are not for me, and they harmed me, they affected my voice anyways. so i stopped. smoking for me did not last up to a year,” she stated.