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1966 Coup: Youth Council Demands $10trn Compensation For Igbos, Plans Mass Protests

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The World Igbo Youth Council, WIYC, has fixed March 17, 2025 to stage peaceful protests across cities in the South-East, Abuja, and Lagos, until an apology is tendered to lgbos over the 1966 coup.

Former Military Head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) had in his recently released book stated that the 1966 was not an lgbo coup.

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In a statement issued on Sunday by the President General, Princess Eberechukwu Dickson, the group called on President Bola Tinubu to extend an unreserved apology to the lgbo nation and provide reparations totalling $10 trillion.

According to the statement, “This demand is not merely a matter of financial restitution but a necessary acknowledgment of the profound suffering endured by the Igbo people, exacerbated by the loss of approximately 3.8 million lives during the Nigeria-Biafra War (1966-1970).”!

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The statement added, “Beginning on March 17, 2025, the WIYC will initiate peaceful protests across selected cities in the South-East, as well as in Abuja and Lagos.

“These demonstrations will serve as a powerful reminder of our collective voice and our unwavering demand for justice. We seek to compel the Federal Government to recognize the urgent need for an apology, which is essential for any genuine spirit of national reconciliation.

“The Federal Government has an ethical duty to honor the memory of the 3.8 million Igbo lives that were tragically lost during the Nigeria-Biafra conflict.

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“We implore President Tinubu to summon his moral authority and officially recognize the ongoing consequences of the Biafra War—a conflict that, despite being declared over in 1970, has morphed into a new, insidious struggle marked by economic disenfranchisement and systemic inequality.

“The ramifications of this renewed conflict are more pernicious than the physical violence and destruction suffered between 1966 and 1970.

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“The current iteration of the Biafra struggle is manifesting through the deliberate closure of vital economic corridors in the former Eastern Region.

“Most notably, the permanent closure of the Calabar Seaport has forced reliance on Lagos ports, drastically undermining the economic viability of the Igbo populace.

“Furthermore, the political landscape continues to inhibit Igbo aspirations for leadership, as seen in the ongoing restriction on eligible Igbo candidates aspiring to the presidency, facilitated by an inequitable quota system that subordinates merit and competency to political expediency.

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“Moreover, we assert that the military leaders’ conspiracy to diminish the Southeast into a mere five states demonstrates a systematic effort to undermine the socio-political stature of the Igbo people.

“This manipulation has propagated a cycle of disenfranchisement that continues to demean our cultural and national identity.

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“In light of these realities, we call upon the Federal Government to fully implement the ECOWAS verdict from 2017, which mandated that reparations be made to the victims of the Nigeria-Biafra War.

“Full compliance with this directive would not only acknowledge the historical injustices faced by the Igbo nation but would also symbolize a significant step towards healing the nationwide scars of war.

“In conclusion, the World Igbo Youth Council remains steadfast in its unwavering pursuit of justice, recognition, and reparations for the Igbo people.

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“We will not waver in our resolve; our collective actions will signal to the world that we will not be silenced or ignored as we champion the dignity and rights of the Igbo nation.

“The path to true reconciliation is paved with honesty, acknowledgment, and justice, and it is a path we demand the Federal Government to undertake.”

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FG Selects 12 Varsities For Electric Vehicle Production

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As part of the First Nigeria Policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Oluwemimo Osanipin, has disclosed that twelve universities have been selected for electric car manufacturing.

The twelve universities, comprising two from each geopolitical zone of the country, according to the DG, will be financed by the Bank of Industry and other key financial institutions.

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Mr Osanipin made the disclosure in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (NAMA).

The theme of the engagement was “Import of Used Cars and Dealership Regulation in Nigeria.”

READ ALSO: FG Probes Night Examination In Unity School Asaba

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He stated that Nigeria was also committed to component and parts manufacturing as part of its preparation for the production of Made-in-Nigeria vehicles and in fulfilment of the First Nigeria Policy.

According to him, the country is on its way to achieving 100% locally made electric vehicles, adding that the federal government has already built stations in ten of the universities in readiness for the project’s takeoff.

He said, “When I came in, one of the major initiatives I pushed for was component development, but let me state here that no country, no company, no OEM manufactures its own vehicle entirely.

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For example, the company that manufactures Mercedes has suppliers who produce engines for them, but they handle the design and interior. Other suppliers produce bulbs and braking systems. No OEM manufactures all the components, but we are conscious of what happens after sales.

READ ALSO: FG Probes Night Examination In Unity School Asaba

Apart from producing parts to service vehicle production, you produce more parts to service after-sales because, let’s say annual production is 500,000, but the vehicles you service on the road amount to about 18 million. What this means is that we need to produce more parts.

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That’s why we are pushing for components and parts production. As of today, we are expanding. We have identified the components that we can manufacture with comparative advantage and lower cost, such as plastic parts, which can be derived from petroleum by-products.

There are many things that we can produce here in Nigeria. We are working with major assemblers. In terms of design, we have initiated a programme involving twelve universities, two from each geopolitical zone, to design what we call the University Shuttle Bus, which will be 100% electric.

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It will be designed in Nigeria, and most of the parts will be sourced locally. We are working on it. When the universities complete the design, we will collaborate with assemblers and vehicle manufacturers and seek financial support from institutions such as the Bank of Industry and other financial entities to enable production.

Gradually, we are progressing towards fully designed and manufactured electric vehicles in Nigeria. In preparation for this, we have started building charging stations in several universities, and in the next few months, we will cover no fewer than ten universities.

By the time we complete this, we will have built some foundational infrastructure. Gradually, we are shaping the future and advancing component parts production.”

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Why I’m Yet To Visit Ooni Of Ife — Alaafin Of Oyo

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The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has explained why he has not yet visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, clarifying that the delay is due to scheduling and not any disagreement between them.

Oba Owoade’s recent visit to the Oluwo of Iwo sparked widespread speculation on social media, with many interpreting the gesture as a snub to the Ooni of Ife.

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The speculation intensified following comments from the Oluwo, who asserted that the Alaafin holds superiority over all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, sparking talk of tension between the two monarchs.

In a viral video circulating online, the Alaafin addressed the matter directly, clarifying that there was no conflict between him and the Ooni. He explained that a visit to the Ooni had been planned but had to be postponed.

READ ALSO: Alaafin Owoade: Thy Bata Drum Is Sounding Too Loudly (2)

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Speaking in Yoruba language, he said, “It is not something you hide. Before we made all preparations for this journey, one of the kings I intended to visit was the Ooni of Ife.

“I informed my PA and Chief of Staff earlier to know when we would visit him, and his PAs were also contacted before we were informed he went to Kazakhstan.”

“People who do not know about this are the ones spreading rumours on the internet. I have no rift with the Ooni. There was even a time I was with the Soun (of Ogbomoso), and we both spoke with the Ooni on the phone.”

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The monarch, however, called on the public to ignore the unfounded rumours, describing them as baseless and the work of mischief makers.

READ ALSO: Oyo Unveils Committee For Alaafin’s Coronation

This is coming few weeks after Oba Owoade addressed controversy sparked by a viral video showing him seated while greeting the Ooni at a public event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan.

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Tribune Online reports that the footage captured the moment the Ooni arrived, prompting other monarchs to rise and exchange greetings, while the Alaafin remained seated.

Responding through a statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin dismissed the online reactions as a deliberate attempt by bloggers and commentators to sow discord between Yoruba traditional rulers.

He described the controversy as a distraction from pressing issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and youth development.

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He also reaffirmed his deep respect for the Ooni of Ife and all custodians of Yoruba tradition, stressing his commitment to inter-royal collaboration as a foundation for peace, unity, and progress in Yorubaland.

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8 Phones With The Best Batteries In 2025

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Finding a smartphone that can truly last all day and beyond remains a top priority for many consumers in 2025.

According to Phone Arena and GSMArena, here are some smartphones that offer exceptional battery life, ensuring you stay connected longer without frequent charging.

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Contents
1. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
2. OnePlus 13
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
4. iPhone 16 Pro Max
5. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
6. Samsung Galaxy S25+
7. Apple iPhone 16 Plus
8. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

1. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro

The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a powerhouse designed for gamers and heavy users. It features a massive 5,800mAh battery. Based on standardised tests, it can last around 18 hours 25 minutes of web browsing, 12 hours 41 minutes of video streaming, and 13 hours 41 minutes of gaming. This phone ensures you can game, stream, and browse without worrying about running out of power.

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2. OnePlus 13

OnePlus 13 features a 6,000mAh silicon carbide battery, providing a remarkable battery life. Based on standardized tests, it can last around 21 hours 34 minutes of web browsing, 9 hours 12 minutes of video streaming, and 8 hours 12 minutes of gaming. Its efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and fast charging capabilities (80W wired and 50W wireless) make it a top choice for users seeking longevity and performance.

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3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a 5,000mAh battery, offering up to 20 hours 49 minutes for browsing, and 8 hours 54 minutes for streaming videos and 14 hours 21 minutes. It charges to 100% in about 59 minutes with its 45W wired charger.

4. iPhone 16 Pro Max

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Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 4,685mAh battery, offering up to 22 hours 39 minutes for browsing, 10 hours 24 minutes for videos, and 12 hours 4 minutes for gaming. Its A18 Bionic chip and iOS optimization contribute to its impressive battery efficiency.

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5. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

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The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra features a 5,500 mAh battery, delivering exceptional longevity. In battery endurance tests, it achieved an impressive 16 hours 16 minutes for browsing, 12 hours 30 minutes for videos, and 14 hours 18 minutes for gaming, placing it among the top performers in battery life. Additionally, it supports 65W wired charging, allowing for rapid recharging.

6. Samsung Galaxy S25+

Equipped with a 4,900 mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ offers commendable battery performance. In testing, it provided 19 hours and 4 minutes of web browsing, 8 hours, 15 minutes of video playback and 13 hours and 31 minutes of gaming. The device also supports 45W wired charging, enabling a 70% charge in just 30 minutes.

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7. Apple iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 Plus is renowned for its outstanding battery life. It features a 4,674 mAh battery, making it one of the best-performing iPhones in terms of battery endurance. Users can expect over 18 hours 5 minutes of video playback, 18 hours 5 minutes of web browsing, and 10 hours 32 minutes. It supports fast charging, reaching 50% in 30 minutes with a compatible 20W charger.

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8. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the only Google Pixel phone on this list of phones with exceptional batteries. It features a 5,060 mAh battery. In battery tests, it achieved 18 hours 52 minutes of web browsing, 9 hours 24 minutes of video playback, and 10 hours 4 minutes of gaming. The device also supports 37W wired charging, reaching 63% in 30 minutes, and 15W wireless charging, ensuring users spend less time tethered to a charger.

When selecting a smartphone, battery life is a key consideration. These phones are leading the way in 2025 with exceptional battery performance to keep you connected throughout the day.

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