Connect with us

News

Kanu’s Release Tops Agenda As Obasanjo Meets Ohanaeze Leaders

Published

on

Talks about the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; insecurity in the South-East region, amongst others, topped the agenda of the meeting held between former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and some leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The Secretary-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Chief Okey Emuchay, had, on Friday, disclosed that Obasanjo was in a closed-door meeting with the President of the group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, in his Owerri, Imo State home.

Advertisement

Emuchay, in a statement made available on Saturday, noted that Obasanjo discussed issues of ‘mutual interest’ with the Ohanaeze chieftains at the meeting which lasted several hours.

He also described the meeting as ‘very symbolic and crucial’, adding that the deliberations were fruitful.

He further noted that the outcome of the meeting would soon manifest and would be appreciated by Igbo people worldwide.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Supreme Court’s Refusal To Free Kanu Is Rape Of Justice – MASSOB

The statement titled, “Issues of mutual interest were discussed”, read in part, “Our president-general informed Chief Obasanjo that Nigeria should erect monuments in his (Obasanjo’s) name for the sacrifices he has made.

“He recalled Obasanjo’s role in ending the civil war with the slogan ‘no victor, no vanquished’.

Advertisement

“Iwuanyanwu lauded Obasanjo’s patriotic and diplomatic initiatives as president that resulted in the country’s debt cancellation and his administration’s rejuvenation of the economy.

“He assured the former president that the Igbo people would bestow a befitting honour on him at an appropriate time for his love for the region.

READ ALSO: IPOB Goes Spiritual, Organises Prayers For Nnamdi Kanu

Advertisement

“Remember that when Chief Obasanjo was president, he appointed several Igbo sons and daughters into high positions in his cabinet. A sense of belonging was provided to the Igbo nation during that time.”

Meanwhile, a source, who was present at the meeting with the former President, revealed to our correspondent that Kanu’s release and issues of insecurity plaguing the region were ‘thoroughly’ discussed.

“After deliberations on some matters of mutual interests, the leaders of Ohanaeze in their wisdom brought up Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s matter. He is our son. We will not deny him. Obasanjo and Ohanaeze discussed the matter thoroughly and assurances were given. That is all I can say right now but I am sure that the leadership of Ohanaeze will make more details known in due time,” the source, a member of the executive of Ohanaeze, said.

Advertisement

It was also learnt that Obasanjo was accompanied on the visit by the Asiwaju of Owo Kingdom, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.

Also at the meeting were some Igbo leaders and Ohanaeze chieftains, including Emuchay; former Minister for Aviation, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Bishop Sunday Onuoha of Methodist Church Nigeria; Former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (South-East), Chief Fidelis Ozichukwu; former Abia State Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Ukasanya.

READ ALSO: Court Lifts IPOB Ban, Awards Kanu N8bn

Advertisement

Iwuanyanwu has persistently called for an end to the alleged marginalisation of the region and Kanu’s unconditional release from detention.

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, announced in a press conference in Abuja that Kanu had been arrested and extradited to Nigeria from Kenya, after being intercepted in the East African country on Sunday, June 26, 2021, by Interpol.

He added that Kanu was brought back to Nigeria to face trial for charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja, in response to years of separatist agitation for an independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.

Advertisement

He had since then been going to court from the custody of the Department of State Services.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

News

FG Selects 12 Varsities For Electric Vehicle Production

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

READ ALSO: Akpabio, Yahaya Bello To Testify As FG Charges Natasha Akpoti

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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)

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

8 Phones With The Best Batteries In 2025

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Why The Vatican Cut Phone Signal Ahead Of The Secret Conclave Vote

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

READ ALSO: Full List Of Phones WhatsApp Will No Longer Work On From May 2025

5. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Woman, Brother Arrested For Robbing Boyfriend Of iPhones, N15m In Bitcoins

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending