IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned two senior commanders of Ansaru, a proscribed terrorist organisation. The suspects are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a Abbas/Mukhtar, and his deputy, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also called Malam Mamuda.

The DSS filed a 32-count charge against them at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects allegedly attacked the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, in 2022, causing mass casualties.

They also allegedly received training in weapons handling, war tactics, and improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication from terrorist camps. The suspects are also accused of receiving training in war tactics from a terrorist organisation in Mali.

Security officials allege that Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors. Justice Emeka Nwite is presiding over the arraignment of the suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja. 

The city of Asaba came alive on Friday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, officially declared open the 9th National Youth Games, with athletes from 33 states and the FCT Abuja set for ten days of thrilling competition, Jazzy News can exclusively report.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports as a tool for unity, empowerment, and global competitiveness, President Tinubu said the Games remain a breeding ground for future champions.

“From these young athletes, future national and international stars will emerge. Our government is committed to nurturing them with the right structures, facilities, and policies. Sports is not just recreation; it is a unifying force and a driver of national pride,” the President said.

The opening ceremony was a spectacle of color and culture, with a vibrant parade of athletes lighting up the Stephen Keshi Stadium. Nigerian music star Victor AD set the crowd buzzing with an electrifying performance that got fans on their feet.

Welcoming the participants, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, hailed the Games as a symbol of unity through healthy rivalry.

“The National Youth Games have produced stars now flying Nigeria’s flag globally. Delta is proud to host again, and we are ready to give athletes a safe, competitive, and memorable experience,” he said.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged the athletes to embrace fair play and give their best.

“This is where greatness begins. Compete with heart because you carry the hope of your states and the pride of Nigeria,” he charged, vowing that no raw talent will be left undiscovered.

The ceremony also featured the traditional athletes’ and officials’ oath-taking, led by Obiagu Faith and Comrade Obioha George respectively.

Over the next ten days, 37 sports will be contested as Delta—the defending champion of all eight previous editions—hunts for a record ninth straight title.

Asaba is now set for a festival of youthful energy, raw talent, and national pride, with the National Youth Games once again proving that sports is Nigeria’s greatest unifier.

The Orlu Renaissance Movement, a rising socio-political platform committed to advocating for good governance, accountability, and community development, has announced the appointment of Comr. Wilson Amaefule as its new Coordinator.

Mr. Wilson, a respected political commentator from Umuhu-Okabia in Orsu Local Government Area, brings to this role years of consistent engagement in political discourse and advocacy for policies that uplift the lives of ordinary people. Known for his courage in speaking truth to power, he has carved a reputation as a voice of reason and conscience within the Orlu zone and beyond.

The Orlu Renaissance Movement, comprising dedicated sons and daughters of Orlu Zone was founded to unite progressive minds towards a common vision of Integrity, Justice, and Development. With Comr. Wilson at the helm, the movement aims to deepen civic awareness, encourage citizens’ participation in governance, and hold leaders accountable to their promises.

In his acceptance speech, Comr. Wilson Amaefule emphasized that leadership is about service, sacrifice, and sincerity. He pledged to steer the Orlu Renaissance Movement as a platform that amplifies the people’s voices and ensures that the collective interests of the zone remain the priority.

“The era of silence is over,” Comr. Wilson declared. “We must rise above divisive politics and chart a course for good governance, unity, and prosperity in Orlu land. Our people deserve better, and the Orlu Renaissance Movement will work tirelessly to demand and achieve it.”

The announcement has been met with excitement among Stakeholders, Youths, and Community Leaders, who see Wilson’s emergence as a turning point for renewed advocacy and genuine leadership in the region.

From 2026, Danish high school students will be allowed to use AI tools to prepare for the oral component of their English exams, the education ministry announced. 

The pilot scheme aims to balance digital learning with academic standards, while parts of the written exam will remain handwritten to curb overreliance on technology. 

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has threatened a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands after a 21-day ultimatum.

Zonal Coordinator, Innocent Simji, said the move followed unresolved issues, including unpaid salary arrears, non-release of allowances, stalled agreement renegotiations, poor infrastructure funding, and continued discrimination against HND holders.

He warned that members across public polytechnics and monotechnics would withdraw services if the government fails to act. 

Police in Akwa Ibom have arrested a self-acclaimed doctor, Sunday Okon Akpan, after a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Sunday Etim, died during an abortion at his clinic in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.

Police said Akpan, a community health worker with no medical licence, attempted to dump the corpse in the victim’s room to cover up the crime before fleeing. He was later arrested, and the clinic has been shut down.

The body has been deposited for autopsy as investigations continue.