Author: starconnect

Titus Eleweke South East Editor AWKA, Anambra – The lead counsel of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has declared that the Monday sit-at-home enjoys no legitimacy, commands no authority, and has no justification—legal, moral, or otherwise today. In a statement on Tuesday, responding to the closure of Onitsha Main Market, Ejiofor described the sit-at-home as a “parasitic enterprise” that thrives on intimidation, coercion, and the deliberate instillation of fear among innocent citizens. According to Ejiofor, “for the avoidance of doubt, and for the benefit of those who persist in convenient amnesia, the sit-at-home was formally,…

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Titus Eleweke, South East Editor LAGOS, Nigeria – The Anambra State Government has sealed no fewer than 54 health facilities across the state between January 2023 and December 2025 for engaging in quack medical practices. The disclosure comes as the first tenure of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo approaches its conclusion. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, made this known on Monday during a press briefing at his office in the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka. According to him, 15 of the sealed facilities were later reopened after meeting regulatory requirements and complying with laid-down standards. Dr. Obidike explained…

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Admin I Tuesday, January 27.26 ​NIGERIA icon Wilfred Ndidi is in mourning after his father was tragically killed in a horror road accident. ​Sunday Ndidi, the father of the Super Eagles captain, passed away after being struck by a car in the town of Umunede, Delta State. ​The devastating news comes just weeks after Wilfred, 29, led his country to a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco ​The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the tragedy today, expressing their “shock and sadness” at the loss. ​NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi led the tributes, saying: “This…

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Admin I Tuesday, January 27.26 LAGOS, Nigeria – On a particular Saturday each February, before dawn breaks over Lagos and thousands of participants prepare for the event, the city is filled with an unmistakable sense of anticipation. Roads typically bustling with traffic become thoroughfares devoted to new possibilities. Whether it is first-time runners adjusting their bibs or elite athletes focusing on the challenge ahead, a recurring question arises in both public discourse and executive meetings: What motivates Access to consistently support Africa’s largest road race year after year? The response does not lie merely within sponsorship objectives or marketing…

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​BY OUR MOTORS REPORTER ​MOVE over Elon, there’s a new heavy-metal hero on the block—and it’s coming straight out of Russia with a very familiar face. ​The iconic Russo-Balt name—a brand once favored by the Tsars—has been brought back from the dead to launch a line of light electric vans that look like they’ve been hammered out of the same scrap heap as Tesla’s Cybertruck. ​Dubbed the “Cybervan,” the steely newcomer sports the same sharp, angular design that made Musk’s motor a global sensation. But while Elon’s baby is for cruising the Cali coast, this Russian rebel is…

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​By SCM REPORTER ​EUROPEAN bigwig António Costa has hailed a “historic” new era for trade and defense today, as he wrapped up a high-stakes summit with Indian PM Narendra Modi. ​In a move that will create a massive market of TWO BILLION people, the EU and India have finally signed a blockbuster Free Trade Agreement. ​But for Council President Costa, the trip to New Delhi wasn’t just about the boardroom—it was personal. ​​Speaking in India today, the EU chief revealed his pride at returning to his “roots.” Mr. Costa’s father hailed from the former Portuguese colony of Goa, and…

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Professor Pat Utomi  Admin I Monday, January 26.26 ENUGU, Asaba-Ibuzo, and Lagos are the main cities where associates of renowned scholar and public intellectual Prof Pat Utomi gather to celebrate his 70th birthday on 6 February 2026.  Further celebrations will be held in Abuja and Kaduna. The celebration of Utomi’s three score and ten years will include intellectual feasts for the mind, bringing together academics and practising leaders, as well as other mind-engaging events. Activities will begin on 4 February 2026, with the CVL Annual Lecture Symposium at the Amadeo Event Centre, Ebeano Tunnel, Enugu. Dr Ameena Gurib-Fakim,…

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BY BLAISE UDUNZE I Monday, January 26.26 LAGOS, Nigeria – Despite the fragile 2024 economy grappling with inflation, currency volatility, and weak growth, Nigeria’s banking industry was widely portrayed as successful and strong amid triumphal headlines. The figures appeared to signal strength, resilience, and superior management as the Tier-1 banks such as Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, UBA, and First Bank of Nigeria, collectively reported profits approaching, and in some cases exceeding, N1 trillion. Surprisingly, a year later, these same banks touted as sound and solid are locked in a frenetic race to the capital markets, issuing rights…

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Admin I Monday, January 26.26 ABUJA, Nigeria — Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the United Nations System, and partners of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) will convene the ASIS 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The session will bring together senior government leaders, chief executives, development partners, investors, and civil society leaders to advance results-driven partnerships for inclusive growth, foundational learning, women and youth empowerment, and national development delivery. The engagement, co-hosted by the Office…

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​By Our Man in Riyadh ​CRISTIANO RONALDO endured a night of VAR agony and woodwork woes as Al-Nassr relied on a stroke of luck to keep their title charge alive. ​The Portuguese icon, 40, was left scratching his head as the Saudi giants labored to a 1-0 win over Al-Taawoun at Al-Awwal Park. Despite the presence of Europe’s former elite, it was a clumsy defensive error that eventually separated the sides. ​Frustration for the GOAT ​Ronaldo thought he had set the tone early on when he smashed a stunning volley against the crossbar following a pin-point delivery from…

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