Author: News Room

The Gombe State Executive Council has approved the sum of N661,557,121 for the payment of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination fees for 23,873 students across the state. State Commissioner for Education, Dr Aishatu Maigari, disclosed this to journalists after the 51st Gombe State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. Maigari said the beneficiaries were selected from a mock examination conducted for 26,857 candidates. She noted that 88 per cent of them scored 50 per cent and above, thereby qualifying for government-sponsored examination support. She said, “A breakdown of the beneficiaries shows that 21,909 students will sit for WAEC,…

Fender Audio, the consumer electronics brand owned by the famous guitar maker, has announced its first pair of wireless headphones at CES 2026. What sets the Mix headphones apart from the competition are impressive battery life, a modular design that allows the ear cups and headband to be swapped to alternate colors, and a focus on longevity with a battery that’s easy to access and swap.When they launch this year the Mix headphones will initially be available in olympic white and skyscraper black color options for $299.99. That’s considerably cheaper than Sony’s $450 flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones that debuted last May.…

Crypto exchange Coinbase has paused its local fiat operations in Argentina less than a year after formally entering the market, scaling back peso-based services while keeping its crypto functionality.According to a report by Forbes Argentina, Coinbase informed users that it is temporarily stepping back from maintaining local services following a review of its operations. The company described the move as a “deliberate pause” aimed at reassessing its approach and returning with a more sustainable product offering.The change primarily affects fiat rails. From Jan. 31, 2026, users will no longer be able to buy or sell USDC (USDC) using Argentine pesos…

A former Wisconsin store owner and local television gardening expert was attacked in Antigua just before the holidays. On December 19, 2025, around 11 a.m., Karen Johannsen, 66, was allegedly hit on the head by an unnamed male suspect while on a horseback riding tour on the island — an injury which eventually resulted in her death, according to reports. “The victim was transported by Emergency Medical Services to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where she was treated for serious head injuries,” the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda said in a press release published on December 27.…

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has confirmed that discussions are underway with key opposition figures to join the opposition coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking in Hausa on Saturday at his Kano residence, Mr Kwankwaso addressed a gathering of supporters amid swirling rumours regarding the imminent defection of Kano Governor Abba Yusuf, along with other elected and appointed officials, to the APC. “At the national level, talks are ongoing to join an opposition coalition,” Mr Kwankwaso stated, drawing a thunderous applause.…

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced that the implementation of the new tax laws will begin from 1 January, 2026. In a statement Tuesday evening, the President said the new tax laws, including those that took effect on 26 June, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on 1 January, 2026, will continue as planned. “These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country,” he said. “The tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but rather to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the…

The pursuit of secession and Israeli recognition by Somaliland’s Isaaq-dominated leadership is not a strategic breakthrough; it is a serious miscalculation. It repeats historical errors, deepens internal divisions, and exposes Somali territory to external conflicts without delivering meaningful gains. The eagerness of the Isaaq-dominated leadership of the territory commonly known as Somaliland — now excluding Sool and much of Sanaag — to pursue secession from Somalia and seek diplomatic recognition from Israel defies political logic, historical experience, and basic strategic judgment. The arguments advanced in support of Somaliland’s secession have been debated for decades. While they resonate with segments of…

Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and media executive, Don Pedro Obaseki, has petitioned State Security Services (SSS) over what he described as his abduction and assault by a group of youths in Benin City. The petition comes amid public outrage over a viral video showing Mr Obaseki being stripped, beaten and paraded through the streets before being taken to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. He was accused of disrespecting the Oba of Benin during a meet-and-greet session in London. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, sparked widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians questioning the legality of the actions…

Mali have secured a quarter-final place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging Tunisia 3–2 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw after extra time on Saturday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Round of 16 contest was decided by spot kicks after Lassine Sinayoko’s stoppage-time penalty cancelled Firat Chaouat’s late opener. Tunisia struck first in the 88th minute when Chaouat powered home a header from Elias Saad’s cross to spark celebrations. Mali, however, forced extra time in dramatic fashion as Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute. Earlier, Tunisia suffered…

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has officially approved Prince Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere as the new Onilua of Ilua, one of the most respected traditional stools in Kajola Local Government Area. The announcement marks the conclusion of the succession process for the revered Ilua throne. The governor’s approval was conveyed in an official letter issued by the Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Secretariat, Ibadan. The letter, dated December 31, 2025, with reference number CB.141/26A Vol. III/99, was signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, A.M. Olajire, confirming the authenticity of the appointment. The ministry stated that…