The trial of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu stalled on Tuesday after he objected to the fresh charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

The Federal Government had filed fresh terrorism charges against the detained IPOB leader before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.

The action increased the initial counts bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism against Kanu from seven to 15.

Meanwhile, pro and anti-Nnamdi Kanu protesters on Tuesday hit the streets of Abuja, with the anti- Kanu protesters accusing  IPOP leader of treason and called for a speedy trial, the pro-Kanu group on the other hand,  insisted it is within the rights of IPOB to demand independence from the Nigerian state. #

Senate Passes Nigerian College Of Aviation Technology Amendment Bill

The Senate, on Tuesday, passed the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2022, following  the consideration of a report by the Committee on Aviation.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Smart Adeyemi (APC, Kogi West), in his presentation, said the bill seeks to provide for the organisation, control and operation of training programmes related to the aviation sector and other related matters.

He added that it also seeks to provide the skills required for aircraft manufacturing, distribution, installation, maintenance and operation of technical equipment to increase the margin of operational safety of civil aircraft services.

Adeyemi said the College is currently accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to run National Diploma and Higher National Diploma Courses. #

Kaduna Earmarks N118.8m For State-Wide Tree Planting In 2022

The Kaduna State Government has earmarked N118.8 million for state-wide tree planning in the 2022 budget, to encourage afforestation.

The copy of the budget obtained in Kaduna, the state capital, on Monday, January 17, 2022 showed that the amount was part of the N3.1 billion allocated to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for capital projects.

A breakdown of the capital projects showed that N28.5 million was allocated for greening and urban renewal planting, and N27.6 million for raising of seedlings in the state’s nurseries.

It also showed that N23.7 million was allocated for monitoring and enforcement of solid waste, N281.7 million for construction of three dumpsites and N38.2 million for shelterbelts management. #

 

Afghanistan: Taliban PM urges international recognition for government

Taliban leader and acting prime minister of Afghanistan, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, called on the international community to recognize the Taliban government during a news conference in Kabul on Wednesday, following its dire need of solutions to its economic crisis.

The broadcast was his first major appearance since assuming the role in September and came as the hardliner conservative administration struggles with a faltering economy and continued violence with other militant groups.

No foreign government has yet recognized the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan, although several have taken steps to normalize relations.

 

The Taliban blames the current economic crisis on the freezing of billions of dollars’ worth of Afghan funds by Western nations led by the United States.

The economic woes and harsh winter have already plunged millions of Afghans into poverty.#

Nigeria showed the character of a champion” – Ghana legend tips Super Eagles for AFCON title

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has tipped Nigeria to power past all oppositions to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Not much was expected from the Super Eagles heading into the 33rd edition of the Afcon due to several issues, including replacing long-time coach Gernot Rohr weeks to the competition and the withdrawal of leading stars, notably among which is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

But the 2013 champions have been one of the most entertaining sides in Cameroon, dispatching Egypt and Sudan with relative ease while scoring four goals and conceding one.

The 2010 BBC African Footballer of the Year, Gyan, has been left impressed with the performance of Nigeria in Cameroon, believing believes the Super Eagles have shown the quality needed to emerge champions.#