Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) has rejected any plan by the United States to launch a military operation in Nigeria for religious reasons. Instead, the group is calling for international support to help organize a referendum that would let Nigerians decide their political future.

OYC President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, spoke to journalists in Owerri on Wednesday.

He said the group appreciates the U.S. concern about the killing of Christians in Nigeria, especially in the Southeast and Middle Belt regions, but warned that military intervention would not solve the problem.

ccording to Igboayaka, the real solution lies in allowing Nigerians, particularly the Igbo and Middle Belt people, to vote on their future through a peaceful referendum.

He stated that many Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2015, when former President Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim, came into power.

He also accused the government of using the fight against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as an excuse to target Christians.

Citing a report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), OYC claimed that from 2015 to 2024, more than 46,000 Christians were killed by security forces, Fulani herdsmen, and bandits.

UBetween 2009 and 2023, over 125,000 Christians reportedly lost their lives in Nigeria. Igboayaka recalled that in January 2017,

soldiers killed 20 peaceful IPOB members and injured over 70 others while they were celebrating Donald Trump’s election victory.

He urged Trump to honor the victims with a mass burial and to help secure the release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention for years.

OYC further said that statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics show over 614,000 Nigerians were killed due to insecurity between May 2023 and April 2024.

The group appealed to Trump to help end the killings by supporting a referendum within one year, arguing that it would prevent further bloodshed.

They explained that the violence against Christians is not only religious but also driven by land grabbing, political domination, and economic interests.

The council urged Trump, as a Christian leader, to act now, saying delay might mean future U.S. presidents would ignore the crisis.

They stressed that only a referendum can bring lasting peace to Nigeria, not a military invasion.

ccording to OYC, both Presidents Buhari and Tinubu have ignored the massacre of Christians and are only focused on politics and power.

The group warned that continued killings in the Southeast and Middle Belt could lead to a dangerous religious and ethnic war if a referendum is not conducted soon.

Finally, the OYC said Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment under two Muslim presidents was a result of his radio broadcasts exposing the killings of Christians in Nigeria.

A French couple that was imprisoned in Iran for more than three years has been released, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday.

Cecile Kohler, 41, and Jacques Paris, 72, were on their way to the French embassy in Tehran, Macron wrote on X.

“The dialogue continues to ensure that they can return to France as quickly as possible,” Macron said, calling their release an “immense relief.”

France had demanded the couple’s release and accused Iran of holding the pair as state hostages.

Kohler and Paris, both teachers, although the man had retired, according to French media, were arrested during a trip to Iran in May 2022.

uthorities had accused them of espionage and of establishing contact with Iranian trade union activists.

In mid-October, Iran’s judiciary sentenced them to 17 and 20 years in prison.

The French citizens were released on bail by order of a judge, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said early Wednesday, according to a statement from the ministry.

They are to remain under supervision until the “next legal phase,” though it remains unclear when that step will take place.

Western governments and human rights organisations have long accused Iran of engaging in “hostage diplomacy” by detaining foreign nationals as leverage for the release of Iranian assets or officials held abroad.

Tehran denied these allegations and justified the detentions with espionage charges.

The releases came two weeks after Iran had announced that one of its nationals, Mahdieh Esfandiari, had been freed from detention in France and placed under house arrest.

ccording to the Paris prosecutor’s office, Esfandiari had been held in pre-trial detention since early 2025 and was accused of glorifying terrorist acts, including Hamas’ attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, on social media.

Observers say the timing suggests that the two cases may be part of a prisoner exchange.

France has toughened its stance towards Tehran in recent months to increase pressure over the detained French citizens.

In January, the Iranian ambassador was summoned to the French Foreign Ministry.

In March, another French citizen was freed after 887 days in Iranian detention.

Relations between Iran and European governments have reached a new low, amid tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

(/NAN)

The 10th Assembly of the Agege Legislative Council has accepted the resignation of the Council Chairman, Hon. Tunde Azeez Disco, and confirmed AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as the substantive Chairman.

bdulGaniyu was the Vice Chairman.

zeez stepped down citing health challenges that had hindered his ability to perform his duties.

The councillors commended his service and wished him a speedy recovery.

During the plenary session, lawmakers also carried out a strategic review of the council’s committee system and oversight functions, with emphasis on strengthening transparency, accountability, and project monitoring across the local government.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to delivering development-driven initiatives to residents of Agege under its renewed leadership and legislative oversight framework.

Femi Fabunmi

Defending champions, Aje Comprehensive High School, emerged as champions of the Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Competition tagged “Opeifa Cup 2025” held at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos.

The week-long championship aimed to promote the development of handball through the school system, identification of talents, and providing an enabling environment for students across the six educational districts to showcase their prowess in the sport.

je Comprehensive High School with their flawless skills and attacking flair stunned Whitesand Senior College 16-9 to cart home the coveted trophy as the winners of the state schools handball championship in the senior boys category.

In the senior girls category, it was United Christian Senior School that laugh last following a 1-0 win via penalty shoot-out over Jagunmolu Senior girls after a 2-2 stalemate at the regulation time.

Meanwhile, Aje Comprehensive High School defeated Whitesand Junior School 8-3 to win the title in the junior category, while Herbert Macaulay edged Igbobi Junior School 7-6 to crown champions in the junior girls category.

Speaking during the medals presentation ceremony, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Honourable Kayode Opeifa highlighted that the vision of the championship is to catch them young, produce young talents and make them available to represent the state and eventually represent the country.

Honourable Opeifa, a member of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, emphasized that they are looking up to the youngsters not only to be successful in sports but to be successful in all their endeavours and ensure that Lagos continues to excel at all national and world championships.

On her part, former Chairperson, Lagos State Handball Association, Adeola Opeifa, noted that the only way to make sport great in Nigeria is to take it to the grassroots level through the school system.

“Discovered talents from this championship will also form part of the handball team that will represent the state at the national under 15 Youth Games. Through our dedicated efforts we will continue to give them the platform to excel,” She noted.

Opeifa added that players discovered from the noble initiative are plying their trade outside the country, saying the newly identified players will continue to be nurture through properly organized and structured programmes.

deyemo Ibrahim, Captain of Aje Comprehensive Senior School was elated for winning the coveted trophy for his school for a record of second time, adding that with the support of his teammates and coaches they were able to write the name of their school in the history of Opeifa Cup.

“By His grace, l wants to move to the national team level to continue my career as handball player.”

Ibrahim said his next move is to be at the national youth level, dreaming to play handball at the national level and represent Nigeria in future.

Outstanding players in different categories were awarded with prizes.

The Indian regulatory authorities are tightening their nets around Reliance Group owned by the billionaire businessman, Anil Dhirubhai Ambani.

After ongoing scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has initiated a fresh probe into alleged diversion of funds across multiple group companies, including Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Communications, Reliance Commercial Finance and CLE Pvt Ltd.

India Today quoted sources as revealing that the case has now been transferred to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) after the MCA’s preliminary findings indicated large-scale siphoning of funds and major violations under the Companies Act.

The SFIO is expected to investigate the flow of money across group entities and pinpoint responsibility at the senior management level. Action will follow based on the outcome of the probe, the news medium revealed.

The move comes at a time when ED has stepped up enforcement against the debt-ridden conglomerate. Earlier this week, the agency attached assets worth nearly Rs 7,500 crore belonging to Reliance Group firms.

ED officials said the attached properties include 30 assets of Reliance Infrastructure, along with properties linked to Adhar Property Consultancy, Mohanbir Hi-tech Build, Gamesa Investment Management, Vihaan43 Realty and Campion Properties.

These attachments are connected to what authorities describe as a multi-crore bank fraud case involving Reliance Infrastructure.

The ED’s case centres around loans raised by Reliance Communications (RCOM) and its group companies between 2010 and 2012. As per the agency, the outstanding dues stand at Rs 40,185 crore, with five banks declaring the loan accounts fraudulent.

Investigators have reportedly said that funds were diverted across group entities, funnelled to related parties and even used to repay older borrowings in violation of loan conditions.

The ED has alleged that money raised for business operations instead went toward what it calls “evergreening” of existing debt.

“From around 2010-12 onwards, RCOM and its group companies raised thousands of crores from Indian banks, of which Rs 19,694 crore still remains outstanding. These assets turned NPA, with five banks having declared RCOM’s loan accounts as fraud,” the agency said in its statement.

It noted that multiple Reliance Anil Ambani Group entities were involved in the diversion of funds.

The ED estimates that at least Rs 13,600 crore was diverted through layered transactions and alleges that a portion of funds moved overseas.

Reliance Home Finance, Reliance Commercial Finance, Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power have all been named in the investigation.

CBI and ED had reportedly conducted searches at the residence and offices of Anil Ambani and senior group officials in August.

senior finance executive linked to the group was subsequently arrested.

Reliance Group companies have faced multiple insolvency actions in recent years as debt pressures mounted.

RCOM is already undergoing insolvency proceedings, while several other group firms have been battling lawsuits and recovery actions from lenders.

By Louis Otu

Technology is no longer just a set of tools; it is a partner in solving complex human problems. In areas like mental health and financial services, AI-driven platforms are transforming how people interact with software. These systems do more than automate tasks, they observe, learn, and respond to behavior, creating experiences that are both intuitive and meaningful.

In my work developing and studying AI-driven systems, I have seen that true progress happens when software understands people, not just processes. Human-centered design is essential for software to be effective. Mental health applications, for instance, can analyze subtle cues from daily interactions, screen usage, and facial expressions to detect trends in mood or stress. By delivering timely, personalized reflections and gentle prompts, these platforms provide support without being intrusive, showing how technology can foster emotional awareness and resilience. Similarly, in fintech, AI can optimize cross-border payments, detect anomalies, and reduce friction for users navigating complex transactions. Systems that adapt in real time not only improve efficiency but also build trust. Users feel confident knowing that the technology behind the scenes is analyzing patterns, mitigating risk, and ensuring transparency. When software earns trust, it becomes more than a service; it becomes a partner in decision-making. These platforms prove that AI is most powerful when it serves people rather than replacing them.

nother critical aspect of human-centered AI is the use of continuous feedback loops. Systems that gather feedback from users and learn from outcomes can refine their recommendations and predictions over time. This allows software to evolve in alignment with user needs and expectations, creating a cycle of improvement that benefits both the platform and the people who rely on it. Feedback-driven intelligence represents the foundation of adaptive design. Systems that remain alive, relevant, and capable of responding to change are the ones that truly deliver value. One of the key insights I have gained is that intelligence in software must be proactive. Systems that learn from behavior, anticipate user needs, and adjust dynamically are the ones that deliver real value. This requires careful architecture, continuous refinement, and a deep understanding of the human experience. Intelligent design is not about complexity; it is about awareness. Creating systems that think ahead and act with intention leads to technology that feels natural and reliable. Adaptive software can become a reliable companion, guiding users through challenges, offering insights, and empowering better decision-making.

Designing human-centered technology also requires balancing automation with empathy. Overly rigid systems can feel cold or frustrating, while platforms that adapt thoughtfully enhance user engagement and satisfaction. Technology must not only respond to commands but also recognize emotion, rhythm, and behavior. The goal is to build systems that feel alive, responsive, and supportive, turning everyday interactions into meaningful connections.

The lesson for engineers is clear. Building AI-driven platforms is not just about advanced algorithms or cloud infrastructure; it is about designing systems that understand context, respect human behavior, and enhance real-world outcomes. The future of software will be shaped by engineers who combine technical depth with human understanding. Those who build systems that think, learn, and care will set the standard for what technology can be. When software can anticipate needs, respond intelligently, and support people in their daily lives, it transcends functionality and becomes a genuine enabler of progress.

The future of technology lies in intelligent empathy. Platforms that learn, adapt, and support users will define the next generation of software, turning data and algorithms into experiences that matter.

Louis Otu is a forward-thinking software engineer and educator redefining AI, automation, and system design for the modern era. He develops intelligent, human-centered platforms in mental health and fintech while mentoring aspiring developers, empowering them to turn curiosity into practical innovation that makes a real-world impact.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of deliberately misrepresenting the security crisis in Nigeria, following Trump’s recent claim that thousands of Christians are being systematically killed in the country.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana described Trump’s assertion of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as a fabrication unsupported by facts, arguing that the pattern of violence across the nation is rooted in criminal activity and competition for resources rather than religion.

“Mr Trump’s allegation is baseless and misleading,” Falana said.

“When you analyse what is happening across Nigeria, those responsible for killings, whether terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or armed robbers, are driven largely by greed and criminal motives. They target anyone, regardless of faith, often in pursuit of ransom or control over resources,” he added.

He explained that in states such as Benue and Plateau, persistent clashes are linked to land ownership and grazing disputes, not religious persecution.

“Many of these attacks stem from struggles for land or the need to feed livestock,” he noted.

Falana also urged the Federal Government not to overreact to Trump’s recent remarks threatening possible U.S. military action against Nigeria.

Instead, he advised the authorities to reassess domestic security strategies and address policy failures that have worsened the country’s insecurity.

“Rather than getting worked up over Trump’s threats, the government should focus on identifying and correcting its internal lapses,” he said.

The Senior Advocate further suggested that Trump’s comments were politically motivated, arguing that the American leader’s rhetoric fits a broader pattern of hostility toward Africa.

“Trump has a long record of contempt for the African continent,” Falana remarked, adding that “This issue goes beyond Nigeria, it’s part of a global power game. Those pushing this narrative also want to curtail China’s influence in Africa. We need to view it from that geopolitical perspective.”

Falana’s remarks come amid growing diplomatic tension between Abuja and Washington, after President Trump reportedly ordered preparations for potential military intervention in Nigeria over what he called the “mass killing of Christians.”

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Federal Government has firmly rejected the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution, describing the move as misinformed, unfair, and based on a distorted understanding of Nigeria’s complex security realities.

t a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the designation and the accompanying threats of military action by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying they stemmed from “wrong perception and misrepresentation” of Nigeria’s security challenges.

“The government is well apprised of the anxiety created by the U.S. government’s designation and the reckless threats of invasion by President Donald Trump,” Idris said.

“Let me state clearly that Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have affected Christians and Muslims alike. We mourn every life lost because even one life lost is one too many.”

The minister emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated unwavering commitment to ending insecurity, noting that since May 2023, Nigeria’s security forces had neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists and arrested over 17,000 suspects, while rescuing nearly 10,000 hostages, mostly women and children.

“President Tinubu is more than determined to confront and end these security challenges,” he said, adding that “The President’s directive is unequivocal, that every inch of Nigerian territory must be secured, and every citizen must live free from fear.”

Idris strongly rejected claims that Nigeria’s security crisis targets any particular religious or ethnic group.

“Terrorism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religion or tribe. As in many parts of the world, extremism is blind to faith or class. It is a war against peace-loving Nigerians and the unity of our great nation.”

He noted that the country’s fight against insecurity is being waged by a multi-religious and multi-ethnic military.

“Many of the gallant men and women leading this war are Christians, working side by side with their Muslim colleagues,” he said, stressing that “To suggest that the Nigerian state tolerates religious persecution is both false and insulting.”

The minister also linked the country’s security situation to broader regional instability, citing the collapse of Libya and the proliferation of arms and extremist networks across the Sahel.

“The reality of the Sahel cannot be ignored,” Idris said adding that “Nigeria continues to champion regional cooperation through ECOWAS and the African Union, and we work closely with partners, including the United States, to stabilise the region.”

Highlighting the government’s recent gains, Idris said the Global Terrorism Index reported that attacks in Nigeria had dropped to their lowest level in over a decade.

“Our military has killed over 592 terrorists in Borno State this year alone,” he said, saying that “Over 124,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered, handing over more than 11,000 weapons.”

He added that high-profile terror leaders, including Ali Kachala, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu, had been neutralised, while hundreds of suspects are now facing prosecution for mass killings, bombings, and kidnappings across the country.

“So far, 125 terrorists have been convicted, and many more are in court,” the minister revealed, adding tghat “These arrests and convictions show that Nigeria’s security agencies are diligent and accountable.”

Idris reiterated that the government’s goal is total victory over terrorism. “We shall not recline until the remnants of these hounds of death are permanently removed,” he said.

On the diplomatic front, the minister stressed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with the U.S., urging Washington to adopt a more nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s security situation.

“We call on our American friends to approach Nigeria with an appreciation of its complex realities, a vast, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious nation making significant strides in security and economic reform,” Idris said.

He praised ongoing military cooperation between both countries, noting the U.S. delivery of 12 Super Tucano aircraft and the planned acquisition of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters by the Nigerian Air Force.

“The andgtovernment of Nigeria remains open to constructive engagement and partnership,” he declared. “Our shared goal with the United States is the complete elimination of terrorism from Nigerian soil. We believe dialogue and cooperation are the surest paths to peace and stability.”

Idris reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to freedom of religion and human rights, saying the administration would continue to strengthen the military, reform the economy, and defend the country’s sovereignty.

“President Tinubu is leading from the front, determined to secure every citizen and every community,” the minister said.

“Nigeria is in capable and steady hands. We reject any misjudgment of our reality and will continue to engage all partners, including the United States, in mutual respect and collaboration,” he added.

By Naomi Sharang (NAN)

The Nigerian Senate has approved a landmark bill prescribing up to 14 years imprisonment for any educator convicted of sexually harassing a student in a tertiary institution.

The move was widely hailed as a decisive step toward cleansing the nation’s campuses of academic exploitation and abuse.

The legislation, titled Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597), was presented for concurrence on Wednesday by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, during plenary.

The bill seeks to establish a robust legal framework for protecting students from sexual misconduct by lecturers, supervisors, and other academic officials.

shiru said the law was crafted to “safeguard students from any form of sexual abuse and ensure accountability within the educational system,” while maintaining ethical standards in academic institutions.

He explained that the bill reinforces the sanctity of the student-teacher relationship, which must be founded on authority, trust, and respect for human dignity.

Under the new law, offenders found guilty of offences outlined in Clauses 4 (1), (2), and (3) face a jail term of not less than five years and up to fourteen years, without an option of a fine. Lesser offences specified under Clauses 4 (4), (5), and (6) attract imprisonment of between two and five years, also without the possibility of a fine.

The bill also empowers victims to pursue civil action for breach of fiduciary duty, using the same standard of proof as in civil proceedings. It lists several prohibited acts, including demanding sexual favours, making unwelcome advances, engaging in unwanted physical contact, or inducing others to commit harassment.

During deliberations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) urged lawmakers to consider expanding the bill’s coverage to include the workplace and other professional settings, arguing that sexual harassment is not confined to educational institutions.

“There is no reason to restrict this legislation to students alone,” Oshiomhole said. “We should design a law with broader application that protects every Nigerian from harassment.”

However, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, clarified that the bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, was limited to concurrence and that existing statutes already address sexual harassment in workplace contexts.

Following the debate, the Senate unanimously adopted and passed the bill for third reading, marking a major victory for advocates of students’ rights and gender protection in Nigeria’s education system.

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has pledged that for the Nigerian police, the November 8 Anambra governorship election would not be business as usual.

Egbetokun made the promise at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Awka on Tuesday.

“The police would be neutral but not negligent, civil but never cowardly. We shall enforce the law without fear or favour, without affection or ill will.

“Anyone who seeks to disrupt this process by violence, inducement or intimidation will find the full authority of the law waiting at his or her door.

“Our operational plan for Anambra is detailed, intelligence-driven and community-focused,” Egbetokun said while warning political actors in Anambra against seeking to win Saturday’s Governorship Election through violence means.

He advised politicians to follow the path of peace during the exercise.

Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Force Intelligence Department, Benjamin Okolo, warmed that “power acquired through violence carries the seed of its own destruction.

“To our political actors, I urge restraint and responsibility.

“Power acquired through violence carries the seed of its own destruction. Seek to persuade, not provoke.

“Remember that peace is the highest form of victory and leadership means nothing, if it leaves the land in ashes.

“To our traditional, religious and community leaders, you remain the moral compass of society.

“Your silence can inflame or heal. Use your influence to calm the polity.

“Guide the youths and remind every supporter that no ambition is worth a single Nigerian life.

“To the resilient people of Anambra, our message is clear: Go out and vote.

“Vote your conscience. Vote without fear.

“The Nigerian police force stands as your shield, not your shadow.

“We are here to protect, not to pressure. To secure, not to subdue.

“Let Anambra set the example that democracy in Nigeria can be both peaceful and proud,” he said.

Egbetokun said that election season offers voters a choice between order and chaos, between patriotism and personal gain, between leadership and lawlessness.

He said that the choice made by the people of Anambra would echo beyond the ballot.

“Every polling unit has been mapped. Every collection centre has been equally mapped.

“Every flashpoint has been identified. Our officers have been briefed. Our formations reinforced and our synergy with the military, intelligence and paramilitary agencies is seamless,” he said.

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps, Mr Kunle Nafiu, gave assurance that the corps members that would serve as ad hoc staff would uphold the virtues of honesty and discipline in the discharge of election duties.

Nafiu, represented by the Corps Welfare and Health Services Officer, Mr Ayodele Omotade, urged the security agencies and political party supporters to ensure the safety of the ad hoc staff.

The Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chief Chidubem Iweka, gave the traditional rulers’ commitment to use their offices to promote peace during the election.

Iweka, represented by Eze Oke Ebo of Umueri, also said that the people of had also pledged to come out en masse to vote on the election day.

He said that while the traditional rulers had pledged their support, they looked up to INEC to conduct credible elections, and surpass its previous performance in the state.(NAN)