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US Set To Remove Transgender Soldiers From Military

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  The United States will begin removing transgender troops from the military within 30 days unless they obtain a waiver on a case-by-case basis, the Pentagon said in a Wednesday memo. The memo became public as part of a court filing in a case challenging President Donald Trump’s late January executive order that was aimed at barring military service by transgender personnel. “Service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria will be processed for separation from military service,” the memo read. These troops may be “considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis, provided there is a compelling government interest in retaining the service member that directly supports warfighting capabilities,” it said. To obtain such a waiver, troops must show that they have never attempted to transition, as well as demonstrate “36 consecutive months of stability in the service member’s sex without clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.” Transgender Americans have faced a roller coaster of changing policies on military service in recent years, with Democratic administrations seeking to permit them to serve openly, while Trump has repeatedly sought to keep them out of the ranks. The US military lifted a ban on transgender troops in 2016, during Democrat Barack Obama’s second term as president. Under that policy, trans troops already serving were permitted to do so openly, and transgender recruits were set to start being accepted by July 1, 2017. But the first Trump administration postponed that date to 2018 before deciding to reverse the policy entirely. Trump’s controversial restrictions — which underwent changes in response to various court challenges — eventually came into force in April 2019 following a protracted legal battle that went all the way to the nation’s top court. Trump’s Democratic successor Joe Biden moved to reverse the restrictions just days after he took office in 2021, saying all Americans qualified to serve should be able to do so. After returning to office in January, Trump issued an executive order executive order that again took aim at transgender military service, saying: “Expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.” Transgender issues have roiled US politics in recent years, as states controlled by Democrats and Republicans have moved in opposite directions on policies ranging from medical treatment to what books on the topic are allowed in public or school libraries. AFP

BREAKING: Dangote s Slashes Petrol Loading Price To N825/Litre

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  The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, on Wednesday, announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly referred to as petrol, by N65.00. This means the price will drop from N890 to N825 per litre, effective Thursday, February 27, 2025, a statement by the refinery stated. According to Dangote, this adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians ahead of the Ramadan season. The statement read, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, by N65.00, from N890 to N825 per litre, effective from 27th February 2025. “This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace. “It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians. This marks the second price reduction of PMS in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60.00 earlier in the month.” With the latest reduction, the management of the refinery stated that Nigerians will be able to purchase Dangote petrol at the following prices in all partner retail outlets; “For MRS Holdings stations, it will sell for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East, respectively,” a statement added. This is the second PMS price reduction in February 2025, following a previous N60.00 decrease earlier in the month. In December 2024, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

Five Die, 20 Missing As Boats Collide In Delta

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  At least five people have been confirmed dead, while 20 others remain missing after two speedboats collided along the waterways in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. PUNCH Metro gathered that the tragic accident, which occurred on Monday evening, involved boats ferrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony. Eyewitnesses attributed the fatal crash to poor visibility, adding that most of the passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, on Wednesday, confirmed the accident, stating that six survivors with injuries had been rescued and were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Warri. “This is a tragic accident, and we are working with marine units and local divers to locate the missing passengers,” Edafe said. A resident, Emmanuel Okoro, who witnessed the incident, described the scene as chaotic. “People were screaming for help. Some managed to swim to safety, but many others disappeared beneath the water,” he recounted. Meanwhile, rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency responders and local volunteers continue searching for the missing victims. Punch

JUST IN: Heavy Security As APC Chieftains Arrive For NEC Meeting

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  The national secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress was a beehive of activities on Wednesday morning as governors elected on the platform of the APC and party chieftains trooped in for the long-awaited meeting of the National Executive Committee. Early arrivals at the meeting include members of the National Working Committee, APC State Chairmen, former governor of Zamfara state, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, former governor of Kebbi state and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Goodwill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas are expected to be in attendance. As early as 8.30am, there was heavy vehicular movement and party supporters blaring music and displaying APC banners around the party headquarters and neighbouring streets. Stern-looking security operatives including agents of the Department of State Security were also manned at the entry and exit point of the venue to provide security. Punch

Olubadan Hail Igbo’s Contribution To Commerce In Oyo

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  The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has commended the Igbos for their contribution to the Oyo State economy and reiterated his commitment to peaceful co-existence amongst the various ethnic groups in the ancient city. According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, Oba Olakulehin gave the commendation while playing host to the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Tuesday in his palace. Olubadan, who spoke through the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland, Senior Chief Rafiu Onideure, said Ibadan would continue to appreciate the economic contributions of the Igbo not just in Ibadanland but in the state and Nigeria as a whole. “I implore you to continue with your business, social and religious activities peacefully and lawfully at all times as you have done in the past for the progress of Ibadanland. “The contributions of the Igbos to commerce, trade and business in Ibadanland is worthy of commendation and well appreciated by all and sundry as it is a significant contributor to the Oyo State economy and by extension our nation. “I want to enjoin other non-indigenes in Ibadan to emulate the good gesture of members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in extending the hand of friendship and fellowship to Ibadan indigenes.” Earlier, the Coordinator of the group, Tallest Innocent, who doubles as the Special Assistant, Community Relations to Governor Seyi Makinde, expressed his gratitude to the Olubadan and the Oba-In Council for the warm reception accorded them during the visit. “Apart from paying this visit, they were at the palace to introduce the newly elected executives of the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to His Imperial Majesty.” He appreciated the monarch’s support before, during and after the peaceful process plus the inclusive governance approach of the traditional stool

Oyo Govt Begins Distribution Of Motorcycles To Agric Extension Officers

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Oyo State Government has begun the first phase of distribution of motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Officers across the state as a demonstration of its determination to boost agricultural extension services in the state. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who gave out 15 motorcycles to the agricultural extension officers on Tuesday, noted that they serve as links between researchers and farmers. According to him, extension officers play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to small holder farmers to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ standard of living and ensure food security in the state. He explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde administration will focus on addressing some of the pressing challenges facing agricultural extension services, including systemic decline driven by several key factors. He said: “I am highly delighted to welcome you to the distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles to Officers/Extension Agents in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Agricultural Extension Officers (Agents) are the link between the researchers and the farmers. They play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to the small holder farmers, which will invariably increase their productivity and improve their standard of living and ensure food security in the state. “Therefore, the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, approved the purchase of BAJAJ motorcycles for the Agricultural Extension Agents in the state to enhance agricultural extension service delivery. “You will all agree with me that one of the most pressing challenges facing the Agricultural Extension Officers is the systemic decline, driven by several key factors which include critical shortage of Extension Agents due to retirements without adequate replacement. “Other factors are young people’s reluctance to pursue careers in agriculture and entrepreneurship, lack of sufficient training and professional development of extension agents and lack of proper transportation resources, making it difficult for them to reach and serve farmers in remote villages. “In ameliorating the observed challenges, the present administration has embarked on programmes, projects and provision of manpower, including this distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles that we are witnessing today. “Other interventions include: Start Them Early Programme (STEP) to encourage agricultural interest in secondary school students being replicated in eight zones of Oyo State. The government just concluded the recruitment of 161 officers across cadres in the Ministry. “Last year, we also embarked on the training of 131 Extension Agents across the 33 LGAs and LCDAs on the use of digital applications to measure farmland under the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER). “Also, we embarked on the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme under SAfER where 1,487 farmers benefited, and a total of 6,009.4083 acres of land was ploughed throughout the state. “On this note, I have the singular honour and privilege to implore the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity to bridge the gap between researchers and farmers to boost food production, improve livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural service delivery.” Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, noted that the distribution of the motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Officers across the state would serve as tools of transformation, as they will be able to access remote farming communities more efficiently, respond promptly to farmers’ needs and also deliver timely agricultural advisory services. She appreciated the dedication and steadfastness of the Extension Officers in the state for their contribution and achievement in the 50 per cent tractorisation programme of the state government under the SAfER programme in 2024. She urged them to ensure improved agricultural extension service delivery in the state. Speaking on behalf of the Agricultural Extension Officers, Mr Akanbi Ademola thanked Governor Makinde for improving the agriculture sector and promised to complement the efforts of the state government to ensure food security in the state.

Natasha Sues Akpabio For Defamation, Demands N100.3bn Damages

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  Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for alleged defamation. The PUNCH reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns after her Senate seat was reassigned following a reshuffle triggered by opposition members switching to the majority wing. She resisted the relocation, leading to a confrontation between her and the Senate President. However, in a suit filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on 25 February 2025, the President of the Senate, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Mfon Patrick, were listed as the second and third defendants. In the suit, marked CV/737/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, alleged that defamatory statements were made by the Senate President and published by his aide on Facebook. According to him, the post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” included a statement suggesting that Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was only about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.” Giwa argued that the statement was defamatory, provocative, and disparaging, lowering his client’s dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and the public. He stated, “A DECLARATION that the words, ‘It is bottled anger by the Kogi lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers,’ used and written by the third defendant at the prompting of the first and second defendants, is defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium and disaffection toward the claimant.” She also urged the court to restrain the defendants and their associates from making further defamatory statements against her on any platform. “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the defendants, whether acting by themselves or through their agents, privies, assigns, or associates, from further publishing or causing to be published the said defamatory words or any similar publications about the claimant on social media or in any other manner capable of defaming her,” she stated. Furthermore, Akpoti-Uduaghan asked the court to order the defendants to pay her N100 billion in general damages and N300 million as litigation costs. “An order for the payment of the sum of N100,000,000,000 as general damages. An order for the payment of the sum of N300,000,000 as the cost of action,” she prayed. Punch

Oyo Govt. Rolls Out Safety Guidelines for Advert Practitioners

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  The Oyo State Government, in a bid to ensure safety for Out-Of-Home advertising practitioners, has rolled out guidelines for practitioners, spelling out the standard of practice for all in the industry. The safety guidelines process, which was presented by the Director General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Hon. Oludolapo Eso Ajanaku to ensure safety during and after billboards installation process. He underscored the essence of safety and protection of workers, pedestrians, and advertisement structures and outlines critical safety measures for a secure and efficient installation process. In his word, “henceforth, it is unacceptable for any installer of advertisement structure to jettison the safety rules and guidelines processes during and after instalment of such structures for the safety benefits of pedestrians and other road users in the course of erection and maintenance of billboards and other form of signages in the state, … it is now imperative for such offenders of the process to face the hammer of the law through sanctions and to maintain order and sanity during installation of billboards across the state.” The safety guidelines highlights 1. Preliminary Site Assessment Evaluation. 2. Permit and Regulatory Compliance. 3. Personal Safety Measures. 4. Equipment and Machinery Safety. 5. Traffic and Pedestrians Control, and 6. Safety Handling and Transportation Materials, among others, essential safety measures. He said the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency would henceforth monitor and embark on enforcement excercise in line with execution of the safety guidelines process adding that any practitioner found wanting would be subjected to fines and sanctions by the agency. According to him, “Oyo State Signage and Advertisement is after the safety of lives and properties in the advertising industry in the state.”

APC Chieftain Tackles El-Rufai Over Call For Norhern-South-South Alliance

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  A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former member of the House of Representatives, Israel Sunny-Goli, has described former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s call for an alliance between the North and South as unwarranted. Sunny-Goli stated that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria was in safe hands and did not need the kind of rescue that El-Rufai suggested during his condolence visit to late Chief Edwin Clark’s residence. Speaking during the condolence visit, El-Rufai said Nigeria was facing an existential threat and that the Niger Delta was the glue holding the nation together. He said, “Our nation, our democracy is in great danger, it is facing an existential threat, and the Niger Delta has been the glue that has been holding the country together. All people of goodwill must come together to ensure that we have good leadership.” In the statement released Tuesday in Yenagoa, Sunny-Goli described the former Kaduna State governor as calling for an alliance between the Northern and South-South regions in a desperate bid for political relevance. He pointed out that President Tinubu was diligently addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, which he inherited from his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. He emphasised that what Nigeria needed now was for all well-meaning citizens to support President Tinubu’s initiatives, which were aimed at repositioning the country. The statement read in part, “With due respect to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai, his call for a Northern-South-South alliance is unwarranted, especially when predicated on rescuing Nigeria, as he has suggested. “It is no secret that this administration inherited a troubled economy and security issues, but through bold policy measures, we are making progress. The Nigerian Armed Forces are intensifying efforts against insurgents, restoring the nation to a path of peace and progress. “I would advise Malam El Rufai to wait until 2031 if he has ambitions for the nation’s highest office and not involve the South-South region in his political pursuits. While he has a right to his ambitions, the timing and context of his statement were inappropriate, particularly during a condolence visit to the late elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark’s residence, which should have been solely to sympathise with the bereaved family. “Furthermore, it is important to note that the South-South region is well represented in President Tinubu’s administration, with sons and daughters of the region holding significant positions. “This indicates the region’s close relationship with the president. For instance, Chief Nyesom Wike is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, marking the first time since 1976 that a Southerner holds this position. “Other key positions include distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio as President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as MD of NDDC, Felix Omatsola Ogbe as Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Abubakar Momoh as Minister of Regional Development, Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and our esteemed First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, among many others. “I believe the South-South could not ask for a better deal at this time. Perhaps in 2031, we can discuss an alliance, but for now, we fully support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Punch

MohBad: Nurse To Face Trial As Court Clears Naira Marley, Sam Larry, PrimeBoy

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  The Magistrate Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos State, on Tuesday, acquitted popular musician, Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly called Naira Marley, in relation to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad. Channels TV reports that Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, who read and implemented the legal advice issued by the Directorate of Public Prosecution, Lagos, said that Naira Marley had no case to answer. Alongside Naira Marley, the court reportedly freed music promoter, Samson Balogun, known as Sam Larry; Owodunni Ibrahim, also called Primeboy; and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde. The DPP, however, said it shall be prosecuting the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and one of Mohbad’s friends, Ayobami Sadiq for the offence of reckless and negligent acts contrary to Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law, Ch C.17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The duo will be prosecuted at the magistrate court. Punch

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