In a congratulatory message, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni praised Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) for their recent electoral victory. Museveni commended Kagame’s re-election, highlighting it as a testament to the trust and confidence the Rwandan people have in his leadership.

Museveni emphasized the strategic alliance between Uganda and Rwanda, noting their shared vision of peace and prosperity. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Kagame to further the interests of both nations and the broader East African Community (EAC). This collaboration aims to enhance regional integration and tackle common challenges like security, trade, and infrastructure development.

Kagame’s re-election continues his long tenure as Rwanda’s president, having first taken office in 2000. This endorsement from Museveni is significant, especially considering the historical tensions that have occasionally strained relations between the two countries.

Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has highlighted the significant financial commitment the state government makes to maintain cleanliness, revealing that it costs ₦150 million monthly. During the inauguration of the 2024 desilt exercise for major storm drains in the Gombe metropolis, Yahaya emphasized the government’s dedication to environmental sustainability and the well-being of its residents through regular street sweeping and waste management initiatives.

Yahaya urged residents to support the government’s efforts by using newly built waste collection centers to prevent indiscriminate dumping of waste, which exacerbates environmental challenges, particularly flooding. He stressed the collective responsibility of the community in ensuring that waste does not clog drains, thereby mitigating the risk of flood damage to lives and property.

The governor explained that the state is taking proactive measures to clear major water channels to ensure the free flow of water, which is crucial for preventing flooding and protecting human lives, property, and infrastructure. This initiative is also aimed at preventing disease outbreaks within communities. Despite ongoing efforts to educate the public on proper waste disposal, Yahaya acknowledged the persistent challenges faced in this area.

He reiterated his commitment to environmental conservation through proper waste management and extensive tree planting. Additionally, Yahaya announced the construction of 21 new waste collection centers under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, in partnership with the World Bank. The state Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) will ensure daily waste collection and management as part of the broader strategy to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

The Labour Party (LP) has criticized the removal of Senator Ali Ndume from his position as Senate chief whip, which occurred after the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) demanded his removal during a plenary session. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from the APC calling for Ndume’s resignation and suggesting that he join an opposition party.

Obiora Ifoh, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, condemned Ndume’s removal, suggesting it was due to his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of issues like the high cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria. Ifoh highlighted the situation as indicative of a trend towards dictatorship and criticized the ruling party for undermining the independence of the legislative branch.

Ifoh also pointed out previous instances of suppression, such as the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, who exposed budget padding in the government. He noted the economic crisis in Nigeria, citing a report from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating a 40.66 percent rise in food inflation. He accused the government of prioritizing expenditures like a presidential jet over addressing the economic hardships faced by citizens.

Ifoh called on Nigerians to be vigilant and resist the administration’s tactics, which he described as a tyranny of a cabal against legislative autonomy.

The University of Ibadan recently saw protests by students against the hike in tuition fees and power supply rationing. The students, masked to conceal their identities, staged a demonstration blocking the main entrance to the school and around the Senate Building.

The protest was prompted by an emergency congress decision following dissatisfaction with recent policies. These policies included a new electricity rationing plan and significant fee increases. The students demanded the complete reversal of these policies, citing economic hardships that make education unaffordable for many.

According to reports, the protest was organized after a document outlining the students’ grievances was circulated. It detailed plans for a peaceful demonstration and a mass boycott of lectures. Students expressed frustration over annual fee increases, with some departments seeing fees rise drastically.

The university management responded by holding meetings with the students to address their concerns, including the electricity rationing and fee hikes. However, tensions remained high as students voiced concerns about the deteriorating conditions on campus, including inadequate healthcare and essential services.

Efforts to contact the Students’ Union President for further comment were unsuccessful, while the university’s Public Relations Officer confirmed ongoing discussions to resolve the issues raised by the protesting students.

Rema’s emphasis on spirituality and his approach to handling fame provide insights into his personal life and creative process. Here are the key points from his recent interview:

1. **Reliance on Prayer**: Rema attributes a significant part of his coping mechanism to prayer. He mentioned that he prays frequently, seeking wisdom, guidance, knowledge, and patience from God. This spiritual practice helps him navigate the pressures and challenges that come with fame.

2. **Support System**: Acknowledging the importance of a supportive circle, Rema highlighted the presence of influential mentors and friends (“OG’s”) in his life. He specifically mentioned figures like Don Jazzy and others who provide guidance and support.

3. **Honest Feedback**: Rema values people around him who can offer honest feedback, even if it means pointing out when he’s wrong or could improve. This feedback helps him stay grounded and focused on his craft.

4. **Introverted Nature**: Despite his public persona, Rema described himself as an introvert who spends most of his time indoors. He engages in activities like making music, playing video games, and reading books, which contribute to his personal growth and creative inspiration.

Overall, Rema’s openness about his spiritual beliefs and the importance of a supportive network underscores his maturity and grounded approach to navigating the complexities of fame in the music industry. His introspective nature and dedication to his craft provide context to his evolving journey as an artist.

The incident at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok involving the deaths of six tourists from Vietnam has sparked significant concern and swift action from Thai authorities. Despite initial reports of the tourists renting separate rooms, their bodies were found together in one room without signs of a struggle. Thai police chief Thiti Saengsawang has stated that the deaths were not a result of suicide but were caused by someone else.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has intervened, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation to swiftly clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths. This urgency stems from the government’s desire to prevent any negative impact on Thailand’s tourism industry, which is vital to the country’s economy. Thailand expects to host 35 million foreign visitors this year, with tourism contributing significantly to the economy through billions in revenue.

In response to past incidents affecting tourists, including a shooting in 2023, the government has implemented measures to enhance security and build trust among visitors. These efforts include increasing security in tourist areas and offering extended visa validity or visa exemptions to attract more tourists.

The situation remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the cause of the tourists’ deaths and reassure both local residents and international visitors about safety in Thailand’s popular tourist destinations.

Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, has initiated the distribution of 69 trucks of fertiliser, totaling 41,400 bags, to farmers across all 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State. This distribution effort, which began in Danbatta and Makoda LGAs of Kano North Senatorial District, aims to support local farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and address food insecurity in the state.

Prof. Muhammad Ibn Abdallahi, Chief of Staff to Senator Barau, emphasized the importance of using the fertiliser judiciously to maximize agricultural output. He highlighted that this initiative is part of Senator Barau’s comprehensive support for agriculture and various sectors within Kano State.

The distribution of fertiliser is part of Senator Barau’s ongoing efforts to cater to the needs of his constituents and promote agricultural development. The gesture has received appreciation from local leaders and beneficiaries, who expressed gratitude for the support which they believe has safeguarded their farms and livelihoods.

The initiative underscores the commitment to bolstering agricultural practices and ensuring sustainable food production across Kano State, ultimately contributing to the economic empowerment of local farmers.

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has confirmed the abduction of a naval rating and seven others from the Classic Point Hotel in Ibaka Local Government Area. The victims were taken by unknown abductors while they were at the hotel for relaxation on Monday.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Timfon John confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during an interview in Eket. She mentioned that the Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, promptly led a team of security personnel to the community upon receiving the report.

John assured the public that measures were being taken, including strategic approaches by the police, to restore normalcy and locate the abducted victims. She noted that the abductors had taken the victims to an undisclosed location.

On the other hand, Sub.-Lt. Nasiru Omar, Base Information Officer, expressed that he had not yet received official information regarding the abduction, stating that official protocols prevented him from commenting further until official confirmation was received.

The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in the region, prompting swift response and heightened security measures by authorities to address the situation.

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has upheld Asue Ighodalo as the rightful governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, confirming his nomination during the party’s primaries held on February 22, 2024, in Benin City. Justice James Omotosho made this significant ruling in case CS/469/24 on Wednesday, July 17.

The court dismissed objections raised by Philip Shaibu, Ighodalo’s political rival, who had contested the validity of Ighodalo’s candidacy. This decision overturned a previous ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo, who nullified the primary election citing violations of the Electoral Act 2022 and PDP Guidelines.

Justice Omotosho emphasized that the suit challenging Ighodalo’s candidacy was filed outside the 14-day window stipulated by Section 285(9) of the Constitution for pre-election matters. Additionally, allegations of forgery related to voter’s cards were not substantiated by the plaintiffs.

Asue Ighodalo, a prominent business lawyer from Lagos, secured victory in the PDP primaries with 577 votes, defeating Philip Shaibu and 10 other contenders. With this legal validation, Ighodalo is poised as a leading candidate for the gubernatorial election scheduled for September 2024 in Edo State.

Joseph Aworeni, Curator and Site Manager of the National Museum in Osogbo and Osun-Osogbo Grove, has warned devotees and residents of Osun State not to drink from the Osun River due to contamination caused by illegal mining activities in the state. Aworeni issued this advisory during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, highlighting the pollution resulting from these unauthorized mining operations.

The Osun-Osogbo Grove, where the river is located, is a centuries-old sacred forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, recognized for its global cultural significance. The upcoming Osun-Osogbo festival, scheduled to take place from July 22 to August 9, has brought increased attention to the state of the river.

Aworeni explained that while the color of the river might be affected by rain, the main concern remains the contamination from illegal mining. Despite the pollution, devotees maintain their spiritual beliefs that the water becomes safe once the spiritual calabash approaches the river. However, recent analyses confirm that the water is unsafe for drinking.

Efforts to inform the public about the contamination have been made, but devotees and worshippers cannot be prevented from exercising their religious practices. Preparations for the annual festival are ongoing, with traditional custodians and government agencies working together to ensure a successful event. This year’s festival aims to feature a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest cultural performance, lasting 10 hours.

Aworeni also mentioned that sponsorship is being sought for the festival, with a committee led by the Ataoja of Osogbo focusing on critical areas, including securing new sponsors for the 2024 celebrations.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday nullified the impeachment of Phillip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the impeachment proceedings by the Edo State House of Assembly were not conducted in accordance with due process and that the allegations against Shaibu did not constitute gross misconduct and were therefore untenable in law.

As a result, Justice Omotosho ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement to office and directed the Inspector-General of Police to provide the necessary security to enable Shaibu to resume his duties until the end of his tenure. Additionally, the court set aside the appointment of another deputy governor to replace Shaibu.

Phillip Shaibu, who was present in court, was visibly emotional and shed tears of joy upon hearing the judge’s decision.

The girl was sexually assaulted while trying to recover her phone which was stolen by some suspected criminals.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) says it will follow to the end and ensure justice for the 17-year-old girl allegedly defiled by a police officer at Ogudu Police Station.