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FCCPC summons Air Peace over consumer complaints

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called Air Peace Limited’s management to address numerous consumer complaints across Nigeria regarding unrefunded ticket fares, including cases where the airline itself canceled flights.

This was outlined in a statement by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, issued in Abuja and released to the public on Monday.

Ijagwu noted that if the airline’s actions are confirmed, they would violate Sections 130(1)(a) and (b) and 130(2)(b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which guarantee consumers timely refunds for unfulfilled advance bookings, reservations, or orders due to the service provider’s failure.

This provision upholds fair dealing and protects consumers from unfair, unjust, or unreasonable practices by service providers.

Through a formal summons dated June 13, 2025, the FCCPC, citing Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA 2018, has directed Air Peace to appear at its Abuja Headquarters on Monday, June 23, 2025.

The agency’s spokesman stated, ”Specifically, Section 33(3) of the FCCPA mandates compliance, and failure attracts severe sanctions including fines or imprisonment, and the airline is further directed to produce documentary evidence including a complaint log for refunds over the past twelve (12) months, total records of processed refunds to date, list of cancelled flights on all routes within the past twelve (12) months, and remedial actions taken to mitigate consumer hardship resulting from cancelled flights.”

In December 2024, the FCCPC began investigating separate claims of exploitative ticket pricing by Air Peace, including significant price increases for advance bookings on specific domestic routes. Air Peace responded by initiating legal action to halt the Commission’s inquiry, which is a distinct issue.

Ijagwu emphasized, “The FCCPC remains committed to enforcing the provisions of the FCCPA (2018) and holding service providers accountable and ensuring that consumers, including airline passengers, are protected from exploitative or unfair market practices.”

Police Chief Arrested Over Death of Kenyan Blogger in Custody

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Kenyan authorities have arrested the head of Nairobi’s central police station, Samson Talam, over the suspicious death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The case has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct in the country.

Talam’s arrest follows a deeper investigation that also led to the detention of Corporal James Mukwana and a police technician accused of disabling the station’s CCTV system. Ojwang was reportedly detained after posting a critical message about Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Initially, police claimed that Ojwang died after hitting his head on a wall, but this explanation was quickly challenged by medical experts. An independent inquiry later found evidence pointing to assault rather than an accident.

Faced with growing pressure, the police retracted their earlier statement. Inspector General Douglas Kanja issued a formal apology, acknowledging that the original communication had misled the public.

Investigators have since interviewed 23 people and suspended five officers in connection with the case. Prosecutors believe Corporal Mukwana and others orchestrated Ojwang’s death and manipulated surveillance footage to cover it up. Mukwana has been presented in court and remains in custody pending a bail hearing. He has not issued any public statements, though his lawyer said he cooperated with the investigation.

Meanwhile, the technician accused of disabling the CCTV has also been detained. The case has sparked protests, with demonstrators in Nairobi demanding the dismissal of Deputy Inspector General Lagat.

President William Ruto, who pledged to combat police brutality after taking office in 2022, has called for a swift and transparent investigation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding rogue officers accountable.

Human rights organizations continue to raise concerns over police violence in Kenya. Last year alone, more than 160 extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances were reported. In the first four months of this year, at least 20 people are believed to have died while in police custody.

Israeli-Iranian War: World Leaders’ View On The Boiling Tensions

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Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply as Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa before dawn on Monday. The strikes killed at least eight people, injured over 100, and destroyed multiple residential buildings, prompting Israel’s defense minister to warn that residents of Tehran would “pay the price and soon.”

Iran announced its parliament is considering a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but emphasized that it remains opposed to the development of weapons of mass destruction. The legislative process may take several weeks.

Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons though it neither confirms nor denies this, is the only Middle Eastern state that has not signed the NPT. In response to the attacks, Israel’s military confirmed it had eliminated four senior Iranian intelligence officials, including the head of the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence unit. The military also claimed to have destroyed over one-third of Iran’s missile launchers used in the assault.

A total of seven Iranian missiles landed in Israel out of the approximately 100 fired overnight. Fires erupted near Haifa’s port power plant, while search and rescue teams continued to pull survivors from damaged structures in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Petah Tikva, and Bnei Brak.

The war has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict as G7 leaders gathered in Canada. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for diplomatic resolution but acknowledged no signs of de-escalation on the fourth consecutive day of hostilities.

The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has deepened instability already worsened by the Gaza war involving Israel and Hamas. In total, 24 Israeli civilians have died in the Iranian missile attacks.

Video footage captured missiles lighting up Tel Aviv’s sky, with explosions audible across both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Residential districts near the U.S. Embassy sustained heavy damage, but American diplomatic staff reported no injuries despite minor building impacts.

Voices from the Ground

Israeli Victim Recounts Horror

Guydo Tetelbaun, a Tel Aviv resident, described the terrifying moments when missiles struck:
“As usual, we went into the (shelter) that’s right across the street there. And within minutes, the door of the (shelter) blew in,” said the 31-year-old chef.
“A couple of people came in bloody, all cut up. And then when we came to the apartment, after it quietened down, we saw there wasn’t much of it… Walls are caved in, no more glass.”
He added, “It’s terrifying because it’s so unknown. This could be the beginning of a long time like this, or it could get worse, or hopefully better, but it’s the unknown that’s the scariest.”

Elsewhere, missiles hit near Tel Aviv’s Shuk HaCarmel market, a street in Petah Tikva, and a school in Bnei Brak.

Fear Grows Among Iranians

In Tehran, anxiety also runs high.
“Tehran isn’t safe, clearly,” said one resident. “We get no alarms or warnings from officials about Israeli attacks. We just hear the blasts and hope our place isn’t hit. But where can we go? Nowhere feels safe.”

Another person who fled the capital remarked: “I don’t think I’ve fully processed that I’m living in an active war zone, and I’m not sure when I’ll reach acceptance.”

World Leaders Call for Restraint

United States and Russia

President Donald Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting both agreed the war “should end.” Trump also described the conflict as “very alarming.” Putin expressed grave concern over the escalation, warning of “unpredictable consequences for the entire situation in the Middle East.”

Both leaders hinted at the possibility of resuming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Israel aims to “drag the whole region into the fire” and called its attacks a distraction from the Gaza crisis. In calls with several leaders, including President Trump, Erdogan emphasized that nuclear negotiations remain the only solution and affirmed Turkey’s readiness to help prevent further escalation.

China

Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s support for Iran, stating China backs “Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people.”
Wang criticized Israel’s strikes on nuclear sites as a “dangerous precedent” and warned against the use of force, insisting that “diplomatic means… have not been exhausted” and that Beijing is willing to assist in de-escalation efforts.

Qatar

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned Israel’s attacks as a “blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty,” and called for diplomacy to restore peace and stability.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed that the Kingdom “condemns ongoing attacks that undermine Iran’s sovereignty and security.” Iranian President Pezeshkian told him that Israel continues to disrupt regional peace efforts.

United Kingdom

Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the deployment of UK military assets to the region. Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned of “further harm to civilians” and urged urgent de-escalation.

Germany

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cautioned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions threaten the entire region. He stressed the importance of preventing nuclear proliferation and committed Germany to supporting de-escalation.

France

President Emmanuel Macron appealed for restraint and urged that Iran’s nuclear issue “must be resolved through negotiation.” He called for an immediate return to talks as the “only viable path to de-escalation.”

The Vatican

Pope Leo XIV urged responsibility and dialogue, warning:
“The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated… The commitment to build a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful meeting and sincere dialogue.”
He added: “No one should ever threaten the existence of the other.”

The risk of a broader Middle East war remains high as both Israel and Iran exchange threats and attacks, with global powers urging diplomacy to prevent a full-scale regional disaster.

ECOWAS President Calls On The Bloc To Address Integration Obstacles

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is grappling with integration challenges and aims to address them by fostering greater unity, solidarity, and fraternity among its members.

At the 37th ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Omar Touray, President of the commission, outlined these concerns and the proposed course of action.

According to NAN, the AFC meeting was convened to assess the mid-term progress of ECOWAS institutions’ decisions, programs, projects, and activities.

Represented by ECOWAS Vice President Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, Touray explained that the review focused on addressing the community’s challenging financial situation.

He noted that the meeting would also explore ways to mitigate the impact of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS to preserve the achievements of 50 years of regional integration.

Touray added that the AFC session would provide updates to member states on recruitment progress within the commission’s institutions.

“As you know, our organisation is currently going through an existential crisis, and in such circumstances, we must sit down together and pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us.

“Our organisation is at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future.

“But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability,” he said.

Touray emphasized that the recent 50th anniversary of ECOWAS and the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger underscored the urgency of accelerating institutional, organizational, political, and security reforms.

He revealed that, following the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, the commission would soon hold a summit on the future of ECOWAS.

“Prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the community.

“I would like to remind you that ECOWAS is in all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space.

“It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region,” he added.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Darma, highlighted that the shifting landscape of global aid and financing prompted the commission’s recent acquisition of new communications infrastructure.

He called on member states to reconsider how resources are generated and utilized, noting that the new equipment would enhance the modernization of the commission’s communication operations.

“Donor support is diminishing in the new world order. We must begin to explore indigenous, creative approaches to finance and service delivery within the region,” he said.

AFC Chairman Amb. Olawale Awe stressed the importance of proactive steps to tackle critical issues, such as staffing shortages across ECOWAS institutions and the community levy, particularly in light of the Sahel States’ withdrawal.

“We must act decisively to fill these institutional voids to maintain the momentum of our mandate.

“The Commission cannot afford stagnation at a time when the region demands progress,” he said.

The meeting was attended by prominent ECOWAS figures, including commissioners, parliamentarians, representatives from the Community Court, resident representatives, and heads of ECOWAS institutions and agencies, among others.

Death Toll From South African Floods Climbs to 86

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The death toll from the devastating floods that have battered South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has risen to 86, according to officials on Friday, as search and rescue teams continued to comb through the debris for missing persons.

The floods, triggered by torrential rainfall over several days, have left a trail of destruction, washing away homes, damaging infrastructure, and displacing hundreds of residents. Authorities have confirmed that dozens are still unaccounted for, raising concerns that the number of fatalities could increase further.

Emergency response units, including disaster management teams, are still engaged in recovery efforts. Many affected communities remain without access to clean water and electricity, with roads and bridges either submerged or severely damaged.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the disaster-stricken region, described the scale of the disaster as “heartbreaking” and offered condolences to the bereaved families. “We are committed to helping the affected areas recover and rebuild,” he said, adding that national and provincial agencies have been mobilized to provide food, shelter, and essential services.

South Africa’s weather service has warned of continued rainfall in some parts of the Eastern Cape, advising residents to remain vigilant and follow official updates. The government has also issued alerts to prepare for possible further evacuations if weather conditions worsen.

The current floods are among the deadliest natural disasters to hit the province in recent years, drawing comparisons to the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods, which claimed over 400 lives. Relief organizations are calling for urgent support to assist those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been deployed to assist with rescue operations and deliver aid to isolated communities. Humanitarian agencies, including the Red Cross, are on the ground distributing food parcels, blankets, and medical supplies.

As the nation grieves, calls are growing for better disaster preparedness and long-term investment in infrastructure to prevent future tragedies of this scale.

Bayern’s 10–0 Statement Win Kicks Off The Club World Cup: How The Clubs Are Formed

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Bayern Munich didn’t just open the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup — they kicked the door down. With a stunning 10–0 victory over New Zealand’s Auckland City in Cincinnati, the German giants delivered a record-breaking performance that not only set the tone for the tournament, but reminded the world why this is the boldest evolution of club football in history.

For the first time ever, the FIFA Club World Cup features a full 32-team format, mirroring the structure of the national team World Cup.

Hosted by the the United States from June 14 to July 13, this new era of the tournament takes place every four years, bringing together some of the world’s most decorated clubs from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, North America, and Oceania.

What Is the Club World Cup About?

Organized by FIFA, football’s global governing body, the Club World Cup was created to crown the best football club on the planet.

Unlike the previous editions which featured just seven teams, this new version represents a major leap — designed to be the biggest and most inclusive club competition in history.

How The Club World Cup Teams Are Grouped

Teams qualified by winning or excelling in their continental championships between 2021 and 2024. And with a $1 billion prize pool including a whopping $125 million for the winner — the stakes are higher than ever.

FIFA also projects a massive $21 billion economic impact, with $9.6 billion expected in the U.S. alone.

Despite early questions around ticket sales, viewership is already booming. All 63 matches are being streamed for free on DAZN, and stadium attendance is projected to reach nearly 3.7 million.

The Eight Groups

Here’s how the 32 clubs have been grouped:
Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA)
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atlético Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), Seattle Sounders (USA)
Group C: Bayern Munich (Germany), Auckland City (New Zealand), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Benfica (Portugal)
Group D: Flamengo (Brazil), ES Tunis (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), LAFC (USA)
Group E: River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Monterrey (Mexico), Inter Milan (Italy)
Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD FC (South Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Group G: Manchester City (England), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy)
Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), FC Salzburg (Austria)

From Messi’s Inter Miami and PSG’s billion-dollar squad, to River Plate’s young stars and Al Ahly’s continental dominance, the Club World Cup offers matchups once only seen in fantasy.

But this is no exhibition — it’s a battle for global supremacy.

While some critics point out that teams like Chelsea who qualified from their 2021 Champions League win but have since dipped in form may not reflect current elite standards, others argue this new system is a long-overdue opportunity for clubs outside Europe to shine.

Still, the balance of power remains evident. European clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG boast squad values of over \$1 billion, while South American and African teams enter with far less financial muscle. Yet in football, anything can happen — and that’s the magic this tournament promises.

With Bayern already sending a clear message on day one, fans can buckle up for a month of unforgettable clashes, surprise heroes, and the making of club football history on a truly global scale.

Gov Okpebholo Preaches Love, Purpose at Benin Thanksgiving Mass

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday attended a special thanksgiving mass at St. Paul Catholic Church, Benin City, in commemoration of Father’s Day and the second anniversary in office of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.

Governor Okpebholo, who was a prominent figure at the event, used the occasion to reflect on the responsibilities of fatherhood and leadership, delivering a heartfelt message that connected personal responsibility with divine purpose.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank God for a day like this called Father’s Day,” the Governor told the congregation. “It takes courage to be a father. It takes sympathy. I encourage fathers to continue to love their children because children are God’s gifts.”

Speaking further, Governor Okpebholo emphasized his belief that his leadership role is a divine assignment, especially in the fight against social vices such as cultism.

“I also want to tell you people that God is here. That’s why if it’s someone with muscles or physical strength needed to fight cultism, I don’t think I would have been the one. But God has sent me to do that,” he said.

The Governor concluded his address with words of gratitude, thanking God, the church, fathers, and women in attendance, while praying for continued blessings upon them.

In his remarks, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, expressed appreciation for the presence of the Governor despite his tight schedule. He reaffirmed the commitment of the legislative arm to working in synergy with the executive for the development of the state.

“Your Excellency, as a House, we want to work with you. We want to form synergy with you to take Edo to the next level. We are very ready to work with you to ensure our people get the best in Nigeria,” the Speaker stated.

Earlier in the service, awards of honour were presented to Governor Okpebholo, Speaker Agbebaku, the Deputy Speaker, and the Majority Leader of the House in recognition of their leadership contributions.

Gombe Unveils Ultra-Modern Abattoir to Transform Nigeria’s Livestock Sector

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As part of efforts to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, have laid the foundation for the Gombe Ultra-Modern Abattoir.

The facility is a key component of the Gombe Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone and is designed to enhance livestock value chains, boost food security, and create employment. The abattoir will process 500 cows, 1,000 sheep/goats, and 3,000 poultry daily.

The Minister described the abattoir as a “game changer” for livestock development in the Northeast, adding that the Federal Government will collaborate with the state to establish Jewel Feedlot Estates to support consistent animal supply.

He noted that Nigeria consumes only 360,000 tons of beef annually—far below demand—and emphasized that the government will drive the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) to boost production and modernize the sector.

Maiha stressed the need for world-class facilities and skilled personnel at abattoirs to meet international standards, highlighting improvements in animal health services, indigenous breed development, and control of zoonotic diseases.

Feedstock supply to the new abattoir will be sustained through commercial ranches, out-grower schemes, pasture production, and revitalized grazing reserves, with the ministry committed to supporting Gombe in transforming the livestock economy.

The Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, reaffirmed the state’s focus on transforming agriculture and livestock through strategic policies, investments, and inclusive programs.

He explained that millions of animals have been vaccinated, and intercommunity peace initiatives have improved relations between herders and farmers. He also revealed that the state has partnered with the World Bank’s L-PRES project for grazing reserve demarcation and improving water access in Wawa-Zange.

TVET Entrance Exam Records 30,000 Candidates

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The Federal Government has flagged off the 2025 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) entrance examination into Federal Technical Colleges nationwide.

A total of 30,000 candidates participated in the examination, which aims to equip Nigerian youth with industry-relevant skills and reshape the country’s approach to human capital development.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, described the examination as a strategic tool for determining individual strengths and aligning them with specific trades.

In a statement, the Registrar noted that the examination will help identify candidates’ skills and match them with suitable vocational areas such as electrical installation, tailoring, or solar maintenance.

Mohammed emphasized the significance of TVET in reversing Nigeria’s overdependence on imported skills, products, and services, pointing out that artisans, craftsmen, and technicians are the backbone of any country’s GDP.

He added that the era of paper qualifications is gradually phasing out. The focus now is on “what can you offer?” and the government aims to create an enabling environment for certified technical talents to practice and thrive locally.

Mohammed further stated that the government plans to provide starter packs and potential access to business loans for students who complete the TVET program. He added that the initiative is not just about skills acquisition but also about job creation and economic empowerment.

According to him, candidates can either be employed by the government or establish their own businesses with support structures in place upon completion.

A selection committee comprising principals of Federal Technical Colleges, NABTEB officials, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education will oversee the admission process. The committee will determine which candidates proceed to the next stage after the release of examination results within 21 days.

The NABTEB Registrar also revealed that the government plans to digitize the examination process, making it paperless. The initiative is expected to streamline the process and improve efficiency. The government is committed to providing a platform for Nigerian youth to acquire practical skills and become productive members of society.

FG Begins Work on Wawa-Zange for Livestock Push

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The Federal Government has announced plans to rehabilitate the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve in Gombe State as part of broader efforts to revamp Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the reserve, highlighting the government’s commitment to transforming grazing reserves into modern, sustainable livestock hubs.

The rehabilitation will focus on key infrastructure, including roads, healthcare and veterinary facilities, classrooms, solar power, and water supply for both humans and animals.

Spanning 144,000 hectares and currently accommodating over 5,000 herders, Wawa-Zange is seen as a strategic asset deserving of full development to meet modern standards for grazing reserves.

Plans also include the establishment of breed improvement centres and pasture cultivation initiatives aimed at reducing seasonal herder migration. The Minister emphasized the importance of turning the reserve into a model of sustainability that supports both productivity and environmental responsibility.

In addressing the farmer-herder dynamic, the Minister proposed a collaborative, non-confrontational approach. Rather than evicting farmers encroaching on the land, he assured that the government will implement shared land-use practices, fostering mutual benefits such as crop residue feeding for livestock and manure fertilization for crops—thus promoting peaceful coexistence and increased agricultural productivity.

The Gombe State Government expressed full support for the initiative, with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Barnabas Malle, highlighting the urgent need for improved amenities.

The Wawa-Zange project is part of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), under which 417 grazing reserves nationwide will be rehabilitated, with the aim of enhancing food security, creating jobs, and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification.