The Indigenous People of Biafra has banned the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day in the South-East region.

In a statement on Monday, the separatist group declared that anyone found participating in any activity marking this year’s Independence Day would be considered an enemy of the land.

It said Igbo should go about their normal business or remain in their houses if they choose to but must refrain from any form of activities to mark Nigeria’s independence.

The group insisted that though Igbo were part of the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, the union had proven injurious to them.

“The Directorate of State of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra wishes to remind Biafrans at home and in the diaspora that the ban on the celebration of the Zoo Nigeria’s annual October 1st Independence Day by Biafrans is still in force. As a Biafran, you are to avoid any Nigeria Independence celebration globally.

“IPOB calls on Biafrans worldwide to go about their normal business because we are not part of Nigeria and have nothing to do with their British-flag independence of 1960. We are aware that some prominent Igbo men and women played pivotal roles in securing the flag independence that Nigeria celebrates annually on every October 1st; however, such independence has taken more blood of Ndigbo to maintain than that of any other ethnic group in Nigeria.

“Biafrans have decided to reject the bloody flag independence of Nigeria and work for the restoration of a truly united and prosperous independent State of Biafra. Therefore, every Biafran should reject this Nigerian forced unity as we look forward to celebrating Biafra’s independence soon.

“Ndigbo must adhere to this clarion call to halt every activity concerning Nigeria’s Independence tomorrow. There shall be no flying of Nigerian flags in Biafran territory. There shall be no independence activity for students in Biafraland. Everyone should go about their business or use that day for quality family time and rest at home for those who choose not to go to work or engage in business activities.

“IPOB is not joking about the restoration of Biafra’s freedom and sovereignty. Do not make yourself an enemy of the struggle by participating in Nigeria’s flag independence celebrations tomorrow. Parents and guardians must not allow their children to attend any Nigerian independence activities tomorrow. We are monitoring everywhere in Biafraland. As an Igbo parent, do not allow your children to be sacrificed for a country that considers them less than human.”

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has sent a message of hope to Nigerians ahead of the country’s 64th Independence Day.

Nigeria is observing a public holiday Today Tuesday, October 1, commemorating the country’s Independence from British rule. 

In his message celebrating Nigeria’s 2024 independence, Ajaero urged Nigerians not to give up their hope for a better Nigeria.

However, the NLC president called upon citizens to hold their government accountable at all levels.

He praised Nigerian workers’ determination and sacrifices while addressing the ongoing issues of betrayal and corruption within the nation’s political framework.

He noted that for many years, Nigerians, especially those in the working class, have suffered from unfulfilled promises and exploitation.

Ajaero stressed that the marginalized citizens, who continue to endure the consequences of these broken commitments and corruption, should maintain their hope for a better future in their country.

Furthermore, the NLC President advocated for change, encouraging Nigerians to engage in lawful protests against injustices and the undermining of democratic values. He asserted that only through persistent advocacy can the political elite be motivated to prioritize the welfare of the nation.

The NLC President’s statement reads:

“THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

“Being the text of the goodwill mesage by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

“On the ocassion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebration, we congratulate all Nigerians, especially workers for their sacrifice, resilience or robust spirit in spite of serial acts of betrayal of monumental proportions by the political leadership at various times and levels.

“We urge the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of these broken promises, exploitation and corruption to not give up hope on their country.

“In light of the fact that their sacrifice has been taken for granted for so long, they should learn to protest within the limits of the law against injustices and subversion of democratic norms, culture and values by the dominant political elite.

“It should be apparent to the citizenry that the leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.

“In the same vein, we would like to sound a note of caution to our political elite whose preoccupation is to circumvent the principles and practice of popular democracy that undermining of our democratic institutions can no longer be business as usual.

“The consequences of their acts of commission or omission brought us this far. It is time to turn a new leaf. Let it be the beginning of a new low.”

Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been banned from boxing for at least 28 days.

This is coming after Anthony Joshua was defeated by a lowly rated Briton heavyweight boxer, Daniel Dubois on September 21.

Recall that on the said date, Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua in the fifth round after the 27-year-old Briton had knocked down AJ four times in front of a massive crowd of 96,000 at Wembley Stadium in London.

As a result of this victory, Dubois successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title, while Anthony Joshua’s future was subjected to uncertainty.

By standard procedure, the British Boxing Board of Control has enforced a 28-day suspension for Joshua, preventing him from entering the ring in the said period.

This action is in line with the regulations of the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, which require fighters to be issued medical suspensions following knockouts (KO) and technical knockouts (TKO).

This means that Anthony Joshua can be permitted to box from November 2024 as he had insisted that he is not thinking of retiring from the sport despite suffering four defeats in the last three years.

After his humiliating defeat to Dubois, Anthony Joshua said, “You’re probably asking if I still want to consider fighting. Of course, I want to continue fighting.

“We took a shot at success and we came up short. What does that mean now? That we’re going to run away? We’re going to live to fight another day. And that’s what I am – I’m a warrior. Always walk with your head high. We rolled the dice for the third time. There have been 13 world title fights; not every one of them has been successful, but everyone has been fun.

“There were a few mistakes in there but that’s the name of the game. Fine margins will cost you at the top level. Also, before I finish, we have to give credit to our opponent, Daniel. When I sign up to fight opponents, I don’t really like them in my head any more. But now that it’s done, I take my hat off to him and say well done.”

Social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has disclosed how he obtained the controversial phone recording of cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

He said that he got the recording from someone whom Bobrisky owed money, as he submitted part of the recording to the committee investigating the allegation.

VeryDarkMan revealed this on Monday, when he presented himself before a House of Representatives panel investigating bribery allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Officials of the EFCC and the NCoS were present as the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions commenced an investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption levelled against the anti-graft agency and the prison service by the blogger.

Naija News reports that the blogger had earlier refused to speak after noticing that Bobrisky, who was also invited, had sent a lawyer and refused to make an appearance.

However, lawmakers countered the blogger’s submission, moved a motion compelling him to make an address on the subject matter of the voice recording which he released.

The blogger remained adamant, insisting that his lawyer would speak instead despite the committee’s threat to invoke legislative powers and order his arrest right away.

But his lawyer prevailed on him to address the committee.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, declared that the country is currently on the brink of a one-party dictatorship.

He, therefore, called on leaders of the opposition parties in the country to come together and form a coalition to prevent this from happening.

Atiku made the observation and call in a statement on Monday on the occasion of the nation’s 64th Independence anniversary celebration.

According to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the founding fathers of the country made great sacrifices to keep the country as one and the current generation must strive to live in unity as envisioned by the esteemed founders.

Atiku emphasized that the anniversary milestone is not merely a commemoration but a tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve of Nigerians who steadfastly believe in the potential of their homeland.

While congratulating the country for maintaining its longest democratic dispensation since its creation, the former Vice President voiced the need to prevent the nation’s democracy from slipping into authoritarianism.

“Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity,” he proclaimed.

“On this day, as we mark 64 years of nationhood, we take pride in the enduring establishment of democracy in Nigeria, highlighted by the longest period of democratic governance in our history.”

He added that, “While democracy has anchored our institutions in the principles of the rule of law, we have yet to achieve satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring elections that are genuinely free and fair.

“Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavors and those of subsequent generations.”

Atiku emphasized the need for opposition political parties to provide Nigerians with a credible opposition capable of steering the nation toward a promising future, even as he submitted that the current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly subject to the caprices of the ruling class.

“Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual. Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression,” Atiku declared.

Social media influencer, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has made his appearance at the National Assembly alongside his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

He is currently attending a session with the House of Representatives Joint Committee, which is investigating serious allegations of corruption involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS).

Also present before the committee are representatives from both the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Services, as well as Bobrisky’s lawyer, Avwerosuoghene Omuvwie.

However, Bobrisky, also known as Idris Okuneye, has not yet appeared in person. His lawyer is standing in for him in the proceedings.

When given the opportunity to speak, VeryDarkMan expressed his unwillingness to address the committee, citing Bobrisky’s absence: “Today, I will not say anything because an invitation was given out to me and Bobrisky. But he is not here.

“I don’t see why I will be here and he is not. So I won’t say anything, but my lawyer will.”

Naija News reports that this development follows a controversial audio recording shared by VeryDarkMan, in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have bribed EFCCofficials with ₦15 million to drop a money laundering charge against her.

Additionally, the audio suggested that Bobrisky never served her six-month prison sentence for Naira abuse, instead staying in an apartment.

Bobrisky has strongly denied these allegations and has threatened to take legal action.

In response to the back-and-forth between the two parties, the House of Representatives launched an inquiry into the EFCC and NCoS to investigate the claims.

The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has a message for Nigerians planning to leave the country to seek greener pastures abroad.

Speaking during a Sunday sermon in Port Harcourt, the pastor voiced his worries regarding the increasing number of young Nigerians, especially the youths, who are departing the nation, in pursuit of better opportunities overseas.

Kumuyi urged Nigerians in this category to reconsider the decision to leave the country. According to him, it often leads to feelings of regret in the future.

The phrase ‘JAPA’ (a street slang) is commonly used among Nigerians to refer to getting away, running off, or vanishing swiftly from a scenario, usually in a rushed and pressing way.

In his sermon, however, Kumuyi, highlighted that true prosperity awaits those seeking to ‘JAPA’ within their homeland, reassuring that the blessings of God are not limited to any particular place.

“Whatever nation you are born in, the goodness of the Lord will reach you there,” Kumuyi affirmed.

The cleric reflected on the experiences of many professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers, who sought opportunities abroad but soon discovered that life outside Nigeria was not as promising as they had imagined.

He added: “Doctors go there, engineers go there, lawyers go there, professionals go there, thinking they are escaping bad things. They believe they are heading to lands of opportunities and prosperity.

“As they got there, they discovered that even to pay house rent and to feed themselves and to school their children and to have a buoyant economy for themselves is difficult; they say it was better for me when I was in my country, and they are looking for ways to come back.”

Kumuyi admonished the citizens not to overlook the potential in their own country, stating, “Goodness will come to you here. You don’t have to run away; your prosperity and progress will come right here in Nigeria.”

The cleric’s message comes as part of a broader call for faith and resilience, urging Nigerians to trust in God’s plan for their future, no matter their challenges.

The UK has closed the chapter on its 142-year history of coal-fired power, marking a symbolic and pivotal moment in the global shift towards cleaner energy.

As of 30 September 2024, the nation’s last coal power plant was decommissioned, making the UK the first G7 country to eliminate coal from its energy mix.

This move, occurring in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, not only signals the end of an era but also reinforces the global momentum towards renewable energy sources, positioning solar and wind at the forefront of the future.

The closure comes as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries have collectively halved their coal generation since its peak in 2007, driven by the rise of solar and wind energy.

According to a report released on Monday by Ember, an energy think tank, “Coal generation in OECD countries has fallen by 52% since its peak in 2007. This dramatic decline has been largely attributed to renewable energy sources. Wind and solar were responsible for 87 per cent of the fall in coal during this period,” noted Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director at Ember.

According to the report, the UK is the 14th OECD country to achieve a coal-free power system, with the remaining OECD nations aiming for full phase-out by 2030.

Coal’s role in the UK energy mix has been shrinking for years. In 2012, coal made up 40 per cent of UK electricity generation, but by 2019, it was just 2 per cent, a figure that has now dropped to zero.

Jones highlighted the significance of this transition: “Once, coal power was a byword for industrial growth. Now clean energy is being used to drive industrial growth.”
The UK becomes the first G7 nation to exit coal-fired power, reports Sky News.

“The country has been burning coal to generate electricity since 1882, but the last remaining plant, in Nottinghamshire, is being decommissioned as capacity from clean alternatives has allowed it.

“The final coal-fired power station left in the UK will be shut down later on Monday amid the transition to renewable energy.

“The closure of the Uniper-owned Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire will bring to an end a 142-year history of burning fossil fuel to produce electricity in the country,” the agency reported.

Global Shift

The decline of coal in OECD countries is mirrored by similar movements globally, as emerging economies also pivot towards renewable energy. However, some countries have yet to see rapid declines.

Ember’s report noted that “Türkiye was the only OECD country to set a new coal power record in 2023.”

Meanwhile, nations like Japan and South Korea have seen only modest reductions in coal reliance.

Despite these outliers, the overall trend is clear: as Ember reports, “Three-quarters of OECD countries are targeting a coal phase-out by 2030.”

Renewable Future

As coal exits the stage, renewable energy sources are taking over. “The rapid growth of wind and solar energy is not only replacing coal but also preparing to meet the increase in electricity demand,” said Jones, referencing the rise in electric vehicles and heat pumps across OECD countries.

The UK’s final coal plant closure symbolises a crucial turning point in the global shift to cleaner energy. With solar and wind powering the future, coal’s role as a dominant energy source is quickly coming to an end.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, in an X post on Monday, also confirmed this.

“End of an era as Britain’s last coal-fired power plant shuts down. The UK’s 142-year history of coal-fired electricity ends as turbines at Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant in
Nottinghamshire stop for good,” ECIU UK posted.

PUNCH Online reports that Ember is an energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. Ember is the trading name of Sandbag Climate Campaign CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England & Wales #06714443. ‘Ember’ and ‘Sandbag’ are trademarks held at the United Kingdom and European Union Intellectual Property Offices.

Renewable, Clean Energy

Meanwhile, the G7 (Group of Seven) is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan. It meets annually to discuss global economic issues, international security, and policies related to trade, climate change, and other global challenges.

A renewable future refers to a shift towards energy systems powered primarily by renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, instead of fossil fuels. It represents a sustainable path to reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and securing long-term energy independence for economies worldwide.

Likewise, clean energy refers to energy produced from sources that do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. It plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainability, and supporting global efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.