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The United States Mission in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria, highlighting ongoing cooperation across key sectors including security, trade, health, education and culture.

The Mission, in a statement shared on its official channels, said people-to-people connections and private sector partnerships remain central to the relationship between both countries.

It noted that the United States and Nigeria continue to maintain enduring ties that support mutual prosperity and development.

The reaffirmation comes amid ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen practical cooperation, particularly through the US-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership, a five-year framework designed to boost trade, attract investment and promote private sector-led growth.

Recent engagements under the framework, including ministerial-level meetings in Lagos co-chaired by US officials and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, have led to the establishment of working groups focused on agriculture, the digital economy and infrastructure.

These initiatives are aimed at translating policy discussions into tangible outcomes such as job creation, innovation and expanded commercial opportunities.

US officials, including Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern and Political and Economic Chief Michael Ervin, have reiterated America’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Nigeria, describing the country as a key partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

Beyond government-level engagements, the Mission also highlighted continued collaboration in education, public health and cultural exchange programmes that connect citizens of both nations.

Analysts say such reaffirmations serve as important diplomatic signals, particularly at a time of evolving global and regional challenges, with Nigeria remaining a strategic partner for the United States in areas such as counterterrorism, regional stability and economic development in West Africa.

The statement comes days after security and commercial discussions involving the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, where officials reiterated support for businesses operating across both economies.

U.S. Mission Reaffirms Strong, Enduring Partnership With Nigeria is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade in Calabar, have destroyed over six hectares of cannabis farmland in Uwet community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. The operation, which followed credible intelligence on illegal cannabis cultivation in the area, led to […]

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned proceedings in the protracted Kano Emirate dispute to April 19, 2027, signalling a continuation of the high-profile legal battle over the traditional institution in Kano.

The adjournment followed the latest hearing, during which parties involved in the case presented arguments relating to the structure and leadership of the emirate.

The dispute, which has attracted widespread attention, centres on administrative decisions affecting the Kano traditional council.

The case was initiated by Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, who is challenging the Kano State Government and State Assembly over the repeal of the 2019 Kano Emirates Law, the dissolution of the five emirates created under the Ganduje administration, and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was dethroned in 2020.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the session, Dan Agundi expressed confidence in the judicial process and affirmed his acceptance of the court’s position so far.

“We are satisfied with the position of the Supreme Court, and we believe its actions are in line with the law. However, after reviewing the outcome, we may consider applying for the adjustment of the timeline given,” he said.

He added that consultations with legal advisers and key stakeholders, including members of the traditional council, would guide their next course of action.

Observers note that the adjournment leaves the emirate tussle unresolved, with implications for leadership dynamics and the administrative structure of the Kano Emirate Council. The next hearing is expected to further clarify legal positions in the ongoing dispute.

Supreme Court adjourns Kano Emirate dispute to April 2027

Ibrahima Konate will no longer leave Liverpool for Real Madrid.

The defender revealed he is “close to an agreement” with Liverpool over a new contract and there is a “big chance” he will remain at Anfield next season.

The France centre-back’s current deal expires this summer, five years after he joined from RB Leipzig for £35m. he has been on the radar of Real Madrid who hope to replenish their aging defence in the summer.

Speaking after Liverpool’s Merseyside derby win on Sunday, the 26-year-old insisted his future has never been in doubt, implying that he told sporting director Richard Hughes from the outset of negotiations he did not want to leave.

“There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement,” said Konate.

“I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible but we are in a good way.”

He added: “For sure, there is a big chance that I’m here next season. This is what I’ve always wanted.

“I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard what I said to him in September, November before everyone talked about everything and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.

“When he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that.”

Asked why the situation has dragged on until April, Konate referenced the contract situation of team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah last season, saying it was “exactly the same” and “this is maybe how the club want it”.

Konate has made 113 Premier League appearances since joining the Reds, helping them win the league title last season, and FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022.

Liverpool will end this campaign without silverware but look set to qualify for next season’s Champions League. They are currently fifth – seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea.

“It’s been a bad season for the standards of Liverpool. If we finish in the top four, we won’t be happy, for sure,” said Konate.

“For sure with this kind of a season, we have to give our all next season to make something good.

“It’s such an amazing club and amazing family… This club means so much to me.”

Konate has had a challenging campaign personally. His father died in France in January, but the centre-back offered to return early from a period of compassionate leave given Liverpool’s defensive injuries.

“It was a tough year because many things happened and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they could understand many things, which kind of sacrifices I’ve done for this club,” he said.

“I think it is great and one day I would take the time to think about it. Right now, we focus on the end of the season and make sure we are qualified for the Champions League.

“After, we take the time to talk about the season because it’s going to be a big part of my story and it’s sad in one part, but it’s very nice for my story when I explain that to my future kids and those people who support this club as well.”

Konate’s Real Madrid Dream Ends is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

“This is not a matter for debate. In the supreme interest of national cohesion and continuity of governance, Northern political actors must refrain from contesting the presidency in 2027,” the statement said.

Maternal health remains a critical priority in Nigeria, and choosing the right antenatal clinic can significantly shape pregnancy outcomes.

Human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor has called on the federal government to provide job opportunities for the youths of the South-East Region at federal establishments like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs instead of complaining that the youths of the region are shunning enlistment in the Nigerian military.

Ejimakor stated this via his X. He cited a publication in the Vanguard of August 26, 2023, entitled “Murtala Muhammed Backed Coup Against Gowon For Appointing Igbo Man NNPC GM”. In the publication, a former minister of information, the late Chief Edwin Clark, was quoted as saying that one of the reasons for the overthrow of Gen Gowon was because he appointed one Engr Odo, a Kalabari man from Rivers State, as the General Manager of Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC).
Vanguard had quoted Clark’s autobiography, where he wrote that, “One of the immediate causes for overthrowing Gen Gowon’s government was the appointment of Engr Odoh, a Kalabari man from Rivers State as the General Manager of Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC), now NNPC. A section of members led by Brigadier Murtala Muhammed, Federal Commissioner for Communications, strongly objected to Odoh’s nomination because he was an Igbo man and a security risk.”

Reacting, Ejimakor alleged that, “The efforts to entice reluctant Igbo youths to join the Army should be passed around to agencies like FIRS, CBN, Customs, NNPC which hardly recruit Igbos since the end of the war in 1970, to the point that a government was violently overthrown in 1975 for appointing an Igbo as NNPC GM. Igbos have institutional memory of the official redlines drawn against them in Nigeria.”

Igbo Youths Want Jobs In NNPC, CBN, Customs, Not Military – Ejimakor is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Bandits may attack some communities in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State any moment from now.

DAILY POST gathered on Monday that the bandits have threatened to invade the Baruten communities in retaliation over recent operations carried out by security agencies and vigilantes.

“The information indicates that these actors are seeking to target individuals or groups they believe were involved in past confrontations,” a security report that alerted residents and the authorities about the threat said.

The report recommended that security presence in vulnerable communities be reinforced to check the planned attack.

It also recommended that surveillance and intelligence gathering should be intensified while relevant security agencies are placed on high alert.

Bandits threaten attack in Kwara North communities

Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government over 416 captives in its custody.

The terrorist group had asked for ransom for the release of the captives, abducted in Borno State.

In a video seen by DAILY POST, a masked spokesperson of the terror group, speaking in Hausa, warned that failure to meet the group’s demands within the stated deadline would lead to the killing of a large number of those being held, including women and children.

The group claimed it is holding 416 captives and insisted that urgent steps must be taken before the time runs out.

The spokesman said in Hausa, “We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu. Today being 19th April 2026, we are giving out a new message to Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) also to the Nigerian government who are not our government.

“This is our first and last message. We give you 72 hours if you do not meet our demands we will share out the woman and children to different locations. All of them. You have made your decision, and we have made ours. We instruct you, in the name of Allah, not to exceed the given time.”

Boko Haram did not specify its demands in the video.

Watch full video

 

Boko Haram issues 72-hour ultimatum, threatens to kill 416 captives [VIDEO]

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said many politicians are showing interest in joining the party ahead of future elections.

He made this known during an interview on Arise TV, where he described the PRP as a viable political option and said its doors are open to new members.

“In the last three or four weeks, you will be amazed at how many people have reached out to us and said, ‘We’re coming over to your party,’” he said.

According to him, the party is ready to receive anyone willing to join.

“Our doors are open to anybody who wants to come in, either on their own or because the system has blocked and virtually destroyed their party,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed added that the party’s role in the coming months would be much bigger than before.

He noted that the growing interest shows confidence in the PRP.

“We see our role in the next few months as far, far greater than anything we have done before,” he said.

He explained that those coming into the party are not doing so out of desperation but because of its long-standing values.

“They are not just coming as political refugees. They are coming because we are a party of principles,” he said.

The PRP chairman described the party as one of the oldest in the country.

“We are about 70 years old. We have always stood on certain principles,” he added.

While acknowledging that time may be a challenge in building momentum, Baba-Ahmed expressed confidence that the party would overcome it.

“We know Nigerians are ready for real difference, real change in the way this country is run,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed further noted that the party is already engaging with those interested in joining and has set basic conditions for entry.

“They know our doors are open. They know they are welcome. But we ask them to join the party first before we start talking to them,” he said.

Many politicians have reached out to join PRP – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed