Author: Candid Reporters

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has implored the United States to reconsider its withdrawal from the global health body. After his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump signed an executive order kick-starting the process of pulling the country out of the WHO. The order said the US was withdrawing “due to the organization’s mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states”. The executive order also said WHO…

President Tinubu is holding a closed-door meeting with a delegation of Ogoni leaders led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. The meeting comes after a coalition of civil society organisations demanded an allocation of $1 trillion from the Federal Government for the cleanup of the Niger Delta and compensation for lost livelihoods, before the resumption of crude oil production in Ogoniland. Their demands were tabled in a statement signed by the organisations including Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), while expressing concerns over the…

The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has threatened to sue the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the 50 percent tariff hike. CANDID REPORTERS recalls that the NCC on January 20, approved the request of telecommunications companies (telcos) to increase tariff. The adjustment came after the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) raised several concerns and asked the NCC to review call tariffs upwards. Karl Toriola, the chief executive officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria, said telcos wanted a 100 percent increase in tariffs. But in approving the operators’ request, the NCC capped the…

His Majesty Eze Chukwuma Oliver Ememe Ochi Ndi Igbo 1 Na Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State has congratulated senator John Azuta-Mbata on his unanimous election as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Eze Ememe spoke to journalists in Umuahia, the Abia State capital on Sunday. Eze Ememe said senator John Azuta-Mbata who represented the good people of Rivers East Senatorial Zone will apply his vast experience in politics, policy and diplomacy in serving the apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization very well. “His emergence will promote and project the unity, cultural heritage and Socio-Economic Development of our people. “Ochi…

 Pope Francis has criticised US President elect, Donal Trump over  plans for an immigration crackdown. The Pope said if it is true that he wants to expel undocumented migrants, “it will be a disgrace because it makes poor unfortunates pay the price of societal imbalance.” Pope Francis gave his position during an interview with the Italian programme Che Tempo Che Fa on Nove on Sunday while also stating that the pope said he had not spoken to Mr Trump since his first term in office. “This won’t do,” the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church told Italian presenter Fabio Fazio.This…

TikTok has restored its services in the United States (US) following a brief nationwide shutdown caused by a federal ban over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership. The ban, which took effect on Sunday, temporarily forced TikTok offline, leaving over 170 million US users without access to the platform. It also led to the app being removed from Apple and Google’s digital stores in compliance with federal regulations. However, Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, pledged to delay the enforcement of the ban through an executive order on his first day in office. In a statement on X, TikTok appreciated Trump for providing “the necessary…

The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has extended her benevolence to six orphanages and destitute homes in Aba and Umuahia, donating cash, food items, and toiletries as part of her ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities. Each home received a cash donation of ₦1,000,000, alongside over 30 50kg bags of rice, other food supplies, and toiletries. Additionally, caregivers in each facility were given cash support to appreciate their dedication and hard work. The beneficiaries of the donations include: Donation: ₦1,000,000 Caregivers: ₦150,000 Donation: ₦1,000,000 Caregivers: ₦150,000 Donation: ₦1,000,000 Caregivers: ₦150,000 Donation: ₦1,000,000 Caregivers: ₦150,000 Donation: ₦1,000,000…

A few months ago, Governor Alex Otti released tens of thousands of Dollars for the payment of school fees of Abia students who were on scholarship but were later abandoned in India. Governor Alex Otti also released millions of naira in bursary to support many Law Studenst of Abia Origin in Law School. We communicated these generous interventions of our Governor during one of our Post-Exco press briefings. It was all over in the news, and Abians rightly commended Governor Otti during News Paper reviews on different radio stations, while the beneficiaries celebrated. As it’s public knowledge, 300 Abians were…

The United Abia Artistes and Patriots Forum (UAAP) has stated that the economic transformation of Abia State under Governor Alex Otti has attracted significant investments, with the N4 billion JOVIT Mall standing as a testament to the governor’s visionary policies. The governor who is known for his commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, has inspired confidence among investors, making Abia a hub for economic growth. The state is set to witness another milestone on Sunday, January 19, 2025, as Governor Otti leads the commissioning of the ultra-modern JOVIT Mall in Aba. Located at 47 Old GRA Eziama, along the bustling…

The much-anticipated opening of JOVIT Mall is set to redefine shopping and leisure experiences in Aba, Abia State. The grand ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, January 19, 2025, will take place at 47 Old GRA Eziama, along the bustling Aba–Owerri Road. Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, will officially commission the state-of-the-art facility in a ceremony that kicks off at 10 a.m. The event will bring together customers, dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers to witness the unveiling of a new era in Aba’s commercial landscape. A One-Stop Facility for All Your Needs JOVIT Mall is a multipurpose complex designed to meet the diverse…