NEWS
Tinubu Commissions N2.177bn Building Projects in Unical

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
As part of the event marking the 50th anniversary of the University of Calabar, President Bola Tinubu weekend in Calabar commissioned projects worth N2,177,553, 150.26 constructed by the University of Calabar management.The president who was represented by the Executive Secretary, National University Commission, Prof Abdulahi Ribadu who lauded the efforts of the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Florence Obi Banko described the edifices as beautiful and massive that can stand the taste of time and worthy of emulationThe completed projects by the administration of Prof.
Florence Obi will add value to the institution as most teaching and non-teaching staff who lacked office accommodation will now be allocated offices by management of the institution.Breakdowns of the commissioned projects as stated by the Vice Chancellor include, Hall of Fame names after one of her past erudite professors, Prof. Ayondele constructed at the sum of N825m from the year 2023/2024 merged TETFUND intervention.Others include, Faculty of Engineering valued at N161,197, 224 with funds from capital appropriation, Pharmacy and Administration block completed at the cost of N481,007,717 while the fire service station structure is constructed at the sum of N184,309,263.85 with merged TETFUND annual intervention fund.Also commissioned by the president is the completed faculty of Education building constructed at the cost of N378,450.978.13.In a brief interview with Ribadu, the executive Secretary said, “We hope to see more massive buildings like this before the tenure of the VC elapses by the end of this year”.”Some were abandoned for decades with others constructed within seven months”. “This is a great achievement by the incumbent vice Chancellor and her management team, we hope to see more of this once another intervention is given to the team for the year..”, he stated.Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)