Category Nigeria News

In a reportedly reported fire at the Afriland Towers in Lagos on Tuesday, ten employees of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc lost their lives.

The FIRS and United Capital Plc have confirmed the deaths in separate statements.

FIRS reported losing four of its employees, but UCP reported that the incident had resulted in the loss of six.

The victims were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager) and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).

When the tragedy struck, the deceased were occupied by the building’s sixth and seventh floors, which also house two FIRS offices.

The statement read, “Firs announces the tragic loss of four of its employees during the fire incident at Afriland Towers with a heavy heart,” the statement read.

The agency claimed the affected floors serve as the base for its Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office.

It added that the building’s Security and Safety officials called the fire service right away when they were called, but that already the building was covered in thick smoke.

According to FIRS, its management and staff are deeply shocked and have reached out to the deceased’s families, promising to offer all the help they need.

“We are collaborating with all relevant organizations in Lagos to discover the root of the unfortunate incident. We will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices, including those located in rented and owned buildings, throughout the country, according to the statement.

The UCP also expressed grief over the deaths of its employees, calling the fire victims “our company and family” and “an integral part” of it.

The statement continued, “Their painful loss leaves an unfilling void.”

On Tuesday, panic seized Broad Street as a result of smoke coming from the basement of the building.

Onlookers rushed with ladders and foamy materials for support while occupants were frantically jumping down in fear on the video.

While below stretched out their hands to catch them, strewn at glass windows to breathe.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire started in the basement of the Afriland Tower’s inverter room.

Witnesses described obscene scenes where smoke echoed across Broad Street as it quickly spread through the upper floors.

Additionally, images of the incident showed that some windows were forced open for ventilation, and that smoke was seen billowing from the upper floors.

Numerous occupants crowded around the structure’s windows and ledges to escape the dense smoke that quickly spread.

Following an alleged assault by her sister-in-law at Magama Gumau in the Bauchi State Local Government Area, a seven-year-old girl was left with burn injuries to her genital area.

The minor was allegedly seen among a group of alleged witches and charged with witchcraft.

The suspect’s child told her that she saw the victim, among a group of witches, and was later examined by a man to verify whether she actually belongs to a witchcraft group, according to a resident of the area, Kabiru Abdulkadir, who narrated the incident.

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The suspect disagreed, he continued, adding that “the man confirmed that the minor was not a witch.”

According to Abdulkadir, she later claimed that when she returned home, she put a knife or spoon over the flame so that the child’s private area would not suffer.

The victim’s neighbors called the police after hearing her loud cries.

The minor underwent treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.

The seven-year-old girl had severe burns that caused her to struggle with stool passing, according to eyewitnesses who witnessed the wounds.

CSP Ahmad Wakili, the police public relations officer for Bauchi State Command, confirmed the incident.

“The incident is known to us.” Initial attempts were made to cover up the situation by some individuals at the community level, but we insisted that it be reported to the Command from the Toro Divisional Police Headquarters.

The state’s performance in the 2025 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for internal candidates is unprecedented, a feat that the state and its educational system have come so far as to be.

Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, the NECO Registrar, made the announcement at a press conference in Minna, Niger State on Wednesday. &nbsp,

With 68, 159 candidates (5.02% of the total) passing with five credits or more, including English and mathematics, Kano State was in command of the nation, according to the results. Kano is at the top of the NECO SSCE performance index for 2025 thanks to this impressive performance.

Following a number of radical education reforms and investments that Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration initiated, this historic success comes. &nbsp,

NECO releases 2025 SSCE results, reports a 61% drop in exam malpractice, and more.

Additionally, Prof. Wushishi disclosed that a total of 1, 358, 339 candidates sat for the June/July 2025 NECO exams, with 818, 492 students receiving five credits, including math and English, out of the total candidates. Overall, 1, 144, 496 candidates, or 84.26%, passed with five credits or more in any subject.

Lagos and Oyo were in the lead when Kano outperformed other states. Lagos State placed second with 67,007 candidates, and Oyo came in third with 48,042 candidates.

Governor Yusuf expressed his excitement over the findings in a statement released by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, describing the accomplishment as “a testament to the tireless work and vision” that underpinned his government’s educational policies.

This outstanding performance makes me happy. The results speak for themselves when we give priority to education, invest in our teachers, and guarantee access to high-quality education, according to Governor Yusuf. Every teacher, student, and parent who has backed our reforms is responsible for this success.

According to Sabi Abdullahi, the agriculture minister for president, the government of President Bola Tinubu has made significant progress in improving food security.

Food and commodity inflation rose as a result of Tinubu’s election as president as the country battled its worst cost of living crisis since its independence more than 60 years ago.

However, the minister noted that food commodity prices have decreased during his interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

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“There is significant improvement, but I won’t say that we are completely out of the woods.” And when I say that prices are significantly lower, you can see that supply is not the only factor in affordability.

Remember that while we are in an economy, there are many things that will have an impact on people’s ability to pay for food.

The Minister also addressed the government’s plan to create 21 million jobs in the agricultural sector, stating that all-year-round farming is being promoted to accomplish that goal.

“What we are doing right now is promoting year-round farming,” which means that you can plant and harvest some crops in 60 or 90 days.

“And we’re saying it’s two or three months, depending on the type of crop. So we are talking about irrigation because we want people to use, for instance, what we have as water resources.

On Tuesday, the Federal Government made new incentives available to encourage large-scale investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The anniversary thanksgiving event committee has visited the Edo State House of Assembly as preparations progress to their highest level in advance of the 9th anniversary of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo’s coronation.

The Speaker and House members welcomed the committee, which was led by the Ohen-Osa Igbinoghodua Edebiri of the Holy Aruosa Cathedral. He expressed his satisfaction at welcoming the delegation to the House of Assembly.

Osayande Osaretin, the event committee’s chairman, praised the 8th Assembly for its peaceful behavior, saying they had invited the House Speaker and House members to the occasion’s 9th anniversary thanksgiving celebration on October 26th, 2025.

He continued, noting that the ceremony will take place in large numbers this year as part of the celebrations marking the coronation anniversary.

The Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. The Ohen-Osa and his team were welcomed, and blessing Sheriff Agbebaku assured them that the House holds the Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, and His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, in very high regard.

He added that the Assembly is truly honored to have been invited, and that its members are eager to take part.

The delegation’s leader also demanded the House’s support in order to ensure the success of the event.