Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who was the world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has died at the age of 116. Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official in charge of elderly policies, said on Saturday, Jan. 4, that Itooka died on Dec. 29 at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan. Itooka was …
Germany launches online visa application portal for Nigerians, others
German authorities have launched an online visa application portal for Nigerians and other applicants worldwide. This was announced in a statement by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office on January 1. “The Consular Services Portal was launched worldwide on 1 January 2025, enabling people around the world to submit applications for German visas online,” the statement reads. …
Earthquakes force evacuations in Ethiopia
Ethiopia experienced a series of earthquakes on Saturday, including a 5.8-magnitude tremor, which has caused widespread alarm and evacuations in the country’s remote northern regions. The quakes affected the rural areas of Afar, Oromia, and Amhara, following months of heightened seismic activity, according to AFP. Ethiopia’s government Communication Service reports that approximately 2,000 people have …
NAF acquires 12 new fighter aircraft, 50 more expected
The Nigerian Air Force said it has acquired 12 additional fighter aircraft for the operational capabilities of the Force. The new additions to the NAF fleet include 2 King Air 360i light transport aircraft, 4 T-129 ATAK helicopters, 2 Agusta Westland 109 Trekker, and 4 DA-62 surveillance aircraft. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal …
Eight killed, others injured in North China market fire outbreak
No fewer than 8 people have died and 15 injured in a fire outbreak at a vegetable market in north China on Saturday. The Qiaoxi District People’s Government said after the blaze in Zhangjiakou City, northwest of Beijing, the injured were taken to hospital for treatment and are currently not in life-threatening danger. The district …
Ondo SSG dies two weeks after car crash
The Secretary to Ondo State Government, SSG, Tayo Oluwatuyi, is dead. The SSG reportedly died on Saturday. His death followed injuries he sustained in a car crash which occurred while he was travelling from Akure, Ondo State capital, to Ibadan in Oyo State. It was gathered that the car crash occurred on December 16, 2024. …
Judge schedules Donald Trump’s sentencing in hush money case for January 10
US President-elect, Donald Trump must be sentenced on Jan. 10 in the criminal case, a judge ruled on Friday, Jan. 3 In May 2024, Trump was convicted on charges involving hush money paid to a porn star. On Friday, Justice Juan Merchan said he denied Trump’s motion to dismiss the case due to his presidential …
Mystery disease outbreak leaves hospitals overwhelmed in China
A mysterious viral outbreak is overwhelming some hospitals in China and prompting people to wear face masks again. According to local news reports, a little-known virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been blamed. It normally causes a mild cold-like illness, including fever, a cough, runny nose, and wheezing. In severe cases, HMPV can lead to …
“US Surgeon General: Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk, Urges Warning Labels”
The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued an urgent advisory on Friday, January 3, highlighting the significant link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. He called for updated health warning labels on alcoholic beverages to inform the public. “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer, responsible for about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 …
“We will no longer tolerate violence against police officers – IGP declares.”
The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Friday, January 3, vowed that any assault on police officers will receive a calculated and well-deserved response. Egbetokun who was in Enugu police headquarters on a one-day official visit, said that the police would not tolerate any form of assault or killing of police personnel any …