Oriontimes

The Biden administration is sending nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance to Kyiv, continuing its rush of aid before Donald Trump takes office. The aid will include air defense, artillery and other critical weapons systems, President Biden said in a statement on Monday morning. Details shortly..

Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured Osun people that the newly signed budget 2025 will be rigorously implemented for the benefit of Osun people. He made the pledge while signing Budget 2025 into law, emphasizing that the signing ceremony “further demonstrates our readiness to forge ahead in the new year with the growth and development of our dear State” The state governor who said the budget, tagged “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Transformation” is the total sum of Four Hundred and Twenty Seven Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty Six Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy Naira (₦427,746,925.170.00)” The Governor directed Ministries, Agencies and Departments to vigorously pursue the implementation for the benefit of the citizens of the state, stating that “Our budget performance must continue to be commendable on a quarterly basis. “I further direct the Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development to as usual monitor the implementation p...

A 42-year-old man in Lusaka has decided to terminate his marriage after seeing a controversial photograph his wife took with American R&B superstar Chris Brown. Chris Brown who was recently in South Africa had the photo taken with the 34-year-old lady during a “meet and greet” session after his concert at FNB Stadium. According to court documents filed in Lusaka, the husband claims that the photograph, which shows Chris Brown planting a kiss on his wife’s cheek, disrespected him and has brought irreparable damage to their marriage, further describing it as “demeaning” and argued that his wife’s actions were inappropriate for a married woman. The image which was shared on social media platforms, has gained significant attention and sparked mixed reactions. The husband in his divorce petition stated that his wife’s actions breached his trust and their marital vows. He reportedly confronted her but was rebuffed, even as she argued that the photo was harmless and part of the...

Jimmy Carter, who from 1977 to 1981 served as the 39th president of the U.S., died yesterday at his home in Plains, Ga. At 100, he was the longest-living president in American history. Carter was a lifelong farmer who worked with his hands building houses for the poor well into his 90s. He grew up on a peanut farm and served in the Navy before serving as governor of Georgia. In 1976, with Walter Mondale as his running mate, he secured the presidency, winning the popular vote with 50.1 percent and securing 297 electoral votes. His death sets the stage for the first presidential funeral since 2018. Such occasions traditionally prompt a cease-fire in America’s fractious political wars, as the nation’s leaders pause to remember and bid farewell to one of their own. Post-presidential career: Carter lost his bid for re-election to Ronald Reagan and left office as one of the most unpopular commanders in chief in modern times. But rather than vanish from view or focus on moneymaking, he ...

"One of the highest forms of d!srespect any man can face is for your woman to take romantic calls in your presence. I had a fair piece of mine a decade back when I was involved with my ex, we would be together the latest nights and one small boy would call, she would quickly jump off the bed and run straight to the bathroom, she would spend hours there on the phone talking and laughing out loud. I am a cool and understanding guy so I still kept my cool because the media sees me as that cool and understanding husband to the queen of Afrobeats. If I had tried to say something, the media would have tagged me as a misunderstanding husband who doesn't want the career of the Afrobeats queen to progress. Well it's been over a decade I put an end to it as we have gone separate ways, I am still wondering how far with all the calls that made you put your marr!age on the line? Have you brought home a Grammy?

Local administrators in the Kitheuni area of Yatta, Machakos County are organising counselling services for a man who dug a grave inside his house ahead of his purported imminent death. Twenty-four-year-old Kamende Ngwili dug his grave and has reportedly been informing people to attend his burial on January 1, 2025. Locals suspect the man was planning suicide. The village elder on Sunday morning informed the area assistant chief of the matter, who visited the scene and advised the man against such plans. They also informed local police to help organize counselling services for the man.

Starting December 30th, 2024, over 38,000 Gambians and residents can collect their National ID Cards at designated processing centers. During a press conference at the GID Headquarters today, it was announced that all applications approved since March 2024 are now ready for collection. To ensure a smooth delivery process, applicants are advised to bring their official receipts issued by GID when collecting their ID cards.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has advocated for the establishment of Shariah courts in southwestern Nigeria, asserting that such courts are constitutionally permitted. He made this known today, Friday 27th December, 2024 at the ongoing Taawunu National Conference in Iwo Osun State. He emphasizes that Shariah courts would adjudicate personal matters for Muslims, including marriage, inheritance, and divorce, aligning with the rights provided under the Nigerian Constitution. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria allows for the establishment of Shariah courts at the state level, primarily concerning civil proceedings involving questions of Islamic personal law. Sections 275 to 279 of the Constitution provide for the creation of Shariah Courts of Appeal in states that require them.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved with immediate effect, the appointments of both Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land and Prince Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina A press statement issued by the Hon.Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, to that effect, indicates that the approval of the two monarchs was ratified and approved during the seating of the Osun State Executive Council Meeting presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke this afternoon. The appointments of Prince Haastrup as the new Owa-elect was sequel to the demise of the immediate past Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land, Oba ( Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II on the 11th of September 2024 while that of Prince Abikoye as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina followed the demise of Oba Tinuoye Atolagbe on the 19th of Nov.2023. According to Oluomo Alimi in the press stateme...

Authorities of the Finnish yesterday boarded and seized an oil tanker in Finnish waters on the suspicion that it was involved in cutting vital undersea cables as an act of sabotage. The ship is registered in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, and it had been sailing from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Port Said, Egypt, when it was detained. The police said they were investigating whether the vessel was involved in the cutting on Wednesday of the Estlink 2 submarine cable, which carries electricity between Finland and Estonia. Four other cables, carrying data, were also reported to have been damaged. The police called the latest cable cuts “aggravated vandalism.” The Finnish authorities said the tanker might be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which emerged as a way to circumvent Western-imposed price caps on Russian oil transported by sea. It involves mostly unmarked tankers not easily traced to Russia. The caps were introduced several months after Russia invaded Ukraine in Februa...

It's true that Victor Osimhen's loved across African nations which I believed he also might have tested his popularity across the continent. Not only because he was one time CAF award winner, But for his dedication to football game and finishes on the pitch has earned him respect among football lovers. If you happens to be a Nigerian national who can speak queen english to other African nationals, most especially among young football lovers in the continent. The question they're likely to ask you is; "Are you a Nigerian? "How's your brother Victor Osimhen?. these has been experienced by Orionframe publisher severally during tours to almost 7 African countries such as Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Gambia. In a brief interview by our correspondent with a Sierra Leonean. He went on by saying "Sierra Leoneans were in solidarity with Nigeria's Super Eagles to win the last edition of African Cup of Nations (AFCON) won by the Ivory Coast...

The development was disclosed in a statement by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke Adeleke , In line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Ademola Adeleke has exercised prerogative of mercy towards 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service. The letter of commutation dated December 24th, 2024 and which has since been received and acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities read as follows: "WHEREAS: the inmates whose names are set out in the schedule to this order have been convicted to various terms of imprisonment to wit. (i) Simple offences and have served substantial portions of the sentences, (ii) Convicts sentenced to death "(having spent a minimum of 10 years in custody.) "AND WHEREAS: following the recommendation made to me by the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy that I should exercise my power in relation to the said inm...

Robert Fico, the prime minister of Slovakia, made a surprise visit to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin on natural gas supplies and the conflict in Ukraine. A fixture of Slovak politics for decades, Fico has drifted steadily to the populist right. He returned to power for a third stint as prime minister after narrowly winning a 2023 election. The meeting was a blow to the E.U., which has struggled to keep a united front against Russia over the war in Ukraine. This year, Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, also visited Moscow to meet with Putin, breaking with E.U. policy.

The former Presidential aspirant, Chief CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, has remarked that Nigeria's difficulties are not unique to the International community, noting the fact that most ambassadors to Nigeria are aware of the country's issues. "Untill someone like UK's conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch x-rayed some of the challenges bedeviling the country, Most people are not sensitive to issues bothering the country unless they see someone who speak up." They even go so far as to laud people responsible for their difficulties. Imagine a larger country, such as Nigeria, where people died as a result of a stampede in the rush to receive gifts bestowed by the benevolent heart. I've emphasized several times that there is no magic wand for restoring our system other than doing what is right. Officials will continue to defend unjustifiable actions. Referring to someone's forthright statement as a hindrance to attracting investors is only an excuse. ...

In the German city of Magdeburg On Friday evening, an attacker rammed S.U.V. into a crowded Christmas market killed five people, including a 9-year-old boy, and wounded hundreds more in a matter of minutes. According to police, The driver accelerated to harm as many people as possible before trying to escape, The attack has stunned Germany, which for years has been strengthening security measures around holiday markets in reaction to a similar attack in Berlin in 2016. Officials have been left trying to piece together a complicated profile of the suspect, who is now in custody and has been identified as Taleb A. in keeping with German privacy laws. The authorities described him as a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor who had been living in Germany for nearly two decades. He frequently criticized the German government and radical Islam on social media, and his extreme political posts online had previously prompted an alert to Germany from Saudi Arabia. No motive has yet been det...

This kind of post will challenge Mikel Arteta to try all his possibilities and not just give arsenal fans EPL trophy but also break the jinx of winning the UEFA champions league title. A fan who felt arsenal have not been up to task when it comes to trophy challenge wrote; Over the past 20 years, since Arsenal's Invincible season of 2003/2004, Arsenal has been the least successful team out of all the big teams in the whole of Europe. Interestingly and correlatively, in those same 20 years, Arsenal also made the least number of managerial appointments. In that period, Arsenal had only three managers, a stark contrast to their peers: Real Madrid – 14 Barcelona – 11 Bayern Munich – 12 Liverpool – 7 Chelsea – 16 Manchester City – 5 AC Milan – 13 Juventus – 9 Manchester United – 8 and Inter Milan – 16 All of whom enjoyed more success in the same period. The Success of Quick Managerial Changes It is a fact that the success of a team depends largely on who is the man...

The members of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) have extended their heartfelt congratulations to their esteemed Chairman, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, as he celebrates his birthday today. In a press release made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the Publicity Secretary of the association, Yusuf Idowu, praised Mukhtar Ajelogbon as an astute leader whose leadership and mentorship have greatly impacted the members of the association. Yusuf emphasized that Ajelogbon's ability to impart valuable leadership skills and foster a sense of unity and purpose within the group has been instrumental in the growth and development of OOPA. The statement further highlighted Ajelogbon’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of journalism and media practices in Osun State, as well as his dedication to fostering a strong, cohesive community among media practitioners. His exemplary leadership continues to inspire those around him, and his birthday serves as an opportunity for the association...

Mikel Obi has finally responded to 2Baba, shedding light on why he allegedly snubbed the music icon during a chance meeting in London. Reflecting on their shared history, Mikel said: "We grew up together in Jos, and you achieved fame before me. I reached out to you several times, but you never responded. Then, the same God who blessed you answered my prayers, and fame found me too." He expressed his surprise at being approached by 2Baba in a London mall after years of silence: "Now that I’ve made it, suddenly you recognize me? Life has taught me that no one wants to associate with failure. That’s why I stay in my lane for peace and only keep connections with those who stood by me before fame." Concluding his statement, Mikel emphasized his stance: "I have no love for fake friends or pretenders."

Deporting up to 20 million people will be a logistical nightmare and is projected to cost from $88 billion to $315 billion a year. At the same time, much of the U.S. economy depends on undocumented immigrants, and Republican businessmen will certainly object to losing their workers. Here are key points to consider; Time and Judicial Processing Time Frame: The process would likely take many years, potentially decades, due to the sheer number of individuals and the legal proceedings involved. Judicial Processing: Each case would require individual hearings, which would significantly burden the immigration court system. As of now, immigration courts are already facing backlogs of over 1.5 million cases. Cost Estimated Cost: The cost of deporting 11 million people has been estimated to be between $100 billion and $300 billion. This includes costs for apprehension, detention, legal processing, and transportation. Additional Costs: There would also be indirect costs, ...

Unless all institutions in Nigeria understand that they are pivotal pillars in making governance run well and gaining public trust while the nation soars high. A week ago, I set out to complete a transaction since the cash I had was insufficient to pay for a specific service provided to me. I chose transfer and was given an account number to remit the remaining cash. Unbeknownst to me, I had altered the figures so that one digit replaced another, indicating that the transaction was sent to the wrong account. After I was informed of my pricey mistake, I was so dismayed that I decided to ask my neighbor If I still had any chance of collecting my money. She confidently informed me there was hope and to call the customer support number, which I did. I was connected to an agent within 5 seconds of narrating my experience. I was still on the phone when he confirmed that I had made the wrong transaction. To my surprise, the customer service agent of WAVE informed me that my money ha...

The Russian authorities said yesterday that they had detained a suspect in the killing of a senior military officer, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov. The general, who died in a bombing on Tuesday, was the target of the most prominent political assassination in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. The suspect is a 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan whose name was not released. He was captured in a village outside Moscow, a spokeswoman for the Russian prosecutor’s office said. She said he had confessed that Ukrainian intelligence recruited him to kill Kirillov, who was in charge of the protection forces for the Russian military’s nuclear and chemical weapons. The assassination spread fear among Russia’s military and political elites. It also eliminated a top military leader who, according to Ukraine, had ordered the use of banned chemical substances. But it won’t do anything to help Ukraine’s forces on the battlefield, who are steadily losing ground.

China executed Li Jianping, a former official in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Jianping was convicted in the largest-ever corruption case in the country, totalling over $421 million. According to the Indian Express, the de ath sentence of Li, former secretary of the ruling Communist Party’s working committee for the Hohhot Economic and Technological Development Zone, was initially issued in September 2022 and upheld on appeal in August 2024. Tuesday’s execution followed the approval of the Supreme People’s Court and was carried out by a court in Inner Mongolia, according to a report by the state-run Xinhua news agency. 64-year-old Li was found guilty of embezzling three billion yuan (over $421 million) in illegal gains, marking the largest sum involved in a single corruption case in China’s history. Since taking power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping has made the anti-corruption campaign a cornerstone of his governance. Official media...

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring fair practices in the state's mining sector, stating that he has no witch hunting agenda against any individual or businesses. Speaking at a stakeholders' forum held today, the governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, highlighted the ongoing legal and policy challenges within the federal system, particularly in the mining sector, where state, federal, and community rights often clash. He emphasized the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal responsibilities to address complications in the sector even as he commends the regulatory coordination by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals. "We are all aware of the policy and legal complications around our brand of federalism. The struggle to clear these issues is still ongoing, especially within the solid mineral sector," the Governor stated, pointing out the...

The government collapsed as Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in Parliament, deepening a crisis of leadership across Europe at a time of mounting economic and security challenges, including the war in Ukraine. The vote to dissolve the government, which passed 394 to 207, with 116 abstentions, leaves Europe’s largest economy in the hands of a caretaker government ahead of elections early next year. Scholz had little choice but to call for the confidence vote after his three-party coalition splintered last month, leaving him without a parliamentary majority to pass laws or a budget. Elections are now expected to be held on Feb. 23, in what would be only the fourth snap vote in modern German history. Looking ahead: Seven parties will enter the campaign for Parliament with a realistic chance of gaining seats. The conservative Christian Democratic Union is poised to win the most, but some parties on the political fringes — especially on the right — are likely to have strong s...

The Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) has extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Ismail Omipidan, the former Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, on his recent appointment as Deputy Editor (Politics and Head of the Politics Desk) at The Sun Newspaper. In a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo, Chairman of the Osun Online Publishers Association, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, commended Omipidan's outstanding contributions to the field of journalism. He described the new role as a perfect fit for Omipidan, noting that his wealth of experience and exceptional skills in the media industry have long been evident. Ajelogbon expressed confidence that Omipidan’s appointment would not only be a significant milestone in his career but also contribute positively to the political coverage at The Sun Newspaper, given his deep understanding of both the political landscape and the d...

_...bags award of excellence in journalism_ By Omobolanle Jamiu An Osun based journalist and publisher of CityMirror News, Ayobami Agboola has been honoured with Osun Youth Ambassador Award (OYAA) 2024. At the 9th edition of Osun Youth Award (OYAA), which was held at Oasis Event Center, Osogbo the Osun State capital on Sunday 15th December, 2024, honoured sixteen Osun based youth for their outstanding contribution to the development of the State. OsunReporters Correspondent, Omobolanle Jamiu who was at the event, reports that the welcome address was said by the founder of Osun Youth reformers Initiatives Aminat Ajibola who welcomes everybody with immense joy and heartfelt gratitude. She also acknowledged the presence of the special guests and dignitaries. The annual event was organised by Youth Reform Initiative to honour and celebrate excellence, creativity and the extraordinary achievements of individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their fields. Ayobami ...

South Korea’s National Assembly impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, leaving the nation without a strong elected leader to tackle challenges like a belligerent North Korea and deepening political polarization at home. Outside the legislature, people danced in the streets, celebrating Yoon’s suspension from office over his short-lived declaration of martial law as proof of the resilience of South Korean democracy. The impeachment created a political vacuum at the top the unelected prime minister is temporarily in charge and a new government cannot be born until the Constitutional Court decides whether to reinstate Yoon or formally oust him.

Israel will shutter its embassy in Dublin, the country’s foreign minister disclosed yesterday, after Ireland said it would file an intervention in support of South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, a charge Israel vehemently rejects. “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel,” Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, stated in a statement. The relationship has been rocky for months. Israel recalled its ambassador to Ireland in May, as well as its ambassadors to Spain and Norway, after each of the three countries recognized a Palestinian state. Israeli officials said that closing the embassy did not mean Israel was severing diplomatic relations with Ireland. Officials from both countries noted that Ireland’s embassy in Tel Aviv would continue to function.

British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has stated that she no longer believes in God. In a now-viral interview with The Free Press, Badenoch identified herself as an agnostic and a cultural Christian, explaining how her once-strong religious convictions had evolved over time. When asked if she believed in God, she said, "Not anymore. But I'm not an atheist; I'm an agnostic. I used to believe strongly, but today I consider myself a cultural Christian." When asked whether the world benefited from believing in God or living as if God existed, Badenoch argued that deeds are more important than beliefs. According to her,

The Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) has extended warm congratulations to its esteemed member, Comrade Ismail Kolapo, on the occasion of his birthday today. In a press release issued to the media in Osogbo, Mr. Mukhtar Ajelogbon, Chairman of OOPA, commended Kolapo for his unwavering dedication and commitment to the association. Mr. Ajelogbon highlighted Kolapo’s significant contributions, noting that his consistent efforts have been instrumental in the growth and development of OOPA. As a former treasurer of the association, Kolapo’s tenure was marked by his relentless drive for the advancement and progress of OOPA, always striving to uphold its objectives and core values. His leadership, diligence, and passion for journalism have left an indelible mark on the association, inspiring both current and future members. The Chairman, on behalf of the entire association, wished Kolapo continued success, good health, and more years of impactful service to the profession and the a...