Court Orders Nnamdi Kanu to Appear on Monday The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been directed to appear before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, February 10, 2025. This directive was issued through a hearing notice obtained on Friday, dated January 22, 2025, and addressed to Kanu's lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor. Earlier, Kanu had requested the transfer of his case to a Federal High Court in the South-East, expressing a lack of confidence in Justice Nyako. On September 24, 2024, during a court session, Kanu requested that Justice Nyako recuse herself from his trial. Following this, Justice Nyako recused herself and transferred the case file to Justice Tsoho. However, Justice Tsoho later returned the case file to Justice Nyako for the continuation of the trial. Kanu has maintained that Justice Nyako presiding over the case after her recusal would violate her own judicial orders. He has instructed his legal team to ensure that she refrains from handling the case. In response to the upcoming hearing, Ejimakor expressed surprise, stating that they "shall appear with bated breath." Kanu's legal team has also reiterated their request for the case to be transferred to a High Court in the South-East. In a letter dated January 30, 2025, Ejimakor applied for the transfer, arguing that Justice Nyako no longer has jurisdiction to handle the case following her recusal. He stated, "Given that no other judge in the Abuja division is willing to take the case, the only viable option is to transfer the case to any division of the Federal High Court in the South-East geopolitical zone, especially since the alleged offences have an impact in the South-East (and not Abuja)." As the hearing approaches, the legal community and the public await further developments in this high-profile case. What are your thoughts on the court's decision to proceed with Nnamdi Kanu's trial? Do you believe the case should be transferred to the South-East? Share your opinions in the comments below and don't forget to share this story with others on your social media platforms. #gisthub

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States' Salary Bills Soar by 90% as N70,000 Minimum Wage Takes Effect The implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage has significantly impacted state budgets, driving personnel costs up by nearly 90% to N3.87 trillion in 2025. This sharp increase, from N2.036 trillion in 2024, reflects the financial strain on many states as they adjust to the new wage structure. While some states, like Abia, saw personnel costs more than double, others, such as Gombe, recorded only slight increases. The disparity underscores the varying fiscal capacities of states, with some struggling to fully implement the new wage. What do you think about the rising wage bill? Should states find alternative funding sources? Share your thoughts below! #gisthub

Thai Hostages Freed from Gaza Return Home Five Thai nationals, who endured over a year in captivity in Gaza, have been reunited with their families following their release last month. The men—Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Sarusak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao—arrived at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday morning, greeted by emotional reunions with their loved ones. The Thai Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, who accompanied the men from Israel, expressed profound relief at their return, stating, "This is emotional... to come back to the embrace of their families." Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also welcomed their release, thanking Israel and other nations involved in securing their freedom. The five men were released in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Their return brings hope to the families of the remaining Thai nationals still believed to be held captive in Gaza. This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Thai nationals working abroad and the international efforts required to ensure their safety and well-being. What are your thoughts on the release of the Thai hostages and the international efforts involved? Share your insights in the comments below and join the conversation. #gisthub

Cult Clash in Rivers Leaves 19 Dead, Community Abandoned A violent cult clash in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, has resulted in at least 19 fatalities, prompting residents to flee for safety. The conflict, involving the Deybam and Icelanders cult groups, escalated on Sunday morning when members of one group attacked relatives of those responsible for a previous killing on Wednesday. This retaliation led to a deadly shootout, with both groups suffering casualties. A local resident, Kingsley, described the scene: "The shooting was too much, and the people started leaving the community. About 19 people have been killed." Rivers State Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, attributing the clash to disputes over levies from an oil company operating in the area. She stated, "It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operative in the area." The police have yet to make any arrests, and investigations are ongoing. This tragic event highlights the persistent issue of cult violence in Rivers State, underscoring the urgent need for effective law enforcement and community engagement to restore peace and security. What measures do you think should be taken to address cult violence in Rivers State? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation. #gisthub

Nigeria and Israel Explore Joint Commission to Strengthen Bilateral Relations Nigeria and Israel are considering the establishment of a joint commission aimed at enhancing diplomatic and economic ties. This initiative seeks to foster collaboration in key sectors such as security, agriculture, health, education, and the film industry. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Michael Freeman, at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja. Ambassador Ojukwu expressed Nigeria's interest in leveraging Israel's technological advancements to address food security challenges and emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections in strengthening diplomatic relations. This potential joint commission represents a significant step toward deepening the partnership between Nigeria and Israel, with the aim of achieving mutual benefits through enhanced cooperation and shared expertise. What are your thoughts on the proposed joint commission between Nigeria and Israel? How do you think this collaboration could impact the sectors mentioned? Share your insights in the comments below and join the conversation. #gisthub

Call For Applications: Innovate for Impact Challenge - Empowering AgTech Startups (up to $50,000 prize) The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, has launched the Innovate for Impact Challenge to accelerate agricultural technology (AgTech) innovation. This initiative aims to support early-stage, tech-driven startups addressing global food security and sustainability challenges. Key Details: Global Call for Startups: The challenge invites startups worldwide, emphasizing innovation and sustainability. Live Pitch Event: Finalists will present their AgTech solutions during the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue. Top Prize: The winning startup will receive $50,000 to advance their impact on global food security. Eligibility Criteria: Company Stage: Open to early-stage, for-profit startups, from validated concepts to pre-Series A funding. Founder Commitment: At least one founder must work full-time on the project. Evaluation Metrics: Startups will be assessed on innovation impact, market potential, sustainability contribution, and scalability. Prizes and Recognition: 1st Place: $50,000 2nd Place: $10,000 3rd Place: $5,000 Finalists will gain global exposure by presenting at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, connecting with over 1,500 food and agricultural leaders from more than 70 countries. Judging Panel: The panel includes Han Chen, a business leader in sustainable innovation, and Lazarus Lynch, a chef and advocate for inclusive food security solutions. Additional judges will be announced prior to the final pitch in October 2025. Timeline and Application Process Applications Open: January 21, 2025 Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025 Top 10 Announced: June 2025 at DialogueNEXT India Virtual Public Voting: June-July 2025 Top 3 Announced: August 2025 Final Competition: October 21-23, 2025, at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa Apply here - https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/nominations/innovate_for_impact_challenge/ Share with your contacts! #gisthub