Author: straightnewsng.com

As the 2026 Year begins, Straightnews Newspapers has reaffirmed its commitment to its numerous esteemed readers, valued patrons  and loyal followers for their trust and steadfast support. ”Your loyalty and support fuel our determination to fearless, credible, and responsible journalism. ”In the year ahead, we remain resolute in delivering clear, accurate, and impactful reporting that serves the public interest and strengthens our democratic governance.” A press statement issued on Wednesday by Mr.  Israel Umoh for the management and Editorial Board, Straightnews Newspapers wished all happy new year, adding ”We wish you and your family a New Year of progress, peace,…

By Aniefiok Christopher Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has increased to ₦1,584,271,856,630 and then passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law. Though the House did not explain why it raised the budgetary provision, Governor Umo Eno had presented a budget proposal of N1.390 trillion to the House for consideration and passage into law. The 2026 budget consisting of N416,594,925,850 billion for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,167,676,930,780 trillion for Capital Expenditure, was passed on Tuesday, December 30, following the presentation of the report of Dr. Itorobong Etim, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. Related News: Backlash over AKHA…

The Pacific island nation of Kiribati led the world into 2026, becoming the first country to celebrate the New Year as clocks struck midnight in its Line Islands. New Year celebrations will gradually unfold across the globe over the coming hours, starting in Oceania and moving through East Asia, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and finally the Americas. Following Kiribati, countries such as New Zealand and Australia are set to welcome 2026, with major cities preparing large public gatherings and fireworks displays. Several Asian nations, including Japan, South Korea, China, and India, are expected to celebrate…

Aniefiok Christopher Akwa Ibom State Government has declared that no group or individual will be allowed to hinder development in any part of the state, insisting that all government projects will proceed as planned. Governor Umo Eno stated this on Tuesday while inaugurating a newly constructed Model Health Centre at Nduo Eduo in Eket Local Government Area pointed out ‘‘Whatever will bring progress to Akwa Ibom, nobody will stop it.’’ He particularly condemned a recent warning issued by the Ekid Peoples Union, the apex sociocultural organisation of the Ekid people against development activities in the disputed Stubbs Creek Forest area.…

By Aniefiok Christopher  The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has expressed concern that its advocacy for grassroots development and good governance through the local government administration appears not to have yielded sufficient result. The Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong made this position known yesterday during a Press Conference in Uyo to summarize the activities of the organization for the year 2025 noted that most local government councils have become poverty centers due to lack of development and non-provision of public infrastructure. While commending the Governor of the State, who had at different fora, asserted that his…

By Edi Umoh President Bola Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio have shared in the grief of world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, following a road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives and left the boxer injured. In a message addressed to Joshua on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the president described the incident as a tragic loss that has cast a shadow over the season, while praying for the repose of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the boxer. “I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives…

Aniefiok Christopher Two suspected kidnappers linked to the 2023 abduction and killing of a neurology professor, Ekanem Philip-Ephraim, in Cross River State are in the custody of Department of State Services. Philip-Ephraim was abducted on July 13, 2023, at her office in Calabar, Cross River State, and was later confirmed killed by her abductors. Then Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Cross River State, Dr Felix Archibong, said the kidnappers disguised themselves as patients and, while she was attending to them, brought out weapons and whisked her away at about 7.15 p.m. Her abduction led the state chapter of…

By Akakan Umoh Chris Okafor, the founder of Grace Nation Bible Ministry, has publicly knelt before congregation and apologised to actress Doris Ogala amid her claim that they were once in a romantic relationship. The controversy began when a video of Okafor’s engagement to another woman circulated online, prompting Ogala to allege that she had been in a relationship with him since 2017. She claimed she left her previous marriage at his insistence and accused him of betrayal after years of intimacy and repeated assurances of marriage, which she said affected her emotional and mental well-being. Related News: Pastor Chris…

By Akakan Umoh Former  Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has described education as the most enduring legacy any leader could leave behind, stressing that sustained investment in human capital remains the true measure of good governance. The remarks were contained in a statement signed by the National President of the Kwankwasiyya Scholars Assembly, Dr Mansur Hassan, and issued to journalists in Kaduna on Thursday. While hosting over 300 Ph.D holders produced through the Kwankwasiyya scholarship programme at the maiden annual convention of Kwankwasiyya scholars held in Kano, Kwankwaso described the gathering as historic for both Kano State and Nigeria,…

Edi Umoh Algeria clinched their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 after a penalty from Riyad Mahrez led them to a 1-0 win against Burkina Faso on Sunday. Meanwhile, five-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners Cameroon fought back to hold defending champions Ivory Coast to a gripping 1-1 draw in Marrakech, moving both nations onto four points in Group F. This was as Mozambique ended a 39-year wait for a first Africa Cup of Nations victory by defeating Gabon 3-2 in a Group F thriller in Agadir on Sunday. The Mambas began the match having drawn…