Author: straightnewsng.com

The resumption of academic activities in Nigerian public universities after suspension of a nine-month-old industrial action by Academic Staff Union of Universities is suffering a major setback. This is because National Universities Commission (NUC) has ordered Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities to stop academic activities amid rising COVID-19 cases. A circular signed by Chris Maiyaki, Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) called for stoppage of classrooms, hostel accommodation, conferences and seminars and closure of universities awaiting further instructions. “Vice-Chancellors are to please note that the directive is part of the measures approved by Mr. President to mitigate the second wave of Coronavirus infections…

FIFA has cancelled the U-17 and U-20 World Cups that were to hold in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U-17 World Cup was scheduled to take place in Peru and the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia. FIFA, in a statement has confirmed both countries will now host the respective competitions in 2023. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges for the hosting of international sporting events and to have a restrictive effect on international travel. “FIFA has therefore regularly consulted the relevant stakeholders, including the host member associations as well as the confederations involved in both tournaments originally…

Today is marked, the world over, as the Christmas Day, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas described the birth as a source of hope, and “this Child, Jesus, was born ‘to us’ … without any borders, privileges or exclusions.” Speaking at the Hall of Benediction of St. Peter’s Basilica, the upper area just behind the central loggia where he would usually have delivered his message, Francis said “we can all call one another brothers and sisters” even as we hail from every continent, every language and culture, with our own identities and differences. He…

As Christians in Akwa Ibom celebrate the 2020 Christmas, Governor Udom Emmanuel has enjoined all to adhere to all the COVID-19 protocols to avoid another lockdown in the state. Emmanuel who gave the advice in his 2020 Christmas broadcast said “The use of facemasks, social distancing, regular hand washing, hand sanitizers are protocols that have worked in reducing infections. Let us remain committed to applying these protocols. “If we adhere to these simple but effective rules, there may be no need for us to impose another lockdown, but if we observe that these rules are flouted, then we may have…

The chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and a former military governor of Akwa Ibom State, Idongesit Nkanga, is dead. An undisclosed source told Straightnews that Nkanga, 68, died on the Christmas Eve. The late Nkanga was Akwa Ibom military governor from September 1990 to January 1992 during Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime. He retired as an air commodore in the Nigerian Air Force. As the chairman of PANDEF, Mr Nkanga was vocal in the campaign for the restructuring of Nigeria and the development of the country’s Niger Delta region. In May 2001, he was a member of the board…

By: Israel Umoh As the Yuletide approached, the Sahara Desert wind blew angrily across the Niger Delta Region. It rustled gentle leaves and turned them to brown. Trees danced typical Makosa, moving left and right. The wind spewed dust everywhere. Freezing cold gripped animals and humans alike, causing them to shake uncontrollably. Bicycle riders developed cold feet, hands and shivering lips. Fetchers of well water from our village commonly called anwa well and a stream in Nkek Idim looked epileptic as the biting air enveloped the parched land. Honeyed lips cracked with stammering voices. Well-sculptured legs wore different sighing marks.…

Lagos State and Federal Capital Territory are the two leaders in COVID-19 on Thursday, according to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. This is as Nigeria has recorded 1,041 COVID-19 infections and six deaths in one day. NCDC tweeted “On the 24th of December 2020, 1,041 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. “The 1,041 new cases are reported from 23 states- Lagos (316), FCT (210), Kaduna (83), Plateau (70), Gombe (56) Oyo (56), Katsina (47), Nasarawa (35), Kano (33), Ogun (21), Rivers (17), Niger (14), Imo (14), Delta (12), Kwara (12) Edo (12), Anambra (8), Benue (9),…

In trying time, you have identified with our vision During COVID-19 period, you have shown us unwavering support You have taught us patience, and deepened your passion to us Despite our foibles and idiosyncrasies You have exhibited a forgiving spirit to Straightnews You are our consistent reader and ardent supporter A true friend, a faithful partner May this season herald joy, peace, love and prosperity to you and your family. Happy Christmas! Israel Umoh for: Straightnews management

To stem criminal activities, the Nigerian Government through the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has mandated that Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) be linked with National Identity Number (NIN). This is to allow governmental and other accredited agencies to be able to access anybody’s details from the national database when required. Fresh registration If you have never registered for the NIN, you will need to visit any National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office closer to you. However, make sure when visiting, you adhere to all COVID-19 prevention protocols: Wear your face masks. Sanitise your hands Maintain social distancing. Stand at least 6…

After 10 months of brutal cult war, peace has returned to the troubled Inen communities in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. This follows a peace meeting between Oruk Anam Local Government Council and repentant cultists belonging to Debam, Iceland, Jagaban and Greenish confraternities at Ikot Ibritam, the council’s headquarters, on Monday, December 21. The intermittent clashes that resulted in the death of more than 10 persons and displacement of about 3,000 persons turned the affected communities to epicentre of rape, robbery and kidnappings. The Oruk Anam chairman, Kingsley Frank thanked leaders and members of the cult…