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Ohanaeze Youths Reject U.S. Military Intervention in Nigeria, Endorse Referendum

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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) has rejected any form of U.S. military intervention in Nigeria based on religious grounds, urging instead that such intervention be directed toward facilitating a national referendum to address the country’s deep-seated political and social challenges.

The group’s National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, made this known while briefing journalists in Owerri on Wednesday. He said the Igbo people appreciated the United States’ concern over the continued killings of Christians in Nigeria, especially in the South-East and Middle Belt regions.

However, he cautioned that any U.S. military engagement driven by religious motives would be counterproductive, stressing that what Nigeria urgently needs is a political solution through a referendum.

“A referendum is currently the most pressing requirement for Nigeria,” Igboayaka said. “This position is not only that of the Ohanaeze Youth Council but also of the younger generation of Igbo people and other ethnic groups in the Middle Belt.”

The OYC argued that the killings of Christians in Eastern Nigeria and other parts of the country have worsened since 2015, accusing the Federal Government of using the fight against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a cover for targeted attacks on Christians.

Citing reports from the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), the group alleged that thousands of Christians have been killed by security forces, Fulani herdsmen, and jihadists in recent years. It also referenced data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that over 614,000 Nigerians were killed between May 2023 and April 2024 due to insecurity.

OYC urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to use his influence to help end the killings by supporting a referendum for Nigerian Christians within one year, noting that true peace cannot be achieved through military force alone.

“President Trump’s proposed military action on religious grounds may offer temporary relief, but a lasting solution lies in the convocation of a national referendum,” Igboayaka said.

He also called on Trump to honor victims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, particularly IPOB members allegedly killed while celebrating his 2017 electoral victory, and to advocate for the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The group further accused Nigeria’s past and current administrations of neglecting the widespread violence against Christians, warning that failure to address the crisis could lead to a full-scale religious and ethnic conflict.

“The killings of Igbos and Christians in Nigeria under the guise of fighting IPOB must stop. Only a referendum can restore peace and justice in the country,” the statement concluded.

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JAMB releases Thursday’s UTME results

In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a total of 632,788 results now available for viewing.

In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.

JAMB clarified that at this stage, candidates can only view their results, as printing options are not yet available.

It also issued a strong warning against attempts to manipulate or alter result messages received from official channels, stressing that such actions constitute a criminal offence.

The Board added that it is already taking action against offenders, revealing that some suspects are currently in custody.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law,” it stated.

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Arise TV Deputy Director News Win Editor of The Year Award

The award’s: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”

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Deputy Director of News, Arise TV, Ohi OIdiai, has won Editor Of The Year 2026 Awards category, courtsey of The Industry Newspaper.

In a statement, the organiser said that the award was: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”

Details later…

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JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget

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……Extends 2025 Implementation to June 30

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a record aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year.

The President also signed legislation extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget specifically its capital component from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

According to details of the new budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while debt service is pegged at ₦15.8 trillion. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦15.4 trillion, with the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure receiving ₦32.2 trillion.

Capital spending thus accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, national security, economic stability, and inclusive growth.

A statement from the State House described the allocations as striking a strategic balance between mandatory obligations, debt servicing, day-to-day government operations, and productive capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

President Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which formally extends the 2025 capital projects window. Officials said the extension will allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete advanced-stage infrastructure and development projects, improve execution rates, and deliver better value for public funds.

The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, 2026, paving the way for full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President has directed all MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient use of resources, with strict emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.

President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, describing it as a demonstration of diligence, cooperation, and patriotism.

He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to advance national development goals.

The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, boosting revenue generation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening social protection programmes.

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on April 17, 2026.

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