Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)

The New African magazine has unveiled a list of 100 individuals who have made significant impacts across politics, business, science, sports, and civil society in 2024.

This year’s edition takes an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the individuals who are both on the continent and abroad, explained Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine.

Her statement reads, “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.

Nigerian troops eliminate bandit leader Ma’oli, others in Zamfara

Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Alhaji Ma’oli, along with several of his accomplices, during a military operation in Zamfara State.

Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Hadarin Daji, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Gusau.

The operation, carried out by troops of 1 Brigade under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, took place on December 26 in Maisheka village, near Kunchin Kalgo in Tsafe Local Government Area.

“The area is one of the local communities that had suffered under Ma’oli’s reign of terror,” Abdullahi stated.

He described Ma’oli as infamous for imposing illegal levies on residents in Unguwan Rogo, Mai Sheka, Magazawa, and neighboring areas in the Bilbis district of Tsafe.

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“The neutralization of Ma’oli has brought relief and excitement to locals in the Bilbis general area,” he added.

The statement highlighted that the operation was launched following intelligence reports about armed terrorists on motorcycles operating in the Bilbis axis.

“Swift response by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji not only thwarted the terrorists’ plan to attack the locals but also reinforced the commitment to securing the area from further acts of violence,” Abdullahi said.

He reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to pursuing and neutralizing remaining terrorists and their collaborators, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local communities to achieve lasting peace and security in Zamfara and beyond.

The successful operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

Nigerian troops eliminate bandit leader Ma’oli, others in Zamfara

Heavy security in Ilesa as ex-Osun deputy gov emerges new Owa-Obokun

The kingmakers of Ilesa have elected former Osun State deputy governor, Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland.

He was said to have emerged after defeating nine other candidates who contested with him from the same Owa Bilaro Olu-Odo ruling house.

A statement made available to newsmen by the ruling house Public Relations Officer, Isaac Haastrup, the kingmakers elected the Prince in a free and fair election held at the Ilesa-West Local Government Secretariat on Friday.

According to him, The kingmakers included six Iwora mefa namely Obaala, High chief Ibitoye, Ogboni Ipole, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye, Ogboni Ijebu-jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye ( Elegboro), Ogboni Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, Ogboni Ilesa High Chief Saka Fapohunda, Oba Odo of Ilesa, and seven agba Ijesa, Risawe of Ilesa.

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“The seven Agba Ijesa are; High Chief Adefioye Adedeji, Lejoka of Ilesa, High Chief Omoniyi Ojo, Lejofi, High Chief Adebusoye Onigbogi, Arapate of Ilesa, High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbarool , Loro of Ilesa, High Chief Lekan Folorunso , Odole of Ulesa ,High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe and Mr Abimbola Aluko ( warrant officer representing the Saloro of Ilesa whose stool is vacant)”

The statement added the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, Mrs Felicia Olabimtan, while announcing the outcome of the election, said Looja Clement Adesuyi secured highest votes and emerged as the owa Obokun elect.

She said six of the kingmakers voted, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent and 7 others were not eligible.

Heavy security in Ilesa as ex-Osun deputy gov emerges new Owa-Obokun