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Northern elders, govs plan regional development council

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The Northern Elders Forum and the Northern Governors Forum have agreed to establish a new body known as the Northern Nigeria Development Council to coordinate and drive the region’s economic transformation agenda.

The decision followed the signing of the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Charter at the end of the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit, which ended in Abuja on Monday.

In a communiqué issued after the summit, NEF Convener, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, said the proposed council will operate under the joint supervision of the two forums and serve as the institutional framework for implementing the region’s long-term development masterplan.

“The charter signed by the Northern Governors commits them to establish the NNDC as the dedicated coordinating agency for the region’s economic agenda,” the communiqué stated.

According to the document, the NNDC will “serve as the institutional and programme management body to midwife the Regional Integration Agenda of Northern Nigeria,” with a full mandate from participating state governments.

It will consolidate strategies in mining, agriculture, power, industrialisation, technology, and related sectors.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Power,” brought together governors, investors, and development partners to explore ways to accelerate growth in the region.

The forum disclosed that over $10bn in investments were pledged across key sectors for implementation over the next five years.

It also emphasised the need for regional economic integration, improved infrastructure, and clear investment policies to attract private capital.

Participants further recommended reforms to ease doing business, standardise public-private partnership frameworks, and institutionalise land administration reforms.

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They also proposed the creation of a Security-Investment Coordination Task Force to safeguard critical projects.

The communiqué traced the vision for the new council to the North’s historical industrial base, recalling the 1960s and 1970s when agriculture and agro-processing anchored the region’s economy. It noted that the new initiative aims to revive that legacy through a modernised, coordinated framework for sustainable growth.

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Autopsy reveals what led to singer Destiny Boy’s death

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The cause of death of Nigerian singer Afeez Adesina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has been revealed months after his passing.

According to P.M News, the 22-year-old artiste, who died on January 17, 2026, had sparked speculation at the time, especially after videos from the scene circulated online.

While his family initially stated that he had been dealing with a long-term health condition that caused seizures, new findings have provided more clarity.

According to the Ogun State Police Command, an autopsy carried out by the State Criminal Investigation Department showed harmful levels of tramadol and methamphetamine in his system.

The report concluded that the cause of death was aspiration pneumonitis resulting from the ingestion of these substances.

Police spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, also confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, with investigations still ongoing.

Destiny Boy rose to fame in 2019 after his Fuji-style cover of Davido’s song If gained attention online.

He is survived by his partner, Iremide, and their child, whom they welcomed in November 2024.

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Cuba releases more than 2,000 prisoners amid US pressure

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The Cuban government on Saturday morning, April 3, announced plans to release 2,010 prisoners in what it described as a “humanitarian gesture,” as pressure from the United States continues to mount.

The announcement was shared by the Cuban Embassy in the US on social media, with officials linking the move to the observance of Holy Week rather than directly referencing tensions with Washington.

According to the government, those set to be released include foreign nationals, Cuban citizens living abroad, young people, women and older adults. Authorities said the decision was based on factors such as good conduct, time already served, the nature of the offenses and the health condition of the inmates.

No timeline was provided for when the prisoners will be released, and officials did not disclose the specific crimes committed by those affected. It also remains unclear whether individuals convicted during protests are among those included.

While Cuban authorities deny holding political prisoners, rights group Prisoners Defended has reported that more than 1,200 people are detained on political grounds.

The move comes as the administration of Donald Trump intensifies economic pressure on the island, including an effective oil blockade that has contributed to fuel shortages and economic strain.

Washington has pushed for political and economic reforms in Cuba, although details of those demands have not been made fully public. The US has also signaled that sanctions relief would depend on significant changes by the Cuban government.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Cuba would need to undergo major reforms to qualify for any easing of sanctions, stressing that the country’s economic challenges are tied to its political system.

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PHOTOS: Man hospitalised after sustaining injuries from beatings while portraying Jesus Christ during Good Friday procession

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A second-year law student at Kampala International University, Dennis Zziwa, sustained injuries while portraying Jesus Christ during a Good Friday Way of the Cross procession at Our Lady of Africa Church, Mbuya, Uganda.

Dennis sustained injuries from the beatings he received during the intense scenes of the reenactment.

He received immediate first aid from Red Cross responders.

He was later taken to Lamone Health Center in Luzira for further medical attention.

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