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Nigeria News (Standard)

Navy in Lagos Hands Over Five Suspected Stowaways to Immigration Service

Suspects found hiding in merchant vessel’s rudder compartment as Navy intensifies clampdown on illegal migration routes

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Suspects found hiding in merchant vessel’s rudder compartment as Navy intensifies clampdown on illegal migration routes

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT in Apapa, Lagos, has handed over five suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) after they were discovered hiding inside the rudder compartment of the merchant vessel MT CHINAFRIE HAPPINESS. The suspects were paraded at the NNS BEECROFT base on Monday by the Commander, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu.

Commodore Adams-Aliu identified the five men as Segun Boyewa, 31; Kingsley Chukwu, 43; Joseph Judge, 33; Moses Aletor, 24; and Abdullahi Danlami, 31. He explained that naval personnel uncovered the stowaways during a routine security check and safely evacuated them from the vessel before transferring them to immigration officials for further investigation.

According to Adams-Aliu, this handover forms part of ongoing collaboration among security agencies aimed at tackling illegal migration and enhancing maritime safety within Nigerian waters. “Our resolve is clear: we will continue to work with sister agencies so that those attempting to use our maritime domain for unlawful purposes are not allowed free passage,” he said while addressing journalists at the handover ceremony.

Illegal migration via stowaway methods remains a concern for authorities as Nigeria’s busy ports have seen repeated attempts by individuals seeking irregular passage abroad. Security agencies have stepped up patrols and checks around Lagos ports in recent months following several interceptions.

With this latest arrest and handover, officials say investigations will continue to establish if the suspects belong to any larger network facilitating illegal migration. The Nigeria Immigration Service is expected to determine their next course of action in line with national laws.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/navy-hands-over-five-suspected-stowaways-to-immigration/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

World Bank Ranks Nigeria Among Top Nine Gas-Flaring Nations for 2025

Latest global report warns Nigeria’s persistent gas flaring threatens environment and energy sector targets

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10 minutes ago

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June 25, 2026

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Latest global report warns Nigeria’s persistent gas flaring threatens environment and energy sector targets

Nigeria has been named among the world’s top nine gas-flaring countries for the year 2025, according to a new report released by the World Bank on Thursday. The data highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with gas flaring, despite government pledges to curb the practice in oil-producing regions like the Niger Delta.

The World Bank report, which reviews global gas-flaring trends, places Nigeria alongside other major oil-producing countries that continue to burn off large volumes of natural gas during oil extraction. Gas flaring, the process of burning excess gas that cannot be processed or transported, remains a significant environmental concern and source of greenhouse emissions in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s status as a top gas-flaring country is especially significant given repeated federal government commitments to end routine flaring and promote gas utilisation as part of the country’s energy transition plans. The Nigerian government has set various deadlines over the years for eliminating flares, but enforcement and infrastructure challenges persist. The report underscores how these setbacks hinder progress towards both environmental goals and economic benefits from harnessing natural gas for domestic use.

Experts have repeatedly warned that continued flaring not only contributes to climate change but also deprives local communities of cleaner energy alternatives and potential investment in downstream industries. While officials have previously announced policies such as the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), actual reductions in flare volumes remain limited. As at June 2026, no official statement was issued by the Ministry of Environment or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) regarding this latest ranking.

The World Bank called on all affected countries—including Nigeria—to intensify efforts at enforcing anti-flaring regulations and investing in gas infrastructure. With global climate agreements placing more pressure on oil producers, stakeholders say urgent action is needed if Nigeria is to meet its stated targets for emissions reduction and energy sector reform.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/890558-nigeria-among-top-nine-worlds-gas-flaring-countries-in-2025-world-bank.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Kyoto Opens World’s First Plush Toy Shrine, Honours Over 26,000 Stuffed Animals

Newly launched Nuigurumi Jinja to begin receiving visitors during Tanabata festival as families seek emotional closure

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35 minutes ago

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June 25, 2026

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Newly launched Nuigurumi Jinja to begin receiving visitors during Tanabata festival as families seek emotional closure

Authorities in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, have inaugurated what is believed to be the world’s first shrine solely dedicated to plush toys, offering memorial and thanksgiving ceremonies for cherished stuffed animals. The site, known as Nuigurumi Jinja (Plush Toy Shrine), was established on 20 June and will officially open its doors to the public on 7 July to coincide with the annual Tanabata festival.

The founder, Komichi Horiguchi, who also created the popular Plush Toy Hospital repair service, said the idea came from observing the deep emotional bonds people form with their plushies. According to Horiguchi, more than 26,000 toys have been repaired by her organisation for owners across Japan and internationally. She noted that many people regard these toys as companions during childhood, illness and difficult periods, making it difficult for them to simply dispose of them when they get old or damaged.

The shrine is located in Kyoto’s scenic Miyama area and features plush-inspired architecture — including a torii gate with bear-like ears and a worship hall with a bear-shaped window. In keeping with Japanese tradition, the site underwent a formal Shinto spirit-enshrinement ritual before its opening, with support from an existing Kyoto shrine giving it religious legitimacy within Shinto practice.

Services at Nuigurumi Jinja will include thanksgiving rites for treasured toys, memorials for plushies beyond repair and a peaceful resting place for those being retired. Visitors will be able to collect special amulets and commemorative stamps or leave written messages of gratitude for their beloved stuffed animals. Organisers said the shrine is not just a novelty but responds to genuine emotional needs among the public.

Speaking about the project, Horiguchi said: “Many people feel real sadness when they can no longer keep a favourite plush toy. This shrine is here to help them say goodbye in a meaningful way.” Social media users have described the concept as heartwarming and uniquely Japanese. The practice aligns with broader cultural traditions in Japan where objects like dolls and sewing needles are honoured after years of service. The opening has attracted significant attention online as families prepare to visit during Tanabata festival.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/inside-japans-worlds-first-plush-toy-shrine-where-stuffed-animals-are-honoured-like-family-2026062507373393100

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Kaduna, Zaria Residents Switch to Charcoal, Firewood as Cooking Gas Prices Surge

Soaring cost of liquefied petroleum gas forces households in North-West states to abandon cleaner fuels

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40 minutes ago

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June 25, 2026

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Soaring cost of liquefied petroleum gas forces households in North-West states to abandon cleaner fuels

Many residents of Kaduna and Zaria in Kaduna State have turned to charcoal and firewood for their daily cooking needs following a sharp rise in the price of cooking gas. As at Thursday, June 25, 2026, the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased significantly across major markets in the North-West, pushing families to seek cheaper alternatives.

The hike in LPG prices has been attributed by local traders and residents to factors including volatile naira exchange rates and persistent inflation affecting import-dependent commodities. Households who previously relied on gas cylinders now frequent roadside vendors selling firewood and charcoal, with demand for these traditional fuels rising sharply in recent weeks.

The shift marks a setback for government efforts to encourage clean energy adoption and reduce deforestation. Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics recently reported inflation hovering above 33 percent, with energy costs among the primary drivers of hardship for urban and peri-urban communities. Many affected residents say they are unable to afford refilling their cylinders at current prices, which have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.

Despite repeated assurances from federal authorities about measures to stabilise gas supply and pricing, relief has yet to reach consumers. Several residents who spoke at local markets in Kaduna expressed frustration with the lack of effective intervention. “We just dey manage now with firewood because gas money don too much,” one woman said.

As the rainy season advances, experts warn that continued reliance on charcoal and firewood could worsen indoor air pollution and environmental degradation. Advocacy groups are urging government to prioritise affordable access to cleaner fuels as part of its broader energy policy reforms.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890552-soaring-cooking-gas-prices-push-kaduna-zaria-residents-to-charcoal-firewood.html

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