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VOA Halts Operations In Nigeria, Others Over President Trump
The United States-funded Voice of America (VOA) has gone off air in Nigeria, Ghana, Niger, and several other African countries after President Donald Trump cut financial support to the global broadcaster.
The shutdown, first noticed by millions of listeners in northern Nigeria, sparked panic when music began playing in place of scheduled broadcasts, a haunting reminder in the region of military coups or political takeovers.
“People started calling in, worried that there had been a coup in America,” Babangida Jibrin, a journalist who worked with VOA’s now-defunct Hausa-language service was quoted by Daily Trust.
The station’s abrupt disappearance from the airwaves last month left stunned reporters scrambling to explain what had happened to their loyal audience.
VOA’s Hausa service, a lifeline for millions of listeners in rural and conflict-prone areas of Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Niger, had become a trusted source of international and regional news, especially in places where local media is either censored, inaccessible, or compromised by state influence.
With internet access unreliable or non-existent in these regions, shortwave and radio broadcasts like VOA filled a crucial void.
“People are now cut off from the world, especially from critical international news,” lamented Moussa Jaharou, a listener from southern Niger.
He described the shutdown as a “deliberate silencing of the poor.”
Founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA later became a major player in Cold War-era broadcasting, offering an American perspective against Soviet disinformation.
Over the decades, it evolved into a beacon of credible journalism worldwide, particularly in authoritarian regions where press freedom is under attack.
In northern Nigeria, where insurgency, banditry, and government corruption are everyday realities, VOA Hausa provided in-depth, unbiased coverage that is often missing in local media.
Its disappearance has now left a gaping hole in a media landscape already struggling with state repression and misinformation.
Critics blame Trump’s ideological war on independent institutions and his administration’s push to dismantle U.S.-backed international media.
The US president slashed VOA’s funding as part of a broader effort to bring the outlet under tighter political control, effectively killing off several regional language services.
It was also reported that over 1,100 “Hands Off!” protests and meetings were scheduled to take place across all 50 states in the U.S. on Saturday.
This was in response to the significant cuts to the federal workforce, reportedly overseen by Trump adviser and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
These nationwide demonstrations aim to voice opposition to the dramatic reductions in the federal workforce, which organisers believe are part of a broader effort to dismantle public services, including Social Security, Medicaid, and public education.
The protests are being organised by a coalition of over 150 organisations, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Service Employees International Union, and the American Civil Liberties Union, according to Yahoo News.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them,” the organisers say on their website. “They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.
It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.
Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.
According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.
Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.
The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.
In a significant step towards enhancing investment opportunities in Taraba State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas on Saturday inaugurated the Committee for the International Investment Summit at the Executive Chamber of the Government House in Jalingo.
Senator Manu Haruna, former deputy governor of Taraba State and a serving Senator, a seasoned administrator who chairs Taraba State Mobilization and development Investment Committee expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his visionary leadership in organizing an international summit aimed at attracting investment to the state.
He highlighted the potential this initiative holds for fostering economic growth and development in Taraba State.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumedu the Chairman of the Taraba State International Investment Summit Committee, emphasized that such summits are crucial for stimulating economic activities and creating opportunities..
According to him, the summit will play a vital role in showcasing Taraba’s investment potential, thereby attracting both local and international investors.
The committee is expected to work diligently to prepare for the summit, ensuring that it positions Taraba State as a favorable destination for investment and economic collaboration.
Governor Kefas remains committed to promoting policies that support economic diversification and sustainable 
development in the state.
This inauguration marks a positive development in Taraba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its economic landscape and improve the standard of living for its residents.
By Kennedy Atevure
Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.
Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.
Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.
The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.
The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.
Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.
Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.
Insecurity: Criminals Cart Away NSA Ribadu’s Office Hilux During Juma’at Prayer In Abuja
Governor Kefas Inaugurates Taraba State Investment International Summit Committee+Photos
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