General News
No Damage Reported as Projectile Hits Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Plant – UN Watchdog
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that a projectile struck the premises of Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant, the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, without causing damage or casualties.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Vienna-based agency said Iranian authorities reported that the impact occurred on Tuesday evening. Despite the incident, no harm was recorded to the facility or its personnel.
IAEA Director-General, Rafael Grossi, renewed calls for caution amid rising tensions, warning of the potential risks associated with military activity near nuclear infrastructure.
He urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint to prevent any nuclear accident.
Located in southwestern Iran, the Bushehr facility remains the country’s only functioning nuclear power reactor and has been connected to the national grid since 2011.
The development comes against the backdrop of heightened hostilities involving United States, Israel, and Iran, raising global concerns about the safety of critical infrastructure.
Iran has long faced stringent sanctions, particularly after the United States withdrew in 2018 from a nuclear agreement that had offered sanctions relief in exchange for limits on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
While Western powers have expressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Tehran continues to insist that its activities are strictly for peaceful purposes.
Dr. Maruf Alausa, Minister of Education, is in London alongside senior government officials to receive President Bola Tinubu ahead of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education and skills development sector.
During the visit, Dr. Alausa underscored the launch of the second phase of Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform programme, emphasizing strategic partnerships with international institutions, investors, and development organizations, including Big Win Philanthropy.
The reform initiative seeks to reposition technical education as a key driver of youth employment and economic growth, addressing the country’s long-standing challenges of graduate unemployment and skills mismatch. Discussions are set to include collaboration with University of Birmingham and Coventry University, with the aim of enhancing research, faculty exchange, and the establishment of a full campus in Nigeria to improve access to international-standard higher education.
Dr. Alausa noted that strengthening global partnerships is critical to reversing the outflow of Nigerian students abroad, attracting foreign investment, and boosting local capacity in education and technical skills.
Officials say the outcomes of the London engagements are expected to shape the next phase of reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly in technical training, international collaboration, and infrastructure development.
Veteran filmmaker and CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has dismissed claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial difficulties.
Ayoyinka’s recent interview, which sparked widespread discussion online, alleged financial struggles despite his decades-long role in the iconic TV series Papa Ajasco and Company.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga described these claims as “false and misleading,” emphasizing his longstanding professional relationship with the actor.
“My first reaction when I saw the video was to note that he has successfully taken the Papa Ajasco brand into the public space. I am happy for him that his social media strategy seems to be working,” Adenuga said.
He praised Ayoyinka as a “versatile actor” who closely resembles the character Adenuga created in 1976. He also highlighted the actor’s service with the Lagos State Government, including his time as the face of the state’s cultural troupe, and noted that the two have had no irreconcilable differences.
Addressing accusations of neglect, Adenuga stated that the production company has supported Ayoyinka over the years. “On the car issue, we once gave him a car — and Pa James as well. He has used at least five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times. To the best of my knowledge, he also owns a house in Ogun State,” he said.
Adenuga explained that restrictions on the use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand for personal ventures were necessary to protect its integrity but clarified that actors were free to pursue other jobs, including advertising work, with company approval.
Questioning Ayoyinka’s claims of financial hardship, Adenuga asked: “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? What happened to his gratuities and other investments from over 30 years of service with the Lagos State Government?”
He added that other cast members, including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma, regularly work on external projects, highlighting that the company does not restrict artistes from outside engagements. Actors typically spend only six weeks a year on set, allowing time for other pursuits.
“The organisation pays according to industry standards and fulfills all financial obligations. Any suggestion of neglect or exploitation is entirely false,” Adenuga concluded, reaffirming the company’s commitment to professional relationships and thanking the public for their continued support.
The Nigeria Customs Service has confiscated 3,398 cartons of codeine syrup valued at ₦3.39 billion in a coordinated operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The seizure occurred during a follow-up operation on Sunday, March 15, 2026, according to Emmanuel Oshoba. The cartons were reportedly concealed in household utensils to evade detection.
Oshoba emphasized that the operation reflects the Apapa Command’s alignment with the NCS intelligence-led enforcement strategy, aiming to make the port hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers. He also commended NDLEA for its seamless collaboration, which contributed to the success of the operation.
The confiscation follows a recent visit by the NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, who warned criminal elements that the port would no longer be a safe haven for smuggling activities.
The NCS reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and curbing illicit trade at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports.