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By Joan Nwagwu The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Scheme has reached Zamfara as its 25th beneficiary state, aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians nationwide. The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this on Thursday during the donation of food items to vulnerable groups in Gusau. Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said the initiative was designed to provide food support to persons with disabilities, vulnerable households and other disadvantaged groups. She said the programme, which commenced in March 2024, had so far reached 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before the inclusion of Zamfara. “The Renewed Hope Initiative is designed to provide food support to vulnerable Nigerians, especially perso...

A USA-trained nurse, Chief Mrs. (Dr.) Ifedarasimi Linda Ariguzo, has been installed as the Oba Obinrin Amufawuni of Ibadanland. The installation took place on Thursday at the Ose-Meji Temple in Oja-Oba, Ibadan, performed by the Araba Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, High Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II. Chief Dr. Ariguzo, CEO of Caring Connections International and granddaughter of the late Sifawu Olohunrinu Abeo Jekayinfa, is a prominent promoter of Yoruba traditional religion. She previously received the title of Oba Obinrin Olomitutu Seriki Olosun of Ibadanland in 2021. The ceremony drew friends, family, prominent Ifa priests, and traditional religion worshippers from within and outside Nigeria. High Chief Odegbola II told journalists the honor recognizes Chief Dr. Ariguzo's con...

Leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress Wednesday defied the Abuja rain as they protested the Independent National Electoral Commission decision to de-recognition of the party leadership. Former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku and former presidential candidates in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former APC presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi and PDP presidential aspirant, Aminu Tambuwal were among the crowd that marched to INEC headquarters in Maitama. They accused INEC of undermining democracy and the party’s internal leadership. The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC. Other prominent politicians, include Rauf Aregbesola, Dino Melaye amongst others. The demonstration saw participants singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots!”...

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has inaugurated four committees to build Nigeria’s creative-economy infrastructure. The committees are: drafting committees—Policy & Strategy; Programmes & Implementation; Stakeholder Engagement; and Monitoring & Evaluation. The committees are to design policy and financing frameworks for Nigeria’s arts, culture, tourism and creative economy, according to a statement by the Ministry. The minister, in the statement which was signed by the S.A to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, bemoaned low contribution by the creative sector, despite commanding global attention. She said the sub-sector has been constrained by fragmented governance, weakly enforced intellectual-property rules...

The naira recorded mixed performance against the U.S. dollar this week, weakening marginally in the official market. The naira however strengthened in the parallel market amid easing demand pressures. Precisely, at the official window, the local currency slipped slightly by 0.02 per cent to close at N1,380.79 per dollar. In contrast, it appreciated by 1.08 per cent in the parallel market to N1,378.08, supported by reduced demand in the open market segment. Nigeria’s external reserves also declined during the period, dropping by 0.37 per cent to $49.3 billion. Analysts attribute the dip to the settlement of foreign exchange obligations and sustained market interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aimed at stabilising the currency. In the global commodities market,...

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, over the death of his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the Janazah prayer held at the National Mosque in Abuja on Sunday, conveyed Tinubu’s condolences to the grieving family. In his message, the President described the late Jega as a woman of grace and strength who stood firmly by her husband throughout his distinguished public service, particularly during his tenure as INEC Chairman. He also commended her quiet contributions to education and community development, noting that her life reflected compassion, resilience, and commitment to societal progress. Professor Jega, a respected ...

By Gami Tadanyigbe The APC Plateau State Forum Abuja (APSFA) has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, over the passing of his escort driver, Mr. Daji Sati Waziri. In a statement issued in Abuja, the Forum expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, describing the late Waziri as a dedicated and loyal aide whose service and commitment in the line of duty would be fondly remembered. APSFA noted that the sudden demise of Mr. Waziri is not only a painful loss to the Chairman but also to his family and the entire AMAC community. “At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the Chairman, the bereaved family, and all those affected by this unfortunate incident. We pray that Almighty G...

Institutions worldwide have been urged to deepen their commitment to advancing women and to inspire young girls to pursue leadership roles. This call was made during MTN’s Women @ Y’ello (W@Y) event held to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026. The event also celebrated the leadership journey of 14-year-old Oreoluwa Alayande, winner of the 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee, who took on the symbolic role of MTN CEO for a day. Speaking on the event theme, “Give to Gain: Advancing Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls,” MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Karl Toriola, emphasised that organisations must move beyond symbolic gestures to provide tangible support for women’s advancement. “If we are advancing the women’s cause, we must make sacrifices for i...

Seven people were injured as a two-storey building collapsed in Abuja. The incident, which occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Friday, involved construction workers who were on site at the time of the collapse.According to a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, rescue operations were immediately activated to ensure that no victims remained trapped beneath the rubble.FEMD’s Search and Rescue Team reported that 17 workers were on the upper floor of the building when it gave way. Five of the workers sustained injuries, while a male at the ground level was trapped but later rescued.“All the injured workers, including the rescued victim, have been taken to the Sisters of Nativity Hospital in Jikwoyi and are responding to t...

Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah David Jang, has said that insecurity and banditry in the state are longstanding challenges that have persisted across successive administrations.Jang made the remarks on Thursday, April 2, 2026, during the President’s visit to Jos following recent attacks in parts of the state. He noted that Plateau, widely known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” continues to grapple with recurring violence, particularly in rural communities.According to him, the attacks have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of families, and destruction of homes and livelihoods, leaving residents in distress.Addressing the President, Jang expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of leadership and solidarity with the people during...

…SAYS ELEVATION OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SACRIFICE By Gami Tadanyigbe The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the inclusion and elevation of the indigenous people of the FCT, stating that they deserve to enjoy the same privileges as all other Nigerians residing in the nation's capital. Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, April 3, 2026, the Minister stated that for the first time in the history of the FCT, the government was deliberately identifying with the indigenous population through strategic political appointments and the recognition of traditional leadership. Addressing the recent elevation of traditional rulers ...

The National Leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its approved timetable for the 2026 elective ward, local government, and state congresses, alongside its national convention. In a correspondence addressed to the Director of Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) at INEC headquarters in Abuja, the party said the notification was in compliance with relevant legal provisions guiding political party activities in Nigeria. The letter cited Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, and Sections 223(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandate political parties to duly inform the electoral umpire of their congresse...

By: Ayoade Esther Damola The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at the African Democratic Congress, saying it is reckless of the party to blame the ruling party for its escapism.APC also aligned with INEC’s decision to derecognise David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction in compliance with a court judgment. APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.“ADC is highly escapist and irresponsible to blame APC for its internal woes of which they are sole architects,” he said. Mr Morka said the ADC had become an assembly of desperate politicians and a peddler of conspiracy theories against the APC. “The ADC was a party that never was, designed with a self-destructive detonator and now unravelling fast,” ...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Flutterwave has secured regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide banking services in Nigeria. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja. Agboola said the development followed the company’s processing of more than 40 billion dollars in payments across its platform within 10 years of operations. He explained that the approval marked a significant milestone for the Lagos-based payments company, enabling it to expand beyond core payment infrastructure services into broader financial offerings. “This milestone allows us to make our infrastructure more efficient and deliver faster, more reliable financial services. “By operating dir...

Vivacity Development, in partnership with Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF) and The New Africa Group, has convened a high-level dialogue at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), advancing global discourse on women’s economic empowerment through inclusive legal and policy frameworks. Held on the sidelines of CSW70, the dialogue brought together global leaders, policymakers, legal experts, and development practitioners to examine the theme: “Future of Work, Future of Justice: Strengthening Legal Pathways for Women’s Economic Empowerment.” As lead convener, Vivacity Development positioned the event as a strategic platform at the intersection of policy, innovation, and inclusion, while its partners contributed perspectives grounded in grassroots impact, A...

The 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, is meant to amplify youth voices in promoting whistle blowing and whistleblower protection in Nigeria.Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Programmes, Step Up Nigeria, Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, said the competition is an opportunity for youths to showcase their creativity and passion for transparency and accountability. According to her, the competition aligns with the United Nations Convention against Corruption(UNCAC)."We seek to raise awareness, stimulate public interest, and inspire collective action against corruption.Participants can submit artwork, skits, songs, and more, highlighting the importance of whistleblowers and the need for legal protection."She noted that the competition is open to Nigerian resi...

By Victor Okoye The Nigerian National League (NNL) is witnessing strong commercial resurgence, driven by Toptier Sports Management’s investment and Team 33 Production’s innovative broadcast execution. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Team 33 recently produced a live broadcast of First Bank of Lagos versus Osun United, earning widespread praise from fans and stakeholders after the 2-0 victory. Previously seen as having limited commercial appeal, the league is being repositioned as a viable sports property for sponsors, advertisers and media investors. This shift stems from improved packaging through quality broadcasts, structured storytelling and consistent digital visibility, enhancing the league’s attractiveness to local and international stakeholders. ...

The Nigerian Army’s Supply and Transport Barracks hosted a full-dress pull-out parade Saturday as Major General Erema Akerejola retired after decades of service. Family, friends and senior officers gathered under overcast skies to witness the symbolic end-of-tour tradition. Troops marched in precise review order while a bugler sounded the final call, marking Akerejola’s departure from active duty. Colleagues described the atmos-phere as “charged with emotion,” with current and former soldiers offering tributes to a commander remembered for discipline and a hard line on national unity. Akerejola, whose postings spanned logistics and field operations, leaves with honours that include counter-insurgency coordination in the North-East and modernization of transport command strat...

By Victor Okoye Ruby House emerged overall winner at Benford International School Inter-House Sports and facilities launch in Abuja, titled "Play, Swim and Grow Initiative", showcasing talent and grassroots sports development. Chairman, Board of Directors, Benaoyagha Okoyen, said the event highlighted the importance of sports in total child development. Okoyen expressed satisfaction with participation, noting that pupils, parents, and guests turned out massively despite other engagements. “We are happy with the turnout and participation. Sports remain essential for children’s physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership development,” he said. He emphasised the need to promote grassroots sports and early talent discovery among young Nigerians. “This is about catching th...