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By Jessica Dogo Abuja, The Uniccon Group of Companies, a global leader in Afrocentric technology solutions, has partnered Gombe Government on digital technology to boost the state’s economy. The Chairman of Uniccon Group, Dr Chuks Ekweme, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday. Ekweme said the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, reiterated the state government’s commitment to modernising its systems and addressing developmental challenges through innovative solutions. Jatau tasked the group to craft a comprehensive strategy tailored to Gombe’s unique needs, emphasising the importance of inclusive solutions that span all sectors of the state’s economy. He said that Gombe’s abundant natural resources, including fertile lands and skilled workforce,...

Nigerians under the umbrella body, Nigerians Citizens Association South Africa, NICASA have demanded for justice for their late colleague, Mr. Jeremaih Offorbike Okoye.The 50 years old Okoye was reported to have died while in police custody Limpopo, South Africa last Monday 13 January 2025.The Nnewi, Anambra State born Okoye, according to a statement by NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu has been living in South Africa for the past 22yrs.Onyekwelu said the cause of his death was yet to be ascertained.He however urged the African police to follow due process in the discharge of their duties.He stated: “With deep sorrow, The NICASA National executives wishes to announce the death of Late Mr. Jeremaih Offorbike Okoye, 50yrs old, a native of Eziniffite Nnewi Anambra state Nigeria, who lost his ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuesday assured Ogoni leaders that his administration would prioritise peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area.At a meeting at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu passionately called for unity and reconciliation, urging the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment.“We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” he said.President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate the negotiations as he called for inclusive consultation and mutual understanding.The President commended the delegation for embracing the Federal G...

The Supreme Court has scheduled February 10, 2025, to hear two separate suits filed by the All Progressives Congress, challenging the validity of the local government elections conducted in Rivers State in 2024.Also, the apex court scheduled the same date to hear five other cases bordering on the political crisis in Rivers State.The crisis in the state erupted in October 2023 when a faction loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, attempted to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.In response, Fubara stormed the Assembly complex and sealed it off.Subsequently, the lawmakers declared their defection to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, while Fubara dismissed their legitimacy and began engaging with a three-member Assembly instead.The le...

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has announced the approval of a licence for the construction of a new refinery.The approval was given to MRO Energy Limited, an energy company for the construction of a 10,000 Barrels Per Stream Day Refinery at Imode In Ughelli, Delta State,This development comes two months after the authority granted a license to Process Design and Development Limited to establish and construct a new 27,000 barrels per day refinery located in Dole-Wure, Akko area of Gombe State.The authority in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, said, “The Authority Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed presented the Licence To Establish a 10,000 Barrels Per Stream Day Refinery at Imode In Ughelli, Delta State, to...

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization (WHO). "Oooh, that's a big one," the newly inaugurated US president said as he approved the document after arriving back at the White House. It was one of dozens of executive actions he put his signature to on day one in office. This marks the second time Trump has ordered the US be pulled out of the WHO. Trump was critical of how the international body handled Covid-19 and began the process of pulling out from the Geneva-based institution during the pandemic. President Joe Biden later reversed that decision. Carrying out this executive action on day one makes it more likely the US will formally leave the global agency. "They wanted us back s...

Donald Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as president on Monday, pledging a blitz of immediate orders on immigration and the US culture wars as he caps his extraordinary comeback. With one hand raised in the air and the other on a Bible given to him by his mother, the 47th US president solemnly took the oath of office beneath the huge Rotunda of the US Capitol. Republican Trump and outgoing Democratic President Joe Biden had earlier traveled by motorcade together to the Capitol, where the ceremony was being held indoors — and with a much smaller crowd — for the first time in decades due to frigid weather. Earlier, they and their spouses met for a traditional tea at the White House. “Welcome home,” Biden said to Trump as he and First Lady Jill Biden greeted their su...

By Constance Athekame The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu over the weekend inaugurated the first Service Level Agreement (SLA) power transformer funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Lagos. Speaking at the inauguration of the 110 Mega Volt Ampree (MVA) at the Isolo 132/33KVA Transmission Sub-Station, Adelabu, thanked CBN for the support and commended TCN for its diligence and dedication in completing the project. Adelabu said that the project beyond enhancing electricity supply, it has broader implications for the country’s economy through direct impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large industries. He said that the project would also enhance reduction in operational challenges caused by power shortages, fostering economic growth and creating...

The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) is pleased to announce the appointment of new board members, further solidifying its commitment to achieving sustainable peace and development in Africa. Dr. Macjohn NwaobialaDr. Macjohn Nwaobiala brings over three decades of extensive experience in public service, having served as the Former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education. His wealth of experience in the NGO sector, including his tenure as a board member of ActionAid Nigeria, will undoubtedly enhance CEPASD's impact. Dr. Arthur-Martins AginamAs a Communications, Public Policy, and Peacebuilding specialist, Dr. Arthur-Martins Aginam holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Leeds and a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Co...

Wande Abimbola, a Yoruba language and literature professor and Ifa priest, says Oyo kingmakers were present during the oracle consultation and chose Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin. Abimbola spoke in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday. The process of selecting the new Alaafin of Oyo has been shrouded in controversies in recent years since the former monarch died in 2022. The Oyomesi, the kingmakers, and Rotimi Makinde, governor of Oyo, have been in a heated dispute over the choice for the ancestral stool. Five out of seven Oyomesi members had recommended Luqman Gbadegesin for the role.But, on January 10, Makinde approved Abimbola Owoade to the stool and presented the staff of office to him three days later despite pushback from the kingmakers. Consequentl...

The Givernor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago has announced that 2 billion dollar poultry and a new henral hospital will be constructed in Bosso local government area. Popularly called Farmer Governor for his agricultural revolution in the state, he disclosed this in Maikunkele, headquarters of Bosso local government area during his engagement with the stakeholders of the area in continuation of his Statewide projects monitoring. He said the construction of the poultry is in line with the livestock development initiative of the Federal Government, with Niger State government as a pilot State. The farmer Governor who enumerated the numerous road projects ongoing in Bosso local area, enjoined the people to continue to rally round the present administration to ensure success. ...

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, said his administration’s priority remains delivering quality projects aimed at giving value to the people, regardless of personal relationships. Speaking during inspection of multiple projects in Asaba, the state capital, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that competence, integrity, and value for money was critical to his administration's M.O.R.E Agenda. The projects inspected include; Ogbeosonwe, Ogbeilo road, Ogbogonogo market storm drainage project and Ogbe-Ofu Road, Off Jarret Road, Cable Point, Asaba. Others are; 1.7km Amaechi Agusi. with 10 adjoining streets, Dorah Allanah Street, Oluu Street, Burutu Drive, Off Infant Jesus Road, Odilison Junior Crescent, Agbogun Close, Ngozi Odiaka Avenue, Aloy Isomede Street, Ezeo...

Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, played a host to a former Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, at his office. According to Olawande, his Ministry is open and ready to collaborate with football legends on initiatives that inspire and make a positive impact on young Nigerians, particularly emerging football talents nationwide. This was disclosed via a post on the Minister's X handle. The post reads: "I received Obafemi Martins, one of Nigeria’s finest football ambassadors, in my office today. "It is always a delight to engage with young individuals who have made significant sacrifices for our beloved country. Oba Goal is one of those remarkable young Nigerians who have excelled in their chosen careers and still eager to contribute to national development. ...

Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, has firmly stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not in the business of jumping ship and remains a committed member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking on ARISE NEWS interview on Friday, Aniagwu called the rumours of a potential defection of the Delta governor to the All Progressives Congress (APC), unfounded, emphasising that the governor’s loyalty to the PDP is unwavering. “Oborevwori is not only a proud member of the PDP… he is also a performing governor,” Aniagwu declared, reiterating that the speculation was merely wishful thinking from APC supporters. “Oborevwori is not in the business of jumping,” he added. Aniagwu also recognised the internal challenges facing the...

…My covenant to do more for Deltans stands Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that he had no plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that his covenant to do more for Deltans stands. The Governor spoke through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu at a live television programme monitored in Asaba. He said those peddling the rumours that Governor Oborevwori wants to move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) were only wishing that he comes to swell up their ranks. "Governor Oborevwori is not only a proud member of the PDP and remains a leader of PDP, both in Delta and in Nigeria. "He is also a performing governor who has also been able to show that he can be regarded as th...

…As Forum elects executive members, invokes Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu's Court Affidavit Chairman, Ethiope Federal Constituency PDP Forum, Senator Dr Ighoyota Amori, has call on the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to immediately conduct by-election to fill the vacant seat in the constituency, occasioned by the unlawful defection of Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Amori made the call on Thursday at the inaugural meeting of the Leaders of Ethiope Federal Constituency in Asaba, the state capital, citing Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu's breach of relevant constitutional provisions, and also relying on the Court Affidavit deposed to by her, wherein she solemnly agreed to vacate PDP seat at the House of Repre...

The Nigeria Security and Civil. Defence Corps have continued to strengthen collaborations with one of the best HMOs in Nigeria, the United Healthcare International Ltd., this is in a bid to improve the well being of the serving officers and some host communities and also improve on grassroot security techniques and effective information gathering to forestall criminality. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a medical outreach organised by the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, said the partnership with the United Healthcare International has positively impacted the Corps hence in order to give back to the communities and further foster and improve on the existing synergy between NSCDC and host communities, the Medical Health Service Department of the NSCDC organized the medical o...

One of the contestants for the stool of Alaafin of Oyo,Prince Luqman Gbadegesin, Thursday, challenged the nomination and presentation of the staff of office to Prince Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.Gbadegesin faulted the selection process through which Prince Owoade emerged saying it contravenes the Chieftaincy Declaration of the ancient town.Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde had presented the staff of office to the new monarch in Ibadan, after the divination by an Ifa diviner, Prof Wande Abimbola.Gbadegesin, in a pre-action notice by his legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, argued that the recognition of the new monarch did not follow the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law 2000.The letter reads: “By announcing a different candidate, the governor has usurped the powers of the Oyomesi, violat...

The Independent National Electoral Commission Thursday announced delisting of 7,746 deceased voters from the register.The Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Etta-Messi, disclosed that the namee were removed from the national voter register in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of December 2022.“Seven thousand, seven hundred and forty-six decreased persons across the 36 states and the FCT were removed from the National Register of voters as of December 2022,” she disclosed.According to INEC, a thorough cleaning of the voter register is usually done before every general election.In its 2023 post-general election review in December 2024, INEC highlighted challenges with cleaning up the voter register, despite improvements in the voter registration process that ad...

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday fixed January 20, 2025, for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arraign the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Chief Oba Otudeko.To be Arraign with Otudeko is a former First Bank Managing Director, Stephen Onasanya, for allegedly looting N12.3bn from First Bank.Otudeko, a former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings, and Onasanya are to be arraigned alongside a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo, and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Limited, allegedly connected to Otudeko.According to EFCC, the four defendants allegedly committed fraud in tranches of N5.2bn, N6.2bn, N6.150bn, N1.5bn and N500m, between 2013 and 2014 in Lagos.In the 13 counts, filed by EFCC counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, on January 16, 2025, EFCC further claimed th...