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Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has extolled the good virtues of the founder of DAAR Communications Ltd, late Dr Raymond Dokpesi. Jonathan during his remarks on Friday in Abuja at the inaugural edition of the Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture on Communication and Development said he was a good friend. “We gather to celebrate excellence, innovation, philanthropy and the transformative power of communication. Above all, we are here to honour and celebrate a man I called my friend while he was still here with us. ” I thank the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and DAAR Communications PLC, for the laudable decision to honour High Chief Dokpesi in this timeless manner. ” He was a brilliant entrepreneur and visionary media mogul, whose trailblazing e...

President Bola Tinubu’s government has flayed a terrorist attack targeted at the headquarters of the Turkish Aerospace and Defence Company, Turkish Aerospace Industries. Foreign affairs ministry’s spokesman Eche Abu-Obe said this in a statement on Friday. “The Federal Republic of Nigeria is saddened by the act of terrorism on Oct. 23, 2024 that targeted the headquarters of the Turkish Aerospace and Defence Company, TUSAS, leaving five dead and 22 injured. “The Federal Republic of Nigeria therefore lends its voice in solidarity with the people of Türkiye and condemns such acts that only serve to propagate fear rather than peace. “Nigeria extends its condolences to the government and the people of Türkiye, while praying for the families of the dearly departed,” the government sa...

The Araba of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, has said that he established Isese Light Kiddies Nursery and Primary School to enhance educational development in Oyo State. While addressing journalists in Ibadan, Araba Odegbola, who is also the Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, explained that the school's purpose is to support educational growth and preserve traditional beliefs. "The establishment of the first Isese school in Ibadan marks a significant cultural revival. We aim to contribute to the educational development of the state, while promoting Yoruba traditional beliefs, which have faced challenges from other religions." The Araba of Ibadanland also emphasized the importance of Western education and the need to reconnect with indigenous roots, asserting that educat...

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have signed an agreement to protect travellers and travel trade operators from unfair operational practices. FCCPC boss Tunji Bello said this in a statement on Friday. He said the agreement was signed in Abuja on Thursday. Mr Bello said the pact would be for two years but with an open window for renewal, subject to certain satisfactory metrics. He said NANTA had always been proactive in the affairs of the Nigerian travel industry, as he described the initiative as bold and innovative. He noted that he had always followed with keen interest the activities of NANTA, particularly its consistent advocacy to protect the Nigerian travelling public and the discomfort with u...

By Constance Athekame A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Sulaiman Gumi, says public education is essential in ensuring the safety of electricity consumers in the country. Gumi, a former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety, Standards and Regulations, said this at the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Safety Conference 2024 in Abuja on Friday. He was the chairman of the conference organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standard and Regulations, and the Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA) and other stakeholders in NESI. He said that NESI should ensure that electricity consumers are educated on safety tips to guide them on their day to day interaction with power infrastructure. “Let me also emphasise t...

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to enact laws that prioritised safety and technological advancement in the electricity sector. Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, at the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Safety Conference 2024 on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised the legislature’s duty to create laws encouraging innovation. “As legislators, our foremost duty is to enact laws that prioritise safety and encourage technological advancement. “The electricity supply sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by innovations such as smart grids and renewable energy sources. Our regulatory framework must evolve in tandem with these advancements.” Abbas commended the co...

By Vivian Emoni Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor, Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has warned the public against wrong dissemination of information through digital technology. Peters said this at a one-day workshop to commemorate the Global Media and Information Literacy Week, 2024, on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop is tagged: “New Digital Frontier of Information, Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information.” Peters said that technology had made the spread of information far easier than ever before, adding that people needed to be careful on how they disseminate information. According to him, people need to be careful on how they disseminate information because of the impact of what is...

By Vivian Emoni Judith Tsaaior, 21, has emerged as the winner of the 11th edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Essay Competition/National Symposium. Pastor Samuel Sanusi, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), announced Tsaaior as the winner at the 11th African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) in Abuja on Thursday. Tsaaior, a corps member serving in Taraba State University, hails from Benue State and studied English and Literary Studies at Veritas University, Abuja. The essay competition’s topic was “Raising a New Generation of Transformational Leaders.” Sanusi noted that the programme had been in existence for over 12 years, with the BSN investing approximately N10 million in the competition. He said about 200 corps members participa...

The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), an NGO, with support from the Government of Ireland through the Embassy of Ireland Nigeria, has trained 20 community youths as Anti-Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Ambassadors and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Champions in Abuja.  Mr. Augustine Igweshi, the Executive Director of CEPASD, said the training was part of CEPASD's project, Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment: An Approach to End SGBV," aimed at empowering youth to become agents of change in their communities. According to him, the two-day training brought together youth from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, and Kuje, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to; advocate against SGBV and promote SRHR, p...

By Jacinta Nwachukwu An NGO, Public and Private Development Centre, has underscored the importance of using virtual court proceedings for justice administration among pre-trial detainees. Mr Joshua Uba and Kwapaya Adamu, both of the PPDC’s Legal Unit, expressed this view during the Criminal Justice Cohort, four-day Second Regional Conference on Administration of Criminal Justice in Abuja. In their presentations, the duo stated that using virtual court proceedings would save time and enhance justice. Uba particularly said that currently, through the help of the centre, the administration of criminal justice system in Nasarawa, Plateau and Kaduna states had been greatly enhanced, swift and faster. According to him, inmates now have their days in court as regularly as possible...

CAF has allocated a significant portion of expenditure , specifically 84%, towards African Football Development, which is a strategic move that underscores its commitment to nurturing and growing the football ecosystem. Also prize money and Host Association Support is increased to USD 56 million: This represents the largest portion of the expenditure, showcasing a continued focus on rewarding excellence. The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) released the 2022-2023 audited Financial Report and 2024-2025 budget at the 46th CAF Ordinary Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopa on Tuesday, 22 October. CAF Continues its Significant Financial turn-around as losses are reduced by 68% and Projects Net Profit in the next Financial Year It reduces deficit from USD 28.9 million to...

By Emmanuella Anokam The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) has lauded the Triple Helix Nigeria model for driving commercialisation of research and innovation output for socioeconomic development. Dr Samuel Onoji, Principal/Chief Executive Officer, PTI made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the Triple Helix Nigeria maiden SciBiz conference. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the triple helix model of innovation refers to a set of interactions between academia (the university), industry and government, to foster socioeconomic development. The model aims to ensure that research transcended the boundaries of laboratories and classrooms to solving real-world problems and fostering economic prosperity. The association hosted the conference in fulfilment of the requ...

By Joan Nwagwu The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called emphasised the need for Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), in Nigeria. The ILO made the call in conjunction with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, made the call during a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, while inaugurating a strategic initiative to enhance the RBC in Nigeria. The theme of the workshop is,”Responsible business conduct for the realisation of decent work: international instruments, current trends and initiatives, the national context and the way forward in Nigeria ”. The workshop which was organised by ILO was funded by the Government of France, Phala said that the...

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday scrapped the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development. "There will now be a ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission and the North East Development Commission. The National Sports Commission will take over the role of the Ministry of Sports, ’’Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said in a statement. He said the FEC also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy. He noted, “The decisions were taken today at the meeting of Federal Executive Council in Abuja.’’(NAN) ...

Purple Dove Foundation, an NGO, at the weekend donated gift items and cash donations to over 100 indigent patients worth N3.5million at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada Abuja, to help cushion the hardship faced in the country.  The Chairman/CEO, of the Foundation, Princess Amara Ifechuckwu, during the donation said it was part of the organizations efforts to give back to the society by putting a smile on the faces of the less privileged in the society that they are not forgotten.  The Team leader, Mr. Segun David, said the foundation's team generously presented gifts and cash to the indigent patients to help ease their financial burdens and brightening their days for a better and healthy living.  Sepecifically, an orphan receiv...

By Victor Okoye An NGO known as Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) has harped on the need to ensure that the hands are washed and kept clean on a regular basis, stressing that it remains an essential defense against the spread of harmful germs, infection and illnesses. Dr. Mrs Momoh, the Executive Director of CSHEEH made the remarks on Thursday during a sensitization programme in commemoration of the 2024 Global HandWashing Day held at L.E.A. Primary School, Lugbe Zone B, on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports thatthe theme for this year's Global HandWashing Day is "Why are clean hands still important" Dr. Momoh said that this year's theme was quite apt, as it serves as a reminder that germs areeverywhere and a lot of ...

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. This was disclosed in a press statement on Monday night, revealing that the crossdresser is presently being interrogated. The statement said Bobrisky would soon be handed over to appropriate authorities for proper investigation concerning a series of allegations against him. The statement reads: “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to Exit the Country. “The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern. He is undergoing interrogation a...

By NAN  Police Community Relations Community (PCRC), Bwari Division in the Federal Capital Territory has sensitised over 300 secondary school students on security, juvenile deliquecy and  effects of social media on youth behaviours. The sensitisation carried out over the weekend with the theme, " Catch them Young From Criminality" was organised by the Bwari Division of the PCRC with support from the Nigeria Police. The Chairman of Bwari PCRC, Decon John Owens in his address of welcome  said tte fomative years of adolescence are crucial in shaping the minds and characters of young people,  "But unfortunately, many of our youths are exposed to  various foms of criminality, including cybercrime, subatance abuse, gang violence, cultism, examinatin malpract...

Mandate Defenders,  a Non-Governmental Organisation( NGO) has commended Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior for his effort in tranformating the activities of the ministry and improving Nigeria’s internal security. Mr Danielson Akpan, National Convener of the group,  said this in a statement  on Sunday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mandate Defenders is an NGO that focuses on promoting youth empowerment, quality education and good governance. Akpan said the group had followed the development in several sectors of the the government and, also the efforts of the interior minister. According to him, we, at the group views Tunji-Ojo as the star boy of the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration. “As already reported in ...

The Nigerian Army on Sunday debunked reports circulating that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Several reports, originating from a social media post by a Nigerian journalist announcing the death of the Army chief, had gone viral. The journalist claimed that Lagbaja had died of cancer 48 hours ago. The post read, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48hrs ago from a stage three Cancer, according to a senior Government official. The death of the Chief of Army staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some Generals who want to take the position. “Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023...