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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Mr Abubakar Madaki, Chairman of Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, has called for vigilance and peaceful coexistence among people of different tribes and religions in Nigeria to drive the country forward.He made the call at the 2025 Annual Dinner and Award Night of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Nyanya-Mararaba District Society, held on Saturday in Abuja.Madaki emphasised that peace was vital for development across all sectors.“It is important for us to live in peace, tolerate one another, and be law-abiding citizens,” he said.He further urged vigilance, advising attendees to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.“We are one, regardless of our tribal or religious differences...

The Deji & the Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, CFR has formally presented certificate to High Chief Gbenga Henry Adeyeye as the new Iralepo of Isikan Quarters, Akure. The Deji had officially removed the former Iralepo of Isikan, Mr. Gbenga Ojo. In a letter personally signed by the Deji of Akure Land which partly stated that “Sequel to the judgment of the court of Appeal in a suit No: CA/AK/69/2022, I hereby write to notify you of your removal as Chief Iralepo of Isikan Quarters in Akure with immediate effect. The letter reads further that Mr. Gbenga Ojo is requested to vacate the traditional palace of the Iralepo of Isikan with immediate effect as the new Quarter Chief of Isikan shall be resuming to the palace very soon. ...

By Victor Okoye The Akwa Ibom State government has been dragged before a High Court in Uyo, over allegations bordering on forceful takeover of a land measuring 1,805 hectares. Serob Legends Resort Limited by the suit marked: HU/243/2024, is demanding a whopping N31 billion as compensation for damages suffered as a result of the forceful takeover of its land. Besides the state government, other defendants include the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Ministry of Lands and Water Resources and the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State and Commissioner for Justice. One Mrs. Nsidem Etuk, who claims to be the owner of the property, had last year raised the alarm, accusing the state government of forceful takeover of the property. The said property measuring approximately 1,805 hectares ...

By Joan Nwagwu The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for the inclusion of People with Disabilities (PWDs) in various policies to enhance social justice in Nigeria. ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ms Vanessa Phala, made the call during a meeting in Abuja on Friday to commemorate the World Day for Social Justice. This year’s theme was: “Advancing Social Justice and Inclusion for People with Disabilities.” Phala emphasised that increasing access to social justice for people with disabilities was essential, as it should be inclusive rather than exclusive. According to her, social justice involves implementing actions and policies that promote and facilitate equal access to opportunities for everyone. “We have converge here, to commemorate the World Social ...

…No, We Will Appeal Court’s Judgement, Says Isinkan Community The Deji of Akure, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has suspended Mr. Olugbenga Ojo from his position as the Iralepo of Isinkan following a recent Appeal Court ruling. The court declared the elevation of the Iralepo Chieftaincy to a recognized chief as null and void, reaffirming that Isinkan is a quarter under the Deji's authority and that any upgrades require his consent. Consequently, Oba Aladetoyinbo instructed Ojo to cease using the title and suspended all associated privileges immediately. In response, the Isinkan community announced plans to appeal the court's judgment, stating that their traditions and culture are under threat. They urged community members to remain calm while asserting that Oba Oluw...

The Federal Government has pledged to provide single digit-loans to farmers as part of its intervention programmes to protect local producers and reduce production costs. Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the pledge at a steering committee meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), held at the Presidential, Villa Abuja on Friday. Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local farmers through targeted interventions. According to him, the economic realities facing local farmers demand strategic government intervention to reduce production costs and support local farmers. He said the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to revitalise stalled high-impact agricultural projects to encourage farmers. In realising that...

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede has appealed for the repatriation of proceeds of crimes belonging to Nigeria, held by some countries of the world. Olukoyede made the appeal on Friday in Abuja during the handover of recovered proceeds of crime to the embassies of Spain, Switzerland and the United States of America on behalf of the victims. According to him, the handover of the items to the victims is in line with the commitment of the Federal Government to international cooperation and synergy. The EFCC boss said it was also to prove to the world that Nigeria was not a safe haven for financial crimes. “We are doing this to demonstrate to the countries involved that it is within the confines of international treaty, legal proces...

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has described the late Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark as a true nationalist. He therefore said the only way to immortalise himis by keeping his vision alive. Ogbuku noted that the late elderstatesman has done everything he had to do for the region. “He live the life that the Lord wanted him to live. If he says no one should mourn him, I think he is very, very correct. Because he has actually done everything he needed to do. “He has mentored from one generation to another generation. The Niger Delta is what it is today because of him. You cannot write the history of Nigeria, Niger Delta, without mentioning him. “He is a true nationalist. And as a nationalist, just like I said, even in his dying hour...

A legal practitioner Barrister Alexander Uchenna Ozougwu was on Wednesday arraigned before Justice Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly defrauding his victims to the tune of N1, 323, 850. 000 00 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) through a bogus foreign exchange investment scheme. He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, Six –count charges has been slammed on him. His offence bordering on obtaining money by false pretence in contravention of provisions of Section 18(2)(d) of the Money laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. Count one of the charges against him reads; “That you Alexander Uchenna Ozogwu someti...

A Spanish court on Thursday convicted former football chief Luis Rubiales of sexual assault over the forced kiss he gave star forward Jenni Hermoso, fining him €10,800 ($11,300). However, the court acquitted him and three other accused individuals of coercion charges. Prosecutors had sought a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales — one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion — alleging he pressured Hermoso to downplay the incident. Rubiales was accused of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso in 2023 following Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph in Australia, as well as coercion for allegedly trying to persuade her to dismiss the significance of the incident. The global outcry over the kiss forced Rubiales to resign in disgrace, drawing attention to the preval...

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Thursday inaugurated the second phase of the European Union (EU) funded project “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM II)” . The project is part of the efforts towards consolidating movement of citizens of West Africa, which aimed at advancing economic growth. Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja reiterated the commitment of economic blog to ensure free movement and encourage commerce and economic development in the sub region at the inauguration of the FMM II.8 The event was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Centre for Migration Policy Develo...

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central sparked a significant uproar in the Nigerian Senate on February 20, 2025, over the unauthorized change of her seat. The incident unfolded during a plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, where Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered her nameplate missing from her usual seat and was moved to the last row without her consent. The situation escalated when Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno raised a point of order, justifying the seat reassignment under Senate rules due to recent shifts in party affiliations among senators. He warned that failure to comply could result in penalties, including being barred from participating in discussions. Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan vocally protested the change, insisting on her right...

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has strongly denied allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Boko Haram. Speaking after a presentation at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, he stated there is no evidence supporting these claims and emphasized that robust monitoring systems are in place to ensure U.S. assistance is not misappropriated. Mills highlighted that Boko Haram has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 2013, which allows the U.S. to cooperate with Nigeria in investigations and prevent any asset transfers to the group. He challenged anyone with evidence of misappropriation to come forward, assuring that such claims would be thoroughly investigated in collaboration with Nigerian authorities. Further...

By Joan Nwagwu The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called for improved gender equity in mining sector to unlock the country’s energy and natural resources for sustainable development. Tinubu, who was represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice-President, said this at an inaugural International Women Mining Conference in Abuja on Thursday. The theme of the conference is “Empowering Women in the Mining Sector: Promoting Gender Equality, Economic Empowerment and Investment Opportunity”. The first lady, who said that the conference was apt, said women in the mining sectors face range of challenges, including limited access to finance, technology and training, alongside research, social and cultural barriers. “These challenges are not unique to women alone, with w...

After 32 years since the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has declared that the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, won the election. Babangida, in his 420-page book, 'A Journey In Service', admits that MKO Abiola won the election regarded as the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria. About the June 12, 1993 Presidential ElectionThe June 12 presidential election in Nigeria, held in 1993, is a significant event in the country's political history. The election was notable for being the first after the military coup of 1983 and was contested between two parties: the Social Democratic Party (SDP), led by Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), and the National Republican Convention (NRC), ...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), on Tuesday denied reports indicating that it imported over 200 million litres of premium motor spirit, PMS. The oil cartel rejected the report carried by some media outlets as completely false, baseless, and a reckless misrepresentation of facts. The group Chief spoke person of NNPCL, Mr. Olufemi Soneye said in a statement made available to sharpedgenews.com, that the report is “either a result of lazy and unprofessional journalism or a deliberate, sponsored attempt by economic saboteurs”.Mr. Soneye stated emphatically that no such importation was made by NNPCL.Below is the full text of the statement from Soneye: “NNPCL Debunks Report on Importation of 200 million Litres of PMS in February, 2025 The report alleging that NN...

By Vivian Emoni Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has stated that the chamber’s annual retreat serves as a strategic platform for planning and fostering growth within the organisation. A statement issued by Mrs Olayemi John-Mensah, ACCI Media/Strategy Officer, on Monday in Abuja, revealed that Obegolu led the executive council on the 2025 annual retreat to Adamawa State. The president explained that the aim of the retreat was to strengthen regional business, enhance intra-chamber collaboration, and encourage the exchange of business ideas for meaningful learning. “As part of the retreat’s activities, Obegolu led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri. “The group also engaged with...

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent South-South leader, has died at the age of 97. The elder statesman passed away on Monday night, February 17, 2025, according to a statement signed by Prof. C.C. Clark on behalf of the family. “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday 17th February, 2025. The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family,” the statement read. Clark’s death comes just days after the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96. A towering figure in Nigerian politics and a relentless advocate for the rights of the Nige...