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30Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Group Demands EFCC, ICPC Probe Into PTAD Over N25 Billion Arrears Of Defunct NEPA/PHCN Pensioners

Following the failure of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to pay the N25 billion arrears owed to pensioners of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), now Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), a human rights group, The Democratic and Human Rights Centre (TDHRC), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the agency over the delay in payment. In a press release, TDHRC emphasized the need for EFCC and ICPC to probe PTAD for its inability to settle the N25 billion arrears owed to NEPA/PHCN pensioners. "We were informed by these pensioners that Samuel Agbogun, the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Electricity Liability M...

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29Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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BREAKING: Sultan announces sighting of Shawwal crescent, declares Sunday as Eid day

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar II, has announced the sighting of Shawwal crescent, marking the end of Ramadan fasting. The Sultan said they received reports of sighting from Borno, Zazzau, Dutse, Maru, among other places within the country. “My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, today 29th day of March, 2025 AD, equivalent to 29th day of Ramadan 1446 After the Hijra of our Most Noble Leader Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brings us to the end of 1446 Ramadan fast. Today 29th day of Ramadan, we received reports from various Muslim leaders and organisations such as Shehu of Borno, Emir of Dutse, Emir of Argungu, Emir of Maru, Emir of Daura and Emir of Zazzau as well as JBWIS in Jos of the confirmation of the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1446 after the Hijra of our Most Noble L...

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29Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Cult clash: 19 killed as Black Axe invades community on revenge mission

Obelle community in Emohua Local Government area of Rivers State was yesterday thrown into turmoil when the dreaded cult group, Black Axe, otherwise known as Aye, struck in the town. At press time, no fewer than 19 persons were left dead, after the gamboling cultists invaded the area in hunt for persons said to be members of another rival cult group. Only Wednesday last week, a similar incident occured in the locality, leaving seven people dead. While the locals were still to get out of the shock of blood-letting that claimed seven lives on Wednesday in a clash between Black Axe and its rivals, known as Icelanders, the situation became worse yesterday as the Black Axe reportedly re-launched in a two-hour long operation that recorded 19 deaths. It was gathered that the Black Ax...

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28Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Group Urges Tinubu To Direct PTAD To Settle NEPA/PHCN Pension Arrears

A human rights group, The Democratic and Human Rights Centre (TDHRC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by directing the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to immediately pay the outstanding pension arrears of former employees of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), now known as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), which have been pending since 2017. The group, in a press release signed by Comrade Aderemi Adebisi, stated that PTAD's refusal to pay former employees of NEPA/PHCN accumulated pension arrears since 2017 has not only caused hardship to them but has also led to the deaths of many members. "These people have served this country meritoriously and do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens. The refus...

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28Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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IMF Appoints Elumelu To Advisory Council On Entrepreneur And Growth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony Elumelu, to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, convened by IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva. Mr Elumelu made the appointment known on his verified twitter handle @TonyOElumelu on Friday. At the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council on Wednesday, the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, told the guests, that the Council brings together a group of leading thinkers and practitioners in business, finance, academia, and policymaking to share their views and experiences on how macroeconomic and financial policies can provide entrepreneurs, and the private sector. Elumelu is Africa’s leading advocate of entrepreneurship and he has used his Foundation ...

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27Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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NSITF seeks media collaboration to boost workers’ social safety

By Joan Nwagwu The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on Wednesday sought the collaboration of the media in promoting social safety for Nigerian workers. Mr Olawaseun Faleye, the Managing Director of NSITF, made the call during a briefing with members of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN). The briefing also marked the inauguration of a mass advocacy and sensitisation campaign in Abuja. “It is my hope that, as we embark on this journey, members of LACAN will be key partners in advocacy, progress, and the commitment to advancing social safety for Nigerian workers. “The engagement with the media is crucial as NSITF enters a new phase of transformation,” Faleye said. Faleye acknowledged the importance of the media, particularly labour correspon...

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26Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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INEC Notifies Natasha Of Recall Petition, Begins Verification Process

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it had notified the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, of a recall petition initiated by registered voters in her district. The notification, dated March 26, was issued by the INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran Anthony. In the letter addressed to the senator and copied to the presiding officer of the Senate, INEC confirmed receiving a petition from her constituents seeking her recall from the National Assembly. Pursuant to Section 69 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I write to notify you of the receipt of a petition from representatives of registered voters in your constituency seeking your recall from the Senate. “This notification is in line with the provis...

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26Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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NASS, UK Govt pledge to strengthen framework to guide public institutions

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer  The National Assembly and the UK Government have promised to support the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu  on Policy and Coordination, Hajia Hadiza Usman, in implementing the new Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework.They made the pledges at a Stakeholders’ Validation Session on the Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework on Tuesday in Abuja.Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks said that the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly stands not as a mere observer, but as a secretary, guiding the principles of sound governance, holding the executive to account, and forging a legislative foundation upon which policies and programmes of government must rest.Akpabio was represented at the event by the Deputy...

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26Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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First Lady donates food items to vulnerable groups in Delta

By Joan Nwagwu The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has donated food items under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, worth millions of naira to vulnerable groups in Delta. Mrs Tinubu made the donation during a symbolic presentation of the food items to the vulnerable groups in Asaba on Tuesday. The first lady, represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice-President said the presentation was to formally handover the essential food commodities to Delta State through wife of the state governor and RHI’s State Coordinator for onward distribution to the vulnerable groups. “The food outreach scheme began on March 8, 2024 at the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) to provide vulnerable households with food items to support their families. “So far, we h...

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25Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Senate Confirms Sylvester Nwakuche As NCoS CG

The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Sylvester Nwakuche as the comptroller-general (CG) of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The approval followed the presentation of a report by the senate committee on interior, chaired by Adams Oshiomhole, senator for Edo north, who moved the motion for Nwakuche’s confirmation at Tuesday’s plenary. Presenting the committee’s findings, Oshimohole said the nominee was “thoroughly” screened on March 12. as one with an impeccable character, full of exposure, experience, intellect, energy, drive and worthy of the nomination,” Oshiomhole said. “The man is not only qualified in terms of academic qualification, he has been involved in several command positions and has benefitted from training and retraining. The committee found the ...

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24Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Kogi Jailbreak: NCoS Recaptures 5 Fleeing Inmates

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has recaptured five of the 12 inmates who escaped from the medium-security custodial centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi. This is contained in a statement by Abubakar Umar, the service’s public relations officer (SPRO), on Monday. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, March 24. During the incident, some awaiting trial inmates in a section of the facility allegedly manipulated the padlocks, leading to the escape of 12 inmates. Mr Umar stated that upon receiving reports of the incident, the acting controller-general of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, in collaboration with heads of sister security agencies, including the senior special adviser to the governor of Kogi, immediately mobilised to the facility. He said personnel were also dep...

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24Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Oyo’s Debt Dilemma: Alao Criticizes Makinde’s Borrowing Policies

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Oyo State and former gubernatorial aspirant, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has raised concerns over Governor Seyi Makinde’s frequent loan requests, warning that the growing debt burden could jeopardize the future of the state. Alao in a statement by his Media Office expressed his apprehensions in the light of the significant increase in Oyo State’s debt profile under the administration of Governor Makinde. According to him, since the removal of petroleum subsidy by the present administration of President Bola Tinubu, the money accruing to the states has tripled, stating that there is nothing on ground to justify that Governor Makinde has spent the windfall justifiably needless taking humongous loan. The Asiwaju of Iroko...

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24Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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NDLEA: Indian Lady Intercepted With 72 Parcels Of Heroin At Kano Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a 42-year-old Indian lady at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, with 72 parcels of heroin. A statement by NDLEA’s director of media and advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja said the prohibited substances were factory-sealed in wafer wraps and packaged as chocolates. Mr Babafemi said the class A drug consignment weighing 11 kilogrammes was recovered from her luggage after a thorough search. He said this followed credible intelligence during an inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha at the arrival hall of the Kano airport on Friday, March 14. Mr Babafemi said the arrest of the suspect signified a growing attempt by drug trafficking ...

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24Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Jonathan: Rivers Emergency Rule Is Clear Abuse Of Power

Former President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, blaming it as a clear abuse of power by the executive, legislature, and judiciary. He made this assertion at the annual colloquium organised by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja on Saturday. The former president said several people had contacted him for comments over the political crisis shortly after Mr Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state and suspended the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and state assembly members for six months. Mr Jonathan, who said it was unusual for former presidents to comment on the policies and actions of successors to avoid tension, however, likened the development to an Indian proverb and accused p...

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23Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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PCRI holds Maiden Matriculation, Convocation/Investiture of Fellowship Award Ceremony in Abuja

By NAN  The Psychotherapeutic and Counseling Research Institute (PCRI) in Nigeria, on Saturday, March 22, 2025 held it's Maiden Matriculation, Convocation and Investiture of Fellowship Award Ceremony at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, with the theme: "Mental Health and Psychosocial Support as a Security Strategy to Nation Building." Dr. Mohammed Audu, the Registrar/Secretary of the Institute, during the ceremony commended the graduating students for their resilience and commitment to the noble profession, while urging them to carry the torch of knowledge, compassion and advocacy for mental health awareness and psychotherapeutic excellence. Audu also, welcomed the matriculated students to a transformative journey, saying that the institution will chal...

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23Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Minister, VON DG, others advocate for child empowerment, gender equality

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer  The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaam Suleiman among other stakeholders have called on parents to empower their children and promote gender equality in the country. They made this call during a stage play entitled “People of the Sun”, performed by students of Beautiful Beginning Academy(BBA), Abuja, on Saturday.The play, based on a true-life story, highlights the struggle for identity, power, and survival while addressing the pressing issue of gender inequality. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the performance serves as a compelling narrative of resilience, justice, and the urgent need to combat gender-based discrimination. It presents men and women not just as equals but as essential forces shaping society and protecting the planet...

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22Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Trump revokes security clearance for Harris, Clinton and others

US President Donald Trump has revoked security clearances from his previously defeated Democratic election rivals, Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, as well as a number of other top former officials. The move comes after Trump said in February he was revoking security clearance for his predecessor Joe Biden. He confirmed that move in the latest announcement, adding that he was also revoking the security clearance of "any other member" of the Biden family."I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information," Trump's memorandum read.Former US presidents and top security officials usually keep their security clearance as a courtesy.Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former Republican lawmakers Liz Chene...

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22Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Emergency rule: PDP govs head for court

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum will be taking the Federal government to court over the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers State.President Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; as well as members of the state House of Assembly for six months.The President then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state.The President’s action has since been ratified by both the Senate and House of Representatives.But the PDP governors contended that the President’s actions were unconstitutional and threatened Nigeria’s democratic principles.Seeking legal intervention, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, criticised the declaration of a state o...

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22Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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NGO wants govts, stakeholders to address challenges facing women with disabilities

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has called on governments at all levels and stakeholders to address the challenges facing women with disabilities in Nigeria.ISDI’s Executive Director, Angelina Ugben, made the call at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.Ugben underscored the need for an enabling environment, particularly for economic activities involving women with disabilities.The conference had the theme, “Empowering Change: Unveiling the Findings and Breaking Barriers for Inclusive Trade,.It was organised by ISDI in collaboration with the Joint National Association of People with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation.Ugben explained that the theme was centered on the find...

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21Mar By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Arsenal handed Riccardo Calafiori injury concern

Arsenal push for trophy in this season takes a blow as Calafiori get injured in international duty with Italy and was forced off the field. The Arsenal defender was in Italy starting lineup for the UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg that lost by a goal to two to the German Machines at the San Siro despite taking the lead through Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. To compound their misery, Italy were dealt an injury blow in stoppage time when Calafiori had to go off after slipping on the pitch in his attempt to change direction quickly. Calafiori, who was seen grabbing his knee, was treated on the pitch by Italy's medical staff, before he indicated that he was unable to see out the final moments of the contest "We still don't know if he's injured," Spalleti tol...

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