Thursday, September 17

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Niger State Government has banned the taxing of hawkers and petty traders across the State.
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Niger State Government has banned the taxing of hawkers and petty traders across the State.

Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago announced this while speaking to newsmen at the Government House in Minna, the State capital. The governor, who noted that petty traders are being exploited with tax, said that Local Government Council Chairmen and councilors should take note and ensure that such practices stop with immediate effect. He disclosed that the state has a centralized tax system that has exempted all hawkers and petty traders. "According to the farmer Governor, “We have observed with dismay how petty traders and hawkers are being exploited with multiple taxes”. “As a government, we have resolved that henceforth, no trader, no petty trader, should be taxed.” “Hawkers and petty traders are tax-free in Niger State. Anybody found taxing them will be de...
Zulum Flags Off Rep Talba’s Palliative for 3,000 Constituents
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Zulum Flags Off Rep Talba’s Palliative for 3,000 Constituents

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulumhas flagged off the distribution of palliatives provided by the House of Representatives member for Marte, Monguno, and Nganzai Constituency, Engr. Bukar Talba. About 3,000 constituents benefited from the distribution, with each receiving food items and cash donations. Zulum, who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, commended the lawmaker for providing succour to his constituents, many of whom have been devastated by over a decade of insurgency. Each of the three local government areas had 1,000 beneficiaries, with each person receiving a bag of rice, a bag of maize grain, and ₦20,000 in cash. In his address, Engr. Bukar Talba recalled that in his two years in office, he has co...
Tinubu expresses confidence on APC leadership
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Tinubu expresses confidence on APC leadership

President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the ability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to build the nation, and significantly contribute to Africa's growth. Tinubu said this while addressing the APC Caucus meeting held at the Conference Center of the State House, Abuja. The president reaffirmed his commitment to the Renewed Hope Manifesto of the APC with emphasis that the strategic repositioning of the ruling party requires his administration to build on recorded successes and project. He said that his administration remains intensely focused on its goals underscoring the importance of achieving food sovereignty and not just food security to better reposition the country as the nation with the capacity to reposition the continent. "We can steer the fut...
Tax Bill 2024: ASUU begs NASS to protect TETFund
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Tax Bill 2024: ASUU begs NASS to protect TETFund

By Gami Tadanyigbe  The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has called on the National Assembly to do all within its capacity to protect the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, from being abrogated under the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024. The union said it was deeply concerned about TETFund because the agency remained a positive testament to its constructive engagements with Nigerian governments since 1992. insisted that it was its considered view that abrogating the TETFund Act 2011, by design or default, would be a great disservice not just to education but also to Nigeria as a nation. The association’s position was contained in a presentation by its president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, on the second day of the public hearing organised by the National Assembly on Tax ...
CHAIRMAN SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE PROMISED TO DO JUSTICE TO DELIBERATIONS ON TAX REFORM.
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CHAIRMAN SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE PROMISED TO DO JUSTICE TO DELIBERATIONS ON TAX REFORM.

By Marian Okpe. The chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Musa Sani has promised to do justice to all the contributions made by stakeholders on Tuesday, He made this known during his remark after listening to the contributions of over fifty stakeholders invited to participate at the public hearing on National Tax Reform Bills deliberated upon by the senate committee on Finance at the National Assembly complex. The chairman expressed deep appreciations to every one who contributed to the deliberations on the Tax Reform Bill, said that their insights, perspective's and recommendations have enriched the discussions, and he said ," it will go a long way in shaping the policies with regards to the Tax Reform, as the Committee will critically examine the aspects of the Tax syste...
Aiyedatiwa Unveils Fresh Team, As He Appoints New SSG, Commissioners, SA’s
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Aiyedatiwa Unveils Fresh Team, As He Appoints New SSG, Commissioners, SA’s

Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Ondo state Governor has approved the appointment of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the appointment was announced shortly after Governor Aiyedatiwa resumed work in his office, just minutes after being sworn in as the 7th democratically elected Governor of Ondo State on Monday. Until his appointment as SSG, Dr. Fasoranti, who hails from Akure South Local Government Area, served as the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board. Meanwhile, the Governor has also approved the reappointment of Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac as the Commissioner ...
Karu LG chair calls for vigilance, peaceful coexistence
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Karu LG chair calls for vigilance, peaceful coexistence

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...
Deji Appoints High Chief Gbenga Henry Adeyeye As The New Iralepo Of Isinkan
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Deji Appoints High Chief Gbenga Henry Adeyeye As The New Iralepo Of Isinkan

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. ...
Alleged Land Grabbing: Firm Slams N31bn Damages Suit against Akwa-Ibom State Government
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Alleged Land Grabbing: Firm Slams N31bn Damages Suit against Akwa-Ibom State Government

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 ...
Social Justice: ILO calls for inclusion of PWDs
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Social Justice: ILO calls for inclusion of PWDs

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 ...
Deji Of Akure Suspends Gbenga Ojo As Iralepo Of Isinkan Following Court’s Judgement
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Deji Of Akure Suspends Gbenga Ojo As Iralepo Of Isinkan Following Court’s Judgement

…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...
Food Security: FG pledges single-digit loans to farmers Loans
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Food Security: FG pledges single-digit loans to farmers Loans

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...
EFCC seeks repatriation of recovered crime proceeds  to Nigeria
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EFCC seeks repatriation of recovered crime proceeds  to Nigeria

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...
Clark was a true nationalist, says NDDC boss
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Clark was a true nationalist, says NDDC boss

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...
EFCC slams six count charges arraigns lawyer for alleged N1.3bn forex fraud in Uyo
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EFCC slams six count charges arraigns lawyer for alleged N1.3bn forex fraud in Uyo

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...
Court Fines Ex-Spanish Football Chief Rubiales $11,300 For Forced Kiss
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Court Fines Ex-Spanish Football Chief Rubiales $11,300 For Forced Kiss

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...
ECOWAS inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration across member states
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ECOWAS inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration across member states

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...
Uproar In Senate As Natasha Akpoti Protests Changing Of Her Seat
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Uproar In Senate As Natasha Akpoti Protests Changing Of Her Seat

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 Envoy Denies Alleged USAID’s Funding Of Boko Haram In Nigeria
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U.S Envoy Denies Alleged USAID’s Funding Of Boko Haram In Nigeria

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...
First Lady calls for improved gender equity in mining sector
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First Lady calls for improved gender equity in mining sector

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...