News

16Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

NAN’s Okoye crowned champion of 2024 FCT SWAN Week Table-tennis tournament

By Victor Okoye Victor Okoye, an Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was on Friday crowned champion of the 2024 FCT SWAN Week Table-tennis tournament in Abuja. This was after he had dismissed giant-killer Godstime Egelege-Idama of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) 11 - 6 in the final to lift the prestigious trophy. NAN reports that Okoye had also thrashed Fashemi Emmanuel of Kapital FM 11-4 in the semi-finals before putting an end to Egelege-Idama's fairytale run in the tournament. Egelege-Idama, on his part, had pulled off an upset in a game that was full of intensity, pressure, and sheer unpredictability. This was after he completed a comeback victory in a thrilling semi-final match against Odion Abdulrazak of Liberty TV to send the match to a five-poi...

Read More

15Dec By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

News

Alao To Olubadan, Others: Call Makinde To Order, Arresting Protesters Against Land Grabbing Violates Democratic Principles

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former gubernatorial aspirant, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has described the arrest and prosecution of twelve residents who accused Governor Seyi Makinde of illegally acquiring their land as undemocratic. In a press release from his media office, Alao condemned the Governor's actions, stating that they amount to dictatorial behavior. "It is very unfortunate that twelve residents, including a 71-year-old man, are currently being remanded in Agodi prison over a protest where they accused the Governor of illegally acquiring their land. These residents have been charged with 'treasonable felony,' despite the fact that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows for peaceful protest." Ala...

Read More

15Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

ASUU Urges National Assembly To Defend TETFund From Tax Bill

By Gami Tadanyigbe The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the national assembly, particularly the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to take immediate steps to protect Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) from the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024. ASUU, in a press statement, signed by its national president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke on Friday, raised a strong objection to the Bill, warning that if passed in its current form, the bill could undermine vital educational support. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has observed with keen interest the ongoing debate on the review of the tax system in the country under a proposed bill tagged, Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, which is currently before the National Assembly. Arising fr...

Read More

14Dec By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

News

I’ve Nothing In Common With The North; ‘I’m Yoruba’, Says Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, says she identifies more with the Yoruba ethnic group than the Nigerian entity. Badenoch spoke in an interview with the Spectator published on Thursday. The politician’s remarks come amid a simmering identity row, following her previous criticisms of Nigeria’s governance terrain and society, which sparked backlash and reignited debates over her ties to the country. Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, Badenoch’s last name changed after she married a Scottish banker. She returned to Nigeria, where she grew up, and finally departed for the UK when she turned 16. Infamous for her straight-talking style, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.V...

Read More

14Dec By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

News

Terrorism Allegation: Finnish Authorities Freeze Simon Ekpa’s Assets

Finnish authorities have frozen assets belonging to Simon Ekpa, controversial pro-Biafra agitator, over alleged terrorism. On November 21, Ekpa was arrested by law enforcement in Finland. Four other men were also arrested for suspected terrorism. The secessionist was subsequently sent to prison by the district court of Päijät-Häme for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media”. Ekpa was said to have committed the crime in 2021 in Lahti municipality. He is accused of instigating violence and inciting terror in the south-east of Nigeria through his social media pages. Nigeria’s federal government has been demanding the extradition of Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, for prosecution.

Read More

12Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

NALDA, refugee commission sign MoU to provide lifeline for IDPs, migrantsProject

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to engage refugees, migrants and displaced persons on agricultural production. NALDA Executive Secretary, Mr Cornelius Adebayo, said at the event in Abuja on Wednesday, that the MoU was under the Renewed Hope Restoration Project. Adebayo explained that the project was designed to enhance agricultural value chain among refugees, migrants and IDPs for sustainable means of income and food security in the country. According to him, the project will empower refugees, migrants and IDPs to actively engage in agricultural production and contribute to economic developme...

Read More

12Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

NOA sensitises Abuja residents on need end of GBV

By  Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Natiional Orientation Agency (NOA) has sensitised  Abuja residents on the need of end Gender Based Viiolence in the country. News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Walk to end GBV took participants from the NOA Headquarters to the Old Paraded Ground in Abuja. Partners that participated in the 'Walk' that was organised by NOA include, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Heir Women Hub and some students of high institutions of learning Mrs Esther Akor, a Deputy Director in the department of Public Enlightment and Mass Mobilisation of the Agency, said the walk is a round off activity for the Agency's 16 days activities which started on Nov.25 "The 16 days of activitism usually starts from Nov. 25 to Dec.10 every year. We have ou...

Read More

12Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

Food Security: Refugees’ commission, NALDA partner to impact IDPs

By Jacinta Nwachukwu National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in collaboration with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve IDPs’ livelihood. Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed said the meeting marked a new beginning in the quest to providing sustainable solutions to IDPs in Nigeria. Ahmed noted that the initiative was in tune with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. “This partnership is a major catalyst and a pivot around which so many displaced Nigerian’s will regain their livelihood in dignity. It will reshape our existence and drive meaningful achievements for the beneficiaries. “This wi...

Read More

11Dec By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

News

US Revises Immigrant Visa Processing Requirements For Nigerians

The United States has revised its immigrant visa processing requirements for Nigerians. Starting January 1, 2025, all visa applicants will visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice as part of the application process. This policy applies to individuals with interviews scheduled on or after this date. The directive was announced on the embassy’s X handle on Tuesday. The US embassy said the new process was designed to help applicants prepare for their visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing their immigrant visas. “Your first visit to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos is for an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member to ensure you are prepared for your visa interview,” the embassy explained on its website. “This mandatory review will give you...

Read More

11Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

Golf: Nigeria wins bid to host 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy

(L-R) LGAN President, Evelyn Oyome, Pearl Omaruaye and Nnenna Ahube; Team Nigeria representatives at the just concluded 2024 All Africa Challenge Trophy in Morocco. By Victor Okoye Nigeria has won the bid to host the next edition of the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in 2026. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AACT is a biennial continental ladies golf championship in Africa that had its inaugural edition in May 1992 in Zimbabwe. Nigeria hosted the AACT in 1996 at the Ikoyi Club 1938, while in 2010, the AACT was played at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. This would be the third time Nigeria will be hosting the championship. Interestingly, the West and Central Africa Challenge Trophy (a regional version of the championshi...

Read More

11Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

Centre seeks govt. support in combating GBV

By Jacinta Nwachukwu The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has urged governments at all levels to support civil society organisations in the campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through cultural reorientation. Ms. Munachi Okoro, Head of Communication and Knowledge Management at PPDC, made the call during a debate competition organised by the centre for secondary school students in Abuja on Tuesday. The debate topic was “Culture: An Enabler of Gender-Based Violence.” Okoro emphasised the need for a holistic approach to end gender-based violence, citing culture as a significant contributor to its propagation, particularly in rural areas. She advocated for the removal of harmful cultural practices that affected women and girls, ensuring they live freely with...

Read More

9Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

Migration actors seek protection of migrants’ rights

By Jacinta Nwachukwu Actors in the migration sector have called for the protection of migrants’ rights and legacies, considering their significant contributions to national development. This concern was expressed at the 2024 National Migration Dialogue, organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and partners in Abuja on Monday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue focused on the theme “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting their Rights.” The actors emphasised the significance of migration in the development of civilisations, highlighting the exchange of ideas, culture, and innovation across borders. Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner ...

Read More

9Dec By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

News

Healthcare Insurance For Only 10,000 Out Of Over Half A Million Primary School Pupils In Oyo State Is Uncharitable, Alao Tells Makinde

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former gubernatorial aspirant, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has described the recent decision of Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to provide healthcare insurance to 10,000 primary school pupils out of over half a million pupils in public primary schools in the state as uncharitable. The politician, in a press release from his media office, wondered why the government would decide to provide healthcare insurance to 10,000 primary school pupils while the state has more than half a million pupils in public primary schools. "Information at our disposal indicates that the number of students in public primary schools in Oyo State, as of 2020, was 490,410, with 14,060 classrooms at the time. The study further pr...

Read More

9Dec By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

News

Federal High Court Ekiti Grants Dele Farotimi N50million Bail

…Adjourns Cybercrime Trial To January 29 The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday granted N50million bail to human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, after the police filed charges against him over allegations of cybercrime. Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, presiding over the court on Monday, December 9, 2024, ruled that Farotimi be released on bail with conditions that included a N50million surety and a guarantor possessing a landed property of equivalent value. The case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging cybercrime activities linked to Farotimi. However, Justice Kuewumi adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.

Read More

9Dec By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

News

Tinubu Congratulates Ghana’s President-Elect John Mahama

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President-elect John Mahama on his victory in the Saturday general election in Ghana, following his opponent’s concession speech. In a telephone call to Mr Mahama, Mr Tinubu hoped that his ascension to power for the second time would further bring stability to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Mr Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their unwavering commitment to democracy. He said this was demonstrated through the peaceful and successful conduct of both the presidential and parliamentary elections, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu’s spokesman, said in a statement. Mr Tinubu applauded Ghanaians for demonstrating again to the world that democracy was the preferred path to achieving political stability, economic developmen...

Read More

8Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

Interior Minister pledges compliance to Employees Compensation Scheme

By Joan Nwagwu The Minster of the Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has assured the compliance of all the Ministry’s agencies to the Employees Compensation Scheme(ECS), of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund(NSITF). Tunji-Ojo said this during an advocacy visit by Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, Managing Director of the NSITF in Abuja over the weekend. This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Nwachukwu Godson, General Manager, Corporate Affairs. NSIT The minister urged the Fund to work towards a fair and equitable work environment beneficial to both the strong and weak in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. According to him, the Employees’ Compensation Act is a law that must be obeyed to guarantee social safety net to workers in the formal and informal ...

Read More

8Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

Onaiyekan inaugurates medical centre at Veritas University, seeks more support

The commissioning of Dr Nkata Nwani Chuku medical centre at Veritas University Abuja by His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja By Jacinta Nwachukwu The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, on Saturday, inaugurated a medical centre built by Dr Nkata Chuku at Veritas University, Abuja, to enhance training and health care of the community. Speaking at the inauguration at Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Onaiyekan called for more support for the development of the university. While underscoring the importance of education and seeking truth in a religious context, he encouraged wealthy individuals to use their resources for the greater good of humanity. This, he said, would impact their reputations and re...

Read More

8Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

Information Minister Charges New NIPR Inductees on ethical communication

 By Collins Yakubu-Hammer  The Minister of Information and National Orientation,  Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has charged the newly inducted members of members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to uphold the highest standards of ethical communication and contribute positively to the nation's development. Idris gave the charge during the induction ceremony of new members of the institute in Abuja.  The Minister emphasised the crucial role of public relations in fostering transparency, accountability, and trust between the government and the people.  He urged the inductees to utilise their skills and knowledge to counter misinformation, promote unity, and project Nigeria positively on the global stage. Idris described the induction as a celeb...

Read More

8Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

Yakub emerges winner of TYB Golf club maiden induction kitty

…with no fewer than 88 members inducted into the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club Golf By Victor OkoyeAdam Yakub on Saturday emerged as winner of the maiden Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBIGRCC), Abuja induction kitty. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yakub played off handicap 20, with a net score of 86 and 66 gross to emerge winner of the tournament. Y.J. Sado, playing off handicap 28, with 95 net and 67 gross finished as runner-up net, while Kunle Badejo, playing off handicap 28, with 98 net and 67 gross, settled for first runner-up prize. In the ladies' best net category, Patience Abochi emerged winner after playing off handicap 17, with a net score of 84 and 67 gross. While Staff Sergeant Maureen Apute, t...

Read More

8Dec By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

News

GBV: APC Women sensitises over 500 students of JSS Durumi 1, Abuja

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer  Abuja, Dec. 6, 2024 (NAN) The National APC Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG) has sensitised and built the capacity of no fewer than 500 students of Junior Secondary School, Durumi 1, on checkmating and addressing Gender Based Violence  (GBV). The  Chairperson of NAWA-ORG,  Dr Amina Kundiri in her remarks on Friday in Abuja said the capacity-building is part of the organisation's programme to mark the World 16 Days Activism on GBV. The programme with the theme "Voice It Out" was put together by NAWA-ORG.  Kundiri explained that both male and female students were sensitised and lectured  on the issues around GBV. "Gender Based Violence has been a generational issue. Male children also suffers GBV. We are doing this progr...

Read More