Friday, May 1

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Keyamo urges new CEOs to prioritise transparency, efficiency
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Keyamo urges new CEOs to prioritise transparency, efficiency

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Mr Festus Keyamo, on Thursday urged new Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the aviation agencies to prioritise transparency , efficiency and collaboration. Keyamo gave the advice in Abuja at the inauguration and induction for the newly appointed CEOs and Directors of the aviation agencies. According to the Minister , such prioritise transparency , efficiency and collaboration is necessary to ensure effective public service delivery. He said collective efforts would build a safe, secured and efficient aviation industry that would focuse on making Nigeria a hub that meets international standards. “The President Bola Tinubu administration plans to focus on optimizing and boosting revenue generation for Nigeria’s Aviation industr...
Supreme Court Dismisses APC’s Appeal Against Governor Eno
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Supreme Court Dismisses APC’s Appeal Against Governor Eno

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed three separate appeals brought before it by some governorship candidates seeking nullification of the election of Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno on account of alleged certificate forgery. The petitions of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressive Party (YPP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) were all dismissed by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji. The petitions by the APC and its governorship candidate, Akanimo Udofia, YPP and its gubernatorial candidate, Akpan Bassey as well as NNPP and its governorship candidate, John Udoedehe, were thrown out by Mr Abba-Aji upon their withdrawals. The lead counsel to the respective parties withdrew their separate appeals following hints from the court’s panel of justices that they had no merit. Counse...
Operator Seeks Help After Losing Five Children, Six Others In Boat Accident
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Operator Seeks Help After Losing Five Children, Six Others In Boat Accident

A resident of Ngo Town in Rivers State, Promise Festus, on Thursday appealed for assistance after he lost five of his children in Tuesday’s boat accident in the state. The commercial boat, which he drove, capsized in the Andoni-Bonny waterway, resulting in the drowning of at least 11 of its passengers. Mr Festus was returning his children to Ngo Town from his village after the Christmas and New Year celebrations when tragedy struck. We went to celebrate Christmas with my people, and on my way back with my family, I decided to carry people in my boat because they had no means of travelling. Unfortunately, the boat capsized and there was no rescue in sight. Eleven persons, including my sons and daughters, lost their lives in the process,’’ he said. A visibly-devastated, Mr Festus...
Tinubu Sacks Tunde Irukera, Ayoola Okoh
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Tinubu Sacks Tunde Irukera, Ayoola Okoh

In conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the federal government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy by key growth-enabling institutions, President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the following chief executive officers: (1) Mr. Babatunde Irukera — EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) (2) Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh — Director-General/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) The two dismissed chief executives are directed to hand over to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new chief executive officers. By this directive of the President, their removal from office takes immedia...
EFCC Detains Buhari’s Ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister Over N37.1 Billion Fraud
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EFCC Detains Buhari’s Ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister Over N37.1 Billion Fraud

After finally honouring the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has been detained for questioning over allegations of corruption in the handling of N37.1 billion social intervention funds during her tenure. Mrs Umar-Farouq who arrived at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja in honour of an earlier invitation over the pending case on Monday morning. She posted via her X handle at 10.17 a.m. on Monday that she had just arrived at the commission’s office. “I have, at my behest, arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour the invitation by the anti-graft agency to offer clarifications in respe...
BREAKING NEWS: Tinubu Suspends Betta Edu
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BREAKING NEWS: Tinubu Suspends Betta Edu

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect. This was contained in a press release by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity. "In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect." 'The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving t...
Kogi Has No Airport, Yet Tinubu’s Minister Betta Edu Approved Flight Fare For Herself And Staff
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Kogi Has No Airport, Yet Tinubu’s Minister Betta Edu Approved Flight Fare For Herself And Staff

Tinubu’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu approved funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for the ministry’s staff to Kogi even when the State has no airport. The approval is contained in a leaked internal memo dated November 6, 2023, and seen by our correspondent. The memo issued by the national programme manager, requesting the total sum of N72,374,500, was titled: ‘The Disbursement Under the 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups Programmes in Kogi State, 2023’, and was approved by the minister. In the memo, the sum is appropriated for the minister’s “advanced team” to travel by air for an “event” in Kogi. Each of the minister’s “advanced team” members, including aides, received the sum of N200,000 for flight tickets, N20,000 for airport taxi...
NDLEA: 252 Drug Suspects Arrested In Osun In 2023
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NDLEA: 252 Drug Suspects Arrested In Osun In 2023

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Osun State command, arrested 252 illicit drug suspects from January 2023 to December 2023. In a statement on Saturday in Osogbo, the NDLEA Commander in the state, Chidi Nnadi, said that the suspects comprised 214 males and 38 females. He said that the command secured the conviction of 57 suspects, whose sentencing ranged from three months imprisonment to five years imprisonment. According to the commander, 47 cases are pending in court. He said that the command seized illicit drugs weighing 1,909.69kg during the period. “Within the same period, the drug supply reduction efforts led to the discovery and destruction of 9.5 hectares of cannabis farms ( 23.759 tonnes of cannabis sativa) at Ifedayo and Oriade local government area...
Arewa Group Blasts Edu’s Critics Over N44.8bn NSIPA Fraud, Says Intention to Distract EFCC
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Arewa Group Blasts Edu’s Critics Over N44.8bn NSIPA Fraud, Says Intention to Distract EFCC

EFAs controversies rage on the scandal at the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, the Arewa Integrity Group has described as diversionary any attempt to rope the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu in the scandal. The group also argued that the motive behind the campaign of calumny against the Minister was meant to distract the investigation into the agency. The Convener of the group, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, at a press conference in Kano on Saturday lauded the minister for not compromising her integrity by refusing to aid the wrongful conduct in NSPIA. Sambo also hailed the removal of Ms Halima Shehu, the former National Coordinator of the agency over the diversion of N44.8 billion into private accounts, and insisted that it would n...
Akeredolu”s Body Arrives Nigeria From Germany
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Akeredolu”s Body Arrives Nigeria From Germany

The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has arrived in Nigeria from Germany. According to a post on the X handle of the late governor’s spokesperson, Richard Olatunde, the plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024. The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away. The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother. The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbi Talabi; and representative of Osun State Gov...
MAN; What Tinubu’s Government Must Do To Improve Economy
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MAN; What Tinubu’s Government Must Do To Improve Economy

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) reeled out recommendations to improve the real sector’s performance in 2024. MAN’s director-general, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, advised the federal government via a statement in Lagos. He urged the government to use savings from fuel subsidy removal to deploy a bouquet of production-focused policies backed with more structural measures to combat inflationary pressures from insecurity, energy and transport costs. Mr Ajayi-Kadir also called for overhauling the power sector and incentivising investment in renewables to boost electricity generation and promote energy-cost efficiency. He encouraged sub-national governments and private investors to leverage the opportunities provided by the Electricity Act 2023 to improve energy security in Nige...
OAUSTECH Congratulates Ayedatiwa On His Inauguration As Governor
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OAUSTECH Congratulates Ayedatiwa On His Inauguration As Governor

The governing council, management and staff of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) have congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedetiwa on his recent inauguration. Mr Aiyedatiwa was acting governor when then-Governor Rotimi Akeredolu proceeded on medical leave. Mr Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, leading to Mr Aiyedetiwa’s inauguration. In a statement issued by the university authorities on Friday, the vice chancellor of OAUSTECH, Temi Ologunorisa, also commiserated with Mr Aiyedatiwa over the death of the former governor. “It is with immense grief and a profound sense of loss (that) I express OAUSTECH’s heartfelt condolences to you at this critical time that history has thrust on you the leadership of our dear state. No doubt, this is a difficult time fo...
Community leader cries out over death threat on niece, family members
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Community leader cries out over death threat on niece, family members

Community leaders in Iboje District of Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, have expressed concern over the sudden disappearance of one of their members, Ms Iyabo Elizabeth Asemoloye, arising from death threats against her and members of her family. Leader of the household, Chief Gabriel Asemolye, lodged the complaint in an interview with our correspondent. He revealed that the crisis in Iboje started in 2015 following the death of the last Asemo of Iboje, a High Chief, leaving succession dispute to the coveted throne between Asemoloye and Akinbola ruing houses. "The problem started when the selection process for who will be the new Asemo began and got boiled up to the extent that thugs were recruited to keep escalating prospective opponents. "Normally, the position should rotate between As...
BREAKING NEWS: Alayede Of Ayede Ogbese, Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede Is Dead
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BREAKING NEWS: Alayede Of Ayede Ogbese, Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede Is Dead

The Alayede of Ayede Ogbese in Akure North local government area of Ondo State, Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede Ise-Oluwa II, is dead. He died at the age of 65. The monarch according to palace sources died in United States of America, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. According to palace sources, Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede Ise-Oluwa II, joined his ancestors last Friday and the news of his death would be announced traditionally by 9:am today in Ayede Ogbese, Akure North Local Government area of Ondo State. The late Monarch, Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede Ise-Oluwa II, was born in 1958. He ascended the throne of his forefathers on December 18, 2021. The staff of office and instrument of appointment were handed over to him by the late Governor of Ondo St...
Rada Promises To Deal With Bandits, Other Criminals Terrorising Katsina
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Rada Promises To Deal With Bandits, Other Criminals Terrorising Katsina

Governor Dikko Radda has called for more support from residents to deliver a “resounding blow” to bandits and other criminals in Katsina. In his New Year message on Monday, the governor said the government was committed to overcoming the security and other challenges bedevilling Katsina. In a statement by his chief press secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, Radda urged residents of the state to unite and forge a stronger bond with a will to confront the challenges of the state headlong. Mr Radda thanked the people for the cooperation and support he received for establishing the Katsina Community Watch Corps, set up to tackle insecurity. Mr Radda assured that “the government, together with the people, will deal a resounding blow to the menace of insecurity.” He also outlined hi...
Edu: Tinubu Needs 42 Months To Pull 50 Million Nigerians Out Of Poverty
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Edu: Tinubu Needs 42 Months To Pull 50 Million Nigerians Out Of Poverty

Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has assured Nigerians that 2024 would witness a renewed vigour in tackling poverty and humanitarian crises among the poor and vulnerable. Ms Edu, in a New Year message, urged the citizens not to despair because all vulnerable people would experience renewed hope in 2024. She also promised to commit all resources towards pulling the poor Nigerians from poverty in 2024 in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda. This new year 2024 holds great promise for Nigeria’s economy under the great leadership of our President Bola Tinubu, who is committed to rejuvenation of the economy. “I do solemnly assure you that the economic rejuvenation of our country will positively rub off on the poor and vulnerable ...
Bago: Massacres In Plateau, Other North-Central States ‘Just Egocentric’
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Bago: Massacres In Plateau, Other North-Central States ‘Just Egocentric’

Governor Umar Bago says several issues resulting in violent massacres of people in the North-Central “are just egocentric.” The Niger governor described the latest killings in Plateau as “a very unfortunate situation.” Mr Bago said, “It’s quite unfortunate, you know, Niger state and other states in North-Central have also been victims of this kind of carnage. But that of Plateau is very unfortunate. And we are hoping that it does not repeat itself. We’ll go and pay a condolence visit to commiserate with the people affected by this issue. Other issues are not issues for the camera. They are strategic issues that we must discuss. “But the most important is that we need to start discussion. When we start talking to each other as a people, we need to bring out people’s voices to be...
Food supply, security our main focus in 2024 – Tinubu
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Food supply, security our main focus in 2024 – Tinubu

TThe Federal Government says it will expand efforts to ensure massive food supply to feed the nation in 2024. President Bola Tinubu said this in a nationwide New Year broadcast on Monday in Lagos. He said provision of land for the production of staple crops across the country would receive a boost in the year. According to him, this is part of the efforts by his administration to ensure that all citizens feel the direct impact of the government on their lives. "To ensure constant food supply, security and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops. "We launched the dry season farming with 120,000 hectares of land in Jigawa State last November under our Nationa...
Read Tinubu’s New Year message To Nigerians
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Read Tinubu’s New Year message To Nigerians

Dear Compatriots, It gives me immense joy to welcome each and everyone of you – young and old- to this brand new year 2024. We must lift up our hands to Almighty God, in gratitude, for his grace and benevolence to our country and our lives in the year 2023 that has just gone by. Though the past year was a very challenging one, it was eventful in so many ways. For our country, it was a transition year that saw a peaceful, orderly and successful transfer of power from one administration to another, marking yet another remarkable step in our 24 years of unbroken democracy. It was a year, you the gracious people of this blessed nation, entrusted your faith in me with a clear mandate to make our country better, to revamp our economy, restore security within our borders, revitalise our ...
Lawmaker Condemns Plateau Attacks, Seeks Timely Arrest Of Perpetrators
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Lawmaker Condemns Plateau Attacks, Seeks Timely Arrest Of Perpetrators

A lawmaker, Fom Dalyop (LP-Barkin Ladi/Riyom), has called for a full-scale investigation into the recent attacks in Plateau communities. Recall that about 200 people were killed, many wounded and property destroyed on Christmas Eve when bandits invaded the communities. Mr Dalyop, who made the call in a statement on Saturday in Jos, said that full-scale investigation of the attacks in Plateau and other states would curtail further attacks on law-abiding Nigerians. He said the attacks attracted national and global condemnation from all well-meaning and peace-loving Nigerians. The lawmaker expressed sadness that the attacks came when the innocent victims were celebrating joy, peace, and love associated with Christmas. This, he said, further confirmed the wickedness in the heart...