Friday, May 9

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Alao: Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy Will Boost SMEs, Create Jobs, and Stimulate Economic Growth
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Alao: Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy Will Boost SMEs, Create Jobs, and Stimulate Economic Growth

Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo state and former governorship aspirant of the Party, has commended President Bola Tinubu for launching the “Nigeria First” policy, which prioritizes the use of locally made goods and services in all government procurement. Alao in a press release from his media office described the move as long overdue, noting that previous administrations failed to implement similar measures despite calls from stakeholders following the 2016 oil price crash. Alao stated that under this new policy, federal ministries, departments, and agencies are required to give preference to Nigerian products and expertise when spending public funds. "The policy bans the procurement of foreign goods or services already avail...
King Sunny Ade Speaks Exclusively To Sharpedgenews.com, Debunks Kidnap Rumors: “I Am Safe, Grateful For Nigerians’ Concern”
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King Sunny Ade Speaks Exclusively To Sharpedgenews.com, Debunks Kidnap Rumors: “I Am Safe, Grateful For Nigerians’ Concern”

Legendary Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, has categorically denied rumors of his alleged kidnapping, assuring Nigerians and fans worldwide that he is safe, healthy, and still pursuing his music career. Speaking exclusively to Sharpedgenews.com via a phone call facilitated by his wife, Mrs. Bose Olubo Adegeye, King Sunny Ade (real name Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye) dismissed the widespread speculation about his safety. The rumors, which gained traction after social media posts by one of his daughters, had sparked anxiety among fans and the public. “Nobody kidnapped me. I pray, as I don’t want anybody to kidnap me. I believe the whole world is in love with me. This is me, King Sunny Ade,” the 78-year-old music icon stated. He further expressed gratitude for the outpouring of concern, s...
Adewoyin Assumes IPMAN Presidency, Calls For Healing And Collaboration Among Petroleum Marketers
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Adewoyin Assumes IPMAN Presidency, Calls For Healing And Collaboration Among Petroleum Marketers

Chief Kolawole Adewoyin, the newly affirmed National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), on Wednesday pledged sweeping reforms and renewed unity within the organization. Adewoyin who addressed members during a press conference at the hall of University of Ibadan Hotel, assured them that his administration would reposition IPMAN for improved performance and address longstanding challenges. “Today, I stand before you not only as the newly affirmed President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, but also as a firm believer in the rule of law, due process and the strength of our democratic institutions.” “The Supreme Court of our great nation has spoken and, with that, justice has been served. I am humbled by this ...
Pensioners Condemn PTAD Over Unilateral Check-Off Dues Remittance Policy
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Pensioners Condemn PTAD Over Unilateral Check-Off Dues Remittance Policy

Aggrieved pensioners have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) following its recent directive to streamline the payment and remittance of Check-Off Dues (COD) exclusively through the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN). This decision, announced during a Stakeholders' Engagement meeting held on August 29, 2024, has raised concerns regarding transparency and inclusivity. The controversy stems from a letter issued by the Registrar of Trade Unions under the Federal Ministry of Labor and Productivity, dated July 17, 2024. The letter recognized only two pensioner unions—the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and FEPPPAN—as eligible recipients of COD. PTAD informed stakeholders that...
Breaking News: Supreme Court Upholds Adewoyin As IPMAN Authentic National President
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Breaking News: Supreme Court Upholds Adewoyin As IPMAN Authentic National President

The Supreme Court has upheld Chief (Dr), Kolawole Adewoyin as the authentic National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). The apex court, we gathered dismissed the appeal brought by Alhaji Engineer Sanusi Abdul-Fari, Alhaji Debo Ahmed and the Registered Trustees of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). It would be recalled that Adewoyin in 2023, filed a counter-affidavit in Appeal No. SC/CV/234/2023, in which he urged the court to dismiss the application filed by the appellants, on the ground that it is another attempt by the appellants to continue to elongate their tenure in office and seeking judicial backing to their act of illegality. He added that a copy of a Motion on Notice filed by the Appellants/Applic...
Deadly New Year Incident: Truck Slams Into Crowd In New Orleans, Killing At Least 10 In Apparent Attack
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Deadly New Year Incident: Truck Slams Into Crowd In New Orleans, Killing At Least 10 In Apparent Attack

Ten people were killed and dozens injured early Wednesday when a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter, officials said. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the man drove through barricades and hurtled down Bourbon Street in "very intentional behavior" before emerging to fire a gun at officers. "This man was trying to run over as many people as he could," said Kirkpatrick, adding that two police officers were hit by gunfire but were in a stable condition. Mayor LaToya Cantrell called a "terrorist attack," but an FBI official who spoke along with the officials Wednesday morning did not characterize it that way. The popular tourist district was full of New Year's Day revelers at the time. ...
INEC Declares APC’s Aiyedatiwa Winner Of Ondo Governorship Election
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INEC Declares APC’s Aiyedatiwa Winner Of Ondo Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the 2024 Ondo State governorship election. The State Returning Officer, Professor Olayemi Durotimi Akinwunmi of the Federal University Lokoja, announced Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the election at about 2:30 pm on Sunday. Incumbent governor Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ajayi polled 117,845 votes to come second. The APC made a clean sweep in the election, winning all 18 local government areas. The 18 LGAs are Ifedore, Ondo East, Ileoluji Oke-Igbo, Idanre, Irele, Akoko South West, Owo, Ondo West, Akoko South East, Akoko North West, Ose, Akoko North East, ...
Ondo Governorship Poll: APC Is Leading In 13 LGAs Out Of 18
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Ondo Governorship Poll: APC Is Leading In 13 LGAs Out Of 18

After the collation of results from 13 LGAs, All Progressives Congress, APC, is leading comfortably in 13 Local Government Areas of Ondo State. The party, whose candidate is Lucky Aiyedatiwa has 226,882, while Labour Party, LP has 404. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on the other hand has 63,105, while Zenith Labour Party has 2312. Results are still being compiled from five more Local Government Areas of the State.
President Tinubu Goes On Annual Leave
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President Tinubu Goes On Annual Leave

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation, part of his yearly leave. He will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration's economic reforms. He will return to the country after the leave expires.
Police Fire Teargas At Protesters In Abuja
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Police Fire Teargas At Protesters In Abuja

Police officers used teargas on a group of protesters in the Utako market area of Abuja — Nigeria’s capital city. The protesters had gathered at the busy market on Tuesday morning, to deliberate on the day’s proceedings, when they were met with teargas fumes from the police. Damilare Adenola, director of mobilisation of Take It Back Movement, told journalists that the protesters will regroup and continue the demonstration. The protest is organised by some civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the #EndBadGovernance movement. The marches kicked off in Lagos and Abuja on October 1. The organisers said the protest aims to address grievances arising from the hike in fuel price, rising food costs, and the impact of inflation on the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerian...
Bobrisky: NCoS, EFCC Deny Any Wrong Doing
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Bobrisky: NCoS, EFCC Deny Any Wrong Doing

The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Haliru Nabana has said that Mr Idris Okuneye, a cross-dresser popularly known as Bobrisky, served his jail term in a correctional facility in Lagos state. Nababa stated this while addressing the House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged bribery and misconduct against the NCS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja on Monday. Recall that Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira and was sentenced to six months in jail. NAN reports that Mr Vincent Otse, social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man, VDM, published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment. The audio also c...
Nigeria @ 64: A Nation Grappling With Unfulfilled Potential By Alaba Abdulrazak
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Nigeria @ 64: A Nation Grappling With Unfulfilled Potential By Alaba Abdulrazak

In 1960, when Nigeria became independent, the world community clearly stated that four nations would emerge to join the ranks of developed countries like USA and Japan. Those countries mentioned were China, Brazil, India, and Nigeria. Unfortunately, of these countries, only Nigeria has not emerged! The reason is simple—human resources! India, Brazil, and China have all made significant progress, but Nigeria till today is still grappling with unfulfilled potential. Despite being among the richest countries in the world in terms of human and material resources, Nigeria's potential remains unfulfilled. It is understandable that the crucial factor for a nation's greatness is its human element. Unfortunately in Nigeria, human element only comprises of 4% compared to 96% material resource...
Court Grants Whistleblower PIDOM N5 Million Bail
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Court Grants Whistleblower PIDOM N5 Million Bail

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Friday admitted Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, popularly known on his X handle as “PIDOM Nigeria,” to a N5 million bail with one surety in the like sum. Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on his bail application moved by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, held that bail is a constitutional right. Mr Nwite said he was inclined to grant Mr Tamunobifiri bail except where there was reasonable ground to believe that the defendant might evade trial or attempt to destroy evidence. He said all factors must be considered in granting bail, especially since criminal justice provides safeguards for both prosecution and defence. The judge held that based on the submissions of counsel, he would grant the defendant bail in the interest of justice. He subseq...
Olugbesan Family Land: Documents Regarding How I Paid Into Your Personal Account Are Already In Public Domain-Let’s Meet In Court, Adeyemi Replies Gbolarunmi
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Olugbesan Family Land: Documents Regarding How I Paid Into Your Personal Account Are Already In Public Domain-Let’s Meet In Court, Adeyemi Replies Gbolarunmi

The Chief Executive Officer of Mich Royal Company Nigeria Limited, Prince Gbolagade Adeyemi, has described as untrue and baseless the allegation made by Mr. Hazeem Gbolarunmi that he failed to remit money through him to the Olugbesan family. In response to a recent media report, Prince Adeyemi stated he felt compelled to clarify the situation, saying that all documents on how he paid money into Gbolarumi’s account are already in public domain. "I ordinarily would not have reacted to Mr. Gbolarunmi's cheap blackmail again, but I must defend my name and that of my company," He emphasized that documents related to the sales of the Olugbesan family land are publicly available. 'Anyone who has access to the Internet can now download documents and all payments made into Gbolarumi’s ...
Over 400 Lawmakers From 28 Countries Demand Gaza Ceasefire
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Over 400 Lawmakers From 28 Countries Demand Gaza Ceasefire

No fewer than 400 members of parliament from 28 countries have launched an appeal for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war. The group includes U.S. Democrat Ilhan Omar and former British Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn. In Germany, former Die Linke (The Left) politician Sevim Dağdelen is part of the group. She joined the newly formed party — Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which centres around a former Die Linke leader of the same name. Other parliamentarians from the United States, mainly EU nations, and other countries from Canada to Ghana and Chile to Turkey joined the appeal. Germany’s Dağdelen said, “We are lawmakers from around the world calling for an immediate, multilateral ceasefire in the Gaza war. We also call for the release of all the remaining Israeli and inter...
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...
Vigilantes Rescue 134 Victims Kidnapped From FCT Councils
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Vigilantes Rescue 134 Victims Kidnapped From FCT Councils

Vigilantes in Kogi State have rescued 134 victims who were abducted from various parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The victims were rescued during the recent operations of the Kogi vigilantes in forests located in the state and some parts of Nasarawa State, a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kogi State, Onogwu Muhammed, said on Monday. The vigilantes were said to have stormed the hideouts of kidnappers in the Odullo forest of Kogi and Sardauna in Nasarawa State, rescuing victims who were abducted from Abaji, Kuje, and Kwali in FCT, as well as Toto council area of Nasarawa. Chairman of the Kogi/Koton Karfe Local Government Area, Dauda Aliyu, who received the rescued victims, commended the vigilantes for their bravery. He also acknowle...
Workers’ Day: We Paid N13b from Global Deductions to Workforce -Abiodun
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Workers’ Day: We Paid N13b from Global Deductions to Workforce -Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has disclosed that his administration paid N13b out of the N19b global deductions owed to the public servants in the state. The governor, who equally disclosed that his administration had paid N88.92b as pension for the state and local government retirees till date, assured that the outstanding of N6bn global deductions would be paid in the coming months The governor gave this disclosure while addressing workers and members of trade unions at the celebration of the 2023 Workers' Day held at the M.K. O Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta. Emphasising on the theme of the event "Workers' Rights and Social Economic Rights", Abiodun noted that his administration understood workers' plight and was working towards addressing them. He said that his gover...
New Naira Notes: Group Flays FG’s Disobedience to Supreme Court Order
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New Naira Notes: Group Flays FG’s Disobedience to Supreme Court Order

A socio-political organisation, Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG), has frowned on what it describes as the reluctance of the federal government to obey the order of the Supreme Court, declaring old Naira notes of N200, N500 and N1000 as legal tenders. A seven-member panel of the apex court led by Hon. Justice John Okoro, unanimously directed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must continue to receive the old notes from Nigerians. The court also held that the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari for the redesign of the new notes and withdrawal of the old notes without due consultation is invalid. Reacting however, the SRG, in a statement by its Convener/ National Coordinator, Dr. Marindoti Oludare, said it marvelled to find that 48 hours after the Supreme Court's judgement...
PRESS RELEASE: Obasanjo Planning Another Annulment Saga, Group Alerts
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PRESS RELEASE: Obasanjo Planning Another Annulment Saga, Group Alerts

A socio-political organisation, Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG) has expressed concern that former President Olusegun Obasanjo's Monday call for the cancellation of this year's presidential election is another plot to re-enact the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The group, in a statement by its Convener/National Coordinator, Dr. Marindoti Oludare, described Obasanjo’s description of ongoing electoral process as fraudulent, saying it was as a figment of his imagination and a clear coup against democracy. In the statement titled, "Annulment guru? From June 12 1993 to February 25, 2023", Oludare stated that Obasanjo's "supplications should be derided, his advice unheeded, as his name recedes into the abyss of history along with the other villains of Nigeria’s de...