Author: Khadijah Olowode

Today, I join in celebrating World Teachers’ Day 2024, with the theme “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education”. As a teacher myself and lover of the profession, the contributions of teachers are unquantifiable. The teachers’ insights are critical for influencing the development of curricula that enhance the quality of education and make reforms more successful. Teachers are the shapers and moulders of lives. To the child’s first teachers, the parents, grandparents, guardians and all school teachers, I salute you. Guy Kawasaki, the Japanese-American Author, “If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They…

First Lady Pays Condolence Visit To Akwa Ibom Gov Over Wife’s Death, Says She’s Honoured To Have Met The Deceased First Lady of Nigeria , Senator Oluremi Tinubu has described the late Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Patience Umo Eno as a peaceful and God-fearing woman who truly loved her people. She was speaking at the Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital where she condoled with the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on the passing of his wife. In an emotional reflection on her relationship with the deceased, the First Lady said she was honored to have…

The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, says it is remodeling its Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship scheme to incorporate a tracking system to monitor the progress of its scholars after graduation, Addressing more than 200 scholars of the Commission, studying in various universities in the United Kingdom at Coventry University, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the tracking system will make the scholarship scheme, already the best in Nigeria, to be a cutting-edge innovation in skills and knowledge development in the Niger Delta region. He said that, with the tracking system, the Commission will build a database of the…

Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank, has reassured its customers of improved services following recent infrastructure upgrades. In a message posted on Thursday, 3 October, 2024, the bank apologised for the service disruptions experienced across its e-channels during the upgrade period. The bank clarified that the glitches were a result of routine information and technology maintenance, which is essential for optimizing service delivery. Zenith Bank emphasized its commitment to ensuring 100% uptime, stating that it takes this responsibility “very personally” and continuously allocates resources to maintain uninterrupted service availability. In the statement, the bank expressed its sincere apologies for any…

Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has restored improved services across its electronic transaction channels, ensuring customers have seamless access to banking services. In a statement released on Thursday via its X handle, the bank confirmed that customers can now conveniently conduct transactions across various platforms following a recent upgrade. These enhancements follow temporary glitches caused by routine IT maintenance aimed at optimizing service delivery. Zenith Bank reiterated its commitment to providing improved services and highlighted the various channels available for customer transactions, including: – Zenith Bank Debit, Credit, and Prepaid Cards – Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) -…

The Police Service Commission has approved the postings of four Commissioners of Police to head State Commands in the Country. The Commission also confirmed the transfer of Tunji Disu from Rivers State Police Command to head the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Police Command. Furthermore, Abaniwonda Olufemi recently moved to Rivers State Command has been returned as Commissioner of Police Delta State Command while Peter Ukachi Opara has finally been deployed to Cross Rivers State Command. He was earlier appointed the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Command, moved to Delta State but has now been posted to head…

The Federal Government has continued disinfection and chlorination of Maiduguri to prevent the outbreak of epidemic in the town following the massive flood that submerged over half of the ancient town. The Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment also promised to continue to conduct thorough assessments of affected areas through preliminary visits across to mitigate the aftermath of the flood. Director II, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, who also doubles as Team Lead for the Ministry on the disinfection and chlorination exercise held Maiduguri aimed at preventing water-borne diseases in the state, Mrs. Adeola Omotunde said during the exercise…

The Botswana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miss Philda Nani Kereng has sought improved bilateral relations with Nigeria, stating that her country is ready to learn from Nigeria. Kereng who spoke on Monday night in Abuja on the occasion of her country’s 58 Independence anniversary, said she would be working towards ensuring active projects between both countries. The envoy said her people want to learn the entrepreneurial and resilience spirit that makes Nigerians excel wherever they find themselves. She said:”Nigeria for us is a very, very critical partner. We have had relationship with Nigeria for a long time, but this time…

As political, economic, and social crises continue to ravage Africa, the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) is set to host its 2024 Africa Conference from 3rd to 4th October, 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, with the aim to rethink governance and leadership in Africa. The conference, which is expected to bring together value-orientated politicians, policymakers, and civil society leaders from across the continent, will also see participants connect, share insights, and develop actionable solutions to the governance challenges facing Africa today. Former Minister of Education and founder of SPPG, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, while giving views…

By Mohammed Idris On this day 64 years ago, a new independent nation crystallized from the dreams and ambitions of a group of men and women driven by the vision of self-rule for the largest black country in the world. They wrote, campaigned, negotiated and agitated, until that vision became reality. And thus, on October 1, 1960, the colonial flag was lowered for the last time, and in its place the triumphant green-white-green emerged, a powerful symbol of black and African pride and energy. Today, we celebrate that moment in our history. Interestingly, we are celebrating it with the same…

By Temitope Ajayi In his independence anniversary broadcast on October 1st, President Bola Tinubu enumerated his administration’s efforts to drive foreign direct investments into the country. He noted that within the first 16 months of his administration, the government had attracted over $30 billion in FDI. A section of the social media and television punditry that delights in criticising any announcement from the government has gone into overdrive since the broadcast. Led by a desire to put a dagger at any positive news, they have been trying to outdo themselves, all to prove that the President made false claims. Fact-checkers…

There is palpable excitement as the 2024 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, begins today, Wednesday, October 2, in Lokoja. Hosted by the Kogi State Government with a plethora of partners and sponsors identifying with the Guild, the two-day conference provides a veritable platform for dissecting critical issues of security, power and economy in the country. The confab will explore the theme: “Nigeria: Tackling insecurity, power deficit, and transitioning to digital economy.” Former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, will give the keynote address.The two-day event will also feature GOCOP members’ exclusive business and…

All is now set for the kickoff of the 2024 edition of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference of the Guild of Corporate Publishers (GOCOP) in Lokoja, capital of Kogi State, the Confluence State of Nigeria. The two-day event tagged Lokoja’24, is to be chaired by Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Spain, Alhaji Yusuf Yaro Mamman, according to the 2024 Conference Planning Committee chairman, Danlami Nmodu, mni, as announced by the Publicity Secretary of GOCOP, Sir Remmy Nweke. The AGM is holding at Reverton Hotel, 1/5 Kunama Crescent, GRA Lokoja, Kogi State, starting 9am today, Wednesday, October 2, 2024, while…

Concerned by the Kogi State former Governor, Yahaya Bello’s, disregard for the court orders and security personnel alleged role in aiding his evasion, a civil society organisation, the Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER) has gave the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, 14 ultimatum to arrest and either handover Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or present him before court as expected. They said that if the police boss fails to arrest and hand the former governor, who was accused of diverting public funds into personal use, legal action will be instituted against the…

In commemoration of the World Tourism Day, MTN Nigeria has launched the ‘See Naija Platform’, a digital tourism initiative aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s vibrant culture, iconic landscapes and creative talent. The launch which was held at the MTN Event Centre in Ikoyi, seeks to reshape the misconceptions and negative stereotypes often associated with Nigeria. The ‘See Naija ‘Platform’ is a curated online destination that allows individuals to discover beautiful spots and unique insights about Nigeria’s diverse culture, from its stunning natural landscapes to its colourful festivals and traditional lifestyle. In collaboration with some content creators, the platform will explore captivating…

As Nigeria marked its 64th Independence Anniversary, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the global development agenda, emphasizing the crucial role of sustainable development in Nigeria’s progress. In a statement signed by her Media Adviser, Desmond Utomwen, the Presidential Aide stressed that Nigeria’s journey over the past decades reflects resilience, growth, and a collective determination to uplift the nation through inclusive development. She highlighted the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals in addressing pressing challenges such as poverty, hunger, and inequality. “The SDGs provide a framework…

NOVA Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being and interests of high-net-worth individuals by sponsoring the 27th Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament. Hosted at the prestigious Ikoyi Golf Club 1938, the annual tournament for 2024 took place from, September 21st, to Saturday, September 28th, 2024. The Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament, organized by the Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association (IGCNA), showcased the remarkable talent of golfers and the sport’s capacity to foster connections across board. This year, Mr, Tayo Babalakin emerged as the Nigeria Cup 2024 Champion, clinching the title with a stunning 85 gross with Handicap (HCP) 19 = 66…

Former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) who rarely attends public events made a surprise appearance at a reception honoring newly inducted young Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Yunus Abdulsalam. Despite his typically reserved nature at public functions, Dasuki was suddenly appointed as the Chairman of the Occasion. His unexpected assignment left many in attendance both surprised and delighted. In his brief remarks before departing the venue, Dasuki humorously noted the irony of being “ambushed” into the role. “I thought ambushes were a common occurrence only in military contexts,” he quipped. “I never expected to be ambushed by…

Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (“GTFML” or the “Fund Manager”), the asset management subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, today announced the launch of the Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 (“Fund 724”), an open-ended, naira-denominated Unit Trust Scheme duly authorised and registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria (SEC). The Scheme lists 10,000,000 Units of ₦100.00 each in the Fund by way of Offer for Subscription and aims to distribute the capital growth it generates from a diversified portfolio of money market instruments, including fixed deposits, commercial papers, Nigerian Treasury Bills, and other short-term instruments to subscribers of…

As Nigerians await Kogi State former governor, Yahaya Bello’s arraignment over alleged diversion of public funds made against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), legal practitioners and human rights activists have raised concerns over lack of synergy among law enforcement agencies, identifying it as major reason behind more record of corruption cases in public offices. They stated that the poor cooperation between them especially the EFCC and Police as well as Directorate of State Services (DSS) has been a major hurdle holding back government’s push to reduce corruption in public offices as well as ensure strict adherence…