Author: Khadijah Olowode

By Enejo Shaibu Since the saga between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello one question that crescendos in the minds of well-meaning Nigerians is: what is it about the former Kogi governor that heads of security agencies ‘’fold their arms’’ while the institutions they run are being rubbished? It is now common knowledge that Bello and the EFCC have been in the news due to allegations and investigations relating to financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kogi State. Bello, who served as the governor of Kogi for eight…

Despite lawmakers and other politicians’ calls for suspension and possible removal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ola Olukoyede, after dusting reports on allegations of financial improprieties against high-profile current and former public officeholders, the appeals have not caught the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who has held tenaciously to his campaign promises on corruption. Rather than consider appeals from members of his political party, All Progressives Congress (APC), and opposition parties, the President directed that the Olukoyede-led anti-graft agency build on achievements recorded and effectively tackle corruption particularly as it affects Nigeria’s image. While…

Former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr Oluyinka Ogundimu has described the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire as a pride not only to Lagos State but also to Nigeria, reports thegazellenews.com Dr Ogundimu stated that the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State has always displayed her motherly care to all who come across her. Dr Ogundimu stated this in his birthday message to the SSAP-SDGs on her 65th birthday celebration. “She has made all of us proud, not only in Lagos State but in the entire country. “Her…

Shell has named a new Managing Director for its deep-water subsidiary in Nigeria, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo.) He is Ronald Adams, formerly Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic LNG, Trinidad and Tobago. He takes over from Elohor Aiboni who proceeds on international assignment to Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) as Asset Director. Both appointments take effect today (October 1.) Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor said: “I’m pleased to welcome Ronald to Nigeria to consolidate and further improve the outstanding performances of SNEPCo in deep-water production and life-changing social investments across Nigeria. I wish to congratulate Elohor for the outstanding…

Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard. As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. …

The Federal Government has confirmed that it will commence the supply of crude in Naira by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL) to the Dangote Refinery from Tuesday, October 2024 to reduce the cost of Premium Motor Spirit(Petrol). Dare Adekanmbi, the spokesperson to the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on Domestic Sales of Crude Oil in Local Currency, Zacch Adedeji and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service confirmed this in a statement on Sunday, 29 September, 2024 He said, “I can confirm to you that the Chairman, Sub-Technical Committee, Zacch Adedeji, is working day and night to ensure…

Imports bill on used vehicles (Tokunbo) in Nigeria dropped by 83 percent to N138.62 billion in the first half of 2024 compared to N819.15 billion the corresponding period in 2023. This is according to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Commodity Price Indices and Terms of Trade Data. According to the data, in Q2 2024, the value of imported used vehicles stood at N138.62 billion, representing an 81.5 percent decline on a year-on-year basis from N749.92 billion in Q2 2023. Further analysis of the data indicated that the used vehicles were imported mainly from the United States of America. “On…

The World Bank on Monday, 30 September, 2024 announced that it has approved an additional $1.57 billion loan to the Nigerian government to fund three projects. The Washington-based bank, which made this disclosure in a statement issued on Monday, 30 September, 2024, noted that new funding will support Nigeria in addressing governance challenges in education and healthcare, improving primary healthcare services, and increasing resilience to climate change through enhanced dam safety and irrigation infrastructure. According to the World Bank, the approval of the loan was made last week, 26 September, 2024. The approved funding highlights the World Bank’s commitment to strengthening…

Tragedy occurred on Sunday, 29 September, 2024 as a commercial bus driver named Usman Idris crushed six pedestrians along Kano-Gumel road, in Gagarawa village, Ringim LGA of Jigawa State. According to a resident, the sad incident occured on Sunday, 29 September, 2024 when the victims were marching on the street while celebrating Maulud. He said the driver lost control and rammed into the gathering, killing six while many others sustained injuries. Jigawa State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Spokesman, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday, 30 September, 2024 “A fatal motor…

The National Assembly on Monday, 30 September, 2024 commenced investigation into the alleged N15 million bribery involving controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky The hearing, held by the House Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, began around 2:05 p.m. following the arrival of Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, and his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju. Recall that the scandal started after VeryDarkMan released a voice recording allegedly of Bobrisky, claiming EFCC officials demanded N15 million to drop the money laundering charge against him. In the recording, Bobrisky also claimed that he never spent a day in prison after his…

The Federal Government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). When deployed for commuter service, the buses will significantly reduce transportation costs in the country, bringing hope for a more affordable and efficient public transport system. The handover of the buses took place on Sunday, 29 September, 2024, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary. The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, led…

The former Auditor-General for Local Governments in Lagos State, Alhaji Muhammad Mubashiru Hassan has described the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire as a role model worthy of emulation by others, reports thegazellenews.com Hassan popularly called MM by friends and associates stated this while greeting the SSAP-SDGs on her 65th birthday celebration. “Her humility, accomodating nature and the ability to give without making noise is worth of emulation by others, particularly politicians,” Hassan said. He described the former Lagos State Deputy Governor as one who is always ready to help others. “You…

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises through tax incentives aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in the sector. This was disclosed recently by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, who was represented by his special adviser, Collins Omokaro, at the inaugural MSME Finance Awards convened by The Economic Forum Series in partnership with Nairametrics and DigiComm Enterprise. He explained that the federal government was focused on creating an environment that enabled MSMEs by providing tax relief and exemptions. “The Federal Government, through FIRS, has introduced…

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic and not be overwhelmed by the present economic challenges bedeviling the nation. Rather, he urged them to remain positive, noting that tough times don’t last, but tough people do by effectively surmounting challenges facing them. Governor Oborevwori made the call at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Asaba, to mark the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary. The Governor, who paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the country, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, adding that a new…

The Chairman, Yaba College of Technology, Governing Council, Prof. Funsho Afolabi has disclosed that the College tourism road maps towards professionalism and sustainable blue economy is engendering and aligning with the federal government Renewed Hope Agenda. The Chairman made the disclosure during the 2024 United Nation’s World Tourism Day celebration held at the institution’s Tourism Village at her Epe campus in collaboration with Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) South West Zone wit the theme: “Tourism and Peace”. Prof. Afolabi, who was the chairman of the occasion, said “there is no doubt of the fact that, by this assembly, we have…

This December, the highly anticipated GLOWFUX 2024 Charity Concert will spotlight extraordinary youth talent while supporting special needs children and orphans. Organized by Fanafillit Integrated Concepts, this year’s concert will feature captivating performances from some of Nigeria’s most promising young entertainers, including Feranmi Golden Angel, Vanessa Jones, Chief Adigun Olowe and saxophonist Dom Sax, all aged between 7 and 16. Under the theme “UNITING HEARTS, TRANSFORMING LIVES,” the GLOWFUX 2024 Charity Concert aims to showcase the power of youth creativity in fostering positive change. Speaking on the event’s mission, Miss Rebecca Olaniyan, the concert’s coordinator, remarked, “This year’s event is…

The Ogun State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the failed portion of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway near Sagamu to address the current traffic logjam being experienced by motorists on the road. Governor Dapo Abiodun paid an unscheduled visit to the bad portion of the road on Sunday, stating that as a major road linking Lagos through Ogun State to the South-East and South-South regions of the country, its deplorable condition has caused untold hardship to those who use it on a daily basis. He mentioned that although the reconstruction of the road was awarded by previous administrations, the contractors executed…

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has released its audited financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2024, showing impressive performance across some key financial indicators. The audited financials released to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Monday, showed that the bank recorded double-digit growth in its gross earnings and operating incomes. At the end of the first two quarters of the year, and despite the tough global macroeconomic climate in Nigeria as well as the geo-political environment challenges across major countries in Africa where the bank has subsidiaries, UBA recorded a 39.6 per cent…

By Kunle Aremu There is always a limit to every illegality, especially when it is about financial recklessness and misappropriation. Even now that the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is deploying every legal means to cover up his alleged dirty past, there are strong indications that he may not have his way after all. Having failed to stop his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the trial and appellate courts, Bello is seeking a solace at the Supreme Court. His proceeding at the supreme court appeared to have led to the adjournment of his…

The wife of the late former Governor of the Oyo State, Kemi Alao-Akala, has been summoned by the state High Court to appear before it within 30 days. The court ordered her and her co-defendant in a suit number 1/443/2023 filed before the Court over the alleged illegal obtaining of a letter of administration over the estate of her late husband, Adebayo Alao-Akala without the consent of the claimant. The court gave the order while granting an ex-parte motion on an order of substituted service brought before it by Dipo Olasope, SAN, counsel to the claimant, Toyin Alao-Aderinto, against Kemi…