Author: Khadijah Olowode

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has declared the resolve of the Commission to beam stronger searchlights on the nation’s insurance industry. He made the declaration in Abuja on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 when a delegation of the management team of National Insurance Commission, NICOM, led by Commissioner of Insurance and the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin paid him a courtesy visit at EFCC’s corporate headquarters Speaking at the occasion, Olukoyede noted that “The issue of insurance fraud is a major albatross to our economic development. We are ready to…

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has taken over the investigation of three suspected illegal crude oil dealers, alleged to be dealing in petroleum products without an appropriate license. The Nigerian Navy Ship , NNS Forward Operating Base Ibaka, handed over the arrested suspects to the EFCC on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, for further investigation and possible prosecution. The suspects Victory Smart Bassey, Ita Okon and Michael Akpa, were arrested on November 5, 2024 along Ibeno waterways, while on patrol by Naval officers. They were arrested onboard a wooden boat ladened with about 60, 000 …

A group of Nigerians have shown solidarity with Cuba over recent electricity crisis and the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar, calling for immediate end of the economic blockage of Cuba. The group, Nigerian-Cuban Graduates Association in a letter of solidarity to the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero signed by Dr. Olaitan Fafure (President) and Dr. Adie Patrick Adie (Secretary), said: “We extend our heartfelt solidarity and support to the government and people of Cuba as they confront the recent electricity crisis and the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar. “We stand with Cuba in these challenging times, recognizing the…

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has assured Nigerians of the security of the nation’s critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI) and subsequent economic recovering. Speaking at the Passing out Parade of the 3rd batch of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in Abuja, the Minister who was represented by the Secretary, Civil Defence, Correctional Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ahmed Ja’afaru, said with the knowledge-driven skills imparted into the Mining Marshals, there is hope and a future for the nation because the protection of the CNAI is a sine qua non to the…

By Mayowa Okekale The phenomenon of leadership at theoretical and conceptual stage differ but in the world of Charles Handy (1985), good leader possesses traits that lead to success. Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. This suffice that leadership, in a democratic process, must be centred around the people, doing the will of the people and acting on behalf of the people. Leadership in democracy confesses acceptability (consensus) compatibility, participation and representation. This brings me to the personality of Rep. Abass Adigun, popularly known as Agboworin, who is the…

As the race towards clinching the prestigious stool of Owa Obokun is gradually gaining momentum, Arimoro Family, has concluded arrangements to submit Prince Kayode Micheal Adewale Arimoro’s name as the first line Candidate for ratification by the Kingmakers. In a transparent selection process, conducted by a three- man Committee, and endorsed by Arimoro Family, Prince Adesoji Joseph Arimoro also emerged the runner-up, indicating that the family presented only two candidates, an evidence of strong internal cohesion. Under the new arrangement, it is the turn of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House to present the next Owa Obokun of Ijesha land. Within the…

Only Spain-based forward, Sadiq Umar was being expected as Nigeria’s juggernaut rolled sturdily into the much-familiar environment of Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Tuesday, with 22 players set for the team’s first training session ahead of a potentially-explosive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against neighbours Benin Republic on Thursday, 14 November, 2024. “We have 22 players, with only one person to join the team in the early hours of Wednesday. It has been a particularly great atmosphere here in Abidjan, and we are all very positive going into the first training session ahead of the match,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen told thenff.com on…

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $2.3 million to procure 4.8 million doses of life-saving malaria tablets from Swiss Pharma (Swipha) in a landmark partnership that will expand access to essential medicines in Nigeria and West Africa. This procurement, to be facilitated through the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), underscores the United States’ dedication to advancing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring life-saving treatments reach vulnerable communities. A statement on Tuesday, 12 November, 2024, said for years, Nigeria has faced significant challenges in procuring affordable, high-quality medicines due to the high cost of production and the inability…

Angola has expressed willingness to improve trading and bilateral relations with Nigeria, revealing that the year 2025 would be opened with the meeting of Angola-Nigeria Bilateral Joint Commission to update all legal instruments that guide the two countries political, economic and military cooperation. Speaking at the celebration of the 49th Angola Independence Day in Abuja on Monday evening, 11 November 2024, the Angola Ambassador to Nigeria, Benin, Niger and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Jose Bamoquina Zau said as part of the efforts to strengthen relations with Nigeria, “By 2025, we want to open the year with the…

The management of University College Hospital (UCH), has accused Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), of forcing the hospital into Band A, stating that despite paying N60 million in the past month, the power company two weeks ago disconnected the health facility. The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo said despite efforts to meet its obligations, the power company has remained adamant in charging the highest rates and is unfazed by the humanitarian services rendered by the nation’s premier tertiary hospital. It would be recalled that IBEDC had several times disconnected the hospital this year citing unpaid accumulated…

The Chairman of NaijAid, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian charity organisation, Dr Kayode Babalola has appealed to the government to assist them in expanding their vision to educate Nigerian youths and the larger society on the importance of applying first aid on health-related issues. He stated this was stated during a safe live intervention programme held recently for youths in Lagos. The organization, which is in partnership with Health Aid Charity, an international organization, believes that the seminar would help to propagate the idea of basic life support and equip the youths with basic first aid skills to help save lives.…

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, a former Justice of the Supreme Court and Nigeria’s judiciary, on his passing. The President also conveyed his sympathies to members of the Bar and bench across the nation mourning this distinguished jurist’s death. Throughout his illustrious career, Justice Ogwuegbu mentored countless judges and lawyers. Born in 1933 in Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, Justice Ogwuegbu dedicated over five decades to the judiciary, culminating in his appointment as a Justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court. He also served as President of the Nigerian…

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called for violence-free Ondo State gubernatorial election. The Institute said as the preparations for the conduct of the election has reached an advanced stage with the date fixed and logistical arrangements concluded, there’s need for a robust sensitization campaign focused on the achievement of a peaceful process, adding that the imperative for peace in electoral systems, irrespective of locations and geographies, is very critical because it guarantees viability and ultimately, sustainability. The Institute said it is very important, aside being peaceful that the election is also credible and acceptable by the…

President Bola Tinubu has described the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, as a man of God whose contributions to nation-building could not be quantified. President Tinubu stated this on Monday, 11 November, 2024, at the 70th birthday Thanksgiving Service held at The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos. The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), Sen. George Akume said the celebrant has over the years worked towards the unity and progress of Nigeria and Nigerians at all times. According to the President, Pastor Bakare is an…

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, 11 November, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia called for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, warning that “the conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering.” Addressing the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, convened to address the current situation in the Middle East, President Tinubu expressed deep concern on the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The one-day summit was a follow-up to the Riyadh summit last year, and was attended by Heads of State and Government of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States. Reiterating Nigeria’s call for…

The outgoing governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki spoke about how he will spend his time at Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody as soon as he ends his tenure in about three days. He has his ears on the ground about the plan by the anti graft agency to arrest him and it seems he is prepared to answer questions on some alleged financial scams. His crimes have not become a public discussion but there is a former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello whose alleged financial crimes could be used for a doctoral research. Bello has created…

By Kunle Aremu He secretly defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party after he lost the APC governorship primary in 2015 but crawled through the back door to take the ticket after the demise of the authentic party flag bearer, Abubakar Audu. Yahaya Bello is slippery. He denied jumping out of the APC bus as he fought the running mate of Audu, Abiodun Faleke in the court to get the governorship ticket. Bello eventually won the governorship election, spending his first term to impress the “kogites ” and rode on the same people with his “Tatatata”…

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has declared that based on the performance of his administration in the last five years, opposition parties are clearly unpopular and invisible in the forthcoming local government election. The Governor added that the quality of candidates the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is presenting in the election would make it the party to beat with landslide victory in all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, over the weekend, Prince Abiodun explained that his administration has changed the hitherto volatile political…

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Ambassador Kim Pankyu has said that Nigeria is among the top contenders to benefit from his country’s $10 billion development assistance to Africa. He also said Nigeria also stand tall to benefit from the $14 billion boost to Korean companies to encourage their activities in Africa. Speaking at at the Korean National Day Reception in Abuja at the weekend, the envoy said: “During the Korea-Africa Summit, my President announced that Korea would continue to expand official development assistance up to ten billion US dollars by 2030 as a catalyst for projects for…

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the rehabilitation of Uba General Hospital and the township road networks. The Governor also approved the rehabilitation of eight primary schools in Uba town, including Uba Central Primary School, Mufa A Primary School, Kuma Primary School, Masil Primary School, Uba Marghi Primary School, Low-Cost Primary School, Kwarghi Primary School and Mufa B Primary School. Zulum announced the approval on Saturday, 9 November, 2024, at the Palace of the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali ibn Ismaila Mamza. In a similar vein, the governor announced the construction of a new palace complex that…