Author: Khadijah Olowode

At least 19 people lost their lives after gunmen attacked a synagogue, an Orthodox church and police checkpoints in Russia’s Dagestan Republic. A priest, three other civilians, and 15 police officers were killed in the attacks which took place in two places: Dagestan’s largest city and capital, Makhachkala, and in the coastal city of Derbent. Investigators said Monday, 24 June, 2024 disclosed that the yet-to-be-ascertained gunmen carried out the coordinated attacks on the night of Sunday, 23 June, 2024. “According to preliminary data, 15 law enforcement officers were killed, as well as four civilians, including an Orthodox priest,” Russia’s National…

With a mix of pride and nostalgia, I, Pius Ughakpoteni, announce my retirement as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), effective June 26, 2024. I am deeply grateful to the Managing Director/CEO of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his astute leadership and for considering wise counsel in approving the recommendation for my posting as the Director of Corporate Affairs. Leading this department has been an immense privilege and a profoundly fulfilling journey. Throughout my tenure, I have been fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals and collaborate with a wide range…

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has backed the Society for Notaries Public’s (SNP) effort to professionalise and transform the practice in Nigeria. Hadiza Bamaiyi, Head of Notary of the Supreme Court, stated this at the launch of the Society and the induction of new members into it. Bamaiyi stood in for the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayoode Ariwoola, who was the guest of honour of the event. “The Supreme Court relies on your expertise and professionalism to facilitate smooth transactions, resolve disputes, and promote economic growth,” Bamayi said. Urging the inductees to uphold notarial practice standards, President and Master-in-council…

No fewer than two people lost their lives on Monday, 24 June, 2024 amid rainfall, which caused heavy flooding at the Trademore Estate in Lugbe along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Road, Abuja, the nation’s capital. The estate, which is home to several civil servants and other categories of people has been perennially affected by flooding. A resident of the area who made a video of the flood could be heard calling on the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for help, adding that two people had been swept away by the flood. Recall that the…

Given the noticeable gaps in both policy and its implementation in terms of service delivery, Independent Hajj Reporters, (IHR) a civil society organization that monitors and reports hajj in Nigeria has called on the National Assembly to amend the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Act to ensure a cohesive and effective hajj operating system in the country. IHR in a statement on Monday, signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad in Makkah, Saudi Arabia said the call also becomes necessary because of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj’s adjustment of hajj policy and calendar of events – which is…

Ogun State Government has acknowledged the outbreak of cholera in the State, as it declared its readiness to contain the spread of the disease effectively and efficiently. It said 25 cases have been reported in seven local government areas with one death. Addressing journalists at a press conference on Monday at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker; alongside his Environment counterpart, Mr. Ola Oresanya; named the local governments as Ado-Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu-North, Ewekoro and Obafemi-Owode. According to Dr. Coker, her Ministry is collaborating with relevant stakeholders from the…

By Seun Oloketuyi In the last few days, I’ve watched the world dot on the picturesque Ojude OBA festival, held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, three days after the Sallah celebration, being a tradition started over 200 years ago by Oba Adesimbo Atunwase. Today, that the festival has continued to grow in leaps and, the Ijebu people, no matter how highly placed, permanently leave that day on their calendar, explains their high regard for their monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. This reverred monarch, despite his age, continued to be involved in the planning of the event each year, getting briefing…

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of Nigeria, especially in its areas of operations in the Niger Delta. SPDC Director and Head of Corporate Relations, Igo Weli, made the restatement in Port Harcourt on Friday at a dinner to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Treasure FM, a member of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) network. “Our commitment stretches back to the 1950s, with a wide range of programmes supporting education, infrastructure, community electrification, and business empowerment,” Weli said. A key highlight of the anniversary dinner was…

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far on the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, spearheaded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd)and commended the team for their doggedness and dedication. The Minister who gave the commendation today in Kaduna emphasized the importance of the project to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration Strategy to grow the economy and create jobs. He stated that the Federal Government is committed to providing all necessary support towards ensuring the completion of the project within six to nine months.…

By Fredrick Nwabufo Nigeria’s rising global profile is not the conjuring of luck or the divination and contrivance of some dissociated variables. It is the result of purposeful, diligent, and experienced leadership. The workings of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. Nigeria has always mattered in the chat rooms and chopping tables of global discourse — as pertaining Africa. It has always been significant as the largest democracy in Africa, and as the most populous nation and one of the biggest economies on the continent. But the world is paying more attention to Nigeria. It is taking more interest in the nation…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC, have arrested a syndicate of fake State House Staff in Abuja for alleged criminal conspiracy, false representation and employment scam. The suspects were arrested separately following investigation on petitions by various victims who were promised jobs as “Directors General” at the Ministry of Communication, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and other ministries. The suspects include: Augustine Enamegbai Umogboi, who claimed to be a former staff of the State House; Eleojo Josephine Idakwo, a fake staff of the Ministry of Information in the Registry Unit; and…

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE) Friday, 21 June, 2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on the development of skills among youths in the country. The ceremony, which took place at the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Ismaila Abubakar, directors of the Ministry as well as the OSSAP-TVEE Team. In her brief remarks before the signing ceremony, the Senior Special Assistant to the…

As Delta State Government continues demolition of illegal structures built on Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba land around 74 Road, the Chairman Taskforce on recovery of government lands, Chief Frank Omare, Friday, said government was after land grabbers who misled innocent citizens in buying government lands. Chief Omare who was flanked by members of the Taskforce, disclosed this in an interview with journalists, said the property owners had enough notice since the last demolition at Musa Camp Asaba. He warned that all illegal occupants in government lands across the state would soon have their day and urged them to as a…

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commiserated with the family members, people of Ifonyintedo and the entire Ipokia Local Government over the demise of the Olu of Ifonyintedo, HRM, Oba Isaac Olatunji Adesiyan (Atelugirijoye 1). Oba Adesiyan joined his ancestors on Sunday, 16 June, 2024, at the ripe age of 95. Governor Abiodun, in his condolence message, described the late monarch as a leader who was loved by his people. The Governor said the reign of the late monarch was eventful as the Ifonyintedo community witnessed unprecedented development. “It is with deep sadness that we received the news…

In recognition of their great contributions to the development of the ancient kingdom of Idanre, Ondo State, the Idanre Development Assembly (IDA) has penciled down prominent sons and daughters of the town for a grand reception and award ceremony. Among those to be honoured at the awards scheduled to be held in the ancient town on Saturday, July 6, are the Chairman, Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Chief Pius Akinyelure; a post humorous award to former Minister of Agriculture and former LISA of Idanre Kingdom, Late Chief Gabriel Akin Deko; a former Executive Director of Wema Bank, …

By Desmond Utomwen My first face-to-face meeting with Mr Bayo Onanuga was in 2005 in Lagos. He asked: “Who are you, how may I help you?” “I am Desmond, sir.” “Oh, the man from Abuja, you’re so young?” “Thank you, sir,” I responded as he waved me to a seat. I told him that I was asked to come to Lagos and he said yes, he was aware. “Information got to us that you were about to kill a story…” My eyes were as wide as saucers. I did not know what killing a story meant. From his explanation, I…

Over 2,000 patients have benefitted from the first phase of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Free Health Medical Outreach holding at the Ukwa General Hospital, Oke Ikpe in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. Speaking at the week-long free healthcare programme, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the free healthcare mission was organised in partnership with Derums Global Services to bring healthcare to rural communities across the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku, who was represented by the Abia State representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Eruba Dimgba, said the medical outreach programme was targeted at…

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has expressed his condolences to the family of Alhaja Ramota Bankole, who died in Saudi Arabia after performing this year’s Hajj. Ojelabi expressed shock and sadness over the sudden death of the the former Welfare Officer of the party in the state. Bankole was said to have been among the pilgrims that died following an excessive heat recorded in the holy land. The Lagos APC Chairman described the death as unfortunate noting that the late politician was a very resourceful and dependable party loyalist…

The Lagos State of Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost one of its members to the cold hands of death. She is in Alhaja Ramota Bankole, a former Welfare Secretary of the party in the state. Bankole died in Saudi Arabia after performing her Hajj rites. Reports indicated that she was among several pilgrims who succumbed to the excessive heat experienced during the pilgrimage. Her death was confirmed by the Chairmen of Epe Local Government and the Eredo and Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The news of her passing comes amid a tragic surge in fatalities…

(Published in The PUNCH, on Friday, June 21, 2024) The moin-moin thinks it is wise. It hides part of itself within the folds of éwé eeran, the green-turned-bronzy leaves encasing it. Hungry Man unfurls the leafy wraps, using his fingers or spoon as a rake, scraping out the moin-moin clinging behind the leaves: ibi pelebe la ti ń mú òlè je, the Yoruba say. Moin-moin eating starts peripherally, not centrally. The etiquette for consuming moin-moin and agidi is written in native intelligence. If you finger, spoon, knife or fork móín-móín and èko headlong, you lose premium on quantity. Moin-moin eating…