Author: Khadijah Olowode

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Edo State Police Command has confirmed that at least four students of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, have been reportedly killed in renewed cult clashes. It was learnt that clashes were between members of the Black Axe and Vikings confraternities. The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, who confirmed the incident, said several of the suspected perpetuators of the killings have been arrested. According to Adegboye, deadly weapons including AK-47 and automatic pump action guns were recovered from the suspects. “We are on top of the situation, some arrests…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted its ban on onboarding new customers imposed on five prominent fintech startups: Paga, OPay, Kuda, Palmpay, and Moniepoint with immediate effect. Opay in a statement on Monday, 3 June, 2024 through its official X handle announced that the Apex Bank has lifted the ban. “We are thrilled to announce that the Central Bank of Nigeria has given OPay the thumbs up to resume onboarding new users,” Opay stated. This is coming after the expiration of a May 31 deadline given to the fintechs to meet Know Your Customer, KYC,…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Kylian Mbappe signed a five-year deal to move to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday, 3 June, 2024 and hailed the move as a “dream come true”. The announcement is the culmination of Real’s long courtship of one of the most prolific forwards in world football. “Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the player to be at Real Madrid for the next five seasons,” the club said in a statement. “So happy and proud to join the club of my dreams @realmadrid. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Monday, 3 June, 2024 said it is not an affiliate of the organised labour and its members are attending to patients who need healthcare services. The NMA clarified reports by some media platforms stating that doctors refused to join the ongoing indefinite strike declared by the Organised Labour. The NMA, in a press statement signed by its National Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, stated that though the association is not an affiliate of the organised labour, it shares the pains and hardship Nigerians are grappling with. “The NMA has not declared a…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress(TUC) and other groups that shut down the national grid should be thankful that Nigeria is not under a military regime. The Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) announced the complete shutdown of Nigeria’s power grid by labour unions as the strike by the NLC and TUC began. NLC and TUC initiated a nationwide industrial action on Monday to protest against the Federal Government’s proposal of a N60,000 minimum wage. In a statement released…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Tragedy struck at the Force Headquarters, FHQ, in Abuja on Monday, 3 June, 2024 as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abubakar Muhammad Guri of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) slumped and later died in his office. It was gathered that the deceased reportedly slumped and died shortly after entering his office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, without showing any signs of ailment. According to an eyewitness account, the late DCP, in his uniform, slumped on his seat in his office and was quickly taken for medical assistance, where he was confirmed dead. The source…

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the Commission will not relent in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the benefit of Nigeria and the Niger Delta region in particular. Ogbuku spoke when the All Progressive Congress, APC, National Vice Chairman, South South Zone, Chief Victor Giadom, led other National Working Committee Members of the party to pay a courtesy visit to the NDDC Executive Management Team at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt. He told the delegation, which included the APC National…

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has condemned the killing of soldiers at a military checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, describing the perpetrators as “the real enemies of Biafra and Biafrans.” While demanding a thorough investigation of the crime, IPOB advised the soldiers and other security agents to exercise the greatest restraint and operate within the acceptable rules of professional engagement, to avoid punishing the innocent for an offence they know nothing about. The Lead Counsel of IPOB, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said IPOB has maintained its peaceful stance in their self determination quest for a Sovereign State of Biafra and…

The Olowu of Kuta, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama (CON) has described former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as a timeless statesman whose presence will be felt many years after his generation. Oba Makama, who congratulated Chief Obasanjo for enjoying a healthy long life, asserted that God purposely blessed Nigeria with Obasanjo, who spent his life as military head of state and civilian president to unite the country. Shortly after he had successfully hosted Obasanjo and his entourage in his magnificent Olowu Palace in Kuta on Monday, 3 June, 2024, Oba Makama revealed…

Babcock University is set to inaugurate its Oke Ode campus in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. This new campus will host the university’s Centre for Vocational Studies. In a statement signed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics Administration, Professor Philemon Amanze, the opening of the Oke Ode campus marks a significant expansion of Babcock University’s educational offerings. The new campus in Oke Ode aims to enhance vocational education and provide students with practical skills and training to meet the demands of various industries. Babcock University, one of Nigeria’s first three private universities,…

My dearest wife, Where do I begin from ? It’s been 30 years o. Thirty solid years of managing me and nurturing this family. Thirty years of unfailing and undying love. Years of care, sweet bond and affection. Years of God’s grace and mercy. You’re a champion, a great friend, sister, partner, mother and soulmate, all rolled into one. Words will not adequately convey the love I feel for you deeply inside of me for your selfishness, understanding and commitment. You have been an amazing spouse and I couldn’t have asked for any other woman from God. Through thick and…

By James Samuel, Ilorin Kwara United Football Club has congratulated the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu on his 39th birthday. The club extolled the Speaker for his support towards sports development, and for his patriotic leadership of the House in handling of legislative businesses, as well as all issues in the interests of the state. According to the release signed by the General Manager of the club, Bashir Badawiy, “On behalf of the management and entire staff, we wish to extend our warmest felicitations to the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon.…

This is a heartfelt and deeply considered appeal to the Labour Unions to continue along the path of negotiations with the Federal and State Governments, under the auspices of the Tripartite Committee that has been established to fashion out a new, realistic minimum wage for the Nigerian people. As Government, we are desirous of a peaceful outcome, and we will do everything to make this happen. Yesterday, the leadership of the National Assembly met with the Unions. Today, we have offered another invitation to the Unions, to meet with us and continue our discussions. We will continue to engage, and…

Zenith Bank Plc has been named the “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” in the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards, retaining the title for the second consecutive year. Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as the Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria for the second time in a row. This prestigious award underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainability and reinforces our belief that responsible banking is essential for long-term success and societal impact.” She dedicated the award to the Founder and Chairman of…

Despite his side’s 4-0 win over Abia Warriors FC, Technical Adviser of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Gbenga Ogunbote, admitted his team was stretched by the Umuahia based side. Addressing the press after Sunday’s Matchday 34 encounter, Oracle, as the gaffer is fondly called, said the visitors made his team to labour for the maximum points. “It was a good match, I know their coach (Bethel Orji) is a sound coach and Abia Warriors have a competent team. We needed to sweat to get the result” said Ogunbote who however gave reasons why his side failed to score in the…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has initiated groundbreaking ceremonies for its staff cooperative housing estates located in the Anua Offot community in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and the Elebele community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. This unique initiative is managed and operated entirely by NDDC staff, fostering ownership and responsibility, and ensuring sustainable community development. Speaking at the ceremony in Uyo, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, hailed the initiative of the cooperative society, noting that it would rub off positively on the Anua community and the people of the Niger Delta region.He said that the…

Some residents of Ojokoro under Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, have been exposed to further social and economic hardship, due to a challenging power supply, a horrible experience that has been blamed on the neglect, inefficiency, incompetence and frustration on the parts of Ikeja Electric and its staff. The communities that have been hit by the ensuing horrible but avoidable experience are those connected to Agbe road and Beckley feeders, as indicated in the IE distribution map. Following the unfolding challenges, residents connected to over 450 transformers with over 80,000 prepaid meters, have been subjected to load shedding,…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the banking licence of Heritage Bank Plc, citing the bank’s failure to improve its financial performance, which poses a threat to financial stability. The revocation, which takes immediate effect, was announced in a statement issued by the CBN on Monday, 3 June, 2024. According to the CBN, the decision was made in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020. The bank’s breach of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020,…

As the airlift of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage enters into its final stage, a faith-based Civil Society Organization (CSO), Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on the Nigerian delegation to Hajj 2024 to portray the country in good light through their conducts and utterances. IHR said both pilgrims and officials travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj should know that whatever they do will reflect on how the international community perceives Nigeria and its citizens. “Every pilgrim or official is an ambassador of the country and our dear religion of Islam. They must therefore, exhibit a…