Author: Khadijah Olowode

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested in Abuja one Chinana Tali at the point of selling his eight year old son, Ushafa Tali for N20 million. Speaking during the parade of the suspect in Abuja the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu said that the child trafficking suspect was arrested after being lured to Abuja from Benue. He said the arrest of Chinana who was with his son, followed an intelligence tip-off of his quest to get the highest bidder to sell off Ushafa to. Odumosu said: “We booked an appointment with the suspect at…

A heavy-duty truck laden with sand collided with a moving vehicle along the busy Airport Road in Lugbe, Abuja, claiming the life of radio presenter, Deborah Ohamara. A Facebook user, Nten Ekpang, sharing details of the accident said, “A car hit Deborah Ohamara from behind while she was driving and she rammed into a moving trailer. She died from injuries sustained from the crash.” Sharing a video from the accident, he wrote, “The accident that claimed the life of Deborah Ohamara along Airport Road in Abuja” Nigeria Info 95.1 FM, disclosing Ohamara’s death, wrote, “We sadly announce the passing of…

Retail Supermarket Nigeria Limited (RSNL), operating as Shoprite Nigeria has announced plans to close its Ado Bayero Store in Kano from January 14, 2024, just as it hinted of the retail chain’s two to five-year bullish growth plan for the Nigerian market. While resting the Kano outlet, Shoprite optimistically mulls a bullish two to five-year growth plan to open four outlets annually across the country as bold expressions of its confidence in the Nigerian market and the Nigerian people. In a statement issued in Lagos, Friday, 12 January, 2024 and signed by company’s Chief Executive Officer, Hubertus Rick, the company…

Renowned Cameroonian artist Njang Mengu Collins, popularly known as KO-C, has teamed up with the celebrated A-list singer and songwriter, Naomi Achu, in an electrifying collaboration titled “Naomi.” The pulsating piece of work seamlessly blends amapiano and afrofusion, creating a unique and captivating musical experience. Produced by the talented Smashlazer, and expertly mixed and mastered by Mixgod Biano in Nigeria. KO-C skillfully serenades Naomi, coaxing out her feminine essence and vibrance. The track “Naomi” has a catchy and trendy composition that encapsulates the full energy and charisma that both KO-C and Naomi Achu bring to the global stage. The fusion…

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has begun fabricating waste bins for Ekiti State, in a partnership aimed at tackling a myriad of waste management and environmental challenges. Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who disclosed this in his office on Tuesday, 16 January, 2024, noted that LAWMA remained committed to ensuring proper waste management practices, within and outside the Lagos State, adding that Lagos was willing to support or partner other states in any area of waste management. He said, “I am happy to announce the partnership between LAWMA and Ekiti State Government, which will see us fabricate…

The scandal rocking the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has taken a new turn as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been alleged to have approved the suspended Minister, Betta Edu, to remove 3 billion naira from the COVID-19 Palliative Fund for the verification of the National Social Register. According to a leaked memo seen by Economic Confidential, the Minister had requested approval, which the Chief of Staff granted on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The leaked memo with reference number SH/COS/145/A/220 and dated 18th of September, 2023, was a reply to the Minister which…

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has advised Nigerians to take advantage of the newly introduced Students Loan Scheme initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to acquire university education. He said this at the official opening and maiden matriculation of Kogi State University, Kabba, on Tuesday, 16 January, 2024, noting that his vision for the establishment of a University in Kabba had been fulfilled. The Governor said he met a state that was in a deplorable situation, but expressed gratitude to God that he would be handing over the state better than he met it. “Today I’m fulfilled. I promised…

At least three persons were said to have been seriously injured in an explosion that occurred at Adeyi Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo state capital. Six houses are also said to have been destroyed by the explosion that happened on Dejo Oyeleye Street at Adeyi Avenue. A loud bang was heard and vibration was felt across several locations in Ibadan at about 7:45 p.m. The cause of the explosion was unknown at press time.

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that there is a strong link between the trio of fiscal federalism, restructuring and state police and running a government that places the people’s interest first. The governor stated that it has become imperative for the country to consider the path of constitutional reform to accommodate these ideas if the government would begin to benefit the people. Governor Makinde stated this on Tuesday, 16 January, 2024, at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, where he chaired the 85th birthday lecture of a former governor of Osun State and former acting National Chairman of…

Residents of Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday evening, 16 January, 2024, said there was an explosion in parts of the state capital. There were also videos online that showed a dusty cloud and burning houses and cars. A University of Ibadan student, said “It is true. We all heard the sound and it was very loud. The cloud is cloudy with smoke. it happened at Bodija and we in the UI area could see the smoke. Even those at Sango and Ojo heard the sound. In fact, we are all in a room scared for our life”…

President Bola Tinubu, his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), National Assembly members and eminent Nigerians stormed Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State on Tuesday, 16 January, 2024, for the 85th birthday celebration of former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Osun State, Chief Adebisi Akande. President Tinubu and other dignitaries from all walks of life, which included elder statesmen, serving and former public office holders, politicians, leaders of Civil Society Organisations and Captains of Industry, among others, converged on the International…

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday, 16 January, 2024, visited the accident scene at Oko-Olowo ExpressWay in Ilorin West local government of the state, where two heavy trucks had collided and caught fire. Three persons have been confirmed dead while some others were injured in the resulting inferno. The Governor commiserated with the victims and their families, urging motorists to always drive safely and with respect for other road users. He appreciated the Federal government for its investment on the Oko-Olowo Express Way and other federal road projects in the state, adding that the state government will continue to…

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has stated a willingness to foster a partnership request by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) to combat fraud, promote transparency and accountability in the national taxation system. The endorsement made known today, Tuesday, 16 January, 2024, during a courtesy visit to the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja by the President of CITN, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, mni, was described by the ICPC Chairman as pertinent to curbing tax related corruption. Dr. Aliyu outlined key agenda for the partnership to include public awareness,…

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said that his administration has begun to take advantage of the Electricity Act 2023 to transform the power supply situation in the state. He described the new law as a game changer in the electricity sector, stating that the state will soon key into it, as it is set to sign its own version of the law soon. The Governor stated this on Monday, 15 January, 2024, when he received the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Governor Makinde, who congratulated Adelabu on his…

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to have faith in the current political system, the government and its leaders, saying the country is on the verge of rising again. He also called on them to shun all acts of violence or act that do not define them as a people. The Governor stated this during the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Prince Abiodun also called on Nigerians to continue to be their brother’s keeper, urging them to stay away from sowing discord among themselves. The governor urged Nigerians to…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, 15 January, 2024 signed the N2.267 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill of Lagos State into law, ushering in a new expenditure cycle. The Governor, at a ceremony held in the State House, Alausa, assented to the “Budget of Renewal” days after the House of Assembly passed the proposed expenditure bill and transmitted it to the executive arm for approval. The State Government is prioritising spending on infrastructure, environment, education and technology, just as it significantly raised allocation to security and public safety. Of the total budget, N1.315 trillion, representing 58 per cent, is allocated for capital…

The Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has commended Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for his exceptional achievements in the state. Abubakar, in a commendation letter he personally signed and addressed to Governor Bello, congratulated him on his notable strides since he assumed office as Kogi Governor in 2016, saying his various infrastructural projects had opened up the state as one of Nigeria’s main trade routes. While congratulating the Governor and the Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress for winning the just concluded governorship election in the state, the NIA boss noted…

By Kashim Shettima There couldn’t have been a more poignant last chapter to a man’s life than my final text exchange with him. He reached out on December 31, 2023, to draw my attention to a Qur’an recital competition in Damaturu, Yobe State, stating that it transpired without deserving prizes. In his typical fashion, he outlined interventions that could align with the noble ambitions of the reciters and organisers. What he didn’t say this time around, while preferring the cloak he wore to redirect our concerns away from his health and towards others, was that he was on the brink…

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Charles Chukwuemeka Ugwuh, for an alleged conspiracy and fraud to the tune of N3.6 billion. Ugwuh was arrested alongside with Chief Geoffrey Ekenma on Thursday, 11 January, 2024 at No.2, Musa Yar Adua way, New Owerri, Imo State, following a petition to the Commission from a new generation bank on the alleged fraud perpetrated through a company, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., linked to the ex-Minister. Investigations revealed that Ugwuh and Ekenma, Managing Director, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd.,…

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his sterling efforts in fighting economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption since he assumed office, pointing out that he is doing well on his job. He gave the commendation in Abuja on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Force Headquarters when Olukoyede paid him a courtesy visit. Egbetokun said, “ I warmly welcome you and congratulate you on your appointment. You are doing well and Mr. President has a lot of confidence in…