Author: Soffiyyah Olamide

Residents of Okuma in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have taken to the bush following the invasion of the community by armed soldiers. They were said to have invaded the community with their gunboats in the early hours of Monday, 9 September, 2024. According to one of the community leaders, “As I speak, soldiers and some youths have stormed our community, shooting at anything in sight. They parked their boats at Okoloba and came on foot. The small tents we have built are being razed.” “The soldiers came on land through Okoloba community after using drones to…

The Labour Party, LP factional leadership led by Julius Abure has disclosed that all its tickets, particularly the Presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election are open to qualified Nigerians, not reserved for Peter Obi alone but to all Nigerians who want to contest. Abure made this disclosure after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, 9 September, 2024. “NEC in session also reviewed the decision of the National Convention to reserve its Presidential and Governorship tickets for Peter Gregory Obi and Alex Otti respectively,” a viral communique. “Consequently, all tickets of the party from the…

At least 46 suspected internet fraudsters have been arrested by the Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Sunday, 8 September, 2024. They were arrested at different locations within Warri, Delta State. The anti-graft agency, which made this disclosure in a statement on its X page on Monday,9 September, 2024, added that the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud. Thirteen exotic cars, laptops and phones were recovered from them. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

A traditional ruler in Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Olaposi Osunmakinde was on Monday, 9 September, 2024 arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite over alleged illegal Gold mining in Lege Community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Justice Nwite, who granted them bail, ordered that they be taken to Kuje prison on remand, pending the perfection of their bail conditions Oba Osunmakinde, who is the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State was put on trial by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in Abuja alongside…

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on the morning of Monday, 9 September, 2024 around 9am kidnapped two nurses and an unspecified number of patients from the Primary Healthcare Centre at Kuyallo, eastern part of Birnin-Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. The assailants were said to have targeted the nearby Government Day Secondary School on Monday, 9 September, 2024. However, upon finding the school empty, they stormed the closest health centre. According to a leader of a local vigilante group in the area, Musa Alhassan, the bandits, who were seeking to abduct students, instead took two female nurses and several patients hostage,…

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has reaffirmed his commitment to support the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) in ensuring effective service delivery to the nation. Dr. Aliyu made this known during an advocacy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters by SERVICOM led by its National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli. According to him, the quality of governance is determined by the quality of services delivered to citizens and the extent to which these services meet their expectations, therefore ICPC is entrusted with the critical…

In line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 provisions of transiting assets from the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) into PIA terms, the NNPC Ltd and its Joint Venture (JV) partner, Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL), have concluded the conversion of five of its JV assets into the PIA terms. Under the new PIA regime, all existing Oil Prospecting Licenses (OPLs) and Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) would be automatically converted to Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPLs) and Petroleum Mining Leases (PMLs) upon their expiration. Nonetheless, an option of voluntary conversion is provided for holders of OPLs and OMLs (Operator, Licensees or Lessees)…

Unity Bank Plc has projected gross earnings of N27 billion and a Profit After Tax of N4 billion in Q4, 2024, in its latest earnings forecast released to the Nigerian Exchange Group. Although the projected gross earnings represent a marginal increase from the N26 billion projected for Q3 2024, the lender continues to maintain a profitable outlook, with pre-tax profit expected at N4.2 billion. An analysis of the earnings forecast shows that the lender also expects interest income to rise from N23 billion to N24.5 billion, with net revenue expected to rise marginally by 1.0% to N7.2 billion within the…

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded 13 suspected vandals arrested at various locations in Abuja and also recovered some stolen items worth N5 million. The corps said the success followed intense surveillance and patrol as well as tip off, adding that the intelligence personnel working with the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department combed various parts of the nation’s capital city. The FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, while addressing journalists on Monday, said last week, his command organized a training for the intelligence department where they were taught modern techniques on intelligence gathering…

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has warned transporters in the state against exploiting members of the public as a result of the recent hike in the prices of fuel. He also announced that his administration would make available 100 brand new 18-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the use of transporters in the state to cushion the effect of the hike. The Governor, who made this known in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in a meeting with transport unions on how to ensure fair transportation pricing in the state, also said that the Federal Government would make…

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has paid a condolence visit to the Wife of former President, Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua over the demise of her Mother-in-law, Late Hajia Dada Yar’Adua. The First Lady who was at the Abuja residence of the former President in company of the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives; Wife of the Deputy Senate President and others pointed out that the late matriarch of the Yar’Adua Family lived a fulfilled life as evident in the quality of children she had.…

By Yemi Ishola Among the critical stakeholders who are championing the course of a power shift to Ogun West, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi) remains a delight. However, some people have misconstrued the salient support he derives from the teeming populace to mean that he is projecting himself to be the best among the prospective aspirants for the 2027 governorship election. It is not so far from it. Such insinuation can only come from those who envy his soaring reputation as a successful grassroots politician and people’s representative per excellence. Except, perhaps, for certain body language, he has not…

South Africa may become the host of the next two editions of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) after receiving a letter of invitation from the African Union (AU) to take advantage of the hosting rights for the 2025 and 2026 editions of the prestigious award The invitation was extended through a letter with reference number HHS/CUL/16/170.23 signed by Her Excellency, Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, the African Union Commission’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development. The Republic of Nigeria has also received a letter similar to the one about South Africa hosting the music event. This has caused…

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated one of his predecessors and current Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd.), CON, OFR on his 71st birthday.Governor Sanwo-Olu praises the administrative prowess, loyalty and commitment of Gen. Marwa to the Nigerian project, describing him as an epitome of dedication, selflessness and discipline in public service.The Governor remembers with fondness how the former military administrator of Lagos State tackled the transportation challenge during his tenure and his efforts at bridging the housing deficit that reared its ugly head as a result of the ever…

On behalf of the good people of the Lagos East Senatorial District, we heartily congratulate the Honourable member , Federal House of Representatives, representing Mushin Constituency 1, Aremo (Hon.) Adeyemi Taofeek Alli, on his 60th birthday. Aremo, we salute your outstanding contributions to the overall development of Odi-Olowo LCDA, and also your gallant, unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Progressives’ cause in Lagos State. We also commend your quality contributions in the green chamber of the National Assembly, including various empowerment programmes and projects you have facilitated for the benefit of the good people of Mushin Federal Constituency 1.…

I commiserate with the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umar Bago, and the people of Niger State on the tragic loss of lives and properties which occurred on Sunday 8th September, 2024, as a result of the tanker explosion. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially the people of Agaie Area in North-Central Local Government Area, Niger State. I pray that Almighty Allah grants the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss. May Allah grant them all Aljannah Firdaus. Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu,…

Operatives of the Department of the State Service (DSS), have arrested the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero. Vanguard reports that he was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja this morning, Monday, 9 September, 2024. Ajaero was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom, UK, for an official assignment when he was picked up by the DSS officials. Although details of the arrest and the reasons are still sketchy, sources said he has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency, NIA. According to sources, Ajaero was billed to attend the conference of Trade…

The need to ensure that the youths in Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area are not left behind in fastly growing digital age was the major reason the Rasak Ajala-led administration has committed itself to training youths in the council and giving them opportunities to acquire skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The council Chairman, Honourable Rasaq Olusola Ajala stated this at the Ilupeju secretariat of the council during the presentation of certificates to graduates of the council’s ICT Boot Camp Training for youths in the council area. A total of 330 youths comprising of pupils in primary and secondary…

A deepening crisis is threatening the peace and stability of Ogbomoso, as the actions of Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Pastor Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, spark tensions within the Muslim community. The controversy, fueled by a disputed imamship, has seen the monarch attempt to remove the widely respected Grand Chief Imam, Dr. Teliat Yunus Ayilara II, despite two court injunctions restraining such action. The Palace’s continued intimidation and violence have escalated the situation, with reports of plans to: – Hijack the Central Mosque using military force. – Forcefully remove the Grand Chief Imam. – Use the old Eid ground as a…