Author: Soffiyyah Olamide

The Vatican has announced on Wednesday that Pope Francis admitted at an hospital for an examination after holding his weekly general audience at the Vatican. The head of the Catholic Church returned to the Vatican shortly afterwards. According to the Vatican, the pope has been suffering from a “mild flu” for a few days, which led to the cancellation of several public appearances. Before visiting the hospital, during the audience, the pope said: “I still have a bit of a cold.” The pontiff plans to meet Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz in a private audience for the first time on Saturday. The…

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, (APC, Lagos East Senatorial District), on Thursday, 29 February, 2024, on the floor of the Senate, led the debate on a bill for an Act to amend the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act No 63 of 2023 that will make the Corporation more effective, safeguard its independence and autonomy, bringing it in line with current realities and best practices. Senator Abiru who sponsored the bill, alongside 42 Senators, who are members of his Committee, explained that though the 2023 Act made substantial improvements to…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has approved the appointment of Assistant Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Muhammed Kabo to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal to represent the Northeast geopolitical zone. Akume also approved the promotion of 818 other senior, intermediate, and junior officers. The FRSC spokesperson, Jonas Agwu, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, 28 February, 2024, According to the statement, “The promoted officers include; eight Corps Commanders promoted to the rank of Assistant Corps Marshal, 56 Deputy Corps Commanders to the rank of Corps…

The Global State of Democracy (GSoD) 2023 Report has revealed that democracy is improving in Nigeria and other African countries despite major challenges. The report noted that countries in Africa like The Gambia and Zambia have shown that democratic consolidation is also gaining ground despite waves of unrest and military coups across the continent, especially the Sahel region. The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance International (IDEA), Africa and West Asia Regional Office; in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, presented the 2023 edition of the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Report, titled “The New Checks and Balances.” on…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Popular Nigerian Comedian, Lawrence Oluwaseyitan Aletile, popularly addressed as  Seyi Law, has finally opened up on how he lost 200,000 followers on social media in 2023. Seyi who made this disclosure while speaking in the latest episode of ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, added this happened due to his support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign. The comedian, however, noted that whatever one does, the main thing is that it should be that it is being done from the right place. “I lost over 200,000 followers because of the election, which for me, is not…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Famous Nigerian singer, Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly called Fireboy DML, has revealed plans to join the movie industry this year. Fireboy, who said he took the bold step because he always receive compliments that he is “very dramatic”, said he had showcased a bit of his acting skills in some of his music videos but is now set to make his major acting debut this year. Speaking in a recent interview with Billboard News, Fireboy also said he would be releasing an album this year. “I am excited to share with the fans that I am releasing my…

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared some far-reaching measures towards addressing the rising cost of food in the state, stating that his government will continue to do everything necessary to make life easy for residents of the state. He declared that his government will move in to subsidise land clearing for farmers across the state with an initial sum of N600 million, with farmers now expected to pay N15,000 instead of N30,000 for land clearing, while the government will pay the balance. The Governor also declared an immediate suspension of revenue collection on farm produce marketed within the state…

The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi has told his men that human rights of all law-abiding Nigerians must be respected, insisting that gun trucks are not acquired to shoot at good civilians but only criminal elements. The instruction was given on Thursday by the CG at the commissioning of three newly acquired gun trucks by the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory Command and the unveiling of the Special Tactical Squad of the command. He noted that Nigeria was passing through a period of conflicts which required rugged solutions, hence the need for gun trucks. He…

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has called for synergy between Nigeria and Qatar to foster gas diplomacy, energy transition from non-renewable energy and highlighted the key benefits of Nigeria-Qatari relations for Africa and global gas sectors. He made the call while delivering a lecture at the Doha Diplomatic Institute on Thursday on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the State of Qatar. The Minister said both Qatar and Nigeria are blessed with hydrocarbon deposits that place them at the centre of the new energy equation. He also said that while Qatar has the third…

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, 28 February, 2024, appointed five Directors in the State’s civil service to the position of Permanent Secretary, charging them to deploy their experience and knowledge to enhance service delivery to the residents. The Governor said the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries was based on their respective performances in the assessment process and their track records of delivery on tasks they were assigned. Their elevation, Sanwo-Olu said, came with more tasks and responsibilities, especially in the period when citizens had high expectations on the Government to improve their lives and protect them from…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The Senate on Wednesday, 28 February, 2024, approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to sack the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Executive Vice-Chair, Babatunde Irukera. Tinubu in a letter read at the plenary on Wednesday, 28 February, 2024, by the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, said that he was demanding the sack of Irukere based on inefficiency. According to the FCCPC Act, the President needs the approval of the National Assembly to sack the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission. However, Tinubu had in January sacked Irukera and the Director-General/CEO of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr Alexander Okoh…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Famous Nigerian comedian and show promoter, Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi, popularly addressed as Mr Jollof, has claimed that singer Burna Boy rejected N1 billion to perform at a concert organised by him and some investors in Warri, Delta State. The comedian, who made this disclosure in a recent Instagram post, said they had reached out to the singer’s team with an offer of $1 million (N1.3 billion) but his team rejected it on the grounds that it was below what the singer charges. “Me and some investors reached out to Burna Boy’s team for a concert in Delta…

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that Nigeria needs local and foreign investors who are committed to long-term investment and shared prosperity. The Minister said this in Abuja on Tuesday, 27 February, 2024, while receiving a delegation from GB Foods, a Spanish multinational with significant manufacturing investments in Nigeria. The delegation was led by the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Juan Ignacio Sell, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GB Foods Africa, Mr. Vicenc Bosch. “This is a very heartwarming conversation we’ve just had. These are stories that we need to share,” Minister Idris…

Says Initiative Will Transform Lives The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has said that says the economic transformation and development of the nation calls for collaborative efforts on the part of both the government and the governed. She was speaking at the flag off of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) held in the South East Zone. Senator Oluremi Tinubu reiterated the commitment of the RHI to supporting women farmers across the nation. “The Renewed Hope initiative’s commitment to supporting women farmers aligns with the broader national agenda to strengthen the agricultural sector.…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to bar telephone subscribers not linked to their National Identification Numbers on or before February 28, 2024. The Executive Vice Chairman, National Communication Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, made this disclosure at the NCC’s Special Day during the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday, 28 February, 2024 Maida, who was represented by Mr Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, explained that as a matter of critical national security, telecom consumers must link their NIN to their SIM. He reaffirmed that the February 28th deadline…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Two persons alleged to be involved in the trading of a baby have been arrested by the operatives of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in conjunction with the Ekiti State Liaison Office in Ilupeju-Ekiti, Ekiti State The Head of NAPTIP Ekiti Liaison Office, Oladimeji Samson, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects while speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital on Thursday, 29 February, 2024 According to Oladimeji, a team of operatives led by Mr Emuze John from NAPTIP Headquarters alongside officers of the agency in Ekiti arrested the suspects.…

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has assured that the seeming hardship in the country will soon be a thing of the past, saying Nigeria is going through a gestation period of economic restructuring and reforms. Speaking on Tuesday, 27 February, 2024, at the commissioning of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Seismic Monitoring Station-5, Alake assured Nigerians of the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to revamping the economy and putting it on a pedestal for sustainable growth. Going down memory lane to the experience in Lagos State, the Minister stressed that the then Gov. Bola Tinubu…

President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency with a particular emphasis on systematically inculcating fairness and equity in all aspects of the national life. Addressing Afenifere leaders at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, 28 February, 2024, the President emphasized his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity. ”Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility. ”We…

The Lagos State Building Control Agency, (LASBCA) has called on all builders and developers in the state to ensure that they obtain a letter of authorization to commence construction before embarking on the construction of building projects in any part of the State. The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki stated this on the sideline of the presentation of Letter of Authorisation to developers of the Lagos Arena at a groundbreaking ceremony by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the weekend. Oki noted that the letter of authorization to commence construction of buildings in the state…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The Senate on Tuesday resolved to carry out a thorough investigation on the affairs of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Ore Mining Company in Kogi State from 2008 to date. It planned to unravel the mystery behind the payment of $496 million allegedly made to Pramod Mittal, Chairman, Global Infrastructure Holdings Ltd by the Federal Government in September 2022 as a settlement over said contractual disputes. It also resolved to investigate the circumstances that led to the re-concession of NIOMCO even when the initial Concession Agreement was validly terminated by the Yar’adua Administration with a…