Author: Abimbola Ogunnaike

Discharged protesters released to the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Uba Sani, have narrated how they survived on beans and garri during their 68 days stay at the Kuje prison in Abuja. Recall that no fewer than 114 suspects arrested during the August #EndBadGovernance protests were on Tuesday, 5 November, 2024 released to the governors of Kano and Kaduna states by the Federal Government. The detainees were released to the governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following their discharge by a Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Federal Government had dropped the treason charges against the defendants…

The Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have announced new prices for electricity meters in their franchise areas. A post on their social media platforms indicated that the prices vary from one DisCo to another but the new price would take effect on Tuesday,5 November, 2024. Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had in April deregulated the price of meters which allows DisCos and meter vendors to fix price according to economic dictates in the country that will enable producers to recoup their investment, while enabling the availability of meters. NERC noted that this will allow competitive bidding rather than…

No fewer than 22 miners were presumed dead following the collapse of a mining pit at an illegal mining site located within a national game reserve spanning Gashaka Local Government Area in Taraba State and Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State. A miner from Gashaka, Adamu Jamtare, explained that many of the deceased were from Jamtare town in Gashaka LGA. “They were mining gold in an area known as the Buffa zone within the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, covering parts of both Gashaka and Toungo. All 22 miners trapped in the pit are presumed dead,” he said. The Chairman of Toungo…

Fear has gripped residents of communities in Wanke, near Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State after gunmen abducted chief Imam and 99 others. According to a source, “This is the second time the Imam was abducted.” A survivor told the BBC Hausa Service in an interview that the affected communities were under siege and people were migrating for fear of further attacks. He further explained that near Sabon Layi, over 50 persons were taken away, and near Dagon Hayi about 50 others were also abducted. He stated that they were still counting those missing, adding that some of the locals…

A 38-year old suspect, Peter Samuel, on Wednesday, 6 November, 2024 confessed to the killing of an Okada rider, Rafiu Akao, at Oke-Oyi town in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. The incident occurred at Asunlere area of the town on November 4, 2024. In an interview with newsmen after the suspect was paraded alongside four others involved in the incident by the state police commissioner, Victor Olaiya, Peter Samuel said “I used cutlass to cut the head of the Okada rider” in the attempt to snatch the new motorcycle bought by the deceased. The suspect said he…

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to wear black bands for seven days to mourn the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. In a statement issued on Thursday, 7 November, 2024 by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi the IGP said all police officers would be wearing black bands for the seven days mourning period. “This directive is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria. “He was…

Saudi Arabia has ramped up humanitarian efforts to Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan in order to bring succour to those affected by ongoing crises in the three areas. A statement on Thursday by the Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria read that: “As conflict, economic hardship, and displacement continue to impact millions of people in Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has intensified its humanitarian efforts, delivering critical aids to vulnerable populations in order to face challenges with renewed hope and resilience. “In Gaza, where humanitarian needs…

Rwanda and Nigeria have strengthened their economic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Lagos International Trade Fair between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Rwanda. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, further underscoring the commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties between the two nations. The MoU was signed between the LCCI and the PSF, represented by their respective leaders: Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of the LCCI, and Mr. Kanamugire Callixte, Deputy CEO of the PSF Rwanda.…

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has condoled President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and family of late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja over his death. Zulum while describing the demise of the COAS as a profound loss, noted his exemplary leadership quality and dedication to the Nigerian military. He said: “General Lagbaja’s leadership qualities were inspirational. He consistently motivated troops with his presence at the frontline, showing unwavering commitment to securing the nation.” Highlighting General Lagbaja’s impactful contributions, Governor Zulum referred to him as a “quintessential infantry General” who played a pivotal role in…

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has alleged that Iran is at the centre of global terrorism and political unrest, insisting that without a change in the present Iranian political leadership there may be no peace in Middle East and part of Africa. Speaking in Abuja during the screening of the documentary “We Will Dance Again” directed by Yariv Mozer, shown to commemorate the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, noted that: “The source of this war and the source of the instability is Iran. Iran is responsible and Iran is the backer of Hamas.. Iran is the backer…

Operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad [CG’s SIS] of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have arrested five suspects for involvement in illegal dealings and siphoning of crude oil from the flowline. A statement by the spokesman of the NSCDC stated that the suspects were arrested at a location known as “Sambisa Forest” in Umuedeokwara, Odagwa Community, Etche Local Government Area in Rivers state with 1 Manifold channelled inside a large dug-in reservoir and were packaged into cellophane nylons and sacks estimated to be over 100,000 litres. Babawale said the feat was recorded following credible intelligence…

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commiserated with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces over the death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, late Chief of Army Staff. Lagbaja reportedly died on Tuesday, 5 November, 2024, and his passing was announced Wednesday morning by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Abiodun, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Kayode Akinmade, described Lagbaja as a patriotic and gallant officer who gave his best in the service of his father’s land. The Governor further eulogised Lagbaja’s sense of coordination and team spirit, saying the…

The Ogun State Government has announced the death of the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Housing, Hon. Tajudeen Egunjobi. Hon. Egunjobi reportedly died on Tuesday after a brief illness. Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun has described his late Special Adviser as a very humble and reliable team member. Governor Abiodun stated this during a condolence visit to the home of the late politician in Oke-Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, saying his death came as a rude shock, and highly painful. According to him, the late Egunjobi was a very loyal party man who was also very diligent in the discharge of…

By Femi Ogbonnikan Ogun State Government has successfully concluded the Town Hall meetings held in four major divisions: Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba (RIYE), to seek the direct inputs of the relevant stakeholders into the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEF). The practice, which has become an annual ritual, aligns with the bottom-top approach to participatory governance, which is now an in-thing in the democratic world. Participatory governance allows citizens to be involved in the decision-making processes of the state. As a departure from the past, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, introduced the idea into the developmental policies of his…

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the release of the sum of one billion naira as gratuity to State pensioners. Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of two months pension arrears to local government pensioners. This is coming barely a month after the Governor distributed a total N3.5 billion in gratuity cheques to retirees in the state, in a bold effort aimed at offsetting the backlog of outstanding gratuities. Additionally, Governor Oyebanji has also approved payment of two months outstanding subvention to Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and one month outstanding subvention each to Ekiti State University Teaching…

The Federal Government has approved a N75 billion loan scheme with a nine per cent interest rate for 75,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), across Nigeria. Scheduled for launch in 2025, this scheme aims to foster economic growth by targeting women and youth-owned enterprises, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, highlighted the project’s goals at a town hall meeting in Abuja, noting its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This scheme is a concrete manifestation of Tinubu’s commitment to economic transformation. By focusing on MSMEs, which are the…

The Lagos Women Run which enters the 9th edition this year is generating so much passion with the event just about 48 hours away. The Teslim Balogun, venue of the ongoing Exhibition which started on Tuesday was a beehive of activities on Wednesday as the organisers of the programme had to contend with a huge number of enthusiasts who turned up for the EXPO. Coordinator of the programme, Tayo Popoola, said the officials are dealing with the huge number the very best way possible. “We are excited and many people are here but we are very cautious because there must…

From Chuks Collins, Awka The Labour Party (LP) has unambiguously acknowledged that move to uproot and upstage Prof Chukwuma Soludo as governor in the fast approaching 2025 governorship election in the state will not be an easy task. This was disclosed by the favourite aspirant of the LP for the coveted seat, Chief George Moghalu while playing host to the 21 Local Government Council Chairmen of the party in his Nnewi home. Chief Moghalu in his remarks at the consultation meeting with the party leaders commended them for honouring his invitation. According to him, “.. removing Prof Soludo in the…

At least four persons were killed and several houses set ablaze following a renewed cult war between rival groups in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital. A source stated that the victims were killed in different parts of the North Bank area during a violent clash between the Black Axe and Supreme Vikings confraternities on Sunday and Monday. The cult clash caused pandemonium in and around the North Bank area as residents and traders closed their shops and fled for safety. It was gathered that, for fear of reprisal attacks, many of the residents deserted the…

Bayelsa United technical adviser, Ladan Bosso, has been given a two-game ultimatum to secure his role. The Yenagoa club are currently sitting in a precarious position on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), table. The Restoration Boys are rooted in 18th position with 10 points from 10 games. Bayelsa United were held to a 1-1 draw in their last league game by nine-time champions, Enyimba on Sunday, 3 November, 2024 Bosso’s fate will now be decided by the club’s next two games against Rivers United and Katsina United. The club will be away to Rivers United in a South-South derby…