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Category: News

  • Obi Meets Farotimi After Release from Prison

    Obi Meets Farotimi After Release from Prison

    Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, paid a visit to Dele Farotimi at his Lagos home following Farotimi’s recent release from an Ekiti prison. 

    Obi shared on social media that it was his first time seeing Farotimi since his release after spending 21 days in detention. 

    READ ALSO: Ghana Opens Border to All African Nationals

    Farotimi, a former spokesperson for Obi’s campaign, was accused of defaming prominent lawyer Afe Babalola in a book, The Cable reports.

    He was granted bail on December 24, 2024, after being arrested in early December. 

    Obi expressed satisfaction over Farotimi’s positive spirits and his continued commitment to advocating for a better Nigeria.

  • Tinubu Visits Enugu for Project Commissioning Today 

    Tinubu Visits Enugu for Project Commissioning Today 

    President Bola Tinubu is about now in Enugu to commission a series of projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

     According to a statement from the State Government Secretary, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Tinubu will oversee the unveiling of several completed projects, including 30 smart schools and 60 healthcare centers. 

    The visit will also feature the opening of the newly constructed Enugu International Conference Centre, urban roads, a Command and Control Centre, and the launch of advanced security patrols with AI-equipped vehicles.

    Additionally, some rural roads will be inaugurated during the one-day visit.

    READ ALSO: China’s Foreign Minister to Visit Four African Nations, Nigeria

    This visit coincides with the challenge posed to the Nigerian leader by a member of the opposition, HE Mr. Peter Obi who challenged him to cut down on foreign trips and visits more states of the federation to feel the pause of Nigerians.

    Mr. Obi who was the second runner up in the 2023 presidential elections also hinged his admonition on the fact that such visit would enable Mr. Tinubu to appreciate the hardship his economic policies has wrought on the common Nigerian.

    Mr. Tinubu is reputed to have spent above a third of his time in office in foreign trips in search of so-called foreign investments that have remained largely elusive.

    READ ALSO: Ohaneze Nd’igbo Welcomes President Tinubu to Enugu, Asks Him to Order the Release of Nnamdi Kanu

  • China’s Foreign Minister to Visit Four African Nations, Nigeria 

    China’s Foreign Minister to Visit Four African Nations, Nigeria 

    China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit Nigeria, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, and Namibia from January 5 to 11, 2024. 

    The visit continues a long-standing tradition of prioritizing Africa as the first destination for China’s top diplomat each year, now in its 35th consecutive year.  

    READ ALSO: Stop Further Demolitions – Senate Orders Wike

    This trip, initiated at the invitation of the respective governments, aims to foster stronger diplomatic ties and collaboration between China and these nations.

     It underscores China’s commitment to its partnership with the African continent in various areas of mutual interest.

  • IPOB Opposes RUGA in S/East, Warns Against Cattle Settlements

    IPOB Opposes RUGA in S/East, Warns Against Cattle Settlements

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has firmly rejected plans to introduce cattle ranching or settlement schemes, including RUGA, in Nigeria’s South-East region. 

    The group issued a stern message to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning that any such initiative would be met with resistance.  

    RUGA, a policy aimed at resolving herder-farmer conflicts through designated settlements, has been a point of contention in the region. 

    READ ALSO: Fubara Draws the Line Amid Tension With Wike’s Loyalists

    IPOB reiterated its longstanding opposition, arguing that such schemes could serve as a cover for herdsmen camps and potentially disrupt the peace in the South-East.  

    In a New Year address, IPOB leadership also cautioned Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah against implementing RUGA within the state. 

    The group stated that any attempt to enforce cattle settlements in Biafraland would provoke strong opposition, emphasizing their determination to protect the region’s sovereignty.  

    This development signals growing tension over federal policies related to cattle grazing and land use in Nigeria.

  • Ghana Opens Borders to All African Nationals

    Ghana Opens Borders to All African Nationals

    In a groundbreaking move set to begin in early 2025, Ghana has eliminated visa requirements for citizens of all African nations.

     This decision follows President Nana Akufo-Addo’s commitment to enhance unity within the continent, a promise made during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues.  

    Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for most African countries, with only two requiring prior visas. 

    By removing all restrictions, Ghana aims to encourage greater tourism, trade, and travel while solidifying its position as a leader in regional cooperation.  

    READ ALSO: 25Visa Free Countries for Nigerians

    With this policy, Ghana joins a select group of African nations, including Rwanda and Seychelles, in offering unrestricted access to holders of African passports, advancing mobility and collaboration across the continent.

  • Peter Obi Visits Babangida in Minna

    Peter Obi Visits Babangida in Minna

    In a broad consultative effort prior to his likely second attempt at the presidential race, former Anambra Governor Peter Oi has visited General Ibrahim Babangida at his hilltop home in Minna, Niger State.

    Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, made the trip to Minna, Niger State, yesterday, January 2, 2024. 

    READ ALSO: Deaths and Blood Rituals for Bulaba Balablu Christmas

    The visit provided Obi with an opportunity to exchange views on national matters and extend New Year wishes to the former military president. 

    Obi shared images of the visit on his X account, acknowledging Babangida’s continued influence and the valuable insights he offers during their conversations.

  • PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S 2025 NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS

    PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S 2025 NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS

    Dear Fellow Nigerians,

    As we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health. As the new year dawns, it brings many hopes, aspirations, and prospects for better days. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfil our collective hopes.

    In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies. We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people

    Though 2024 posed numerous challenges to our citizens and households, I am confident that the New Year will bring brighter days. Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation. Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive
    quarters.

    Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability. The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy. Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.

    .

    In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies. We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.

    I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united. We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.

    In this new year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output. To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

    The Company-expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter-is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry,
    Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.

    This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.

    On a personal note, thank you for placing your confidence in me as your president. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly. We will continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.

    I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united. We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.

    CITIZENSHIP
    To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and be uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.
    Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.

    I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025. I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to
    rally together. The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.

    As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.

    The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.

    Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country. Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward.

    I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.

    To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.

    God bless you all, and may God bless our beloved country, Nigeria.

    Happy New Year and a prosperous 2025 to you all!

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
    GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
    01 January, 2025

  • Court Orders Arrest of Impeached South Korean President Yoon

    Court Orders Arrest of Impeached South Korean President Yoon

    A South Korean court has authorized the arrest of the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, following an investigation into his declaration of martial law on December 3. 

    The Corruption Investigation Office had been probing the decision after Yoon failed to respond to three requests for questioning. This marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced arrest.

    The office now has 48 hours to decide whether to extend Yoon’s detention or release him. 

    However, the Presidential Security Service has hindered investigators’ attempts to search the presidential office and Yoon’s residence, citing national security concerns.

    Yoon’s martial law declaration caused a national uproar and was reversed after just hours due to widespread opposition.

     The political turmoil escalated when the National Assembly voted for his impeachment on December 14, and the Constitutional Court is now reviewing the vote’s legality.

     Choi Sang Mok has been acting president since Friday after lawmakers removed the acting president Han Duck Soo.

  • Court Orders Temporary Seizure of Funds Linked to Ex-INEC Official 

    Court Orders Temporary Seizure of Funds Linked to Ex-INEC Official 

     

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the interim seizure of $49,700 tied to Nura Ali, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

    Ali, who served in Sokoto State during the 2023 general elections, became the focus of this order following suspicions of financial misconduct.  

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) filed the motion, alleging the funds were proceeds from illicit activities.

    READ ALSO: Gunmen Strike in Anambra, Seven Killed

     During a search of Ali’s Kano residence, authorities reportedly uncovered the cash.

    Court documents suggested the money might have been obtained as bribes from political stakeholders during his INEC tenure.  

    The judge directed the funds be held in an escrow account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) while investigations continue.

     Interested parties have been invited to provide evidence of legitimate ownership of the money. 

    The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 31, 2025.

  • Dr. Oscar Atumah, Uniabuja PG 2017/18/19 Class: A Re-union of Gerontologists

    Dr. Oscar Atumah, Uniabuja PG 2017/18/19 Class: A Re-union of Gerontologists

    Post graduate students of the Department of Sociology of University of Abuja re-united with their lecturer, Dr. Oscar Atumah, yesterday at Jabi Abuja.

    The students involved in the cherished gathering were the 2017/18 set of masters and doctorate students.

    By the recollections of the students, Dr. Atumah was a unique lecturer who engaged with the students in the best global standards that was devoid of extortionist tendencies.

    Upon sighting Dr. Atumah who flew in from his base in the United States, the students, who had been waiting for about an hour, all sprang on their feet and danced ecstatically to welcome their hero.

    READ ALSO: University of Abuja Renamed Yakubu Gowon University

    Dr. Atuma was a specialist gerontologist who introduced students to modern digital learning techniques like the use of electronic library and the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing method.

    He also encouraged the students to participate in virtual classes as a way of developing their own skills in e-learning and presentation.

    In a brief remark that was regularly interrupted by deafening applause, Dr. Atumah told the old students that his motivation for the re-union was to “build on our extant relationships and to create a forum for networking.”

    He regretted that his sojourn at University of Abuja was cut short because of opposition by entrenched interests to the modernity that he tried to introduce.

    The students took turns to narrate their fun memories with Dr. Atumah who many described as a no-nonsense teacher who does not condone laziness or being taken for granted.

    Dr. Oscar Atumah and PG 2017/18/19 Classes

    Mayor Samuel, the Class Governor disclosed how he spearheaded a campaign to have Dr. Atumah’s course downgraded to an elective just to avoid some of the strict study innovations being introduced.

    Yours sincerely, a doctorate student in his recollections, portrayed Dr. Oscar Atumah as the change agent that was misunderstood by the target beneficiaries of his modernising efforts.