Day: December 26, 2024

Reps Minority caucus condemns crackdown on citizens by FG, calls for immediate release of detained persons

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has slammed the Federal Government over crackdown on citizens criticisms and demanded for the immediate release of detained persons.     This was contained in a statement dated December 22, 2024 and signed by the Minority Caucus Leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda, stating that:     “The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives is very concerned about the growing controversial clampdown of citizens criticizing government.   “It is equally disturbing that agents of state are fingered in the brazen, callous, and ill-tempered harassment, and…

FG rejects allegations of collusion with France to destabilize Niger Republic

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government of Nigeria has vehemently rejected the unfounded allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, who has accused Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country.   “These allegations are entirely baseless and exist only in the realm of imagination, “At no point has Nigeria, either overtly or covertly, collaborated with France or any other nation to destabilize Niger Republic or sponsor terrorism in the region.”said Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation.   Idris said Nigeria’s commitment to peace…

Operation Fansan Yamma: Troops Neutralize Terrorist Kingpins, Destroy Camps in Katsina

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation Fansan Yamma have dealt a significant blow to terrorist activities by destroying multiple camps around Bichi Hill in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State. The December 19, 2024, operation was initiated following credible intelligence on heightened terrorist activity in the region.   The combined ground and air assault targeted terrorist hideouts responsible for recent attacks in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara LGAs. Precision airstrikes conducted by the Air Component destroyed identified terrorist locations during multiple passes. Surviving terrorists who…

Hunger, Stampedes and Death,by Olusegun Adeniyi

Emporium Reporters

I commiserate with the families who lost loved ones to the stampedes of recent days in Ibadan, Oyo State, Okija, Anambra State and Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). There can be no greater tragedy than for anybody to die while looking for something to eat, especially during a festive season like this. So, for those in authority at all levels, the message should be clear. But from what I have been reading in recent days, it appears some may simply be looking for scapegoats while others are playing politics with…

House Minority Caucus decries Triple Stampede Tragedies, urges FG action on hunger

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampedes that occurred in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja, leading to the deaths of over 70 people and leaving many others injured. The incidents, which happened during the distribution of empowerment palliatives and giveaways to mark the yuletide season, claimed the lives of children, nursing mothers, women, and the elderly. In a statement released on Sunday, December 22, 2024, the Minority Leader, Hon. O.K. Chinda, described the tragedies as “heartbreaking and dehumanizing,” blaming the incidents on…

Gov Okpebholo allocates over N70bn to Agriculture in 2025 Budget to Tackle Food Insecurity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a decisive move to address food insecurity and boost agricultural production in Edo State, Gov. Monday Okpebholo has approved over N70 billion for the agriculture sector in the state’s 2025 budget.   The budget, titled “Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” was signed into law by the governor on Wednesday. It focuses on economic revitalization, agricultural transformation, and infrastructure development to deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo citizens.   Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the administration’s commitment to combating the acute food shortage affecting the…

CHRISTMAS: NOA DG calls for Unity, Love among Nigerians

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to use the 2024 Christmas celebrations as a moment to rekindle love, unity, and brotherhood across the country.   In a statement released on Wednesday, December 25, Onilu encouraged Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by fostering selflessness, care, and compassion for one another. He emphasized that these values are essential for promoting national development and achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.   “Christmas symbolizes God’s love for humanity…