Year: 2024

Edo State Mourns as Governor Okpebhbolo Pays Tribute to Late General Godwin Abbe

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebhbolo, has expressed profound grief over the death of General Godwin Osagie Abbe, a renowned military officer, statesman, and proud son of Edo State. General Abbe passed away on Saturday night in Abuja after a prolonged illness. Born on January 10, 1949, General Abbe was just weeks away from celebrating his 75th birthday. His illustrious career in the Nigerian Army began in 1967 when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He rose through the ranks, serving in pivotal roles such as Battalion Commander,…

“Yet, I Will Rejoice.” declares Pastor Azeez with empathetic conviction.

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon     The Sunday Service at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse, Abuja: A Celebration of Faith and Rejoicing   On Sunday, December 22, 2024, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, welcomed its congregation to a vibrant and spiritually enriching service. Led by the adult choir, the church came alive with songs of praise, setting a tone of unity and joy that continued throughout the service.   The central highlight was a poignant sermon delivered by Pastor Adebayo Azeez, who focused on the theme “Exhorting…

2025 Budget: A Bold Vision or a High-Risk Gamble? By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Emporium Reporters

On December 18, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the 2025 Budget of Restoration, a ₦47.9 trillion spending plan designed to secure peace, rebuild prosperity, and set the country on a path toward sustainable growth. While the budget reflects a bold vision for Nigeria’s future, it raises critical questions about the feasibility of its ambitious goals, the risks involved, and the capacity to effectively implement such a vast plan.   A Record-Breaking Budget   With a 36.8% increase from the previous year, the 2025 budget sets the stage for significant…

Lessons from the Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra Stampedes – Preventable Tragedies By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Emporium Reporters

In the span of one week, Nigeria has witnessed three heart-wrenching stampedes at events meant to bring relief and joy. The Ibadan Funfair, organized by Queen Naomi, former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, aimed to provide scholarships and incentives to 5,000 children but turned tragic as crowds overwhelmed the event.   On December 21, 2024, two more incidents followed: one at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, during a food distribution for the less privileged, and another in Anambra, where palliatives were being shared to ease the burdens…

Sanwo-Olu, Dabiri-Erewa advocate Diaspora Collaboration, as Remittances Hit $402.38m

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, have called for stronger collaboration with Nigerians in the diaspora to boost national development. The appeal was made during the ConnectEDiaspora Fireside Chat 2024, a networking event held in Lagos in partnership with NiDCOM’s Homestrings Programme. The event coincided with a report from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) indicating a surge in diaspora remittances, which increased from $336.61 million in September 2024 to $402.38 million in October 2024.   Represented…

“We’ll Now Speak With the People, Not Just for Them” – Speaker Abbas ….. House of Reps to Hold Biannual Citizens’ Engagement Sessions

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In an unprecedented initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has pledged to prioritize direct engagement with Nigerians, stating, “We’ll now speak with the people, not just for them.” This was announced during the House’s first-ever live interactive session on Friday, December 20, 2024, televised on NTA and Channels TV.   The session, a groundbreaking move in Nigeria’s legislative history, provided an avenue for the House to update Nigerians on its activities and field questions from the public. Key topics discussed included security, education, health,…

NYSC DG Decorates Aides with New Military Ranks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed, has decorated two of his military aides with new ranks following their promotion by the Nigerian Army Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Promotion Board. The newly promoted officers are Master Warrant Officer Dada Patrick Bunmi, who serves as the DG’s Personal Assistant, and Sergeant Nazifi Hamisu, the DG’s Military Orderly. The decoration ceremony, held at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, was attended by members of the NYSC top management, military personnel, and other officials. Speaking…

Gov Ododo mourns Veteran Kogi Journalist Rafatu Salami

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed profound sadness over the death of veteran journalist and National Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria), Hajia Rafatu Salami, who passed away on Friday in Abuja. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo described the late Hajia Salami as an exemplary journalist, a compassionate mother, and a dedicated public servant whose legacy will continue to inspire many. “As we mourn the passing of our sister and one of Nigeria’s outstanding female journalists, we…

NUJ FCT Council mourns passing of Former NAWOJ Secretary, Ogonnaya Umeham

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has announced the death of Prophetess Ogonnaya Regina Umeham, a former Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter.   Prophetess Umeham, who passed away on Friday morning after a prolonged illness, was a former staff member of Daily Times Newspapers and, until her death, served as the News Editor of Weekenders Magazine.   The NUJ FCT Council expressed its profound grief in a statement issued on Saturday by its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, describing her…

2024: Daurama Foundation Celebrates a Year of Impact, Looks to the Future

Emporium Reporters

As the year draws to a close, Daurama Foundation, a Nigerian non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, and underserved communities across Nigeria through advocacy, education, and community-driven projects, has reaffirmed its commitment to impactful initiatives that bring relief to citizens and inspire its partners.   Dr Samira Buhari, the Founder of Daurama Foundation, expressed her elation at the organisation’s notable strides since its inception in February this year. She highlighted the Foundation’s focus on improving health outcomes and advocating for the rights of women and girls…