Year: 2024

Tinubu, Ganduje Lead Call for Youth Empowerment at TPI National Skills Acquisition Conference

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment, poverty, and idleness in Nigeria. Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, at the opening of the National Skills Acquisition Conference organized by The Progressive Institute (TPI), Tinubu described the initiative as critical to his government’s renewed hope agenda.   The three-day conference, held at the Banquet Hall in Abuja, focused on vocational skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and developmental challenges, underscoring the importance of empowering Nigerian youths to drive the country’s economic growth.…

Ibadan Funfair Stampede:House of Oduduwa sympathizes with Oyo Govt, Organizers, Victims

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Oduduwa has extended its condolences to the Oyo State Government, the organizers of the ill-fated Ibadan funfair, and the families of the victims who lost their lives in the tragic stampede. The incident, which occurred during an event organized by Agidigbo Radio and Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS), has plunged the state into mourning.   In a statement signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, the House of Oduduwa expressed deep grief over the loss of…

Ibadan Stampede: MURIC Condemns Tragedy, Questions Event’s Motive, and Demands Transparency

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the stampede that occurred on Wednesday, 18th December 2024, during a children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 32 children and left several others injured. In a statement released on Thursday, 19th December 2024, MURIC’s General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. According to eyewitness accounts, the stampede happened during a crowded…

Edo Gov to Empower Traders with Interest-Free Loans, Launch Massive Mechanized Farming in 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the commencement of an interest-free loan initiative for traders across the State’s three Senatorial Districts, set to begin in January 2025. The announcement was made at the New Festival Hall, Government House, during a visit by the Edo State Association of Commodity Market Women and Men (ESACM).   Governor Okpebholo emphasized the critical role of traders in the State’s economic development, noting that the initiative would provide financial relief and business expansion opportunities without the burden of high-interest rates.   “Our traders…

An Accidental Christmas Story By Azu Ishiekwene

Emporium Reporters

If I’ve learned anything these past 35 years of journalism, it’s looking for a story in every situation. It wasn’t different when I left home for the airport on December 14, except that this time, the story found me. My Uber driver started the conversation: “Are you Mr. Azu of LEADERSHIP?” he asked.   I confirmed I was but didn’t make much of his question since he could have gotten the information from Truecaller. I also found from my Truecaller that he was identified as “Doc. Jibrin.” However, in a…

Beacon of hope In Edo By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

As nations continue to compete in technological, scientific and academic breakthroughs through various incentives, stakeholders in Nigeria have been worried that the nation has not paid much attention to this area as many deserving graduates are often left uncelebrated. The social media space had in recent times been flooded with reports of best graduating students of universities being rewarded with as low as N1,000 cash, while many of our first class graduates roam the streets in endless search for job opportunities. This, which clearly contrasts the reality in other sectors…

COWA President commissions Ultra-Modern Secretariat at Tincan … As COWA TCIP celebrates 2024 in Grand Style

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Adeniyi, has commissioned an ultra-modern secretariat at the Tincan Island Port (TCIP) Command in Apapa, Lagos. The event, held on Monday, 16 December 2024, also featured the empowerment of 14 officers’ wives with financial support and skill acquisition certificates. This historic occasion was attended by officers’ wives, senior customs officers, and stakeholders, marking a significant achievement for the association. Mrs. Adeniyi described the secretariat as a “beacon of hope” for COWA members and a testament to the Nigerian Customs…

CGC Adeniyi, Hon. Leke Abejide charge Customs Officers on Professionalism, as NCCSC Graduates 100 Officers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, marked a significant event on Monday, December 16, 2024, with the graduation of 100 officers from Senior Course 11 and Junior Course 20. The ceremony, graced by Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Leke Abejide, highlighted the critical importance of professionalism in customs operations. In his keynote address, CGC Adeniyi praised the graduates for their dedication during the rigorous six-month training program. He urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, and…

Customs WMC Seizes 1,021 Loaves of Cannabis Worth Over N107m in Lagos Waters

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC), has intercepted a major consignment of Cannabis Sativa worth N107,205,000.00 along the Ajido waterways in Lagos State.   The operation, which took place on December 16, 2024, led to the seizure of 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of the illicit substance weighing 538kg. According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Magaji Mailafiya, the smugglers abandoned their boat and fled upon sighting Customs officers.   Despite the challenging terrain, the Patrol Team secured the sacks, transported them…

National Assembly Inaugurates Committee to Revitalize NAPAC

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The National Assembly on Tuesday took a significant step toward revitalizing the National Association of Public Account Committees (NAPAC) by inaugurating a planning committee. The initiative aims to breathe new life into the association, which has been dormant in recent years.   In his inaugural address, Hon. Bamidele Salami, Chairman of the House Public Account Committee, explained that NAPAC was established in 2014, with 38 chapters across the country, including SPAC, HPAC, and the Public Account Committees of all 36 State Houses of Assembly. The…