Year: 2024

NCAC,NITDA forge alliance to transform Nigeria’s Creative Industries

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a landmark move to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s cultural heritage and digital innovation, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have unveiled a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the nation’s cultural and creative industries (CCI).   At a high-level meeting held at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, NCAC Director-General, Mr. Obi Asika, and NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, outlined a collaborative framework to drive growth, innovation, and digital transformation. Senior leadership teams from both agencies were present to finalize the…

Police arrest Teen Suspect in Connection with Minna Homicide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has apprehended an 18-year-old suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, in connection with the murder of Mr. Adamu Jagaba and the theft of his vehicle. The incident occurred on 7th December 2024, at a block industry along Eastern Bye-pass, Minna. Reports indicated that Abdulhakeem, who worked as the victim’s car painter, attacked Jagaba with a knife and a stapler during a visit to discuss vehicle repairs. The victim was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. According to the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer,…

NUJ FCT Council congratulates Jacob Edi on conferment of Traditional Title, Kakaki of Bassange

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has congratulated Hon. Jacob Edi, a former Chairman of the Council, on his conferment with the prestigious traditional title of Kakaki of Bassange in Kogi State.   In a press statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described the honor as a well-deserved recognition of Hon. Edi’s immense contributions to the development of the Bassange community and Kogi State at large through his exemplary service in the media and beyond.   The conferment ceremony will be performed by…

Between Farotimi and Afe Babalola By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

The question of whether the law of defamation is a hindrance to freedom of speech and a curtailment to democratic process confronted the Burkinabe, a few years ago. Lohe Issa Konaté was Burkina Faso, that landlocked West African country’s own Dele Farotimi. He was a journalist with the newspaper, L’Ouragan (The Hurricane). Like a tempestuous hurricane, on August 1, 2012, Konaté published a series of articles in the weekly newspaper attacking the conduct of a local prosecutor in a money counterfeiting matter. A week later, Konaté doubled down on this…

Cry not, North; smell the coffee and act (1), by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

The topic on everybody’s, well, almost everybody’s, lips now is tax reform. Everybody has become an expert, so everyone is discussing it: the experts, the neophytes, and even those who do not give a hoot. Nigerians love to talk, dissipate energy, joke about it, and then move on as if nothing happened.   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows his countrymen well; perhaps that is why he never loses sleep over our vituperations; he gets what he wants when he wants it. In faraway France, he promised to continue with his…

JUST IN: John Mahama secures Historic Victory in Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Election

Emporium Reporters

Accra, Ghana – December 8, 2024: Former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been declared the winner of Ghana’s 2024 presidential election, marking a remarkable political comeback. His main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat on Sunday, ahead of the official results announcement.   According to provisional results, Mahama secured 56.39% of the votes (976,644 votes), while Bawumia garnered 42.64% (738,493 votes). In his concession speech, Bawumia congratulated Mahama and acknowledged the NDC’s strong performance in both the…

Christ came to save the world, Declares Rev.(Mrs.) Olusola Idowu

Emporium Reporters

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   Experience a heart-warming Christmas carol at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse, Abuja. On December 8, 2024, the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters in Abuja, was a sanctuary of harmony and worship as it celebrated a special Christmas Carol service. This event, a cornerstone in the church’s festive calendar, was marked by an array of musical performances and a profound sermon that uplifted the congregational spirit. A Symphony of Voices: Carol Exaltation The service was a vibrant mosaic of melodies as various choirs, including the Church Senior…

From Cabin Crew to Cockpit: Olanike Nafisat Balogun Becomes First Female Pilot in Nigeria Customs Service

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot) Olanike Nafisat Balogun has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), achieving a groundbreaking milestone in the aviation and public service sectors.   Balogun, who hail from Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, began her career in 2002 as a Customs Assistant and cabin crew member in the NCS Airwing Unit. Her journey to the cockpit was fueled by unwavering determination, advanced academic pursuits, and institutional support from the NCS.   Reflecting on her career, Balogun revealed that…

Benjamin Ubiri(Ben200) inducted as Doctoral Fellow,Institute of Leadership, Manpower and Management Development

Emporium Reporters

Benjamin Ubiri, the Creative Director of Bentastic Media and On-Air Personality at Democracy Radio Abuja, has been officially inducted as a Doctoral Fellow into the prestigious Institute of Leadership, Manpower, and Management Development.   The induction ceremony, held on Saturday, December 7th, was a significant milestone in Ubiri’s illustrious career, which spans across media, literature, and public speaking. Ubiri, also known by his Monika Ben200,has made an indelible impact on Nigeria’s media industry, celebrated for his excellence in broadcasting, literary contributions, and his role as a world-class master of ceremonies.…

WCO,Nigeria Customs train Officers on Cutting-Edge Tools for Border Security and Trade Facilitation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has concluded a five-day intensive workshop on Friday, December 6, 2024, aimed at enhancing border security and trade operations through advanced data-driven tools.   The workshop, titled “n-Ceen”, was hosted at the Trade Modernisation Project Office in Abuja and focused on equipping customs officers with innovative skills in data gathering and analysis. This initiative is part of efforts to bolster national security and improve enforcement strategies.   In her speech,the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs for ICT/Modernisation, DCG…