Year: 2024

Tinubu appoints new Heads for NUC, NERDC, NEPAD, renews Fatima Shinkafi’s Tenure at SMDF

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a significant reshuffling of leadership in key federal agencies, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of new chief executives for the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).   The President also renewed the tenure of Fatima Umaru Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI).   NUC: Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu was named the new Executive Secretary. Ribadu, an expert in…

Senate declares Power Sector Privatization a Failure, Orders Investigation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has criticized the privatization of the power sector as a “total failure,” described the operators of Generation Companies (GenCos), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Distribution Companies (DisCos) as unproductive. Lawmakers accused them of plunging the country deeper into darkness since the privatization policy was introduced in 2013.   During a heated plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed frustration over the lack of value added by power operators, highlighted instances where citizens and state governments were forced to provide transformers and pay for their installation…

Coast Guard Bill: Stakeholders call for maritime protection, economic boost

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac   The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Eshilokun Sanni Wasiu has submitted that, Nigerian Coast Guard Bill when passed into law will bolster the Nation’s economy, safeguard its coastal and maritime resources, curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism and prevent marine pollution.   He stated this during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport.   The bill seeks to establish a dedicated branch of the military to secure Nigeria’s maritime zones and support the Navy during wartime.   The Coast…

How Ekele Pioneered Mental Health Care in UATH , By Abubakar Yusuf

Abubakar Yusuf

Since his assumption of office after his reappointment, the establishment of Mental Health Department and befitting structure was at the front burner, in view of myriads of human related problems characterised by either Mental Health related diseases and the need to address it through treatment and prevention.   For Professor Bisala Ekele aside prioritizing the establishment of the department of Mental Health at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja , UATH he ensured the erection/ construction of a befitting structure that will house the entire department, the first…

Tinubu mourns Passing of Renowned Islamic Scholar Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the esteemed Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, who died at the age of 84. In a heartfelt message, the President shared his condolences with the Muslim Ummah and all those who mourn the loss of the revered cleric.   President Tinubu praised Sheikh Bello for his remarkable contributions to Islamic scholarship, highlighting his profound understanding of the Holy Quran and his exceptional ability to offer peace, comfort, and guidance to many. The President described Sheikh Bello as…

Osun 2026: Crossroads and consequences (1) By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

My experience as a Branch Internal Auditor in a now-consolidated commercial bank during the 2000s taught me the importance of accountability and oversight in institutions. In this role, I identified exceptions, assessed their impact, and recommended corrective actions. This skillset has since informed my understanding of the need for transparency and accountability in governance and political institutions.   Akinwumi Olojo, my former Line Boss and the bank’s Chief Internal Auditor, would often remind us that a governor paying salaries is merely fulfilling his contractual obligation to the electorate. “Thanking him…

Oyo Speaker hails Gov Makinde’s Hybrid Power Project ,calls it Giant Leap Towards Energy Sufficiency

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has commended the Hybrid Power Plant project recently launched by Governor Seyi Makinde, calling it a “giant leap” in the state’s pursuit of energy sufficiency. Ogundoyin made the remarks after attending the commissioning of the project at the State Government Secretariat in Ibadan. The Hybrid Power Plant, which combines a 10MW gas-fired power generation system with a 1MW solar power solution, is set to provide stable electricity to critical facilities such as government offices, healthcare centers, schools,…

NSCIA seeks unity, economic reform, religious inclusivity to ease growing tensions in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has issued a set of critical resolutions following the 10th meeting of its Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC) held on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the National Mosque in Abuja. The meeting, presided over by His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of NSCIA,had participation from government officials, religious leaders, and representatives from the National Assembly. In a series of strong resolutions, the NSCIA called on the federal and state governments, as well as political leaders, to…

NIMC clears Outstanding Payments to Front-End Partners, strengthens Stakeholder collaboration

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has successfully cleared all outstanding payments owed to its Front-End Partners (FEPs) involved in the National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment process. The payments, which covered all enrollments that successfully generated NINs, were cleared after a revalidation exercise to ensure adherence to international standards and compliance.   The FEPs, contracted in 2021 to scale up the NIN enrollment, were only compensated for one year of their services. However, under the leadership of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC’s Director General/CEO, the commission has now resolved the payment…

Gov Okpebholo pledges to overhaul Edo Broadcasting Service, inspects Key Road Projects in Benin City

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to overhaul the state-owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) to enhance its competitiveness with global media outlets. During an unscheduled visit to the station, Governor Okpebholo identified key challenges faced by EBS, including power supply issues, deteriorating infrastructure, and inadequate studio facilities.   The Governor assured staff that his administration would explore alternatives such as solar energy or new generators to ensure the station operates seamlessly 24/7.   “I have seen the challenges facing the station, and we will address them. This is…