Year: 2024

Nigeria, South Africa Operationalise Advisory Council to boost trade

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Cape Town, South Africa – In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, Nigeria and South Africa have fully operationalised the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment. The announcement was made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town.   The council, established during President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Nigeria in 2021, aims to address trade challenges, align policies, and foster a conducive environment for business growth between Africa’s two largest economies.   “Today, we agreed on the…

South Africa seeks Nigeria’s Lithium for EV Batteries, backs Nigeria’s G20 Bid

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Cape Town, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced South Africa’s interest in partnering with Nigeria to harness its lithium reserves, a critical mineral for electric vehicle (EV) battery production. This collaboration aims to accelerate the green energy transition and boost clean energy manufacturing on the continent.   Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s vast lithium resources for industrialisation in the EV sector. He called on the private sector and financial institutions to support infrastructure development and manufacturing…

Prof Chinyere Okunna ,Late Beko Ransome-Kuti to receive Honorary Awards at 2024 Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Professor Chinyere Okunna and the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti will be honored at the 2024 Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR) on December 9 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. Okunna, a trailblazer in Nigerian media and academia, will receive the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence, while Ransome-Kuti will be posthumously recognized with the Human Rights Defender Award for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy and human rights movements.   The 19th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR) is set to take place on Monday,…

Niger Police Command to conduct Shooting Range Exercise on December 5 ….. Urges Residents to stay calm ,not panic over sporadic gunfire sounds

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has announced plans to carry out a shooting range exercise on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at a designated site behind the Nigeria Air Force Base in Maikunkele, Minna. The exercise is scheduled to take place between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM.   In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, SP W. A. Abiodun, the command advised residents, sister security agencies, and other stakeholders in the area not to panic upon hearing sporadic gunshots during the exercise.   The Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu…

MAPOLY Alumni celebrates Dr. Jolaoso’s appointment as Rector

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Muslim Alumni Association (MAPAMA) has praised the appointment of Architect (Dr.) Adekoyejo Babatunde Jolaoso as the new Rector of the institution. The association expressed confidence in his ability to lead MAPOLY to greater heights, citing his exceptional academic qualifications, extensive experience, and dedication to excellence.   In a press statement signed by Tajudeen Balogun, Head of MAPAMA’s Media and Publicity Committee, on behalf of the National President, Prince Taofeek Oyeniyi, the association commended Dr. Jolaoso’s dedication, brilliance, and productivity, describing his selection as a testament…

Senate sets up committee to address controversies in Tax Reform Bills

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has constituted a special committee to address contentious issues in the proposed tax reform bills, following widespread opposition from stakeholders. The committee, chaired by Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), was announced during Wednesday’s plenary session by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who presided over the sitting. The committee has been tasked with engaging the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the executive arm of government, and other critical stakeholders to resolve the grey areas in the bills before a public hearing is…

The Burden of Truth: DSP Barau Jibrin’s Leadership Test By Abba Dukawa

Emporium Reporters

In the context of leadership, “The Burden of Truth” refers to the challenges and responsibilities that come with making difficult decisions, confronting harsh realities, and being accountable for one’s actions. A true leader can confront difficult issues, make tough decisions, and take responsibility for their actions.   The contentious scene unfolded when Senator Ndume protested the entry of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), into the Senate chamber. Adedeji was scheduled to brief lawmakers on tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.   However, his…

ICPC hails National Productivity Centre for embracing Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit

Abubakar Yusuf

By Abubakar Yusuf     The Chairman, Independent corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has commended the Director-General of National Productivity Centre, Dr Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi for supporting the Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to fight corrupt practices in the Centre.   The Chairman, who was represented by the Director, System Study and Review, Mr Olusegun Oguntade, made this commendation at the annual sensitization programme organized by the Centre’s ACTU in Abuja, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. He was accompanied by NPC…

Grace Ike makes history as NUJ FCT elects First Female Chairman

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a groundbreaking moment for journalism in Nigeria, Ms. Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) has been elected as the first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council.The election, conducted under tight security, signified a turning point in the union’s 43-year history, with Grace promising innovative reforms to benefit members.   The election, held on Wednesday, also saw the emergence of other executives, including Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria (VON) as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper as Secretary, and Sandra…

Grace Ike assumes Office as NUJ FCT Chairman, unveils bold vision for progress

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Grace Ike, the newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has officially assumed office, pledging to usher in a new era of inclusivity, professionalism, and development for the union.   In her inauguration speech delivered in Abuja, Ike expressed gratitude to her colleagues for entrusting her with the responsibility of leadership. She also extended her congratulations to the newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Alhassan Yahya Abdulahi, and his team, reaffirmed the FCT Council’s commitment to supporting the union’s objectives at the national level.  …