Year: 2024

Eze Izu Daniel wins 2024 SDGs Short Film Challenge with Compelling Entry, Wasted

Emporium Reporters

Eze Izu Daniel clinched the grand prize at the 2024 SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards, held on Saturday at the Silverbird Cinema in Abuja. His film, Wasted, outshone 2,249 entries from 119 countries, captivating the judges and audience with its poignant exploration of drug addiction and its impact on youth.   The film centered on SDG Goal 3, focusing on health and well-being. It tells the story of a young individual whose reliance on drugs to combat stage fright spirals into addiction, ultimately derailing his life and sanity. The…

Akpabio urges Nigerians to celebrate Christmas with Love and Unity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, love, and unity as they celebrate Christmas.   In a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President described the festive period as a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration.   “In the spirit of the season, I encourage you all to spread love, kindness, and generosity. Let us remember those in need and offer a helping hand as much as possible,” Akpabio stated.   He urged…

Akpabio celebrates Ganduje at 75, lauds Him as a Dedicated Democrat

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commended the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,on his 75th birthday, described him as a committed democrat and a transformative leader.   In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President extolled Ganduje’s dedication to democracy and his impactful leadership in strengthening the APC.   “Your Excellency, this milestone is a testament to your remarkable life, dedicated service, and unwavering commitment to our great nation,   “As…

NITDA 2024: Transforming Nigeria’s Digital Future with Innovation and Strategic Partnerships By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the visionary leadership of Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has been a driving force behind Nigeria’s digital transformation. Through a year filled with bold initiatives, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity, NITDA has firmly positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy.   One of the standout moments of 2024 came in December with the release of the groundbreaking Whitepaper on the Framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill. This pivotal document, developed in collaboration with…

Gov Okpebholo pledges Civil Service Reform, swears in New Permanent Secretaries

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to prioritize the training and retraining of public servants as part of his administration’s efforts to ensure efficient and transparent service delivery in the state.   The Governor made this commitment during the swearing-in ceremony of three new Permanent Secretaries on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City.   Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of a professional and proactive civil service to achieving the administration’s goals.   “Edo people voted for us to provide good governance,…

NUJ FCT sends Christmas Greetings to Members, Calls for Unity and Reflection

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has extended warm Christmas greetings to its members, urging them to embrace the spirit of the season and reflect on its deeper values.   In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the Secretary of the Council, conveyed the union’s heartfelt festive wishes and encouraged members to use the occasion to renew their commitment to both the union’s progress and God’s work.   The statement also highlighted the recent untimely deaths within the council, urged members to pray for…

Alhaji Alidu Shutti appointed Acting Secretary of NAHCON

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has announced the appointment of Alhaji Alidu Shutti as the Acting Secretary of the Commission. The appointment, effective immediately, followed the voluntary resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Rabi’u Kontagora on December 6, 2024.   Alhaji Shutti, a native of Iwo in Osun State, joined NAHCON in 2007 and has served in several key capacities, including Director of Inspectorate and Compliance, Head of the Tour Operators Division, Assistant Director of Licensing Division, Deputy Director…

APC celebrates National Chairman, Ganduje@75

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has celebrated its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on the occasion of his 75th birthday, lauding his outstanding leadership and contributions to the Party’s success.   In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the Party described Dr. Ganduje as a distinguished leader, administrator, scholar, philanthropist, and accomplished politician who has left an indelible mark on public service and party politics in Nigeria.   The statement highlighted Ganduje’s role in steering the APC to successive electoral victories and consolidating its position…

Queen Esther Daniels Crowned Best Idoma Nollywood Actress of All Time at Idoma Nollywood Film Festival

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Queen Esther Daniels, renowned Nollywood actress and activist, has been named the Best Idoma Nollywood Actress of All Time at the prestigious Idoma Nollywood Film Festival. The ceremony, held on December 23, 2024, during the Idoma International Carnival in Otukpo, Benue State, saw the actress outshine industry veterans such as Ene Comfort Ikwumono and Jane Odoh. Queen Esther, who began her acting career at the age of 15, has consistently captivated audiences with her performances in both Nollywood and Idoma films. In 2022, she made her production debut with the…

2024 Christmas Message:President Tinubu extends Hope and Unity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his 2024 Christmas message, has called on Nigerians to embrace the season’s essence of love, peace, and unity while reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ. The President described Christmas as a celebration that transcends religion, embodying the triumph of light over darkness and providing hope for all.   Expressing sadness over recent tragic events, including the stampedes in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja, President Tinubu offered prayers and condolences to the victims and their families.   “We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit…