Month: January 2025

Obaseki’s Afrinvest Accused of Plotting ₦100bn Bond Conversion, Shareholders Demand Probe

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Onitsha Zone Shareholders’ Association has raised alarm over an alleged plan by Afrinvest, a firm owned by former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, to sell a ₦100 billion bond and convert it into personal shares.   Led by Bishop Goodluck Akpore, the group made their concerns known during a protest visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo at the government house. They highlighted potential economic harm to the state and its communities, urging the governor to investigate and address the issue.   The association accused Obaseki of using Afrinvest to orchestrate…

“Breathe in, breathe out, Nigeria,” by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

Some time ago, I had an oblique conversation with Governor Mai Mala Buni about my health condition, and something related to the topic of this piece came out. Sometimes, I get amazed at how he recalls things we see as inconsequential or forgotten because of time and relates them to everyday life. Because of this and many others, I always believe the creator blessed him with so much wisdom that he could pass for a sage.   Thanks to present realities, I mostly stay at home throughout the week, going…

APC mourns victims of Niger State Tanker Explosion, commends Emergency Responders

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Niger State, which claimed multiple lives and left many injured. In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC extended its condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those affected.   Morka stated “We deeply condole with the families who lost their loved ones and wish the injured a quick recovery. He also conveyed the party’s sympathy to the government and residents of Niger State,…

Resounding Victories through Supportive Strength: Insights from Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu, PhD

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   On January 19, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, resonated with spiritual energy as congregants joined together to welcome the new year imbued with divine promises.   The service was marked by the harmonious melodies of the adult choir, setting a tone of divine anticipation for Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s impactful sermon titled “Supportive Strength is a Gift from God.”   Rev. Idowu, renowned for his deep compassion and insightful teachings, built upon his ongoing sermon series “God Grant Us Strength…

A Sunday worship with Ifa priest, Wande Abimbola By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

Last week’s ascension to the Alaafin of Oyo throne by then Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade courted tremendous ruckus in Yorubaland. Why would an unseen Ifa deity and its cloudy, ancient system of divination choose an Alaafin? Implicated in the back-and-forth that followed was 92-year old Ògúnwán̄dé Abím̄bọ́lá, professor of Yoruba language and literature and one-time vice chancellor of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. In 1981, a conclave of Ifa priests in Yorubaland anointed Abimbola as the Àwísẹ Awo Àgbàyé (World Ifa Priest). He was then investured by…

Niger Tanker Explosion:IGP orders enhanced Traffic monitoring , commiserates with Govt, Victims

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Following the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State, which claimed the lives of over 73 people, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the strengthening of Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) across all State Police Commands. The explosion, which occurred on January 18, 2025, after a truck carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control and caught fire, also resulted in numerous injuries and widespread property destruction. In his response to the tragedy, the IGP conveyed his deepest condolences to the…

Senate Committee Grills Minister Over Ajaokuta Steel Concessioning Process

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac   The Joint Senate Committee on Steel Development has raised serious concerns over the concessioning process of Ajaokuta Steel Company, questioned the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, during a budget defense session on Friday.   Co-chaired by Senator Patrick Ndubueze, the Committee demanded detailed explanations regarding the contractual agreements with NOVASTAL, a private firm, and the rationale for opting for a tripartite agreement instead of a government-to-government arrangement. The Committee expressed skepticism about the 4 billion naira allocated in the 2024 budget for the…

NAPTIP DG engages Deaf Community in effort to combat Human Trafficking

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a significant step towards inclusivity in the fight against human trafficking, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, today met with representatives from the Deaf Community to discuss their role in counter-trafficking efforts.   The group, led by Mr. Nelson Chukwuemeka Umezurike, National Vice Chairman of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, along with other leaders such as Fassasi Monsurat, National Women Leader; Mr. Ayoade Beyioku-Ajose, Chairman of the Abuja Association of the Deaf; and Ashiru Abubakar,…

Tanker Explosion: NNPCL sympathizes with victims, urges caution

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko-Maje Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Road in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has left several people dead and many others injured. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved individuals attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred. In response to the incident, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has expressed its deep sympathy to the victims and their families. The company’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi, visited the General Hospital in Sabon Wuse, Niger State,…

Military Forces Dislodge Bello Turji’s Camp in Zamfara, Kill Son, others in Decisive Offensive

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a major breakthrough, combined ground and air troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have intensified their offensive against notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, dismantling his stronghold in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The latest military operation resulted in the death of Turji’s son and several key associates, marking a significant blow to his criminal network.   The operation, described as one of the most strategic in recent times, targeted multiple bandit camps, including Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, Zangon Kagara, and a school used by Turji’s group…