Month: January 2025

Niger Tanker Explosion: FRSC Corps Marshal offers condolences, calls for strict safety measures

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims of a fatal fuel tanker explosion at the Dikko junction in Niger State, which occurred on January 18, 2025. The tragedy resulted in the loss of at least 73 lives, with several others injured.   In a statement issued after the incident, Corps Marshal Mohammed described the human toll as both “disheartening and disastrous,” urging tanker operators to adhere strictly to safety protocols while transporting petroleum products. He…

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs engages PWDs on FG Empowerment Initiatives

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a productive and heartfelt meeting with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an inclusive Nigeria. The session focused on key strategies to empower PWDs and improve their quality of life. The discussion covered proposed policy changes, increased funding, and the need for greater inclusion of PWDs in government programs. These initiatives aim to break down barriers, foster opportunities, and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can thrive in society.   Professor…

NCC approves Tariff adjustments for Telecom Operators

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for tariff adjustments requested by telecommunications operators, aiming to address the financial challenges faced by the sector. The decision, taken under the authority of Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, allowed for a maximum increase of 50% in current tariffs, significantly lower than the over 100% increase sought by some operators.   The NCC’s move was in response to escalating operational costs and is intended to ensure the sustainability of the industry while maintaining service quality for consumers. The Commission…

CAC RG flags off Nationwide Training for Compliance and Enforcement Officers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Registrar-General/CEO of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, has inaugurated a nationwide training program for compliance and enforcement officers.   The event, held at the Nigerian Bar Association auditorium in Abuja, is part of the Commission’s efforts to enhance post-incorporation enforcement capabilities. The training, themed “Re-engineering the Commission for Effective Discharge of Compliance and Enforcement Mandates to Ensure Efficient Management of Corporate Vehicles,” gathered participants from all 36 states. Magaji highlighted the crucial role of state offices in ensuring compliance, described the initiative as a sustainability strategy…

Dynamics of Rising Crude Oil Prices Impact PMS By Adefolarin A. Olamilekan

Emporium Reporters

As Donald Trump takes the oath of office as the 46th President of the United States of America, the entire global economy is already feeling the heat, especially with the rumble driving upward crude oil prices. Interestingly, many media reports published the surging crude prices that reflect the local prices of Petrol prices in Nigeria, which witnessed notable increases across major depots, with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) selling at elevated rates due to regional challenges and supply dynamics. The price adjustments, which vary between Lagos and Calabar, reflect underlying disruptions…

NiDCOM Applauds Richard Edoki’s Nomination for Best Newcomer at 2025 National Hospital Radio Awards

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated Nigerian-born broadcaster Richard Edoki, widely known as Richybongo, for his nomination as Best Newcomer at the upcoming 2025 National Hospital Radio Awards.   Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, commended Edoki’s dedication and efforts in promoting Nigerian excellence abroad, highlighting his role as a shining example of Nigerian achievement in the diaspora. The Chairman expressed her support and wished Edoki success as he competes for the prestigious award at the ceremony scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Leicestershire.   The National Hospital…

NAHCON Announces 2025 Hajj Fare for Nigerian Pilgrims, Prices Vary by Region

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the official fare for Nigerian pilgrims intending to embark on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with costs varying by region. The fare, which was approved by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, is set at N8,457,685.59 for pilgrims from the Northern zone, while those from Borno and Adamawa zones will pay N8,327,125.59. Pilgrims from the Southern states will pay N8,784,085.59.   Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Chairman of NAHCON, explained that the fares were determined after extensive consultations to ensure…

Bank shares and bank Tzars By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

Some 15 years ago, millions of poor Nigerians were conned into borrowing to buy bank shares. I was one of them. I had no one to pull my ears and tell me that I needed to be educated first before seeking to hoe that farm of thorns. Records still say I am a shareholder of some banks, including First Bank. But that is where it ends. It has been sweat without sweet – which is why I amuse myself showing stupid interest in intrigues among big men who run big…

Monday Lines 1 Islam: Beyond terrorism and Boko Haram By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

The United Arab Emirates has just held its Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Our president was there. A part of that event was the World Future Energy Summit which ended on Thursday last week. Saudi Arabia is holding a Smart City and Infrastructure Expo in September this year. It held one last year. When Muslim countries do things as these, they advertise Islam in the very best form. They make Islam attractive and beautiful.   Like Saudi Arabia, we have Islam here in abundance but we lack the sanity and prosperity…

FHA denies revocation for Re-allocated Police Station at Gwarimpa.

Abubakar Yusuf

The Federal Housing Authority, FHA said it did not re-allocate the current land housing the Police Station on its Gwarimpa Housing Estate to anyone, as been speculated and made public by Human Rights Radio, Abuja.   The management made the clarification on Monday in a public notice on the heels of a program aired on Human Rights Radio, popularly known as ‘Berekete’ in one of its programs, stating that the current Police Station is been moved to Dawaki area of Gwarimpa, with the plot re-allocated to cronies.   While expressing…