Day: February 9, 2025

Good News from Ekiti State By Michael Abiola

Emporium Reporters

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s selection as ‘Governor of the Year 2024′ comes as no surprise, given his strategic vision for Ekiti State. One worth mentioning is the construction of a world-class Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in the state. This is not just for the immediate but also laying the foundations for a modern industrial economy.   Oyebanjis recent commitment to reviving commodity boards and strengthening cooperative movements for which Western Nigeria was well-renowned and made very significant strides in the past is noteworthy. Without doubt, this effort will complement the…

CDS mourns Our Nigeria News Editor Lawrence Audu, hails his dedication to Journalism

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has condoled with Our Nigeria News over the passing of its editor, Mr. Lawrence Bilal Audu, describing him as an embodiment of hard work and professionalism.   Audu, a respected Defence Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief of North East Star Magazine, reportedly passed away in his sleep on Thursday, February 6, 2025.   In a condolence message to Our Nigeria News, General Musa acknowledged Audu’s commitment to ethical journalism and his steadfast adherence to the principles of accurate and responsible reporting.  …

Nigeria Customs hosts roundtable to enhance Governance in State-Owned Enterprises

Lukman Laleye Babalola

On February 6, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) convened a high-level roundtable at its headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, focusing on operational best practices for government-owned companies. The event gathered key stakeholders from the military, paramilitary, and financial sectors to discuss strategies for improving corporate governance, financial autonomy, and operational efficiency.   Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the importance of these principles in managing state-owned enterprises, particularly those under military and paramilitary organizations. He highlighted that the NCS operates four companies contributing to economic growth, job creation, and service…

How Many States Do We Need? By SImon Kolawole

Emporium Reporters

The House of Reps has received proposals to create 31 new states across the country. Amazing. If every proposal sails through (which I doubt), that means we will end up with 67 states since we currently have 36 of them. That would mean 67 state governors, 67 state cabinets (with thousands of commissioners, special advisers and special assistants), 67 houses of assembly (with thousands of lawmakers and their aides) and, how do I say this… 67 motorcades full of the latest models of bullet-proof SUVs. With almost every state trying…

Gov Okpebholo Prioritizes Infrastructure Development in Edo— Engr. Bello

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Projects Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Ufoma Bello, has reaffirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to driving infrastructural development across the state.   Speaking at the first quarterly stakeholders’ engagement held at the Government House in Benin City, Bello emphasized that infrastructure remains a core mandate of the administration. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Edo State Ministry of Works, the Edo State Public Buildings and Maintenance Agency (EDPUBMA), and the Projects Implementation and Monitoring Department.   The engagement…

Edo Security Corps Rescues Traditional Ruler, Moves to Strengthen Fight Against Crime

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Security Corps has successfully rescued the Onogie of Udo-Eguare community, His Royal Highness (HRH) Friday Ehizojie, brought relief to the community after four days of anxiety following his abduction. The traditional ruler was kidnapped on Monday, February 3, 2025, alongside two others. Commander of the Corps, Mr. Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, commended the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo for its unwavering support and for providing a conducive environment for security agencies to operate effectively. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the safety of…

Wike’s Lightnings in FCT, BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

Abubakar Yusuf

Since the appointment of Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT in 2023, a new dawn has encapsulated all facets of the nation’s capital, wearing a new look in all areas.   Having prioritised security and infrastructural rejuvenation and development, Barrister Nzenwo Nyesom Wike provided beyond expectations in the last one year both at the city centre and even the six area councils including villages adjoining them .   The new Minister lighted up the Federal Capital Territory FCT with renewable energy, solar street lights through…

Empowering Believers: Unified Messages on Strengthening Faith from Abuja’s Esteemed Ministers

Emporium Reporters

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   Amid a celebrated “Loyalty Month” within the Foursquare Gospel Church, two powerful sermons echoed through Abuja, delivering messages of unity, resilience, and spiritual fortification. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu and Rev. Sam Osivwemu addressed their congregations with deeply inspiring sermons, aimed at equipping believers to navigate life’s challenges through faith. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu: A Beacon of Hope at Foursquare Gospel Church, Katanpe Abuja. On February 9, 2025, Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu graced the pulpit of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Katanpe, with a thought-provoking sermon titled “Strengthening…

Bisi Akande, poverty and Ige’s death By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

In her biography of Ayo Rosiji, one of the key politicians of Nigeria’s first republic, entitled Man With Vision, Australia-born historian, Nina Mba, citing a Holmes, called biographers “People who knead people.” In other words, biographers knead their subjects from raw flour into edible form. You then wonder what the late lecturer in the History department of the University of Lagos would have called autobiographers. Self-conjurers, perhaps. For, in the process of piecing together bits about themselves, those who write their life histories have been accused of selfishly adding together…

Can Buni tame the Lake Chad curse?, by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

That is the question. Perhaps we should first take a look at Lake Chad and Mai Mala Buni, the governor of Yobe State and current chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.   The Lake Chad Basin is an area of about 2,434,000 square kilometres (940,000 square miles), roughly 8 per cent of Africa. It includes parts of Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria, and Niger and is fed by the Chari, Logone, and Yobe Rivers.   There are around 30 million inhabitants and over 70 ethnic groups, with their primary sources…