Day: February 10, 2025

Benue Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged Sale of State Assets, Calls for Legislative Intervention ….. Demands Investigation into Zenith Bank, Dangote Cement Shares

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A pro-transparency group, Benue Good Governance Crusaders, has called on the Benue State House of Assembly to stop Governor Hyacinth Alia from allegedly taking over the state’s shares in Dangote Cement and to investigate the sale of other government-owned assets.   The group, in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Felix Atetan, and Secretary, Peter Ameh, alleged that the governor had already sold Benue’s shares in Zenith Bank Plc and other companies worth N12 billion. They claimed he is now attempting to take over the Benue…

Hitler Godwin Obaseki and the N19bn Radisson Hotel Scam By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

In the Christian Holy Book, we were told that when it was time for God to redeem man unto Himself and send the messiah, rather than drop him from the sky as a full grown man, He took the long process of passing through the normal human process. The reason as stated in Hebrews 2: 14 – 18 and Hebrews 5:1-3 is so that, the messiah can fully understand and comprehend the challenges peculiar to humans, and therefore, be more merciful and compassionate in dealing with them.   Compassionate and…

Hajia Saadatu Sani Honored as Garkuwan Matan Paiko, Launches ‘Mamakit Project’ to Empower Pregnant Women in Niger State

Emporium Reporters

In recognition of her unwavering support for rural women, Hajia Saadatu Sani, founder of Future Pathways Foundation, has been conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Garkuwan Matan Paiko by the Emir of Paiko. The title, reserved for outstanding women in the emirate, was bestowed upon her in appreciation of her humanitarian efforts and philanthropic outreach.   Described as a compassionate and selfless woman, Hajia Saadatu Sani has consistently dedicated her resources to improving the lives of the less privileged. To mark this special occasion, she extended her benevolence to…

Monday Lines: El-Rufai, Obasa and other godfather stories By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

It happened one sunny day in mid-May 2003. I was preparing to go to the office around noon when Tayo, the editor’s secretary, called me. “Mr Olagunju, don’t come to the office, Baba Adedibu is here looking for you. He came with his boys.” There were no two birds bearing ‘hawk’ in the skies of Ibadan at that time. Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu was the strongman of Ibadan politics. He earned that appellation in practical terms on the field of battle. Adedibu was death that thundered before killing; he was lightning…

Congress of African Journalists, NUJ Celebrate Engr Mathew Tonlagha on His Birthday

Emporium Reporters

By Our Reporter     The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have jointly celebrated Engr. Mathew Tonlagha, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist, on the occasion of his birthday.   In a statement issued on Monday, the President of the Congress of African Journalists, Dr. Christopher Isiguzo, MFR, and the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, described Engr. Tonlagha as a selfless entrepreneur whose generosity has significantly impacted the journalism profession and society at large.   The NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan,…

Abdulrahman Bashar rejects Dubai Court verdict, vows legal challenge

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Founder of Rahmaniya Group, Abdulrahman Bashar, has vowed to challenge a judgment issued against him by a Dubai court, described it as a pressure tactic aimed at tarnishing his reputation and business.   A Dubai court sentenced Abdulrahman to one year in prison over an alleged financial crime linked to his dealings with CE Energy Company, an oil and gas firm. However, he maintained his innocence and is actively working with global law firm HFW to overturn the ruling.   The UAE court delivered the verdict on January 30,…

Ekiti State and the shifting security landscape By HC Ade

Emporium Reporters

Security is the inalienable right from any fear or threat. Security, they also say, is a stage of being free from danger or threat while insecurity is the obvious presence of either or both the danger and the threat.   Insecurity is a global phenomenon that Nigeria and the subnational are having their shares. The genesis of Nigeria’s insecurity challenges is complex and multifaceted. It is traceable to our pre-colonial, colonial era and global effects.   Nigeria of over 250 ethnic groups and a roughly equal split between Muslims and…

MURIC accuses Governor Abiodun of targeting muslims over shari’ah panel in Ogun

Lukman Laleye Babalola

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, of suppressing Muslim rights following his recent rejection of a purported Shari’ah court in the state.   In a statement released on Monday, 10th February 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the governor’s remarks as “speculative, provocative, manipulative, and opportunistic.” The organization alleged that Governor Abiodun’s stance was part of a broader attempt, similar to that of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to undermine Islamic practices in the South-West.…