Month: February 2025

FG launches AI Training for 6,000 Secondary School Teachers

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Government has commenced a five-week Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pedagogy training for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across the country.   The program was officially launched in Abuja on Tuesday, with the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, urging participants to leverage AI in transforming teaching and learning. Represented by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of the Senior Secondary Education Department, the minister emphasized that AI is now a crucial tool for educational advancement.   Dr. Iyela Ajayi, Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), called on…

Gov Bago abolishes Taxation for Hawkers and Petty Traders in Niger State

Emporium Reporters

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has officially banned the taxation of hawkers and petty traders across the state in a bid to ease financial burdens on small-scale business owners and curb unauthorized levies imposed at the local government level. The directive was announced through the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Bologi Ibrahim, who emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting small traders from undue financial exploitation. “We have observed with dismay how petty traders and hawkers are being subjected to multiple taxes. As a government, we have resolved that henceforth,…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan sues Akpabio, Aide for N100 Billion Over Defamation

Emporium Reporters

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi-North Senatorial District, has filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, over an alleged defamatory Facebook post.   The lawsuit, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, accuses the defendants of publishing false and damaging statements against her, harming her reputation and public image.   Filed under Suit No. CU/737/25, the case lists Senate President Akpabio, the Senate as an institution, and Mfon Patrick as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd…

Ways and Means Probe: Senate Committee accuses CBN of withholding Key documents

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate Committee investigating the controversial Ways and Means borrowing by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has accused the apex bank of stalling its probe by withholding crucial financial documents needed to complete the assignment.   During a heated session, committee members expressed frustration over CBN’s failure to provide requested records despite repeated engagements. Lawmakers revealed that the committee had been inundated with public allegations that the investigation had been swept under the carpet, a claim they strongly denied.   Chairman of the committee, Sen. Isah Jibril,in his closing…

Dangote Refinery applauded for Quality Petroleum Supply, Ending Era of Fake Fuel in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s first privately owned petrochemical plant, has received commendations for its commitment to delivering quality petroleum products and eliminating the distribution of substandard fuel across the country.   Douglas Inedu, President of the Independent Monitors Group on Economic Reforms, in a statement on Tuesday, praised the refinery for its integrity and role in stabilizing the nation’s fuel supply.   He noted that Dangote Refinery’s operations have debunked criticisms and proven its capability to meet Nigeria’s energy needs.   “The sincerity and integrity of Dangote Refinery in sustaining…

NSCIA presents Memorandum on Tax Reform Bills to Senate Committee

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) today submitted a memorandum on the 2024 Tax Reform Bills before the Senate Committee on Finance. The presentation was made by Barr. Haroun Eze, an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, and the Head of the Legal Unit of NSCIA. The NSCIA, under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, highlighted key concerns regarding the proposed tax reforms. The Council noted that it only became aware of the public hearing through media reports on…

Scholars, Academics champion Interfaith Dialogue , Digital Innovation for National Unity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Prominent university scholars, academics, government officials, and students gathered in Abuja today Tuesday 25th February,2025 for a high-level workshop on interfaith dialogue, emphasizing the role of digital innovation in fostering religious harmony and national integration.   The event, a dissemination seminar on the 2020 TETFund project, brought together experts from various fields to discuss strategies for promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities. Leading the discussions,the Convener of the Seminar,Professor Hafiz Oladosu of the University of Ibadan underscored the urgent need for structured engagement with young Nigerians, particularly university…

Aiyedatiwa’s Inauguration Marks a New Dawn for Ondo State – Orelope-Adefulire

Abubakar Yusuf

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his inauguration as the 7th Governor of Ondo State, describing it as the beginning of a new era of progress and development.   In a statement, Orelope-Adefulire expressed confidence that Aiyedatiwa’s leadership will bring stability, economic growth, and improved social welfare to the people of Ondo State. She noted that his administration would build on past achievements while introducing innovative policies to enhance governance, security, and sustainable development.  …

Yoruba Youth Leaders urge Tinubu, Southwest Governors to rescue kidnapped Afenifere Youth President

Emporium Reporters

The Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders has called on President Bola Tinubu and Southwest governors to intervene urgently in securing the release of Afenifere Youth Council President, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, who was abducted on Monday, February 17, 2025.   Kidnappers are demanding ₦100 million and two Keke NAPEP vehicles, threatening to kill him if their demands are not met by Tuesday at 3 PM.   In a statement signed by the coalition’s National Secretary, Akeem Adeleke, the group described the abduction as a “grievous affront” to the Yoruba people…

PBAT Academics and Professionals celebrate Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s inauguration, reaffirm commitment to development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The PBAT Academics and Professionals have congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on his inauguration as the 7th democratically elected Governor of Ondo State, pledged their continuous support for the progress of the state. A delegation of the group, led by Dr. Apanpa, Dr. Kayode Adebiyi, and Dr. Femi Odere, was present at the swearing-in ceremony to demonstrate their commitment to the role of academics and professionals in governance and national development. Speaking on behalf of the group, the National Chairman, Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, expressed confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership and…