Month: February 2025

Greed hindering Africa’s Economic Growth, says VC

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has attributed the economic challenges in many African countries to the greed of their leaders. He called for a shift towards prioritizing the needs of the majority over the selfish interests of a few in leadership positions. Prof. Adedimeji made this assertion while delivering his address, “Between Need and Greed,” at the 2nd Public Lecture of the university, held on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The lecture itself, titled “Economic Growth Models: The Irish…

Monday Lines: A review of IBB’s book of billions By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

In five parts, thirteen chapters, six appendices, including an interview; a prologue and an epilogue, he sought to give a definite definition of himself. But, for me, the deepest insight into the person of General Ibrahim Babangida is not in his expensive book (it fetched him billions; I bought a copy for N40,000). The greatest revelation was at the launch of the book in Abuja. His comrade-in-arms and childhood friend, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, revealed that a cleric told them about 80 years ago that Babangida would one day be president…

NAHCON’s Battle for Betterment of Pilgrims’ Services and the Perils of Change By Muhammad Ahmad Musa

Emporium Reporters

For over a decade, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has being striving for the betterment of services in its mission to secure a safe and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for the Nigerian Pilgrims. Its leadership has navigated a maze of bureaucratic red tape in an environment marked by relentless opposition, with a quest for transparency and reforms which has become a beacon of hope for millions of devoted believers. The journey toward meaningful change in Hajj management began with the courageous leadership of figures such as Sheikh Abubakar…

NDLEA Intercepts 46kg of Canadian Loud at Lagos Airport, Arrests 24-Year-Old Thai Woman

Emporium Reporters

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a 24-year-old Thai national, Ms. Pattaphi Wimonnat, for attempting to smuggle 43 parcels of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, into Nigeria. The illicit drugs, weighing 46.60 kilograms, were discovered in her luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.   NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Sunday, noted that the suspect was intercepted during the inward clearance of passengers from a Qatar Airways flight from Thailand via Doha…

Gov Okpebholo inspects 36km road project, assures quality delivery

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents of Edo Central Senatorial District of quality infrastructure delivery as he inspected the ongoing 36-kilometer Utako-Unewa-Eworah-Uromi road project.   The Governor, accompanied by top government officials, received cheers and prayers from residents who expressed gratitude that the long-abandoned project was finally receiving attention.   During the inspection, Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to “practical governance,” ensuring that citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy through visible and impactful projects.   “You can see the joy on the faces of the people. We…

Adeleke swears in newly elected LG Chairmen, cautions against Secretariats occupation amid legal dispute

Emporium Reporters

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has officially sworn in newly elected local government chairmen and councillors across the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo.   Addressing the officials, Adeleke described the event as a major milestone in the state’s democratic process, affirming that the election was conducted in line with due process. He noted that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) had duly followed all legal procedures leading to the election.   “We are here to conclude…

The Fact of the Past Between El-Rufai and Ribadu By Yushau A. Shuaib

Emporium Reporters

In the weeks leading up to the 2007 Kano State gubernatorial election, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a prominent member of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet, visited Kano to mediate between Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The intervention came after a public feud between Shekarau’s administration and the EFCC over a report allegedly implicating the governor. At the time, any report from the anti-corruption agency that indicated wrongdoing could automatically disqualify a…

Sakinah Medical Outreach, Medics Across Continents perform 160 free surgeries at National Hospital

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a historic medical intervention, Sakinah Medical Outreach, in collaboration with Medics Across Continents, successfully conducted 160 free surgical procedures at the National Hospital, Abuja. The week-long mission, which ran from Sunday, 16th February to Friday, 21st February 2025, provided life-changing treatments to 94 beneficiaries, many of whom had long-awaited these critical procedures.   The initiative featured a range of advanced and minimally invasive surgeries, including:   Transurethral resection of the prostate   Laparoscopic cholecystectomy   Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)   Laparoscopic and open varicocelectomy   Endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery  …

Faithfulness in Action: Serving God with Our Substance, Declares Rev Dr. Babatunde Idowu

Emporium Reporters

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   In a world often overshadowed by challenges and uncertainties, the message of uncompromising faith and dedication to God offers a beacon of hope and strength. This was the central theme of the inspiring sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Garki District Headquarters, Abuja, marking the culmination of the church’s “Exchange of Pulpit” initiative during February’s “Loyalty Month.”   February 23, 2025, was a day of unity and renewal, with congregants gathered amidst the harmonious melodies of the church choir, ready…

Customs trains newly promoted Comptrollers in Leadership, Ethics, and Strategic Operations … As CGC Adeniyi emphasizes policy implementation, service integrity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a five-day Leadership Retreat for its newly promoted Comptrollers, aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to enhance service delivery and leadership effectiveness. The retreat, organized in collaboration between the Department of Human Resources Development and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), commenced on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall, Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja.   Declaring the retreat open, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Strategic Environment and…