Day: March 16, 2025

Muslim Community demands swift Justice for Man attacked by Pastor ,Soldiers in Iseyin

Emporium Reporters

By Idris Mustapha Babalola   The Muslim community in Oyo State has expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay in justice for AbdulAzeez Sulaiman, who was brutally attacked by a pastor, his son, and a group of soldiers in Oke Imuse, Iseyin, on June 16, 2024. Despite the case being in court for nine months, justice has yet to be served.   According to reports, AbdulAzeez Sulaiman, his two wives, and other family members were attacked while slaughtering a cow for the Eid-el-Kabir (Eleyaa) festival in front of their house…

Tinubu congratulates Dr. Fene Osakwe on historic UK Cybersecurity Award

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Fene Osakwe on being named Cyber Personality of the Year at the 2025 Cyber Security Awards in the United Kingdom, making history as the first African to win the prestigious award.   Dr. Osakwe, Chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board, was honored for his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and expertise in cybersecurity and data privacy, emerging ahead of finalists from the United States, the UAE, Qatar, the Netherlands, and the UK.   Tinubu lauded Dr. Osakwe’s groundbreaking achievement, described it as a testament…

UBEC unveils strategic framework to strengthen Basic Education

Abubakar Yusuf

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is to adopt Public-Private Partnerships, as a key priority in the commission’s new strategic blueprint in delivering basic education services in the country. Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajia Aisha Garba, who made this known has accordingly had series of meetings with Private Sector including the Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh. Head of Public Relations and Protocol of UBEC, Mr. David Apeh in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said Garba during a meeting in Abuja with Oando Foundation, emphasized the need to for…

FG moves to fast-track SDGs implementation at all levels … Stakeholders urged to redouble efforts

Abubakar Yusuf

As Nigeria continues regional consultations on the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, has emphasised the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts towards the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.   She stated this in her Keynote Address, delivered on her behalf by Dr Bala Yunusa, mni, Senior Technical Adviser, at the North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe as part of Nigeria’s VNR preparation for the High-Level Political Forum in New York in July 2025. The SSAP-SDGs noted…

The Balewa road Tinubu is travelling By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

An ancient Yoruba anecdote narrates the destructive nature of the tongue. Its moral is specifically targeted at leaders who take unconscionable decisions as dictated by their fleeting passion. It is the tragic life and reign of King Odarawu. Odarawu was an Alaafin in the old Oyo Empire. His brief reign in the late seventeenth century, after he succeeded his father, Aláàfin Ajagbo, made him the first Alaafin to be rejected by the Oyomesi, Oyo Empire’s council of state. Odarawu was a prisoner of his tongue and fiery temper. These led…

Sister Favour Otuneye Testifies to the Power of Faith and Divine Intervention

Emporium Reporters

By Afolabi Olajuwon   On March 16, 2025, the congregation gathered in fervent anticipation for the third Sunday service of the month, following the conclusion of the Transfiguration Week on March 9, 2025.   The atmosphere was charged with expectancy, as the vibrant harmonies of the youth choir filled the sanctuary, preparing hearts to receive a transformative message.   Sister Favour Otuneye, a dynamic and anointed speaker, took to the pulpit to deliver a powerful sermon titled “Divine Intervention Unto Restoration.” Her message, rooted in personal testimony and biblical truth,…

NDLEA intercepts International Drug Shipments concealed in prayer beads, board games —Arrests 2 suspects, seizes large drug consignments across 7 States and FCT

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates, intercepted multiple illicit drug shipments concealed in prayer beads, board games, female clothing, and Vitamin C bottles. The shipments, destined for the United States, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates, were seized at logistics firms and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. In a statement issued by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, 16th March 2025, the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa…

When bandits took over Ondo State By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

Ondo State was in the news for the bad reason last week. A gale of killings, kidnapping and demand for ransom swept through the Akure North and South local governments of the state. Armed assailants were said to have stormed Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun communites of the Akure North Local Government Area. By the time the flakes had settled, deaths, caked blood and destruction dotted the landscape, with weeping, wailing and gnashing of the teeth as the victims and their families’ companions. From 20 villagers allegedly…

Isiguzo hails NUJ at 70, commends Leadership on Press Freedom Advocacy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Chris Isiguzo, has congratulated the Union on its 70th anniversary, applauding its resilience and contributions to press freedom in Nigeria.   In a goodwill message on March 15, 2025, Isiguzo extended his felicitations to the current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdulahi, the National Executive Council, and all members of the Union on the landmark celebration.   Reflecting on the Union’s establishment in 1955, he commended its unwavering commitment to professionalism, journalists’ welfare, and defending media rights…

Nasir El-Rufai and the philosophy of nothing By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai caused a mild stir last week. Though the resignation of his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and gravitation towards the Social Democratic Party (PDP) did not come as a shock, the ruckus that attended them have been instructive. Torrents of negative comments have been heaped up as reactions to his decamping. And they are expected. Brilliant politician, intelligent and renowned for his organizational ability, El-Rufai is one politician you would love to hate. Since 1999, he has been a factor, either…