Day: March 20, 2025

AFN intensifies onslaught against Terrorists, Oil Thieves, Criminals Nationwide ….. As Troops neutralize over 200 terrorists, arrest 221 suspects, rescue 251 kidnap victims in 10 Days

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has continued its relentless offensive against terrorists, bandits, oil thieves, and other criminal elements across the country, neutralized scores of insurgents, arrested collaborators, and rescued kidnapped victims in various operations.   The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during the bi-weekly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, today, Thursday, 20th March 2025. He highlighted the significant achievements recorded by the military between March 10 and 20, 2025, as troops, in collaboration with hybrid forces and other security…

Ministers, WHO applaud Customs’ landmark CSR initiative to transform Communities …. As CGC Adeniyi pioneers groundbreaking education and social development drive

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bold step towards national development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched an ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Customs Cares,” aimed at transforming communities through education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The high-profile launch, held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, drew top government officials, including the Ministers of Finance, Education, and Youth Development, as well as representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO). Speaking at the event, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi described “Customs Cares” as a strategic response…

APC applauds National Assembly’s swift approval of Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the National Assembly for its swift approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, described the decision as a patriotic move to safeguard peace and security in the oil-rich state.   In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC praised the 10th Assembly for prioritizing national interest over partisanship, particularly acknowledging the opposition caucus for supporting the emergency measures.   “The President is committed to ensuring peace, maintaining law and order, protecting…

FG increases Corps Members allowance to N77,000, begins payment in March

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has approved an increase in the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to N77,000, with effect from March 2025.   The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, made the announcement on Thursday while addressing corps members at the Wuse and Garki Zonal Offices in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.   Brig.-Gen. Nafiu assured corps members that the scheme remains committed to their welfare, emphasizing that NYSC would continue to prioritize their well-being.   “With effect from March, you are going to receive…

Nigeria unveils National gender digital inclusion strategy at UN CSW69

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to closing the gender digital divide with the launch of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). The high-level event, themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” showcased Nigeria’s bold initiatives to enhance digital access, security, and economic empowerment for women and children.   Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General of the National Information…

NITDA, MTN foundation partner to enhance digital literacy in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As part of efforts to drive digital transformation and economic growth, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the MTN Foundation have agreed to collaborate on advancing digital literacy and capacity building across Nigeria. The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, made this known during a courtesy visit by the MTN Foundation delegation, led by Odunayo Sanya, to the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. Inuwa emphasized the need for strategic partnerships in fostering digital skills, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for industrialization and economic diversification. He highlighted…

House of Reps amends, approves State of Emergency in Rivers … Aguocha, Agbese, Ali Isa, Others raise concerns over process

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State but not without key amendments to ensure constitutional compliance and a defined duration. During plenary, Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, presented the President’s request, allowing lawmakers to debate before a final vote. However, the session took a critical turn when Hon. Obinna Aguocha (Labour Party, Abia State) raised a constitutional point of order, insisted that the House must strictly follow Section 305(6b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandated…

Oyo Govt drops criminal charges against Ooni’s Ex-Wife, Oriyomi Hamzat, School Principal over Ibadan stampede

Emporium Reporters

The Oyo State Government has officially withdrawn criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, over the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a festive event in December 2024.   Following the court’s decision on Thursday, the defendants were seen visibly relieved, exchanging pleasantries after being freed from the legal battle.   Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the development,…

NNPC debunks Port Harcourt refinery explosion rumor, assures public of safety

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, urged the public and media to disregard the misinformation.   In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the incident in question was a controlled flare operation, which has since been fully contained.   “There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment,” the statement assured.   The…

Senator Ipinsagba’s 18-Month Scorecard: Transforming Ondo North with Developmental Strides

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   Senator Emmanuel Olajide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North Senatorial District and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, has showcased his achievements over the past 18 months. During an interactive session with selected journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the APC chieftain highlighted key developmental projects and initiatives that have positively impacted his constituents.   Within his first three months in office, Senator Ipinsagba initiated three signature projects across the six local government areas in Ondo North. These included a state-of-the-art cottage hospital…