Month: March 2025

AIG Olatunji Disu, Religious Leaders call for unity among Journalists during Ramadan, Lent

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Muslims and Christians observe the holy periods of Ramadan and Lent, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Olatunji Disu, in charge of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) at Force Headquarters, alongside religious leaders, has called for unity, peace, and interfaith harmony among journalists and Nigerians at large. The call was made during an Iftar (Breaking of Fast) event organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, on Tuesday in Abuja. AIG Disu emphasized the role of journalists in promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence. He commended their…

Akpabio vs Natasha: Senate hearing turns chaotic as Senator Nwaebonyi, Ezekwesili clash

Emporium Reporters

A Senate Committee hearing on a petition involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan descended into chaos on Tuesday as Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North) and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, engaged in a heated verbal exchange.   According to TheCable, the confrontation erupted when Ezekwesili, who accompanied Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Abiola Akiode, attempted to intervene in the proceedings. Nwaebonyi, appearing as a witness for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, interrupted her, prompting Ezekwesili to tell him to “compose himself and stop making noise.”   An infuriated Nwaebonyi responded,…

INEC dismisses recall petition against Senator Natasha

Emporium Reporters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing procedural deficiencies.   In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC stated that while the recall process is constitutionally guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, the petition submitted did not meet the necessary requirements.   According to the Commission, the petitioners from Kogi Central had presented six bags of documents, purportedly containing signatures from over half…

NAPTIP, DSS dismantle Interstate Human Trafficking Syndicate, arrest female Kingpin ,6 Others

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), has dismantled a notorious human trafficking syndicate specialized in the abduction and sale of children across Nigeria.   The gang’s leader, Hasana Jacob, a 33-year-old truck driver with a well-known cement company in Obajana, near Lokoja, Kogi State, was arrested alongside six accomplices Aisha Suleiman, Murtala Tanimu, Shamsu Tanimu, Adamu Jacob, Abubakar Ahmed, and Ali Muhammed in Abuja while attempting to sell a three-year-old girl stolen from Damaturu, Yobe State.…

Judge withdraws from Senator Natasha’s suit against Akpabio over bias allegations

Emporium Reporters

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others. The case seeking to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct.   Justice Egwuatu announced his withdrawal on Tuesday, citing allegations of bias leveled against the court by Akpabio, who is the third defendant in the suit. The Senate President reportedly expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s…

Ramadan Series (25): Isa (Jesus), The Prophet Of Islam By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

Tuesday, Ramadan 25, 1446 AH (25/03/2025)   In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation. May Allah extol the Messenger in the highest company of Angels and grant him peace; and likewise, his family, his Companions and all those who truly and sincerely follow him until the Day of Resurrection.   Dear brothers and sisters! Prophet Isa (Jesus) holds a significant place in Islamic tradition as one of the five great Prophets (Ulul Azmi Minar-Rusul),…

Edo Govt Allocates 3,000 Hectares for Agriculture to Boost Food Security … Gov Okpebholo Inspects Cultivated Farmlands in Edo South

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Government has commenced the cultivation of 3,000 hectares of farmlands across the three senatorial districts as part of its efforts to enhance food security and economic growth.   Governor Monday Okpebholo, who embarked on an inspection tour of the state-owned cultivated farmlands in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West Local Government Area, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to large-scale farming. The initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food sufficiency nationwide.   During the visit, the Governor was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of…

Gov. Alia commissions Agila Comprehensive Medical Centre, pledges State Takeover

Emporium Reporters

Agila, Benue State – Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, commissioned the 56-bed Agila Comprehensive Medical Centre, pledged the state government’s commitment to taking over the facility for effective management.   The Governor, represented by his deputy, Chief Dr. Sam Ode, described the centre as a “gigantic edifice” and urged residents of Ado and its environs to utilize it as a medical healthcare hub. The hospital, built and donated by renowned banker Chief John Otse Aboh, is equipped with state-of-the-art medical…

Gowon commends NYSC Leadership for sustaining vision of National Unity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Former Head of State and founder of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), General Yakubu Gowon (GCFR), has applauded the management of the Scheme for upholding the vision that led to its establishment over five decades ago.   Speaking at his Asokoro residence in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, General Gowon recalled that the Scheme initially faced strong opposition from Nigerian students at its inception in 1973. However, he noted that it has since evolved into a widely…

NHRC marks International Day for the Right to Truth, calls for Justice and Accountability among Nigerians

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Right to Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and the Dignity of Victims, urged Nigerians to uphold truth, justice, and accountability.   In a statement issued in Abuja, NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu emphasized the importance of truth in addressing human rights violations and promoting peace in society.   “As we mark this significant day, we must recognize our collective duty to uphold the truth, seek justice for victims, and ensure…