Month: April 2025

Nigerian Navy rescues 99 passengers in Boat Collision on Rivers Waterways

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a swift and heroic operation, the Nigerian Navy on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, rescued 99 passengers from drowning following a tragic boat collision in the waterways of Rivers State. The incident occurred when a market boat, en route to Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, was involved in a head-on collision with a barge identified as ADAM (Damen Buba). The crash caused severe structural damage to the market boat, leaving its passengers in grave danger. Upon receiving the distress signal, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, stationed at Naval Security…

Workers’ Day: Atiku hails Nigerian Workers as pillars of National Prosperity, criticizes Government inaction

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described Nigerian workers as the “indomitable engine” propelling the country towards economic growth and national prosperity, even in the face of hardship and minimal compensation. In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja to mark the 2025 International Workers’ Day, Atiku paid glowing tribute to the resilience, sacrifice, and patriotism of the Nigerian workforce, noting that their contributions remain the heartbeat of national development. According to the former Vice President, the welfare of workers must be placed at the forefront of national…

Ojulari receives APPO Secretary General, pledges support for Africa Energy Bank initiative

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, on Tuesday received H.E. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, during a courtesy visit. During the visit, Dr. Ibrahim shared APPO’s strategic vision focused on leveraging financing, technology, and market access to combat energy poverty and enhance energy accessibility across the African continent. He further elaborated on the Africa Energy Bank, an initiative of the organization that will be…

International Press Week: NUJ to honour Journalists, promote Media freedom

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will on Saturday, May 3, 2025, commemorate International Press Week with a high-profile event in Abuja to honour journalists and stakeholders who have championed press freedom, ethical governance, and socio-economic development. The event, scheduled to take place at the majestic banquet hall of Barcelona Hotel by 5:30 p.m., will celebrate the contributions of media professionals while also spotlighting challenges facing journalism practice in Nigeria. According to a statement signed by the National Secretary of the Union, Achike Chude, the annual occasion goes beyond celebration,…

NITDA, Renewed Hope Initiative Commission IT Community Centre in Ibadan to Empower Youth, Women

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has commissioned a state-of-the-art IT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of efforts to deepen digital inclusion and empower women and young people across the country. The facility, located at Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Oke-Bola, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a prominent daughter of Oyo State. The centre is designed to offer comprehensive digital skills training, particularly for women and youth, to enhance their participation in the digital economy…

NITDA launches Startup Consultative Forum to drive Nigeria Startup Act implementation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a major stride toward strengthening Nigeria’s innovation and digital economy ecosystem, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the Startup Consultative Forum, a key initiative designed to fast-track the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA).   The virtual launch, which attracted stakeholders from across the country including private sector leaders, development partners, angel investors, venture capitalists, Ecosystem Support Organisations (ESOs), and labelled startups marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive, tech-driven development.   Speaking on behalf of NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the…

CGC Adeniyi raises alarm over influx of unregistered drugs, drones …. Says N921m Contraband seized at Apapa Port

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has raised serious concerns over the influx of unregistered pharmaceuticals and restricted technological items into the country, describing the trend as a direct threat to national health and security.   Speaking during a press briefing at the Apapa Port Command on Tuesday, April 30, 2025, CGC Adeniyi disclosed that Customs operatives recorded 11 major seizures between January and April 2025, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦921,021,213.00.   He revealed that the seizure comprised five 40ft…

Niger Police disburses over N21million to families of fallen Officers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a demonstration of continued commitment to the welfare of officers and their families, the Niger State Police Command has presented cheques totaling N21,604,891.65 to the families and next-of-kin of thirteen deceased officers under the Force’s Group Life Assurance Scheme.   The symbolic presentation took place on Tuesday, April 30, 2025, and was conducted on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips, by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Falade A. Michael, and DCP Aminu M. Garba, Deputy Commissioner, Administration.   While…

NAHCON Chairman unveils strategic reforms for affordable, sustainable Hajj at Stakeholders’ Summit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has unveiled major financial reforms aimed at achieving affordable and sustainable Hajj operations in Nigeria. He made this known on Tuesday, 30th April 2025, during the 2nd National Stakeholders’ Summit of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah Industry held at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.   Delivering his opening remarks at the summit, Professor Usman, who is addressing the forum for the first time since his appointment, emphasized the urgent need to develop resilient Hajj financing models amidst rising…

Court Orders EFCC to release Business Tycoon Aisha Achimugu within 24 Hours

Emporium Reporters

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a prominent Nigerian business executive and socialite, within 24 hours.   Presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, issued the order after hearing submissions from Achimugu’s counsels, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, and Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, as well as EFCC’s legal team led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, and Ekene Iheanacho, SAN.   Justice Ekwo also mandated all parties to return to court on May 2, 2025, to report compliance with the ruling.   Achimugu,…