Day: April 7, 2025

NiDCOM Boss,Dabiri-Erewa receives Honorary Doctorate from Smart Island University, Saudi Arabia

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Smart Island University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The recognition was in acknowledgment of her outstanding humanitarian services and groundbreaking efforts in diaspora development. The honorary degree was conferred by the University’s Registrar, Dr. Mohammed Dhaidan Al-Mutairi, who praised Dabiri-Erewa for her diligence, tireless work, and remarkable contributions to advancing diaspora relations. Dr. Al-Mutairi emphasized that the award celebrated her exemplary leadership in the field of diaspora and humanitarian affairs.…

House of Reps issues strong warning to Rivers Administrator Ibas over constitutional boundaries

Emporium Reporters

The House of Representatives has issued a fresh reminder to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), emphasized that he lacked the constitutional authority to make laws or draft a budget for the state.   This warning comes after Ibas announced his plans to prepare a new budget for the oil-rich state following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March. The state of emergency, declared by President Bola Tinubu, suspended the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the state legislature…

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to Police reforms, welfare at inaugural National Police Day

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering support for the Nigeria Police Force during the maiden National Police Day celebration held on April 7, 2025.   Addressing officers, stakeholders, and dignitaries at the event, President Tinubu commended the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of police personnel in maintaining law and order across the country. He stated that the institutionalisation of April 7 as National Police Day was a deliberate move to honour the dedication and bravery of officers, especially those who lost…

BREAKING: Take It Back Movement leads protest in Abuja, Lagos despite Police warnings

Emporium Reporters

Protesters under the Take It Back Movement took to the streets of Abuja and Lagos today, in defiance of stern police warnings, to demand social justice and improved governance. The protests were led by activist Omoyele Sowore and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who joined demonstrators in Abuja amidst attempts by police to disperse the gathering.   In Lagos, placard-wielding protesters marched through Ikeja, while in Port Harcourt, security operatives used teargas to halt a planned protest at Isaac Boro Park.   The protests coincided with the newly declared National…

MURIC condemns demolition of Two Mosques in Ekiti, faults Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele

Emporium Reporters

  The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the demolition of two mosques in Aramoko, Ekiti State, describing the action as a deliberate attack on Islam and a violation of the fundamental rights of Muslims in the area.   According to MURIC, while no official reason was given for the demolition of the first mosque, the second mosque, located in Sabo area of Aramoko, was pulled down to pave way for a market project reportedly initiated by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as part of his constituency project.  …

Lugard: 80 Years After By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

On 9 June, 1913, Lord Friedrick Lugard minuted on a document that Lagos “could never be made a healthy place.” It was his reaction to a proposed sewage scheme estimated to cost £186,000. He believed that that amount was too vast to expend on an unworthy Lagos. He was Governor of Southern Nigeria at that time.   On January 1, 1914, Lugard became Governor-General of the whole of Nigeria. Thomas S. Gale, who was very critical of his ways, notes that one of Lugard’s first acts “was to close the…

Omololu Olunloyo: An egret flies home By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

If he had lived one more week, he would have defeated himself. When he turned 87 three years ago, I told him we would celebrate his 90th very big in 2025. He replied that it wouldn’t be necessary because he would die at 89.   “Eighty-nine? Why 89? That’s an odd number.”   “But being first is being odd. Number one is an odd number.” He reminded me.   “Yes. And good luck lies in odd numbers.” I said that quotation and looked straight into his eyes. He smiled and…

Orelope-Adefulire Celebrates Dame Abimbola Fashola at 60, Hails Her Legacy of Service and Empowerment

Abubakar Yusuf

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended warm felicitations to Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola on the occasion of her 60th birthday, describing her as a woman of deep compassion, humility, and enduring impact whose life has been devoted to service and empowerment. In a statement released by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen in Abuja, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State celebrated the former First Lady of Lagos State for her transformative contributions to…

Technology a neutral tool for driving Nigeria’s socio-economic growth – NITDA DG

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa , has described technology as a neutral tool whose impact on society depends on how it is applied, urging stakeholders to leverage its potential for Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.   Inuwa stated this while speaking at a virtual panel session titled “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture,” organized by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO.   Represented by the Acting Director,…