Day: April 20, 2025

Ciroma, Coomasie: We Celebrate Life, We Thank God for It, by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

Sometimes in life, one comes across people whom one is at a loss for words on how to present to the public. This is not because there are no words or that you lack them. No—it is mainly because you know them closely enough that you do not want it to look like you are buttering your words. After all, you know them.   Take the case of Bala Ciroma, who recently retired as a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). When he was a newly minted police officer in…

Nigerian leaders as CBEX Ponzi chancers By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

On Page 28 of his very provocative book, The Present Darkness: A history of Nigerian organized crime, (2016) Stephen Ellis, British historian and Africanist, compared Nigerian politics to con artistry. Their practices, he said, were not different from acts of fabulists and fraudsters. Ellis’ take on Nigerian leaders synchronizes with a Henry Louis Gate’s The New Yorker piece of September 25, 1995. With the title, “Powell and the Black Elite,” the piece quoted ex-American Secretary of State, Colin Powell, as saying, “Nigerians as a group, frankly, are marvellous scammers… I…

MURIC commends Nigerian Army’s Tactical Reforms amid renewed Insecurity in Borno, Plateau

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has applauded the Nigerian Army for initiating tactical changes in its operations to address the resurgence of attacks in Borno and Plateau States.   This commendation followed public outcries by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno and Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau over the deteriorating security situation in their respective states. MURIC had earlier echoed similar concerns, urging urgent military action to restore peace and protect civilian lives.   In a statement issued on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, Professor…

UI raises concern over spike in Egg donation by female students

Emporium Reporters

The University of Ibadan (UI) has raised serious concern over the increasing trend of egg donation among its female students, warning of the potential health risks associated with the practice.   The Dean of Students, Prof. Keye Abiona, disclosed this during a live appearance on Diamond FM, a campus-based radio station. He noted that a growing number of female students are donating their eggs, particularly to fertility clinics, often motivated by financial gain.   Egg donation is a medical procedure in which a woman donates her eggs, typically to help…

Easter: NUJ FCT Chair urges Journalists to uphold values of Sacrifice, Hope, and Integrity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Christians around the world commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has extended Easter greetings to journalists and residents of the FCT, calling for deep reflection on the season’s core values sacrifice, hope, and renewal. In a goodwill message to mark the Easter celebration, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, encouraged media professionals and Nigerians to draw inspiration from the enduring message of Easter, which she described as a powerful reminder of unwavering faith and…

Nigerian Journalist,Livinus Chibuike Victor set to break Guinness World Record with 72-Hour Interview Marathon

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a historic attempt that has captured national attention, Nigerian journalist Livinus Chibuike Victor is set to break the Guinness World Record for the longest interview marathon,as he is completing a gruelling 72 hours and 30 minutes of nonstop interviews in Abuja. The record-breaking feat, which is ongoing at Harrow Park Golf Club, began on Friday, April 17, will be concluding in the early hours of Sunday, April 20, 2025.   Holding under the theme “Nigeria Our Strength,” the marathon featured a continuous stream of interviews with over a hundred…

Student loan scheme and the emerging sabotage By Dr. Muiz Banire

Emporium Reporters

One of the policies of the present administration that is so far impactful but quietly and systematically executed is the student loan scheme. This scheme was launched by the federal government in May, 2024 with the basic aim of assisting indigent students to meet their financial obligations by way of tuition fees, charges and upkeeps while studying in tertiary academic institutions as well as vocational and skills acquisition institutions within Nigeria.   The scheme was established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Repeal and Re-enactment Act, 2024. Although…