Day: April 27, 2025

NDLEA uncovers N1.04b Drug Consignment in Lagos Hotel raid, arrests 3 suspects

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major drug distribution network operating from a newly opened hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, recovering illicit drugs valued at over N1.04 billion.   During a raid conducted between Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April 2025, operatives stormed The Hook Hotel, also known as Caesar Hotel and Caesar Lounge, located at 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, off Elsie Femi Pearse Street. After hours of combing the five-storey building, the officers recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud a potent strain of cannabis with…

Gov Bago maintains crackdown on youth gangs identified by distinct hairstyles

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity, particularly the rising threat posed by youth groups distinguished by a unique hairstyle pattern, in Minna, the state capital.   In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman, the government clarified that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s executive order remained in effect, specifically targeting individuals who wear dreadlocks in the front while the back of their heads is shaved.   Governor Bago had earlier directed security agencies to apprehend youths sporting this hairstyle and…

Ekiti: A path to economic emancipation By Damilola Adeniran

Emporium Reporters

Since the creation of Ekiti State on October 1, 1996, various administrations have been focused on achieving rapid socio-economic development. The quest for development was undoubtedly a fundamental factor driving the calls for the state’s creation. This is understandable, given the historical context: the old Ondo State was dominated by the Ondo clan, while Ekitis were marginalized from governance.   Governor Biodun Oyebanji assumed office at a time when order and efficiency in governance were crucial for Ekiti State. The state is often characterized as an “agrarian state,” reflecting its…

Between Danjuma, Namadi and the Gospel of Self-Defence, by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

In a tête-à-tête with journalists last week, the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, openly disagreed with retired General Theophilus Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff and former Minister of Defence, over his advice to us Nigerians, to defend ourselves against those who have been killing citizens like Christmas turkeys and abducting and negotiating ransom payments like buying and selling sacks of potatoes in Shendam market.   Namadi said, “He (Danjuma) is a very senior security person and should be respected. But if he says citizens should be allowed to…

Nigeria hosts Nyerere’s One-party ghost By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

It was almost impossible not to be infected by the joy writ large on the face of the One-party state Villa-fawning group this past week. It was akin to winning a tombola. The Mauritanian-Nigerian ex-spokesperson for the Arewa Elders Forum and until of recent, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, would not allow these elated countrymen the benefit of a hard-earned Saturnalia. Momentarily, he made sitting comfy on a stool a punishing exercise for the group. As he tendered his letter of resignation from government, fire…

The Transformative Power of Divine Direction: Insights from Bro. Tito Balosibina’s Sermon on “Fruitfulness”

Emporium Reporters

By Afolabi Olajuwon   On April 27, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters in Abuja, became a vibrant hub of spiritual rejuvenation as believers gathered to reflect on the profound theme, “At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest.” Central to this gathering was an inspiring message delivered by Bro. Tito Balosibina, visiting from Gwarimpa Zone, who illuminated the concept of “Fruitfulness” within the Christian journey.   Understanding “Fruitfulness” Through Scripture   Anchored in John 15:1-5, Bro. Balosibina exhorted the congregants on the necessity of staying rooted in Christ…

CBEX, Scammers and the Media By Simbo Olorunfemi

Emporium Reporters

I think it is time for the spotlight to be beamed in the direction of media houses over their role in enabling some of the scams, in the name of investment opportunities, that have seen many Nigerians losing their money. Without a doubt, greed is the major factor for both scammers and victims, one only being smarter than the other. With a culture of unexplained and unexplainable wealth increasingly entrenched, many more have become convinced that financial breakthrough can only come through looting of public or private, sogundogoji, gambling, black…

Ordinary Ahmad Isah -The Lion Is Resting, Not Fallen By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

Emporium Reporters

In a country where the cries of the ordinary citizen often vanish into silence, one voice has thundered consistently for nearly two decades — that of Ahmad Isah, the “Ordinary President.” Today, rumors are thick in the air. Whispers of his disappearance. Questions about his fate. Let me tell you the truth without fear – Ahmad Isah is alive. He is well. And for the first time in his extraordinary life, he is resting. I have known Ahmad Isah for 16 years. I have seen him live a life that…

JAMB Registrar, ASE VC task Students on Values, Excellence at Maiden Matriculation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Oloyede, has urged students of the African School of Economics (ASE) to maximize their time and opportunities, emphasized that the most valuable resources in life are often limited. Prof. Oloyede made these remarks during his speech at the maiden matriculation ceremony of ASE The Pan-African University of Excellence held in Abuja on April 23, 2025.   He reminded the students that regardless of their courses, one crucial lesson to embrace is the importance of valuing what is…

African School of Economics VC, BoT Chair urge Pioneer Students to embrace Curiosity, Resilience, and Focus

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has charged newly admitted students to take their studies seriously, urging them to embrace curiosity, cultivate resilience, and maintain focus in their academic pursuits. Prof. Adedimeji gave this charge while addressing the pioneer students during the institution’s maiden matriculation ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the University Hall.   In his address, titled “Three Principles, Six Stories,” the Vice-Chancellor also emphasized the importance of adopting faith, trust, hope, confidence, love, and…