Month: April 2025

No demolition of mosques in Aramoko Ekiti – Alara-in-Council replies MURIC … Says attempt to destabilise Ekiti has failed

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Alara-in-Council, the apex traditional authority in Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area, has debunked claims by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging the demolition of mosques to pave way for the construction of the New Oja Oba Market.   The market, situated in the Sabo area of the town, is a constituency project of the Senate Leader and Senator representing Ekiti Central, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.   In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Sajowa of Aramoko Ekiti and Chairman, Alara Modern Market Reconstruction Committee, Chief Kola Oyebade,…

Customs intercepts ₦8.6bn Tramadol at Abuja Airport, hands over to NDLEA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has intercepted a massive consignment of tramadol valued at over ₦8.6 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The seizure, made on Saturday, April 5, 2025, was officially unveiled during a press briefing held on Monday, April 7, at the Cargo Terminal of the airport. The Customs Area Controller, FCT Command, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, led the inspection of the illicit pharmaceutical products, which were concealed and smuggled under false declarations.   Addressing journalists, Comptroller Adebisi decried the actions of…

Nigeria Customs mourns passing of former Deputy Comptroller-General Ibrahim Idris Suleiman

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the death of one of its revered retired senior officers, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (rtd), Ibrahim Idris Suleiman, who died in Dubai on Sunday, April 7, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 66 years old.   In a statement issued on Monday, April 8, 2025, by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the seasoned officer.   Born on October 20, 1958, in Mani…

FG embarks on technological overhaul of Media Agencies, partners global Broadcast giants

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has commenced a comprehensive technical upgrade of its media organizations through the acquisition of modern broadcast technologies and the replacement of outdated infrastructure, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has disclosed.   The Minister made this known during engagements with leading broadcast and information technology firms at the ongoing National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.   Speaking at the event, Idris noted that the investment is aimed at repositioning federal radio and television stations for more effective service delivery.…

MURIC slams Afenifere for defending Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele over Mosque demolition

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the defense of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele by Afenifere, Ekiti State chapter, following allegations that Bamidele knew about the demolition of Sabo Central Mosque in Aramoko, Ekiti State. Afenifere, led by Mr. Gabriel Alonge, released a statement on 8th April, 2025, accused MURIC of inciting unrest and calling for the Department of State Security (DSS) to monitor the group’s activities.   In a fiery response issued on 9th April, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, dismissed Afenifere’s claims as baseless and accused…

NUJ FCT mourns with FCTA chapel over passing of Member, Immaculate Chidinma Obasi

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of one of its members ,who was also a member of FCTA chapel, Immaculate Chidinma Obasi, on Tuesday, 8th April 2025.   Immaculate, 28, tragically passed away during childbirth via a C-section. She was a dedicated staff member of the Urban and Regional Affairs Department at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).   She hailed from Udi Afan Local Government Area of Enugu State.   The NUJ FCT Council in a statement signed by…

Customs CG Adeniyi shines bright, bags Leadership Newspaper “Public Service Person of the Year 2024” Award

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has been honoured with the “Public Service Person of the Year 2024” award by Leadership Newspaper at the 17th edition of its Leadership Conference and Awards in Abuja. This prestigious accolade recognized his exceptional leadership and transformative reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Organised by Leadership Newspaper, the event celebrated top-performing public officials, with CGC Adeniyi emerged as the standout choice after a rigorous selection process that evaluated over ten high-ranking government figures. The award was presented in recognition of his…

Odogwu B System: A Digital Game-Changer in Nigeria Customs Service Operations By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In an era where technology drives efficiency, transparency, and accountability, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a bold and commendable step toward transforming its operations through the innovative Odogwu B System. This homegrown digital solution is rapidly becoming a model for customs modernization, and it reflects the NCS’s renewed commitment to embracing smart technology in a bid to block revenue leakages, enhance trade facilitation, and combat corruption.   Unveiled in 2023, the Odogwu B System was born from the vision of the current Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi…

Jaymoni partners with NUJ FCT to promote Music and Entertainment Industry

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s vibrant music and entertainment sector, rising star and CEO of Jaytech Group of Companies, Amb. Christopher Ogar, popularly known as Jaymoni, has partnered with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council. Jaymoni, who is known for his hit track “Congratulations”, paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, where he was warmly received by the Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, and Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle. The multi-talented artist and entrepreneur congratulated Comrade Ike…

The black market called marriage, By Funke Egbemode

Emporium Reporters

Whatever your description of marriage – passion, love, investment or even a divine call, what is common to all marriages is that it is about flying blind, with only faith providing the wind for your wings.   Many times, the rich fruits expected are so late in coming, some wives lose faith and sight of what they saw and married. Some women give up and move up the road in search of ripe fruits waiting to be harvested. However, there are scores of women whose predictions paid off and are…