Day: May 3, 2025

Nigeria: A nation unto itself? By abiodun KOMOLAFE.

Emporium Reporters

One reason many Nigerians voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was its manifesto commitment to laying the foundation for a Nordic-Scandinavian and German-style social market economy. This is a model that promises a blend of economic efficiency and social welfare that appeals to the aspirations of a more equitable society.   A social market economy is grounded in achieving macroeconomic stability to foster sustainable development and safeguard living standards. However, this core principle appears to have been overshadowed by the severity of economic challenges faced upon taking office.  …

Mohammed Idris: A Key Achiever in Tinubu’s Cabinet By Afolabi Olajuwon

Emporium Reporters

In orchestra of governance, each minister in a government plays a crucial note, Mohammed Idris stands as the lead trumpeter—clear, confident, and commanding. As Minister of Information and National Orientation, he doesn’t just speak for the administration; he conducts a symphony of narratives that spotlight President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s milestones, turning policy into poetry for the people.   My research traces the deliberate brushstrokes of Mal. Mohammed Idris, who, like a master painter, uses communication as his canvas. With each stroke be it a speech, press release, or national address…

$3bn Refinery Fraud: EFCC uncovers N80bn in sacked MD’s Accounts, arrests Top NNPCL Officials

Emporium Reporters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the recently sacked managing directors and several top officials of Nigeria’s three major refineries—Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna—over alleged misappropriation of nearly $3 billion earmarked for their rehabilitation.   PUNCH reports that the EFCC is currently investigating the total sum of $2.96 billion allocated for the revamp of the facilities: $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740.6 million for Kaduna, and $656.9 million for Warri. Among those arrested are former managing directors Ibrahim Onoja (Port Harcourt Refining Company) and Efifia…

Jubilation in Port Harcourt as 500 Women receive SDGs/RHI Empowerment Support

Abubakar Yusuf

It was a moment of joy and celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as 500 women across the 23 Local Government Areas benefitted from a major empowerment programme jointly organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the humanitarian platform of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.   The initiative, part of a nationwide programme, is in line with Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal…

World Press Freedom Day 2025: NUJ FCT urges ethical use of AI in Journalism

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called for the ethical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media practice, as journalists across the globe mark the 2025 World Press Freedom Day. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, highlighted the growing influence of AI in news production and dissemination. She stressed the importance of embracing innovation without compromising the principles of press freedom and journalistic integrity. This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave…

NHRC advocates ethical AI use to safeguard Press Freedom

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Nigeria marks the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the development of ethical and legal frameworks to guide the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring its alignment with human rights principles.   Speaking in Abuja on the eve of the celebration, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, emphasized that while AI presents opportunities to enhance journalism—such as content creation, investigative reporting, and fact-checking—it also carries significant risks when misused.   Dr. Ojukwu warned that AI can be manipulated…

Tension in Mgbom N’Achara as Council Chairman disrupts Ezeship selection, assaults State Official

Lukman Laleye Babalola

What was meant to be a peaceful selection process for a traditional ruler in Mgbom N’Achara, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, turned chaotic on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, following the alleged violent interference by the Council Chairman, Hon. Chinonso Aja Consider.   The exercise, held at Mgbom Central School, Okposi, was organized by the community to select a new Eze (traditional ruler) through its age-old kindred-based voting system. Residents said the election began smoothly under the supervision of a local electoral committee led by Dr. Aja Uwa, a…