Day: May 11, 2025

Customs CG, Adeniyi champions ‘Nigeria First’ Initiative to boost Trade, Security

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for the adoption of a Nigeria First approach as a strategic tool for enhancing cross-border trade and national security. He made this call on Saturday, May 10, 2025, while delivering the keynote lecture at the annual conference of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.   Speaking on the theme “Cross-Border Trade and Security Implications on the Nigerian Economy: Taking Advantage of Global Trade Dynamics”, CGC Adeniyi stressed the urgent need to…

Aso Rock’s voodoo statistics and my friend, Al Venter By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

A couple of months ago, history walked on its two legs into my feeble embrace. When it did, I never knew it was Providence’s own way of anticipating Nigerian Aso Rock’s nauseating historical revisionism. History’s embrace had come by the way of a terse mail I received from foremost online medium, Premium Times. The newspaper had been sent an enquiry from a South African British author on February 7, 2025, “wanting to make contact with one of your Op-Ed writers, Festus Adedayo.” The enquirer described himself as “an old Africa…

NiDCOM applauds 12-Year-Old Salami as Nigeria makes historic debut at Scripps Spelling Bee

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a historic milestone for the country, Nigeria is set to participate for the first time in the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, with 12-year-old Amazing-Grace Ahuoyiza Ebiebi Salami representing the nation at the competition’s centennial edition in Washington, D.C., USA.   Salami, a student of Greenpath Preparatory School, Abuja, earned the honor after emerging winner of the inaugural Spelling Bee In Nigeria (SpIN). Ahead of her journey, she paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the Commission’s headquarters…

Alistair Soyode Bags Triangle Award for Championing Black Media and Diaspora Empowerment

Emporium Reporters

The founder of BEN Television, Alistair Soyode, has been conferred with the prestigious Triangle Award in recognition of his pioneering role in Black and Ethnic media, as well as his unwavering commitment to youth and diaspora development. The award was presented during the 3rd Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who delivered the keynote and personally handed over the award to Mr. Soyode.   Describing the media trailblazer as “a beacon of tenacity and excellence,” the Minister applauded Soyode’s consistent efforts in projecting…

NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel celebrates Sharon Emephia’s victory in Council Elections

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, has congratulated its former Assistant Secretary, Sharon Emephia, on her election as Assistant Secretary in the recently concluded NUJ FCT Council elections.   The Chapel, in a congratulatory message signed by its Vice Chairman, Felix Ojo, described Sharon’s emergence as a reflection of her unwavering dedication to service, her outstanding contributions to the union, and her steadfast commitment to the ideals of journalism.   “We are proud of Sharon’s accomplishments and her continued rise within the leadership structure of the NUJ.…

NAPTIP rescues 78 Human Trafficking victims from Côte d’Ivoire, launches manhunt for Traffickers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a major breakthrough against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued and repatriated 78 Nigerian victims trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire for exploitation.   The victims, comprising 75 female adults, three babies, and two male adults, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:45 p.m. on Saturday aboard an Air Peace flight. Many of the victims appeared physically and emotionally traumatized, with at least four underaged girls found to be pregnant.   The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu…

Nigeria Customs trains PR Officers on Strategic Communication, New Media Engagement

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with Youth Digest, has concluded a three-day hybrid workshop focused on enhancing the capacity of its Public Relations personnel in New Media and Strategic Communication.   The workshop, held from May 7 to 9, 2025, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, brought together Command Public Relations Officers, Reporters, Editors, and personnel from the Service’s PR Unit. The training aimed to improve the Service’s digital communication strategy, content creation, media innovation, and public engagement.   Participants received hands-on training in editorial processes, house style…

A WORD FOR PETER OBI ON EDO ELECTION. By Kassim Afegbua

Emporium Reporters

To say that he is garrulous may be an overreach, but he comes across as a man with no scruples; one whose intellectuality is drab, and understanding of issues, somewhat limited. He makes statements before weighing their implications. Since Peter Obi garnered this nascent Obidient movement for the 2023 election, he maintains a belief that he can conquer most voters, and ride like a rollercoaster to Aso Villa. His political strategies are as pedestrian as the thought process that bakes them. He’s been jumping from one party to another looking…

I’ll Campaign with Remi Tinubu in 2027, not returning to Aso Rock – Patience Jonathan declares

Emporium Reporters

Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has declared her full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, firmly stated that she has no intention of returning to the Presidential Villa.   Speaking at the Women Icon Leadership Awards held in Abuja on Saturday night, an event organised by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Jonathan emphasized her commitment to the principle of rotational leadership, which she described as essential for national unity.   “I believe in turn-by-turn leadership. When it’s your turn, I’ll support you. When it’s not,…

Which Among His Favours Are We Denying?, by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

I borrowed my headline from a surah in the Holy Qur’an Suratul Rahman. Ar-Rahman in English means “The Beneficent”, and is known for its repetition of the phrase “Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”, Surah Ar-Rahman, with 78 ayats (verses), is the 55th chapter (surah) in the Qur’an. Surah Ar-Rahman, a Makkiya (revealed in Makkah), was unveiled in the early stages of the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) prophethood. This revelation underscores Allah’s mercy, numerous blessings, and gifts upon humanity, fostering gratitude and recognition of His power. The recurring question, “Which…