Day: June 26, 2025

NITDA launches Digital competence framework to curb Brain Drain in Public Sector

Emporium Reporters

In a strategic move to curb the growing brain drain among Nigeria’s ICT professionals, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced a Digital Competence Framework and Career Progression Model designed to strengthen digital capacity and retain top talent within the civil service. Speaking at the maiden International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to make public service careers more professionally rewarding and competitive.   Represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy…

Senate Committee charts path for Reparations and Repatriation of Nigeria’s looted heritage

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja     The Nigerian Senate has inaugurated a bold initiative to confront historical injustices through the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations, chaired by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko. The committee is tasked with addressing the lingering consequences of slavery and colonialism, including the recovery of cultural artefacts looted during colonial conquests and illegal trade. Senator Nwoko emphasized that the committee’s assignment goes beyond symbolism. It is a structured, evidence-driven effort to confront both historical and ongoing systemic injustices against Nigerians and the African diaspora. “We are…

President Tinubu signs Tax Reform bills into Law

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law four transformative tax reform bills that are expected to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal landscape and significantly improve revenue administration across the country. The newly enacted laws the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill were passed by the National Assembly following wide consultations with stakeholders, including the private sector and fiscal policy experts.   The signing ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was attended by top government…

Okonjo-Iweala hails CGC Adeniyi’s Leadership in Customs modernisation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has earned high praise from the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for its strides in customs modernisation and trade facilitation. Speaking at the joint opening of the 145th and 146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for steering the Service toward international best practices. Delivering the keynote address, the WTO DG acknowledged the NCS’s significant progress…

Sodangi ; Exploring Nigeria’s ‘Art’ World Towards Global Engagements, BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

Abubakar Yusuf

For the vibrant, energetic, and charismatic leadership under the new Director General, National Gallery of Art, NGA, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi has portrayed the agency both to domestic and global sphere. One year down the line at the helm of affairs, Sodangi held three exhibitions consecutively that had brought ‘Art’ to both national and international discourse. The latest one hosted by the agency in May tagged ‘International Art Fair’ held at the exhibition pavilion with its theme”The Intersection of Treasures” attracted both local and international artists as well as bringing to…

Nigeria Customs embraces AI in Public Communication Strategy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and digital transformation in public sector communication through strategic engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) experts. On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Service hosted renowned AI strategist and digital consultant, Mr. Celestine Achi, at its headquarters in Abuja. Achi, who is the author of “AI-Powered PR: The Essential Guide for Communications Leaders to Master Artificial Intelligence”, was warmly received by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, alongside senior officers from the Public Relations Unit.  …

MMPN renews call for Public Holiday on Islamic New Year

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Muslims across the world mark the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1447 A.H, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the Federal and State Governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic calendar, as a public holiday.   This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun.   Balogun described the demand as a matter of fairness and justice, noted that just as January 1 is observed as…

2027 Presidency: I’ll Do Whatever President Tinubu Wants—Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin Declares

Emporium Reporters

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has declared unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating emphatically that he would accept any role assigned to him by the President ahead of the 2027 general elections. Senator Barau made this known on Wednesday while addressing journalists during a press briefing on the forthcoming zonal public hearings of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review. Responding to speculations and calls from various groups urging him to serve as President Tinubu’s running mate in 2027, Barau said: “Whatever Mr. President asks me…

Why I Dumped Labour Party for APC – Senator Neda Imasuen

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac,Abuja     Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, has revealed that the developmental strides of Governor Monday Okpebholo motivated his decision to leave the Labour Party (LP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Imasuen, who was elected to the 10th Senate under the LP platform, officially defected to the ruling APC during Wednesday’s plenary. His resignation from the Labour Party was read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who welcomed him to the APC and assured him that his contributions would be…

NOA applauds Security Agencies for swift arrest of Benue massacre mastermind

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commended the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for the prompt arrest of the suspected mastermind behind the recent massacre in Yeletawa, Benue State, which claimed several lives and destroyed property.   Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the development as a reassuring display of the commitment of security agencies to safeguarding lives and restoring public confidence.   “This swift response has brought relief to the affected communities and reinforced our collective resolve to end impunity,” Issa-Onilu stated.   He acknowledged President…