Day: July 12, 2025

Troops intercept Gunrunners, recover Cache of Arms in Kaduna

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the 37 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Demonstration Battalion have apprehended three suspected gunrunners and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in Kaduna State. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, on Saturday in Abuja. According to the statement, the suspects—Yakubu Jibril (45), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Isiya Sani (30) were arrested on Thursday along the Kauya–Old Afaka-Sabon Birni Road in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops intercepted the…

Constitution Review: Women Inclusion, State Police, FCT Autonomy, Electoral Reforms dominate North Central Hearing in Lafia

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held its North Central Zonal Public Hearing on Friday at the Ali Akwe Doma Banquet Hall in Lafia, Nasarawa State, attracting stakeholders from Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Chaired by Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris, who leads the North Central Center B of the review process, the session marked a vital phase in the National Assembly’s efforts to amend the Constitution in response to citizens’ yearnings. The Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice representing the…

Benue South Forum pushes for Rotational Leadership, Apa State Creation,Traditional Rulers’ Immunity in Constitutional Review

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bold and far-reaching submission at the North Central Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, the Benue South Forum has called for major constitutional reforms to promote equity, unity, and political stability across Nigeria.   The Forum’s memorandum presented by Chief Odatse-Peters Kelvin, advocated for amendments in three key areas: institutionalization of rotational governance, creation of Apa State, and constitutional immunity for first-class traditional rulers.   The Forum is urging the National Assembly to institutionalize a mandatory rotational system of…

Ogbadibo Community backs Apa State Creation, seeks restoration of Constituency, New LGAs

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The people of Ogbadibo Local Government Area have declared their unwavering support for the creation of Apa State, aligning with the position of the Honourable Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Chief (Dr) Philip Agbese. This firm endorsement was made during the North Central Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review and held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.   Led by Barr. John Ali Ude, a prominent community leader and successful entrepreneur, the Ogbadibo delegation presented a strong case…

FG inaugurates NHIA Governing Council, sets new agenda for Universal Health Coverage

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government on Friday inaugurated the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), setting the tone for a renewed push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria.   The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who emphasized the strategic importance of the NHIA in reducing the financial burden of healthcare on citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.   “This is a very important milestone,” Professor Pate stated. “The NHIA is not…

Customs deepens Academic Engagement, hosts Igbinedion University Students in Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently hosted students of International Relations from Igbinedion University, Okada, on an educational excursion to its headquarters in Abuja. Organized by the Service’s Public Relations Unit, the visit provided students with a rare opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of Customs operations, structure, and strategic contributions to international trade and border security.   Welcoming the students on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered an in-depth briefing on the NCS’s statutory roles, including revenue generation,…

A word for Governor Oyebanji By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

With the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election date set, the stage is now ready. The key issue is that incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, aka BAO, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears poised to win unopposed. It is much like a candidate in a parliamentary system who is “returned unopposed” due to a lack of challengers.   Currently, Ekiti State lacks a discernible opposition, which is unfortunate, given its longstanding and much-admired focus on human capital development. It would be an astonishing feat if any discernible opposition could coalesce…