Month: September 2025

Tribute to Professor Morakinyo Ajileye Lanre Omole (EGIRIOKE of Ogbagi-Akoko)

Emporium Reporters

It is with deep reverence that I pay tribute to the memory of my late mentor, teacher, and supervisor, Professor Morakinyo Ajileye Lanre Omole, whose passing two decades ago left a void that remains deeply felt.   Professor Omole was a man of rare distinction—a scholar of repute, a committed trade unionist, and a humanist whose work and life touched countless individuals. As a mentor, he was instrumental in recruiting me into the university and guiding me to my current research goals. Under his watchful eyes, I grew in scholarship,…

Somtochukwu, Silenced, One Death Too Many: When a Nation Fails to Value Human Life, By George Ozalla

Emporium Reporters

My heart bleeds, my eyes are swollen, my voice is cracked, my head aches. I am totally dumbfounded getting the sad news of Somtochukwu’s tragic demise! But let’s get this fact embedded in our collective mindset that any nation that does not value human life cannot make much progress. The tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle “Sommie” Maduagwu in Abuja yesterday, 29th September 2025, is a stark indictment of this truth. So sad, and indeed heartbreaking, that she had to go this way. And more tragic still that this is not…

Nigeria @ 65: Barau urges Nigerians to unite, support Tinubu’s administration

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Nigeria celebrate its 65th Independence Anniversary, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has called on Nigerians to remain united and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a congratulatory message, Barau emphasized the importance of national unity and encouraged citizens to back the government’s efforts to turn the country’s fortunes around positively.   Senator Barau acknowledged the challenges facing the nation but expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome them. “Yes, at 65, we have some challenges facing us as a country, but we will overcome them,”…

Nigeria @65: Reforms beginning to yield positive results, Akpabio tells Nigerians

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urged citizens to remain patient with President Bola Tinubu’s reforms. Akpabio believed the reforms are beginning to yield positive results and will soon outweigh the current challenges.   In his congratulatory message, Akpabio saluted Nigerians for their resilience, patience, and endurance in the last two years. He appreciated their support and understanding, noting that at 65, Nigeria is matured and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of its people.   “We are…

Niger Police neutralizes 3 kidnappers, arrests 2 thugs, impostor in separate operations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its efforts to tackle insecurity in the state. According to a release by the command, on September 12, 2025, at about 6:30 am, the Command’s Special Task Team (STT) carried out a clearance operation in the Kokolo forest via Kawo-Auna village, Nasko Magama LGA. The operation resulted in the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers and the recovery of two AK-74 rifles with 49 live ammunition. A victim was also rescued during the operation. In a separate operation, on September 25,…

NITDA DG calls for shift from Technology Consumers to Creator

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, has emphasized the need for African nations to transition from mere consumers of technology to creators and exporters of digital solutions.   Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA, Inuwa delivered this message during his keynote address at the African Creators Conference 2025 held in Abuja. Speaking on the theme “The Future of Africa in the Global Digital Economy,” Inuwa highlighted the continent’s vast potential driven by its youthful population,…

Nigeria’s digital future hinges on Green Tech – NITDA DG

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has declared that Nigeria’s digital future depend on the adoption of green technology and innovation. Inuwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Innovation and Research, Mr. Lukman Lamid, made this known at the 3rd Technology Ecosystem Dialogue (TED 2025), organised by the Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN). The event was themed: “Green Tech and Energy Revolution: Transforming Business and Society.” Commending YIN for hosting what he described as a “timely and visionary dialogue,” Inuwa said Nigeria’s…

NUJ FCT mourns Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, killed in armed robbery attack in Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has mourned the death of Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during a violent armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, on Monday, September 29, 2025.   In a condolence statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described her death as a devastating loss to her family, colleagues at Arise News, and the entire Nigerian media industry.   “Somtochukwu was a brilliant, passionate, and dedicated broadcaster whose professionalism and poise endeared her…

Police disown reported arrests in Luxury Prime Real Estate fraud allegations, Firm insists on ₦84m refund

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports alleging that its operatives arrested staff of Luxury Prime Real Estate Nigeria Limited in connection with suspected multi-million-naira property fraud in Abuja.   The clarification came amid circulating claims that officers stormed the company’s office at No. 2 Potiskum Street, Area 1, Garki, Abuja, following petitions by aggrieved buyers who accused the firm of marketing non-existent houses with forged land documents.   Luxury Prime Real Estate, owned by Mr. Eze Samuel who reportedly shuttle between Nigeria and Kigali, Rwanda has also denied any…

Abuja Newspaper Vendors commend NUJ-FCT achievements under Grace Ike

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Newspaper Vendors Association of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, has applauded the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, for its strides under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, less than a year into her tenure as chairman. The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the association’s Board of Trustees to the NUJ-FCT Secretariat in Utako, Abuja. The delegation, led by its Chairman, Mr. Edmund Arikpo, presented Comrade Ike with a symbolic gift of honour in recognition of her leadership style and contributions to the journalism profession. Arikpo praised…