Month: September 2025

FG dismisses allegations of religious genocide, reaffirms commitment to national únity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has dismissed as false and divisive recent claims by some international platforms and online commentators alleging that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians.   In a statement issued on Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as “baseless, despicable, and a gross misrepresentation of reality,” stressing that Nigeria’s security challenges should not be distorted into a religious conflict.   Idris noted that violent extremist groups in the country target all Nigerians, irrespective of…

NDLEA nabs Lagos drug kingpins, foils bandits’ supplies in Borno, Yobe

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide offensive against drug cartels with the arrest of two major drug kingpins in Lagos, interception of consignments meant for bandits and terrorists in the North-East, and destruction of over 24,000 kilograms of cannabis farms in Edo State.   According to the Agency, operatives of its Special Operations Unit (SOU) arrested 64-year-old Victor Nwosa and 49-year-old Felix Chika Obiegbu after weeks of surveillance exposed their criminal drug networks. Nwosa, who posed as a textile merchant, was picked up on Wednesday,…

Nigeria Customs unveils One-Stop-Shop to cut cargo clearance time to 48 hours

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Initiative aimed at reducing cargo clearance time from 21 days to 48 hours, in line with global best practices and the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy. The reform was unveiled on Thursday, 23rd September 2025, during a meeting of NCS Management and Customs Area Controllers in Abuja, chaired by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi.   Describing the OSS as a “transformative shift,” Adeniyi said the initiative would sanitise operations, minimise duplication of efforts, and restore transparency…

Customs reaffirms CSR commitment, assures support for sister agencies

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and pledged continued support for sister agencies in carrying out their mandates.   Adeniyi gave the assurance on Thursday, 25 September 2025, while receiving the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Professor Tunji Olaopa, and his delegation at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja. Highlighting Customs’ CSR strides, the CGC recalled that in the first quarter of 2025, the Service adopted a secondary school in Wuse, reaching more than 2,000 students…

Renewed by the Word: Foursquare Gospel Churches in Nigeria Mark Nationwide Sunday School Rally.

Emporium Reporters

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon     The annual Sunday School Rally of the Foursquare Gospel Church was observed nationwide today, filling sanctuaries across Nigeria with vibrant worship, inspired teaching, and renewed spiritual commitment.   At the Wuse District Headquarters in Abuja, Sunday, September 28, 2025, worshippers arrived early, their hearts charged with anticipation. By the time the first drumbeats of praise thundered through the sanctuary, the atmosphere was alive with expectancy.   The choir ministration, led by Brother Victor Nwabueze, set the tone for the day. In a remarkable display of…

National Mosque hosts historic Igbo thanksgiving, heroes immortalisation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Mosque, Abuja, on Friday, September 26, 2025, hosted the Igbo Thanksgiving and Heroes Immortalisation programme in a landmark gesture of unity, gratitude, and reflection. The event, convened by Hon. Cletus Amaraegbu and organised by the Diaspora Alliance in collaboration with the Association of Igbo Daughters in Nigeria & the Diaspora, coincided with the Jumat Service. With the theme “Gratitude, Memory and Unity,” it aimed at thanking God for the preservation of the Igbo nation and Nigeria while honouring fallen heroes who contributed to the country’s progress.   Chief…

I, too, must get American in-laws, the efficacy of prayers and other matters, by Hassan Gimba (1)

Emporium Reporters

Contemplate this: I am someone born in Kaduna just after Nigeria was born, cut my teeth in the undulating plains of Fika, ran around on the cloud-caressing plateaux of Gembu where I started my primary education but was raised in the serene, motherly town of Maiduguri, even though I was told my ancestors came from Yemen, the pride of all freedom fighters who love justice and fairness.   Since then, I have travelled around Nigeria, interacting with Nigerians from diverse backgrounds. Many have become great friends, while others will remain…

The Madman sermon on Mapo hill By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

Ibadan, Oyo State, the city of warriors, quaked last Friday. The rumbling vibrations of the historic coronation of Ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja as Olubadan sent valleys into a seismic shake. Ibadan’s ancient event center, Mapo Hall, was nearly submerged with excited feet. Children of Oluyole were at the zenith of their excitement. Expensive automobiles, resplendent attires and infectious joy lit the faces of a people who christened self as cunning. That Friday, however, Ibadan wasn’t ready to listen to the rhythm of its famous Láyípo christening. It was rather ready to…

ARCN congratulates Senator Ladoja on coronation as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen.) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, on his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, who attended the historic ceremony on Friday, 26th September, in Ibadan, Oyo State, described the new monarch as “a father indeed,” prayed for a peaceful and impactful reign.   Dr. Dabban also extended his felicitations to the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large. He urged Nigerians to remain supportive of President Bola…

Abuja-Kaduna train service to resume operations next week — NRC

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service will resume operations next week, following the completion of repairs and safety checks on the affected track section at Asham. The service was suspended after the August 26, 2025, incident. According to the NRC, both infrastructure and rolling stock have now been restored to the highest safety standards in line with global best practices. In a statement signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, on behalf of NRC management, the Corporation disclosed that 512 of…