Month: September 2025

FCT Police nabs 11 drug dealers, seize 68 bags of cannabis

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified its war against illicit drugs with the arrest of 11 suspected drug dealers and the recovery of 68 bags of cannabis. The suspects were arrested in a series of coordinated raids by the Command’s Anti-Narcotics Unit at notorious drug black spots across the territory. Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, who confirmed the development in Abuja on Saturday, said the breakthrough was part of efforts to dismantle criminal supply chains and tackle drug-fueled crimes in the FCT. “The Command remains committed to…

Ademiluyi’s 40th memorial By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, family and friends celebrated the life of Prince Daniel Adeleke Ademiluyi, who passed away at 72. His transition was marked as a celebration of a life well-lived and a legacy of service to his community.   Born on October 12, 1913, Ademiluyi’s life spanned a significant era of Yorubaland’s political history. The son of the revered Ooni Ajagun Lawarikan, who ascended the throne in 1910, Ademiluyi was an aristocrat from Ile-Ife, The Cradle. His life journey reflected the profound shifts and enduring traditions that have…

Yoruba: From ancestors to architects (2) by abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

Uneven wealth distribution inevitably leads to social catastrophe. The discernible difference between population size and economic might highlights this issue. Norway and Switzerland, with small populations of five and seven million, are among the world’s richest nations. This begs the question: Given its vast intellectual and human capital, why does a historically blessed and resourceful region like Yorubaland continue to struggle with development? For the Yorubas therefore, the journey from a legacy of ancestors to becoming the architects of our own future is not a choice between the past and…

Airline Operators hail Customs for reforms, strengthened collaboration

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has applauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for introducing business-friendly reforms that have eased operations in the aviation sector.   A delegation from the AON Board of Trustees, led by its President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, in Abuja on Monday, September 22, 2025. Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi described AON as a key player in the nation’s economy, noting that the association’s contributions go beyond financial investment to include expertise and innovation. He explained that…

NAHCON announces 2026 Hajj fare, sets December 31 deadline for payment

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the approved fares for the 2026 Hajj exercise, following consultations with stakeholders and approval by the Federal Government. The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Management of the Commission. Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, announced the breakdown of fares as follows: 1. Maiduguri-Yola Zone (Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba States): ₦8,118,333.67 2. Other Northern States: ₦8,244,813.67 3. Southern States: ₦8,561,013.67 According to Professor Abdullahi, the 2026 Hajj fare reflected a reduction of about ₦200,000 compared to…

Nigeria’s UNGA speech bold, inclusive – Tuggar

Emporium Reporters

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has commended the national statement delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described it as both bold and inclusive. Tuggar said the address was forward-looking and deeply rooted in Africa’s realities, striking a balance between Nigeria’s national priorities and regional obligations while projecting the country as a strong advocate for fairness, reform, and inclusivity on the global stage. “The statement was inspiring but also sobering it reminded…

Why Wike Should Resign or Be Sacked: A Call to Organized Civil Society in Nigeria to Uphold Anti-corruption Standards with Consistency. By Frank Tietie

Emporium Reporters

The revelations by Nigerian social crusader, investigative journalist, and activist Omoyele Sowore regarding the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyiesome Wike, are serious and warrant the attention of all Nigerians who care about the integrity of the country. Sowore has alleged that Wike laundered funds and concealed the purchase of real estate in Florida, USA, worth over 6 million dollars in the name of his wife and children.   While Sowore deserves commendation for his consistent bravery, his legal team must follow proper procedures in presenting their evidence…

CAC, SMEDAN unveil free registration for 250,000 small businesses

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, the Federal Government has launched the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.   The landmark scheme was unveiled in Abuja with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Registrar-General/CEO of CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, said the initiative would ease the burden of registration by waiving all statutory fees for business names. He assured that…

World Pharmacy Day 2025: Pate hails Pharmacists as strategic partners in nation’s healthcare

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 World Pharmacy Day, with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described pharmacists as strategic partners in building healthier and more resilient societies.   Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s maiden edition of the Day, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacists,” Prof. Pate, represented by Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Ayegbusi, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary and Head of the Health Nutrition Department, emphasized that pharmacists are…

NUJ FCT Council hails former Chairman Malachi Uzendu on Call to Bar

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has congratulated its former Chairman, Barrister Malachi Uzendu, on his graduation from the Nigerian Law School and his formal call to the Bar.   In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described Uzendu’s feat as a remarkable milestone that reflected resilience, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.   The Council noted that Uzendu’s transition into the legal profession was a source of pride not only to him but also to…