Day: October 18, 2025

DHQ debunks coup rumour, says Independence parade cancellation misinterpreted

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged coup attempt, described such claims as false, malicious, and aimed at creating public tension. An online publication had insinuated that the Independence Day events were called off due to a purported plot within the military. The report also cited the recent arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation by the military authorities. However, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of…

Ekiti, Oct 27: Date with destiny! By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

The allegations of contrived mayhem in the State of Ekiti are an acknowledgement that desperation has taken root in the quest to gain entrance into Oke Ayoba. This is ominous, but it also reveals the infantile elements in Nigeria’s political paradox, where one addresses a daunting reality, not with a countervailing strategy, but with stones and missiles. Indeed, without relying on scientific opinion polls, it is absolutely clear that unseating the incumbent government will be quite a task. For a start, those snapping at his heels within his own party…

Arewa PDP Forum berates party Deputy Spokesman over ‘disrespectful’ comment against Ugwuanyi … Says remark undermines party unity ahead of 2027 Polls

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Arewa PDP Unity Forum (APUF) has slammed the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, over what it described as “reckless and disrespectful” remarks against former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.   In a statement signed on Friday by its National President, Dr. Maikanti Adamu, the Forum said Abdullahi’s comments on national television were unbecoming of a senior party officer and capable of sowing disunity ahead of the 2027 general elections.   “Dr. Abdullahi’s statement was both unfortunate and unnecessary. To describe a two-term…

WACEPR hails NUPRC Boss Komolafe over SERVICOM Leadership Award … Says Commission now a model of regulatory excellence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The West Africa Centre for Energy Policy and Reforms (WACEPR) has congratulated the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, on receiving the SERVICOM Outstanding Leadership Award, describing the recognition as a well-deserved honour for a reform-driven technocrat. In a statement issued on Friday in Accra and signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Kwabena Mensah-Ashitey, the Ghana-based think tank commended Komolafe for restoring transparency, efficiency, and professionalism to Nigeria’s upstream regulatory environment since assuming office as the pioneer head of the NUPRC following…

World Food Day 2025: NOWA champions food as tool for peace, unity, and healthy living

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) on Saturday, October 18, 2025, marked the 2025 World Food Day with a vibrant celebration at NOWA Secondary School, Karshi, Abuja, highlighting the role of food in promoting peace, unity, and healthy living. The event was led by NOWA Vice President, Amb. (Dr.) Zainab Daniel Akpan, on behalf of the association’s National President, Mrs. Ijeoma Blessing Ogalla, in line with this year’s global theme, “Leave No One Behind: Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.” In her keynote address, Dr. Akpan…

Senate moves to end ASUU strike, seeks diplomatic resolution …meets varsity union leaders, pledges to mediate with FG over pending issues

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja     The Senate has begun moves to end the two-week warning strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as it seek a diplomatic resolution to avert further disruption of the nation’s academic calendar.   At a meeting held on Friday, October 17, 2025, the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse, engaged the ASUU leadership in Abuja to find common ground between the Federal Government and the university union.   Speaking at the meeting, Dandutse said…

Renewable Energy, Tech key to Rural Transformation — NITDA DG

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has underscored the pivotal role of renewable energy and digital innovation in driving inclusive growth and transforming rural communities across Nigeria.   Speaking as a panelist at the Civil Society Policy Forum during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C., Inuwa described renewable energy as a “fundamental enabler” for digital inclusion and economic empowerment.   “Renewable energy is not the destination; it is a catalyst. When there…

NSCDC Mining Marshals bust illegal mineral storage hubs in Rivers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, South-South Zone, have uncovered and dismantled an illegal mineral storage network operating within the Onne axis of Rivers State. The operation, led by DSC Emmanuel Abiahu, was carried out following credible intelligence and in collaboration with officials from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. During the raid, warehouses used for stockpiling minerals without valid permits, licences, or evidence of royalty payments to the Federal Government were discovered. According to DSC Abiahu, the enforcement action aligns with the directive…

GITEX 2025: Nigeria poised to lead Africa’s AI revolution — NITDA DG

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to becoming Africa’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) powerhouse through responsible innovation, digital inclusion, and human capital development. Speaking during a Fireside Chat at the AI Stage of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2025 in Dubai, Abdullahi said Nigeria’s approach to AI adoption is deliberate, strategic, and focused on national development and global competitiveness.   “Our vision is clear on how we can harness the transformative power of AI through responsible, ethical, and…

FG launches 2024 NDHS Report, records drop in fertility,child mortality rates

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has unveiled the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), highlighting significant improvements in key health indicators, including fertility and child mortality rates, while calling for stronger collaboration to address lingering gaps in maternal and neonatal care.   Speaking at the official launch of the report in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the NDHS as “an indispensable tool for policy decisions, health equity, and efficient resource allocation.”   The 2024 NDHS, conducted by the National Population Commission…