Month: October 2025

NDLEA foils UK-Bound Cocaine shipment, uncovers Meth in Tea Pack, raids Lagos nightclub over drug party

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a series of major drug trafficking attempts across Nigeria, including UK-bound cocaine concealed in body cream containers, methamphetamine hidden in a herbal tea pack, and a drug-fueled party in a popular Lagos nightclub attended by celebrities. At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, NDLEA operatives uncovered 70 parcels of cocaine weighing 3.6 kilograms, factory-packed inside cocoa butter body cream containers and destined for London, United Kingdom on an Air Peace flight. According to the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy,…

Ibibio monarchs endorse Akpabio, Tinubu ….. Urge Senate President to fast-track Akwa Ibom seaport project

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The leadership of the Ibibio Traditional Council in Akwa Ibom State has pledged total support for the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described both leaders as partners in the progress and unity of Nigeria.   The traditional rulers made the declaration on Friday when the Senate President paid a courtesy visit to the Nsit Ubium Palace of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, in the company of some members of the National Assembly.   Welcoming Akpabio and his…

Dr Madu, the Shamaki of Fika, who became a doctor through providence, by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

Locally known as Dr Madu in his youth and later more commonly addressed as Dr Mamman, Dr Madu was an Iroko tree of a man, full of compassion and a burning desire to spread health wherever he found himself. His six-foot-three-inch height and athletic build — which a champion heavyweight boxer would envy — would melt whenever a situation requiring compassion arose.   Perhaps this was because he was sired by two noble people from the two most illustrious professions — that of the nobility and that of the clergy…

Nigerian Navy takes over NDDC security projects in Bayelsa … Hails partnership to boost maritime safety, economic growth in Niger Delta

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has officially taken over newly completed security facilities built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Ayakoro, Bayelsa State, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security and support economic activities in the Niger Delta region. The handover ceremony, held on Friday, October 24, 2025, marked another milestone in the collaboration between the NDDC and the Navy. Represented the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Noel Madugu commended the initiative, described it as a model partnership that underscored the shared commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime…

Niger Govt orders Political Appointees to return to LGAs ahead of Nov. 1 Elections

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Government has directed all political appointees to return to their respective Local Government Areas (LGAs) to actively participate in the forthcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025. The directive, contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, underscored the importance of the polls in strengthening grassroots democracy and deepening citizens’ participation in governance. According to the statement, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has instructed all appointees to mobilize support within their communities, ensure massive voter turnout, and…

Niger Police arrests 10 suspects for Thuggery, Robbery, and Theft

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has arrested ten suspects for various offences including thuggery, robbery, and theft in Minna and Kontagora, recovered weapons, cannabis, and other illicit substances.   In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrests followed a series of coordinated raids and intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing crime across the state.   According to him, on October 23, 2025, police operatives attached to ‘A’ Division, Kontagora, conducted a sting operation in the Tudun-Wada area, where three suspects — Abdullahi…

AIBEN unveils multi-Billion Naira Bourdillon Hotel in Abuja, targets Tourism growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

AIBEN Investment and Properties Limited, a leading real estate and hospitality firm, has unveiled its new multi-billion-naira luxury facility Bourdillon Hotel in Gwarinpa, Abuja, pledged to redefine the city’s hospitality and tourism experience. Speaking at the grand opening, the Chief Executive Officer of AIBEN Group, Chief Andrew Elerewa, described the project as a dream fulfilled and a testament to the company’s belief in Nigeria’s tourism potential.   “I feel elated, excited, and deeply fulfilled. Going through the process of building and finally seeing it come to reality, I’m very thankful…

Between the 2025 Budget and Wale Edun, Who Is Ailing? By Adeyemi Jackson

Emporium Reporters

That Nigerian’s feel the pinch of the ongoing reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is something that could be blamed on the shoddy implementation of the ₦54.99 trillion 2025 Budget or a total lack of it.   It is farcical that implementation of the nation’s 2025 spending plan did not begin until late September, actually, effectively in October, when the year is almost over, with scant three months left. For a government that market itself as reform oriented, this failure to restore the budget to a January to December circle…

REP. KALAMBAINA AND HIS RARE PARLIAMENTARY LEADERSHIP By Idris Aminu

Emporium Reporters

Among the very few names that resonate very loudly and command profound respect in the politics of the ancient Caliphate is Rep. Ahmad Abdullahi Kalambaina, the distinguished Honourable Member representing Kware/Wamakko Federal Constituency with unwavering dedication and exceptional prowess.   Known for his unparalleled grassroots mobilisation and far-reaching positive impact, Hon. Kalambaina is highly favoured and widely celebrated for his high-scale performance that touches directly and profoundly on the well-being, empowerment, and sustainable economic development of his constituents in every corner of the constituency.   As the Deputy Chairman of…

Dauda Lawal: Between Leadership Award and Zamfara Reality By Silas Ajogwu

Emporium Reporters

There are moments when public honours become mirrors that doesn’t reflect virtue but to magnify dissonance. Governor Dauda Lawal’s recent acclamation as “Governor of the Year” by Leadership newspapers should, in a sane political economy, invite sober celebration only if the facts on the ground corroborate the plaudits. But in Zamfara, where villages are sacked, whole communities flee in fear, educational system keep declining in the wake of violence, and mass abductions have become grim headlines, the award reads less like recognition than a rhetorical conjuring trick. The editorial board…