Day: December 14, 2025

ARCN champions Nigeria’s Agricultural Research agenda at global CGIAR meeting in Abu Dhabi

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in agricultural research through active participation at the 23rd CGIAR System Council Meeting (SC23), held from 9–12 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.   According to the Public Relations Officer to the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Khadijat O. Ameen, the high-level meeting was hosted by the International Affairs Office of the UAE Presidential Court under H.E. Mariam Mohammed AlMheiri and brought together senior policymakers, development partners and heads of leading global agricultural research institutions to chart pathways…

CAC dismisses allegations of record tampering, reaffirms commitment to due process

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media accusing it of illegally tampering with the records of an Abuja-based firm, Jonah Capital, described the claims as false, misleading and a deliberate act of blackmail. In a public notice issued on December 13, 2025, the Commission said it had received numerous calls following reports suggesting that the National Assembly planned to probe the CAC Registrar,Ishaq Hussaini Magaji over the alleged manipulation of company records. The Commission clarified that under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020,…

2025 UHC Day: Nigeria intensifies push against high healthcare costs

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending unaffordable healthcare and expanding access to quality health services for all Nigerians, as federal and state authorities, alongside international development partners, renewed calls for stronger financing, accountability and collaboration to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).   Speaking at the 2025 Universal Health Coverage Day celebration in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the Tinubu administration is determined to ensure that no Nigerian is forced to choose between seeking medical care and meeting basic…

Kano Startup Weekend: NITDA DG advocates Innovation-driven economic transformation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called for a strategic rethinking of Kano State’s economic development approach, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the main drivers of sustainable growth in the modern economy.   Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledged Kano’s historic role as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its long tradition of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a strong foundation for future prosperity. He stressed, however, that…

The Akpabio Synthesis: An Uncommon Statesman at 63 By Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr

Emporium Reporters

Nigeria is a country that produces noise faster than it produces true heroes. Politics here moves at a velocity that forgives very little and forgets even less. To survive is one thing. To matter is another. To matter for nearly two decades at the highest levels of public life is an achievement that demands more than charisma. It demands outcomes. It demands consistency. It demands a mind trained to govern in the morning and negotiate in the evening, without losing the delicate balance between ambition and humility.   On 9…

NDLEA nabs fleeing Bandits’ drug supplier ‘Gamboli’, intercepts Opioids bound for US, Canada, Sweden

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug supplier to bandits operating in Niger State, Mohammed Sani, popularly known as Gamboli, three weeks after he escaped an initial raid on his residence in Shiroro Local Government Area. Gamboli, 33, was apprehended on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at his hideout and drug joint in Anguwan Fadama, Kuta, following sustained intelligence-led manhunt by NDLEA operatives. He had earlier fled when officers raided his home at Anguwan Makera, Kuta, on November 20, 2025, where 471.8 kilograms of skunk, a…

FG bans admission, transfer into SS3 to tackle examination malpractice

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice.   The directive was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education in a press release signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade. According to the Ministry, the policy is aimed at addressing the rising cases of examination fraud, including the use of so-called “special centres” during external examinations, which…

Customs, NMDPRA intensify joint action against fuel diversion, endorse new export point guidelines

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA have strengthened their collaboration to combat the diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption and to protect Nigeria’s energy security. This renewed partnership came to the fore during a meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and the Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of the NMDPRA, Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, held on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.   During the engagement, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the…

Foursquare Gospel Church Wuse Carol Service Celebrates the Birth of Christ, Calls Worshippers to Fullness of Joy

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon     The atmosphere at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse Headquarters, Abuja, was filled with colour, worship and deep reflection today as members and guests gathered for the church’s annual Carol Service, held under the month’s theme, “Ending with Joy, Honour and Gladness.” The service opened with several soul-lifting renditions of hymns, worship and praise songs by the church choir, setting a reverent and joyful tone for the celebration. This was complemented by short drama playlets vividly portraying the birth of Jesus Christ, reminding the congregation…

Ribadu and Trump: A Lesson in Security Diplomacy (2), by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

Last time, we parted with the following words: ‘So, with all this before us, where do we turn? How do we reverse the “curses”, catch our breath, and return to who we ought to be – security-wise – not merely to avoid Trump’s threat, but to make Nigeria once again a haven for all, irrespective of race, region, or religion. It is in light of this that we will see the effect(s) of the Ribadu shuttle.’ At the height of the Trump threat, when he was bristling with fury based…