Month: April 2026

May Day: NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike Urges Action on Insecurity, Poverty

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for urgent and sustained action to tackle insecurity and poverty, describing them as major threats to decent work and national development. In a statement marking the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, Ike congratulated journalists and workers across the Federal Capital Territory, noting that this year’s theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” aptly reflected the harsh realities faced by Nigerian workers. She observed that journalists in the FCT operate under challenging conditions, often exposed…

Umahi Announces Tinubu’s Approval for Dualisation of Bodo–Bonny–East-West Road Link

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced presidential approval for the dualisation of the road linking Bodo–Bonny to the East-West Road in Rivers State, a move aimed at boosting connectivity and economic activities in the Niger Delta. Umahi disclosed this while receiving the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Adeleye Falade, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting also reviewed the completed Bodo–Bonny Road project and future expansion plans. According to the Minister, President Bola…

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Appreciates Tinubu Over Appointment as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following her appointment as the substantive head of the Ministry. The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who until her elevation served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs since November 4, 2024, conveyed her appreciation during a dinner organised by the Ministry to mark the conclusion of a three-day induction programme for Ambassadors-Designate, High Commissioners-Designate, and their spouses.…

FG Clarifies BEA Scholarship Status, Says 2026 Budget Inclusion Not a Reinstatement

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has clarified that the inclusion of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship in the 2026 national budget does not signal a reversal of its earlier decision to discontinue the award of new foreign scholarships under the scheme. The clarification was conveyed in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, amid public concerns and reports suggesting a contradiction between the policy decision and the scholarship’s presence in the current fiscal document. The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, explained that the…

ADC Verdict: A Defining Moment for Unity and Democratic Stability. By HallowMace Foundation Africa

Emporium Reporters

At HallowMace, we view the recent judgment delivered by the Supreme Court as more than just a legal resolution, it is a critical intervention that has preserved the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and averted a looming political crisis in Nigeria.   From our standpoint as a platform committed to democratic values, good governance, accountability, and Parliamentary advocacy, this ruling stands as a powerful reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role as the ultimate stabilizer in moments of political uncertainty.   At a time when internal divisions within the ADC had reached…

NIS DG Shaibu Applauds NUJ Chapel’s Health Campaign, Urges Stronger Public Health Commitment

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has commended the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, for championing a timely public health awareness initiative, describing it as impactful and necessary in the current national climate. Shaibu gave the commendation while chairing the 2026 Public Health Awareness and Wellbeing Conference held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja. The event was organized by the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in collaboration with Alliance Hospital and Dr. Physiq…

Nigeria–Canada Trade Relations Deepen as Deputy Speaker Kalu Leads Planned Parliamentary Roundtable in Ottawa

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has announced plans to lead a high-level parliamentary roundtable on trade and investment to Ottawa, Canada, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and legislative cooperation between both countries. In a statement issued from the Office of the Deputy Speaker and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu disclosed the development during a courtesy visit by a Canadian delegation led by the Chargé d’affaires, Ms. Lisa Stockley, in Abuja on Thursday. He noted that Nigeria’s ongoing economic…

CP FCT Calls Emergency Meeting, Cracks Down on Misconduct, Orders Mental Health Assessment for Officers

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has taken decisive steps to reinforce discipline and professionalism within its ranks, as the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, convened an emergency meeting with senior officers across the command. The meeting, held on Thursday, brought together Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Tactical Units to address growing concerns around conduct and operational standards. During the session, the police chief issued a stern warned against any form of misconduct capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing…

Niger CP Holds Monthly Security Conference, Emphasises Professionalism and Human Rights Compliance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi, has convened the Command’s end-of-the-month strategic conference, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights. The meeting, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Minna, brought together Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the state to review operational strategies and address emerging security challenges. During the session, the CP relayed the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, stressing the need for officers to uphold ethical standards, demonstrate discipline,…

Humanitarian Ministry, IFRC Explore Partnership to Boost Support for Vulnerable Nigerians

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with global partners, as the Honourable Minister,Dr.Bernard M.Doro received a delegation from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Abuja. The delegation, led by Ghulam Muhammad Awan, held a separate meeting with the Minister to discuss strategic areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing humanitarian interventions across Nigeria. Talks during the visit focused on building stronger institutional partnerships, improving emergency response mechanisms, and expanding support for vulnerable populations affected by poverty,…