Month: April 2026

ADVANCING THE NIGER STATE AGRICULTURAL AGENDA, INSIGHTS FROM NIPR WEEK CROC-CITY 2026. By Yunusa Saidu Ibrahim, anipr.

Emporium Reporters

At Nigeria Public Relations Week Croc-City 2026, held from April 16 to 25, centering on Food Security: ‘From paper to plates’, the major thrust of discussions were not abstract rhetoric, but how governance systems are inadequately demanding practical solutions. The outcome of the Kaduna Food Security Declaration, reflects a convergence of ideas anchored on execution, accountability, and the strategic use of communication as a development tool. For Niger State, whose agricultural potential positions it as a critical contributor to national food supply, the lessons emerging from Kaduna are both instructive…

Opposition Parties Unite in Ibadan, Reject APC ‘One-Party Agenda’, Push for Single Candidate in 2027

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Opposition political parties in Nigeria have resolved to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against what they described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose a one-party state on the country. The resolution formed part of the “Ibadan Declaration,” a communiqué issued at the end of a National Summit of Opposition Political Parties held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday. In the communiqué, the parties expressed deep concern over what they termed “existential threats” to Nigeria’s democracy, alleging that the APC-led…

Dabiri-Erewa Celebrates Anosike’s Historic NBL Triumph, Says Feat Inspires Nigerian Youth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerian-born basketball star E.J. Anosike on his historic performance in the 2026 season of China’s National Basketball League (NBL). In a statement issued in Abuja by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Dabiri-Erewa described Anosike’s achievement as unprecedented, noting that he is the first player in the league’s history to sweep all major honours. Anosike’s accolades include winning the 2026 NBL Championship and Finals MVP, emerging as Regular Season Scoring Leader in 2024, clinched…

IGP Calls for Stronger Multi-Agency, Global Collaboration to Combat Cybercrime

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration among local and international stakeholders in the fight against cybercrime. This position was disclosed by the Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center, Akaninyene Ezima, during a familiarisation visit by members of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC) to the Centre’s office in Abuja. The JCTC is a multi-agency task force comprising representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police Force, National Agency for the Prohibition…

Navy Arrests Alleged Fraudulent Shipping Agent, Clears Personnel of Misconduct

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected fraudulent shipping agent, Mr. Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, over allegations of impersonation and financial misconduct linked to a maritime rescue operation in Calabar. In a statement issued on April 25, 2026, the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, said the suspect has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution. Folorunsho explained that the arrest followed a directive from Naval Headquarters after a complaint was received through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.…

CRMI Applauds CBN’s Digital Banking Safeguards, Backs Introduction of Overnight Rate Benchmark

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for rolling out enhanced regulatory measures aimed at strengthening the security of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem. In a statement, the Institute described the new framework as a timely and proactive response to rising risks such as fraud, identity theft, and unauthorised access within the instant payment system. CRMI particularly highlighted key safeguards introduced by the apex bank, including a ₦20,000 transaction limit on newly activated mobile banking applications within the first 24 hours, mandatory…

Yoruba APC Leaders in FCT Reaffirm Support for Tinubu, Pledge Stronger Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Yoruba leaders and newly inaugurated executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging deeper grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The resolution was reached during a high-level interactive meeting held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, bringing together Yoruba APC stakeholders drawn from 62 wards across Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari and the Abuja Municipal Area Council. The…

Akanni Iromini at 70! By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

Tomorrow, Sunday, April 26, Akanni Aqib Iromini marks the milestone of his 70th birthday. Beyond the usual birthday platitudes, this septuagenarian turn offers a fitting opportunity to reflect on a journey that has been as remarkably beautiful as it has been purposeful. Iromini is worthy of celebration, more so as he represents a living embodiment of a forgotten spirit of sacrifice – and even, as many sadly found, of self-flagellation. Born in Iwo, Osun State, the pro-democracy activist was a fierce presence in the struggle to kick the military jackboots…

Nigeria Advances Digital Economy Bill to Drive AI, Cloud Adoption

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria is accelerating its transition to a digital economy as the Federal Government intensified work on an e-governance and digital economy bill designed to strengthen regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies and enhance public sector innovation. At the Global Partnership for Human-Centric ICT Standardisation (GIST) Nigeria Introductory Stakeholder Workshop in Abuja, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, who represented the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the country has moved beyond policy formulation to the implementation phase of its national Artificial Intelligence…

NITDA Drives Youth Engagement to Power Nigeria’s Digital Future

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation through youth engagement and human capital development. Speaking at the Renewed Hope Conversation hosted by The Nest at the University of Abuja, Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s strategic role in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that empowering young Nigerians with relevant digital skills remains central to driving national growth in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. Inuwa emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest asset…