Month: June 2026

Democracy Day: Nigeria Will Overcome Insecurity, Hardship Like Past Crises — Akpabio

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges just as it successfully navigated previous political upheavals, economic difficulties, and global pandemics. Akpabio made the assertion on Sunday during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration. Speaking on the theme, “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” the Senate President urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and thankful as the nation celebrates 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. According to…

MURIC Dismisses Alleged Shari’ah Demand by Oyo School Kidnappers, Alleges Plot to Tarnish Islam

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly rejected reports alleging that kidnappers of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State demanded the implementation of Shari’ah in the South-West as part of conditions for the release of their captives, described the claim as false and a deliberate attempt to malign Islam. In a statement issued on Monday, June 8, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation maintained that Nigerian Muslims have no connection with criminal groups such as kidnappers, bandits, Boko Haram insurgents and other…

NUJ FCT Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Demands Stronger Protection for Schools, Citizens

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed deep concern over the persistent security challenges facing the FCT and other parts of the country, calling on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure. The concerns were raised during the council’s congress held in Abuja on Saturday, where more than 500 journalists gathered to deliberate on pressing national issues affecting security, governance, and development. In a communiqué signed by Comrade Monica Danbauchi, Comrade Raphael Towoju and Comrade Ediri…

Osun guber: What if AMBO wins? By Iyiola Oludotun

Emporium Reporters

As the pendulum of politics swings towards the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State, the political atmosphere is charged with intense calculations. At the center of this gathering storm is Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.   A seasoned banker, the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and a former Osun Commissioner for Finance, Oyebamji represents the All Progressives Congress (APC) vanguard attempting to reclaim the state from the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)/Accord Party administration of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson…

Sunday Igboho’s Iru Ekun as Sòbìà, the guinea worm By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

Make no mistake about it: Yorubaland is encircled by terrorists. And Nigeria is today as sour as vinegar. The president’s birthplace is now a terrorist enclave. Since the Ahoro-Esinele tragedy in Oriire LG of Oyo State on May 15, a lot more blood has been spilled. Blood spillage has become, in the words of Bob Marley, a natural mystique and “many more will have to suffer; many more will have to die.” Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun have since been taking bites of their own blood. On Friday, bandits stormed the…

Be Worthy Ambassadors of the Armed Forces, NAFRC Commandant Charges Retiring Personnel

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, has charged retiring military personnel to remain worthy ambassadors of the Armed Forces by upholding the values of discipline, integrity, patriotism and selfless service as they prepare to transition into civilian life. AVM Ilo gave the charge during an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, NAFRC, Oshodi, as part of activities marking the Passing Out Ceremony of Pre-Discharge Course 1/2026. The thanksgiving service brought together Christian trainees, staff, family members…

Faith Amid Uncertainty: Foursquare Gospel Church Abuja Urges Christians to Become Overcomers Through Biblical Principles

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon     Against the backdrop of growing economic pressures, insecurity, social uncertainty, and global instability, worshippers at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, were challenged to cultivate resilient faith and embrace biblical principles that enable believers to triumph over life’s difficulties.   The charge came during the church’s first Sunday service in June 2026, which began with a vibrant and spirit-filled praise and worship session led by the choir. The uplifting ministrations prepared the congregation for a profound encounter with God’s Word, setting a reverent…

THE RUBBER-RULER FALLACY: A RESPONSE TO RECENT CLAIMS ON PRICE CHANGES UNDER THE TINUBU ADMINISTRATION By Tanimu Yakubu. Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation

Emporium Reporters

Introduction   In periods of economic adjustment, citizens naturally judge government performance through the prices they encounter in markets, petrol stations and grocery stores. Those experiences are real and deserve serious attention. Yet sound economic analysis requires more than observing nominal price movements. It requires measuring those changes against the value of the currency itself. When that principle is ignored, misleading conclusions can emerge from otherwise accurate figures.   Recent political commentaries and infographics have circulated widely, purporting to demonstrate the performance of the Nigerian economy between May 2023 and…

The National Legislative Awards 2026: Meet our Award Recipients for both the National Voting Category and Special Recognition Category..

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Meet our Award Recipients for both the National Voting Category and Special Recognition Category. For their Outstanding Contributions to the Development of the Legislature and Democratic Governance in Nigeria.   Nominations are officially closed.   So, join us on the 9th of July at the NAF Event Conference Center, Abuja, 4pm, as we celebrate these great personalities.   God bless Nigeria!   Amb. Anderson Osiebe Executive Director/CEO HallowMace Africa

JUST IN: Boko Haram Releases 416 Abducted Women and Children in Borno

Emporium Reporters

Suspected terrorists of the organization Boko Haram have reportedly released 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. According to local sources, the victims were freed on June 6, 2026. The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the development while speaking with The PUNCH, stating that all 416 abductees were released after sustained engagement involving community intermediaries. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, also confirmed the release in a statement to AFP. Kaigama noted that the…