Year: 2026

2025 Budget Collapse: CSO blames Finance Ministers, AGoF for failing Economy and Health Sector

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A leading pro-democracy civil society organization, the National Vanguard for Accountable and Transparent Democracy (NVATD), has slammed the Nigerian Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, his Minister of State, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Mr. Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, for what it described as deliberate actions undermining the Federal Government’s efforts to revive the economy and health sector. During a protest at the National Assembly, NVATD Secretary General, Dr. Harry Linus, accused the officers of blocking funding for capital projects in the 2024 Appropriation, resulting in…

NITDA, SSDC partner to drive digital transformation in South South

Emporium Reporters

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to partnering with the South South Development Commission (SSDC) to advance digital literacy, innovation, and economic growth across the region. Inuwa gave the assurance while receiving the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, on a courtesy visit to NITDA’s headquarters. He noted that the Commission’s objectives aligned closely with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, particularly in building digital skills and fostering talent development. Highlighting the importance of digital literacy…

DL4ALL: NITDA DG empowers civil servants with laptops, eyes 95% digital literacy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, as the Agency rewarded outstanding civil servants with laptops under the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative. Inuwa made this known during a strategic visit to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), where laptops were presented to dedicated civil servants who have played key roles in training federal government employees through the DL4ALL programme.…

NASS joint committee rejects Nigerian Air Force budget, calls for urgent review

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Joint Committee on the Nigerian Air Force has rejected the service’s proposed budget, citing its inadequacy to sustain the level of firepower required to combat insurgency across the country at this critical time. According to the Committee, the proposed allocation fell short of meeting the operational demands of the Air Force, particularly amid ongoing security challenges. Consequently, the Committee resolved to form a mini-committee tasked with engaging the Federal Government, the Budget Office, and relevant legislative committees to develop a more realistic and sustainable budget framework. Speaking to reporters,…

ICPC Chairman appeals to Senate for increased funding amid staff kidnapping, low morale

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has called on the Nigerian Senate to significantly increase the commission’s budget, warned that inadequate funding is crippling anti-corruption efforts and endangering staff. Dr. Aliyu made the appeal on Tuesday during ICPC’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, revealing that a commission staffer was recently kidnapped and remained in captivity, highlighting the risks faced by operatives. He told lawmakers that the commission continues nationwide operations despite severe…

35th Anniversary: CAC marks Anti-Corruption Day, calls for stronger partnerships

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on Tuesday marked its 35th anniversary with an Anti-Corruption Day, as the Registrar-General/CEO, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, called on anti-corruption agencies and key stakeholders to deepen collaboration with the Commission in the national fight against corruption. Magaji made the appeal while declaring open the Anti-Corruption Day event organised as part of activities to commemorate CAC@35. He said stronger inter-agency partnerships were critical to improving transparency, accountability and overall governance in Nigeria. The CAC boss noted that in 2025, the Commission moved beyond advocacy to take concrete…

Marwa mourns fallen Officer as NDLEA busts Bonny Island drug syndicate, arrests six

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled a notorious drug hub on Bonny Island, Rivers State, arrested six suspects and seized a significant cache of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol. The operation, carried out at the Ama Hausa area on Friday, 6 February 2026, tragically claimed the life of Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, who sustained fatal head injuries during a violent confrontation with armed hoodlums mobilized by the gang leader, Genesis George Benson. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA, in a…

2026 GRAMMY: NiDCOM Chairman hails Nigerians’ historic wins

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated three Nigerians—Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze), Tyler, the Creator (Tyler Gregory Okonma), and Cynthia Erivo (Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo) for their historic victories at the 2026 Grammy Awards. In a statement released by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described their achievements on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural stages as a powerful testament to the creativity, excellence, and global influence of Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage across…

NITDA rewards NYSC Corps Members with Laptops and Cash, DG says youth are driving Nigeria’s digital revolution

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has celebrated the dedication of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members advancing digital literacy nationwide by presenting laptops and cash prizes to exceptional corps members. The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, visited the NYSC Headquarters to honor corps members who are taking essential digital skills to classrooms, markets, motor parks, and grassroots communities as part of the Digital Literacy for All (DL4All) Initiative. Inuwa praised the corps members for going beyond their traditional service roles to become digital literacy champions, helping Nigerians…

Dr Cairo Ojougboh Foundation empowers students with ₦2.7million in educational support

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education in Nigeria by backing government initiatives to enhance learning opportunities for students. Established in honour of the late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a former medical doctor and member of the House of Representatives, the Foundation recently held a special programme at St. Columba’s Grammar School, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, themed “Your Future, Your Choice.” During the event, the Foundation presented a cheque of ₦2,700,000 to cover examination fees for students preparing for the West African Examination Council…