Author: Lukman Laleye Babalola

Lukman Laleye Babalola is a graduate of Journalism,a content creator and Editor with Emporium Reporters online

Comptroller E. Luka Honored in Grand Retirement Ceremony

Lukman Laleye Babalola

On December 5, 2024, the Imo/Abia Customs Area Command organized a grand retirement ceremony to honor Comptroller E. Luka (Rtd) as he officially bowed out of active service.   The event, held at the command headquarters in Owerri, celebrated Compt. Luka’s eight months, one week, and four days of impactful leadership as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Imo/Abia Area Command. In his speech, the Public Relations Officer, SC NO Aligwekwe, highlighted the CAC’s tenure, which began on March 27, 2024. He expressed appreciation for the outgoing CAC’s unwavering…

Nigeria Customs Service strengthens Interagency collaboration at Movie Premiere “Beyond the Badge”

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) showcased its commitment to interagency collaboration with the premiere of the film Beyond the Badge on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Silverbird Cinema in Kaduna. The event brought together representatives from various sister agencies, highlighting the importance of teamwork in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and combating smuggling. Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Adekunle Oloyede, represented by Deputy Comptroller Amwe Aku, emphasized that the film reflects the NCS’s innovation-driven leadership under the Comptroller-General of Customs. He noted that the production underscores the vital partnerships between the NCS and…

Gov Okpebholo presents N605bn 2025 Budget with Focus on Infrastructure, Education, and Security

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has presented a budget estimate of N605 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA). The proposed budget, tagged “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” represented a 25% increase from the 2024 fiscal year.   Speaking at the presentation on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo disclosed that 37% (N223 billion) of the budget is allocated to recurrent expenditure, while 63% (N381 billion) is dedicated to capital projects.   The Governor emphasized the administration’s commitment to achieving its five-point…

Nigeria Customs Oil And Gas Command surpasses 2024 revenue target with 98.6% increase

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Onne, Rivers State – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command has achieved a remarkable feat in 2024, surpassing its annual revenue target by 2.3% and recording a total collection of ₦53.98 billion. This was revealed by Comptroller Seriki Adewale Usman during a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Onne.   Speaking on the Command’s activities from January to November 2024, Comptroller Usman highlighted its unwavering commitment to excellence, trade facilitation, and regulatory compliance in managing Nigeria’s vital oil and gas sector. The…

NSCIA unveils Five New Imams for Abuja National Mosque

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the appointment of five new Imams for the Abuja National Mosque. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the NSCIA Boardroom, National Mosque Complex, Abuja. Addressing the press, the Secretary-General of the NSCIA ,Prof Ishaq Oloyede stated that the appointments were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Religious Affairs Unit of the National Mosque and to enhance its role as a hub for worship, training, and scholarship. The newly appointed Imams, whose selection has been endorsed…

NOA launches Nationwide Campaign on Tax Reforms,National Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Orientation Agency NOA today unveiled a nationwide sensitization campaign aimed at tackling key issues affecting Nigeria’s growth and development. Themed “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values, and National Development,” the initiative seek to educate citizens on tax reforms, public health, security awareness, and ethical values while fostering unity and collective action.   Speaking at the event, NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, represented by Mrs. Agbanusi Ijeoma, emphasized the need for a more informed and ethical society to drive sustainable development.   At the heart of the campaign were sweeping tax…

Frank Tietie launches ‘Lawyers Across’ to champion Pro Bono service ,Empower Nigerian Lawyers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In commemoration of this year International Human Rights Day, Nigerian lawyer Frank Tietie has unveiled LAWYERS ACROSS, a transformative network designed to promote pro bono legal services and empower young lawyers throughout Nigeria. The initiative aimed to provide a platform for legal professionals to offer free legal assistance while advancing their careers and building impactful networks.   During the launch, Tietie shared his personal journey, recounting his beginnings as a young lawyer in Ughelli, Delta State, and his move to Abuja in 2007 with little more than a bag of…

Formidable Coalition grows against Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills in House of Representatives

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The ongoing controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reform Bills has sparked intense debate in the National Assembly, particularly in the House of Representatives. While the Senate recently passed the Second Reading of the bills, the House has yet to deliberate on the proposals, and tensions are rising.   A strong opposition coalition has emerged within the House, comprised influential members from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties. This coalition, which included notable figures such as former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, Hon. Sada…

Gov Okpebholo flags off 4.7km Utteh Palace Road in Benin City

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially launched the construction of a 4.7km road linking Utteh Palace to other key areas in Benin City, fulfilling a significant campaign promise. The project, which was flagged off on Monday evening, is set to enhance connectivity between Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas. The Governor expressed his dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underlining the state’s commitment to infrastructural growth. Governor Okpebholo recalled his earlier visit to the community three months ago, where he promised to improve…

WSCIJ: Stakeholders Push for Improved Investigative Journalism as Okunna, Ransome-Kuti Honoured

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The 19th Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting, held on December 9, 2024, in Lagos, brought together media stakeholders who called for urgent improvements in investigative journalism to restore media credibility. The event, organized by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), celebrated the achievements of Chinyere Okunna, Beko Ransome-Kuti, and 15 outstanding journalists.   Motunrayo Alaka, WSCIJ Executive Director/CEO, decried the harassment of journalists and emphasized the need for investigative reporting to remain fearless and impactful. “We must not normalize the harassment of journalists in Nigeria,” Alaka said,…