Author: Lukman Laleye Babalola

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

NITDA Highlights Digital Infrastructure as Key Driver of Startup Investment, Growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated that strong and reliable digital infrastructure remains essential for attracting investment, enhancing competitiveness, and driving sustainable growth within Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. This position was presented during the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable 7.0, a virtual engagement held on Friday, May 8, 2026, with the theme: “The Capital Reset: What Technologies Are Still Fundable in Africa?” Representing the Director General of NITDA, Dr. Muhammad Aminu emphasised that investors are increasingly interested in startups operating within environments supported by dependable digital infrastructure and…

Diplomats Hail Nigeria’s Reform Drive, Improved Investment Climate at Abuja Interactive Session

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Members of the diplomatic corps have expressed optimism over Nigeria’s economic outlook and democratic trajectory, citing ongoing reforms and increasing engagement between government institutions and international partners as positive signals for investment and cooperation. The diplomats spoke on Monday during an interactive session organised in Abuja by the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. The meeting, chaired by Hope Uzodimma, brought together governors, ministers, diplomats, development partners, and political stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s reform agenda and opportunities for international collaboration. Addressing participants, Uzodimma said Nigeria was undergoing…

PGF, Diplomats Back Tinubu’s Reforms, Seek Stronger Nigeria-Global Partnerships

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of the diplomatic corps, and senior federal officials on Monday expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing ongoing economic measures as critical to Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth. The position was reinforced during an interactive session convened in Abuja by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) , Director General Renewed Hope Ambassadors RHA,and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, alongside the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. The high-level engagement brought together governors, ministers, development partners,…

Launch Design, Hybrid Motors Partner to Establish EV Plants in Lagos, Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A new China-Nigeria partnership aimed at boosting electric vehicle production and advancing clean transportation infrastructure has emerged as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen local manufacturing capacity. Launch Design Shanghai and Hybrid Motors Nigeria have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly operations in Lagos and Abuja. The partnership is expected to drive technology transfer, workforce development, and the gradual expansion of Nigeria’s electric vehicle supply chain, while supporting the country’s transition toward sustainable mobility. The agreement marks a major milestone for Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s indigenous…

2027: Hope Uzodimma Accepts Call to Contest Imo West Senatorial Seat

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Governor of Hope Uzodimma has formally accepted calls to contest the Imo West Senatorial election ahead of the 2027 general elections, declared his readiness to serve the people of Orlu Zone under the platform of the All Progressives Congress. Uzodimma made the declaration during the National Assembly Primary Election screening exercise held in Abuja, where he appeared before the leadership and National Working Committee of the APC. Speaking at the event, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, praised the Imo governor for his leadership record and contributions to the ruling party.…

DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties in Shiroro Airstrikes, Says 70 Bandits Killed

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims that civilians were killed during recent aerial interdiction operations carried out in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the strikes specifically targeted armed bandits based on credible intelligence. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said the Nigerian Army UAV Command conducted multiple airstrikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 9 and 6:00 a.m. on May 10, 2026, following intelligence reports of armed bandits converging at Lukupe Village and…

NAHCON Mourns as Adamawa Pilgrim Dies in Saudi Arabia During 2026 Hajj Exercise

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a Nigerian pilgrim, Mallama Aishatu Muhammadu, from Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, who died in Saudi Arabia during the 2026 Hajj exercise. Mallama Aishatu, aged 73, reportedly suffered a fatal cardiac arrest on Friday, 9 May 2026, while travelling from Jeddah to the holy city of Madinah. In a condolence message issued by the Commission, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, conveyed the sympathy of the Federal Government to the deceased’s…

Police Bust IPOB/ESN Hideout in Imo, Recover Heavy Weapons, Drones, 3,115 Ammunition

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on violent extremism and organized criminal networks, following the dismantling of a suspected IPOB/ESN enclave in Imo State. Operatives of the Imo State Police Command carried out the intelligence-led operation on April 23, 2026, at a hideout located in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the operation was based on actionable intelligence obtained from the confession of…

Nigerian Navy Destroys Illegal Refining Network, Seizes 184,000 Litres of Suspected AGO in Rivers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, uncovering and dismantling a reactivated illegal fuel network in Ndoni area of Rivers State. The operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, targeting facilities believed to have resumed operations after previous enforcement actions in the area. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval operatives discovered a network of dugout pits and storage…

CG Adeniyi Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Customs Modernisation at WCO Regional Conference

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional customs modernisation, digital transformation, and stronger cooperation among member states in West and Central Africa. Adeniyi stated this during the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region held in Freetown from May 7 to 8, 2026. Addressing delegates at the high-level gathering, the Customs boss said Nigeria’s leadership within the region is rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and collective progress among…