Author: Lukman Laleye Babalola

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

APC applauds National Assembly’s swift approval of Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the National Assembly for its swift approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, described the decision as a patriotic move to safeguard peace and security in the oil-rich state.   In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC praised the 10th Assembly for prioritizing national interest over partisanship, particularly acknowledging the opposition caucus for supporting the emergency measures.   “The President is committed to ensuring peace, maintaining law and order, protecting…

FG increases Corps Members allowance to N77,000, begins payment in March

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has approved an increase in the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to N77,000, with effect from March 2025.   The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, made the announcement on Thursday while addressing corps members at the Wuse and Garki Zonal Offices in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.   Brig.-Gen. Nafiu assured corps members that the scheme remains committed to their welfare, emphasizing that NYSC would continue to prioritize their well-being.   “With effect from March, you are going to receive…

Nigeria unveils National gender digital inclusion strategy at UN CSW69

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to closing the gender digital divide with the launch of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). The high-level event, themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” showcased Nigeria’s bold initiatives to enhance digital access, security, and economic empowerment for women and children.   Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General of the National Information…

NITDA, MTN foundation partner to enhance digital literacy in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As part of efforts to drive digital transformation and economic growth, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the MTN Foundation have agreed to collaborate on advancing digital literacy and capacity building across Nigeria. The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, made this known during a courtesy visit by the MTN Foundation delegation, led by Odunayo Sanya, to the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. Inuwa emphasized the need for strategic partnerships in fostering digital skills, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for industrialization and economic diversification. He highlighted…

House of Reps amends, approves State of Emergency in Rivers … Aguocha, Agbese, Ali Isa, Others raise concerns over process

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State but not without key amendments to ensure constitutional compliance and a defined duration. During plenary, Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, presented the President’s request, allowing lawmakers to debate before a final vote. However, the session took a critical turn when Hon. Obinna Aguocha (Labour Party, Abia State) raised a constitutional point of order, insisted that the House must strictly follow Section 305(6b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandated…

NNPC debunks Port Harcourt refinery explosion rumor, assures public of safety

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, urged the public and media to disregard the misinformation.   In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the incident in question was a controlled flare operation, which has since been fully contained.   “There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment,” the statement assured.   The…

Edo Govt accuses PDP of spreading misinformation on $10 million Newspaper Fund

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Government has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allegedly distorting facts regarding Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent statements on state finances.   In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government accused the PDP’s caretaker committee and its spokesperson, Chris Nehikhare, of misrepresenting the Governor’s remarks. The government clarified that Okpebholo was referring to the alleged misappropriation of $10 million by former Governor Godwin Obaseki through The Observer Newspaper ahead of the 2024 governorship election, rather than the procurement of…

Gov Okpebholo completes Remedial Work on 55km Benin-Iruekpen Federal Road

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has completed remedial works on the 55-kilometer Benin-Iruekpen federal road, easing movement for motorists and enhancing economic activities in the state.   During an inspection tour of the expressway, covering Aduwawa, Obadan junction, Ugha, Okhuo, and Obagie, the governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered by the contractor. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to road infrastructure, regardless of whether they fall under federal or state jurisdiction.   “You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in…

Gov Fubara addresses Rivers People ,as President Tinubu declares State of Emergency

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a moment of political uncertainty, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has addressed the people of Rivers State, reaffirming his commitment to peace and governance despite the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis. His speech come shortly before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the worsening political standoff between the executive and the Rivers State House of Assembly.   Governor Fubara, in his address, expressed frustration over the actions of the Assembly, accused its members of frustrating peace efforts despite his compliance with the Supreme…

TEXT OF THE BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE ON TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.   With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to…