Author: Lukman Laleye Babalola

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

MURIC accuses political saboteurs of undermining Yoruba muslim liberation, calls for Tinubu-El-Rufai reconciliation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has alleged that political saboteurs undermined its efforts to secure the appointment of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, as a minister, thereby frustrating the group’s mission to liberate Yoruba Muslims from marginalization.   In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC disclosed that it had solicited El-Rufai’s support to mobilize the North for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election. The group claimed that El-Rufai played a crucial role in securing northern backing for Tinubu’s emergence.…

Tinubu congratulates Dr. Fene Osakwe on historic UK Cybersecurity Award

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Fene Osakwe on being named Cyber Personality of the Year at the 2025 Cyber Security Awards in the United Kingdom, making history as the first African to win the prestigious award.   Dr. Osakwe, Chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board, was honored for his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and expertise in cybersecurity and data privacy, emerging ahead of finalists from the United States, the UAE, Qatar, the Netherlands, and the UK.   Tinubu lauded Dr. Osakwe’s groundbreaking achievement, described it as a testament…

NDLEA intercepts International Drug Shipments concealed in prayer beads, board games —Arrests 2 suspects, seizes large drug consignments across 7 States and FCT

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates, intercepted multiple illicit drug shipments concealed in prayer beads, board games, female clothing, and Vitamin C bottles. The shipments, destined for the United States, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates, were seized at logistics firms and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. In a statement issued by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, 16th March 2025, the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa…

Isiguzo hails NUJ at 70, commends Leadership on Press Freedom Advocacy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Chris Isiguzo, has congratulated the Union on its 70th anniversary, applauding its resilience and contributions to press freedom in Nigeria.   In a goodwill message on March 15, 2025, Isiguzo extended his felicitations to the current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdulahi, the National Executive Council, and all members of the Union on the landmark celebration.   Reflecting on the Union’s establishment in 1955, he commended its unwavering commitment to professionalism, journalists’ welfare, and defending media rights…

First Lady Remi Tinubu named Grand Patron ,as Nigeria Customs set to fly flag at 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been named the Grand Patron of the 2025 African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) team set to represent the nation in the tournament, scheduled to take place from April 1 to 14, 2025. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, presented the offer to the First Lady, commended her dedication to the advancement of women in sports.   “There is a popular saying that when a woman puts her hand to the plough, the earth…

Customs intensifies crackdown on PMS smuggling in Adamawa … As Operation Whirlwind intercepts 916 Kegs worth ₦22.9million

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a renewed offensive against fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 916 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦22.9 million in Adamawa State. The operation, conducted under the special task force Operation Whirlwind, targeted smuggling hotspots in Maiha, Mubi, Gurin, and Belel.   Announcing the seizure during a press briefing on March 14, 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed that the confiscated PMS, stored in 25-litre kegs, totaled 22,900 litres. Ejibunu…

NITDA expands iHatch Initiative Nationwide to boost Job creation, Digital Innovation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a strategic move to drive job creation, economic diversification, and digital innovation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the nationwide expansion of its iHatch initiative. The programme, designed to empower tech startups and hub managers, aligns with the federal government’s priority of reforming the economy through industrialization and digitization. The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, made this known at the iHatch Cohort 4 Onsite Training for Hub Managers, held in Abuja. The training, organized in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and…

NCS Seme Command Generates N743.7 Million in One Month, Hands Over 444 Parcels of Cannabis to NDLEA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has recorded remarkable achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, raking in N743,728,652.16 in one month. The Command also intercepted large consignments of contraband, including 444 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).   Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, attributed these successes to enhanced intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and operational restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and vigilance.   Within…

Tinubu to Catholic Bishops: Economic Reforms Tough but Necessary for Nigeria’s Future

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his administration understands the economic hardships they face but emphasized that ongoing reforms are necessary to build a resilient nation and secure the future of younger generations.   Speaking at the State House in Abuja on Friday while receiving the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), President Tinubu defended his government’s policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and tax reforms, as essential steps to prevent the country from financial collapse.   “Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for…

USPF Secretary applauds ITU, UK-FCDO for Supporting Nigeria’s Rural Connectivity Efforts

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, has commended the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO) for their collaboration with the Nigerian government to enhance rural connectivity and drive socio-economic development.   Arowosafe gave the commendation at an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session held in Lagos over the weekend. The event, organized by the USPF in collaboration with the UK-FCDO and ITU, aimed to advance efforts to expand network coverage in unserved…