Author: Emporium Reporters

Lessons from the Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra Stampedes – Preventable Tragedies By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Emporium Reporters

In the span of one week, Nigeria has witnessed three heart-wrenching stampedes at events meant to bring relief and joy. The Ibadan Funfair, organized by Queen Naomi, former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, aimed to provide scholarships and incentives to 5,000 children but turned tragic as crowds overwhelmed the event.   On December 21, 2024, two more incidents followed: one at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, during a food distribution for the less privileged, and another in Anambra, where palliatives were being shared to ease the burdens…

2024: Daurama Foundation Celebrates a Year of Impact, Looks to the Future

Emporium Reporters

As the year draws to a close, Daurama Foundation, a Nigerian non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, and underserved communities across Nigeria through advocacy, education, and community-driven projects, has reaffirmed its commitment to impactful initiatives that bring relief to citizens and inspire its partners.   Dr Samira Buhari, the Founder of Daurama Foundation, expressed her elation at the organisation’s notable strides since its inception in February this year. She highlighted the Foundation’s focus on improving health outcomes and advocating for the rights of women and girls…

Leadership insights: 40 minutes with Governor Oyebanji (1) By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

I recently had the honour of visiting Ekiti State, where I embarked on a self-guided tour to explore the projects completed or underway by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. From the bustling streets of Ado-Ekiti to the quaint towns of Ikere-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Oke Ako-Ekiti, Oyebanji’s transformative initiatives have inspired optimism among residents, who appreciate his people-first leadership.   As I concluded my tour, I sought out the governor’s perspective on his administration’s progress. Our thoughtful discussion revealed a leader committed to redefining the boundaries of possibility for all Ekiti residents. With…

2025 Budget: A Bold Vision or a High-Risk Gamble? By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Emporium Reporters

On December 18, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the 2025 Budget of Restoration, a ₦47.9 trillion spending plan designed to secure peace, rebuild prosperity, and set the country on a path toward sustainable growth. While the budget reflects a bold vision for Nigeria’s future, it raises critical questions about the feasibility of its ambitious goals, the risks involved, and the capacity to effectively implement such a vast plan.   A Record-Breaking Budget   With a 36.8% increase from the previous year, the 2025 budget sets the stage for significant…

NIMC warns against extortion in NIN Enrollment, assures Public of Free Service

Emporium Reporters

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reiterated that the enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) remained free of charge, urged the public to be cautious of individuals demanding money for the service. In a statement released on December 20, 2024, the NIMC emphasized that neither its staff nor its Front-End Partners (FEPs) are authorized to collect any fees from applicants. The Commission has taken a firm stance against any form of extortion, directing security agencies to track down and sanction anyone caught engaging in such illegal practices. “The…

Speaker Abbas mourns Victims of Ibadan Funfair Stampede, calls for Investigati

Emporium Reporters

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured.   In a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy. He extended his sympathies to the government and people of Oyo State, particularly the families of the deceased.   While mourning the victims, the Speaker called…

Tinubu mourns passing of Hajiya Rafat Idris Salami, Condoles with NUJ and IPI

Emporium Reporters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI) following the death of Hajiya Rafat Idris Salami, the newly elected Treasurer of IPI.   In a statement released by his office on December 20, 2024, President Tinubu acknowledged the profound impact of Hajiya Salami’s passing on the journalistic community and beyond, highlighting her dedication to journalism and her advocacy for women’s and children’s rights.   Hajiya Salami, who also served as the Secretary of the NUJ, Abuja Council,…

Ogbona Community to inaugurate State-of-the-Art Police Headquarters, ICT-Data Centre …… hails Peter Dunia, Ogbona Youth Forum

Emporium Reporters

Ogbona community in Etsako Central Local Government Area is set to celebrate a major milestone with the inauguration of a modern Divisional Police Headquarters (DPHQ) and an advanced ICT-Data Centre, courtesy of Peter Omoh Dunia, a prominent oil and gas magnate, and the Ogbona Youth Forum (OYF). The event, scheduled for Saturday, December 21, will be graced by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, along with key dignitaries from government and security agencies.   The multi-million naira project, aimed at boosting security in the region, is the result of a…

Friday Sermon: A Message To The Hushpuppi’s (Abbas) Parents! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, commonly known as Hushpuppi, Hush, or Ray Hushpuppi is a Dubai-based Nigerian Instagram influencer, self-acclaimed real estate mogul, and convicted felon. Born 11 October, 1982 (age 42 years), in Lagos, Nigeria. He married Shawana Nakesia Chapman in 2018. He was popularly known as Hushpuppi,…

NUJ FCT Council mourns Member’s Wife, Temidayo Fateman

Emporium Reporters

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mrs. Temidayo Fateman, wife of Mr. Emmanuel Fateman, a journalist with Inside Source Magazine. Mrs. Fateman passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Alliance Hospital, Garki, Abuja, after a brief illness. She was 41 years old. In a statement issued on Thursday by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described the late Temidayo as a woman of humility, dedication, and compassion, whose life was an inspiration to…