Author: Emporium Reporters

Of Banditry and a Shared Sovereignty (1), by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

The Arbiter   This piece was first published in May 2022. It remains as pertinent today as it was then, given the worsening insecurity currently facing the country.   In the book The Impact of Banditry on Nigeria’s Security in the Fourth Republic: An Evaluation of Nigeria’s Northwest by Rosenje, Musharafa Olapeju (PhD) and Adeniyi, Oluwatobi Peter, both of the Department of Political Science, Tai Solarin University of Education, first published on 30/04/2021, the authors posited that “Banditry is fast becoming alarming in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic to the extent that…

Overcoming Fear: Embracing God’s Presence and Strength July 05, 2026

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon Worshippers at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, were on Sunday July 5, 2026 charged to overcome fear by trusting in God’s unfailing help and abiding presence. The service commenced with a vibrant and spirit-filled session of praise and worship led by the church choir. The uplifting ministration created an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual expectancy, preparing congregants for a profound engagement with the Scriptures. The message, delivered by the Senior Pastor and District Overseer, Rev. Babatunde Idowu, was titled “Overcoming Fear: Embracing God’s Presence…

Gbajabiamila on the crucifix By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

The late Chief Joseph Folahan (JF) Odunjo left behind an allegory that perfectly mirrors today’s most notorious national scandal. It explains the infamy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila and allegedly self-appointed DG of Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, (PEAC) Adeniyi Adeyemi. Celebrated for his indigenous production of knowledge, Odunjo’s most imperishable legacy remains his role as a writer and educator. His iconic Yoruba children’s literature, the Alawiye (Careful Explainer) series, served as foundational texts for primary school pupils from…

BAO2BAO: … and God answered! – (2) By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

To begin with, the messages that flowed in after last Saturday’s publication reflect widespread public support for Oyebanji’s reelection. Virtually all the readers who flooded my inbox have never met the governor – nor are they even desirous of meeting him.   However, what they clearly espoused is a return to the foundational ethos of public service. They seek a revival of the standards we once had – standards that so positively uplifted the majority of families by creating a society where _“life is more abundant.”_ In their considered opinion…

Niger JUSUN Unveils Election Guidelines, Warns Against Vote Buying, Violence

Emporium Reporters

By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna     The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Niger State Branch, has unveiled the guidelines and code of conduct for its forthcoming branch election, warning aspirants and their supporters against vote buying, violence and other forms of electoral misconduct. The Branch Electoral Committee (BEC) said only financial members of the union who meet the eligibility requirements contained in the JUSUN Constitution and the approved Election Guidelines would be allowed to purchase and submit nomination forms. According to the committee, obtaining and submitting a nomination form…

Friday Sermon: FIFA World Cup Match: Allah Did Not Create Us, The Universe, For Idle Sport, Amusement, Or Play! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, Who has honoured us with Islam, dignified us with Iman (faith), and made us the best nation brought forth for mankind. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. May Allah send upon him abundant peace and blessings. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! Allah the Almighty explicitly states in the…

AI, RegTech, Cyber Resilience to Shape Nigeria’s Banking Future — NITDA DG

Emporium Reporters

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has said the future of Nigeria’s banking industry will be determined not by capital accumulation alone, but by the ability of financial institutions to build digital trust through artificial intelligence (AI), regulatory technology (RegTech) and cyber resilience. Speaking at the Future of Banking Nigeria Summit organised by CNBC Africa in Lagos, Inuwa said the banking sector has successfully navigated major reforms, including the 2005 banking consolidation, the 2009 banking reforms and the ongoing recapitalisation exercise. However, he…

NiDCOM, San José State University Partner on AI, Tech Training for Nigerian Youths

Emporium Reporters

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has begun discussions with San José State University on a strategic partnership to expand opportunities for Nigerian students and young professionals in technology, education and diaspora engagement. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, held the meeting with the President of San José State University, Cynthia Teniente-Matson, in California. A key outcome of the meeting was the proposed Silicon Valley Tech Bridge Initiative, a summer programme that will provide Nigerian students and young professionals with immersive training in emerging fields such as Artificial…

Benue @50: A State in Search of Leadership By Yemi Itodo

Emporium Reporters

There is an old saying that one does not decorate a leaking roof while the house is on fire. Sadly, that appears to be the picture Benue State presented to the nation as it marked its 50th anniversary with pomp and pageantry, despite the enormous challenges confronting its people. The event was grand. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; state governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and other distinguished Nigerians…

Remain Steadfast and Embrace Agriculture, Anglican Bishop Urges Nigerians

Emporium Reporters

The Rt. Revd. Isaac Oluyamo, Bishop of the Ijesa North Diocese (Anglican Communion), has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith and urged the nation’s youth to embrace mechanized agriculture and modern animal husbandry as vital pathways to self-reliance and national food security.   The Bishop made these remarks while delivering his Presidential Address at the Official Opening Ceremony of the 3rd Session of the 5th Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Esa-Oke.   The three-day event, which ran from Friday, June 26 to…