Category: News

Constitution Review: Women Inclusion, State Police, FCT Autonomy, Electoral Reforms dominate North Central Hearing in Lafia

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held its North Central Zonal Public Hearing on Friday at the Ali Akwe Doma Banquet Hall in Lafia, Nasarawa State, attracting stakeholders from Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Chaired by Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris, who leads the North Central Center B of the review process, the session marked a vital phase in the National Assembly’s efforts to amend the Constitution in response to citizens’ yearnings. The Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice representing the…

Benue South Forum pushes for Rotational Leadership, Apa State Creation,Traditional Rulers’ Immunity in Constitutional Review

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bold and far-reaching submission at the North Central Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, the Benue South Forum has called for major constitutional reforms to promote equity, unity, and political stability across Nigeria.   The Forum’s memorandum presented by Chief Odatse-Peters Kelvin, advocated for amendments in three key areas: institutionalization of rotational governance, creation of Apa State, and constitutional immunity for first-class traditional rulers.   The Forum is urging the National Assembly to institutionalize a mandatory rotational system of…

Ogbadibo Community backs Apa State Creation, seeks restoration of Constituency, New LGAs

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The people of Ogbadibo Local Government Area have declared their unwavering support for the creation of Apa State, aligning with the position of the Honourable Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Chief (Dr) Philip Agbese. This firm endorsement was made during the North Central Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review and held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.   Led by Barr. John Ali Ude, a prominent community leader and successful entrepreneur, the Ogbadibo delegation presented a strong case…

FG inaugurates NHIA Governing Council, sets new agenda for Universal Health Coverage

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government on Friday inaugurated the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), setting the tone for a renewed push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria.   The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who emphasized the strategic importance of the NHIA in reducing the financial burden of healthcare on citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.   “This is a very important milestone,” Professor Pate stated. “The NHIA is not…

Customs deepens Academic Engagement, hosts Igbinedion University Students in Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently hosted students of International Relations from Igbinedion University, Okada, on an educational excursion to its headquarters in Abuja. Organized by the Service’s Public Relations Unit, the visit provided students with a rare opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of Customs operations, structure, and strategic contributions to international trade and border security.   Welcoming the students on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered an in-depth briefing on the NCS’s statutory roles, including revenue generation,…

NUJ FCT Council congratulates Yomi Odunuga on appointment as Media Adviser to SGF Akume

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has congratulated veteran journalist and columnist, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, on his recent appointment as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.   In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Council Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, the union lauded Mr. Odunuga’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity, and excellence in journalism, described his new role as a “well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to the media and public…

Customs debunks payment rumours on Form M Migration to B’Odogwu Platform …Warns Against Extortion, reaffirms commitment to Transparent Trade Process

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted claims that importers or their agents are required to make payments for the migration of Form M from the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) to the newly introduced B’Odogwu Trade Management System.   In a statement issued on Friday, July 11, 2025, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described the rumours as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”   According to the statement, the migration exercise is a technical and administrative measure initiated by the Service…

FG commissions Multi-Specialty complex, unveils key Health Projects at FMC Keffi …as Health Minister Salako, Nasarawa Deputy Gov reaffirm commitment to Universal Health Coverage

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a major boost to tertiary healthcare delivery in Nigeria’s North Central region, the Federal Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art Multi-Specialty Complex and other critical infrastructure at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi. The commissioning ceremony, which took place on Thursday, was led by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, alongside the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who represented the Executive Governor of the state.   Speaking at the event, Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening…

MURIC hails Soludo’s candour on Insecurity, declares him Presidential material …Says Governor’s comment vindicates Fulani, promotes national healing

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has lauded the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for publicly stating that the majority of kidnappings and killings in Anambra and the wider South-East are carried out by criminal elements among the Igbo, not Fulani herdsmen as often believed.   Governor Soludo made the remark during a recent interactive session with Anambra indigenes in the Diaspora at the Metro Points Hotel in New Carrollton, Maryland, United States. According to him, “99.99 per cent of kidnappers and other criminals arrested in the state since…

NOA, EFCC partner to launch nationwide campaign against online investment fraud

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bold move to tackle the growing menace of cyber-enabled investment and virtual asset fraud, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have unveiled plans for a nationwide sensitisation campaign targeted at educating Nigerians particularly the youth on the dangers of online financial scams.   The announcement was made during a public lecture hosted by the EFCC to commemorate the African Union Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja. The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the joint campaign will be rolled out across selected…