Category: News

Governors lobby Tinubu to retain control over local government allocations

Emporium Reporters

State governors are making fresh moves to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy by opposing the direct disbursement of federal allocations to local councils.   During a recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, some governors expressed concerns about routing local government funds through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). They argued that local councils have outstanding debts that should be addressed before any direct disbursement.   Sources from the presidency revealed that the meeting, which followed an…

FG dismisses claims of targeted killings of Christians, calls for caution in reporting

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly refuted recent reports alleging targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing them as misleading and aimed at influencing foreign perceptions, particularly in the United States.   In a statement, the Ministry expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges ranging from insurgency and banditry to communal clashes are not religiously motivated. It clarified that criminal activities in the predominantly Muslim northern region do not selectively target any religious group.   The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding all citizens,…

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.…

Muslim Community demands swift Justice for Man attacked by Pastor ,Soldiers in Iseyin

Emporium Reporters

By Idris Mustapha Babalola   The Muslim community in Oyo State has expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay in justice for AbdulAzeez Sulaiman, who was brutally attacked by a pastor, his son, and a group of soldiers in Oke Imuse, Iseyin, on June 16, 2024. Despite the case being in court for nine months, justice has yet to be served.   According to reports, AbdulAzeez Sulaiman, his two wives, and other family members were attacked while slaughtering a cow for the Eid-el-Kabir (Eleyaa) festival in front of their house…

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…

UBEC unveils strategic framework to strengthen Basic Education

Abubakar Yusuf

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is to adopt Public-Private Partnerships, as a key priority in the commission’s new strategic blueprint in delivering basic education services in the country. Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajia Aisha Garba, who made this known has accordingly had series of meetings with Private Sector including the Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh. Head of Public Relations and Protocol of UBEC, Mr. David Apeh in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said Garba during a meeting in Abuja with Oando Foundation, emphasized the need to for…

FG moves to fast-track SDGs implementation at all levels … Stakeholders urged to redouble efforts

Abubakar Yusuf

As Nigeria continues regional consultations on the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, has emphasised the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts towards the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.   She stated this in her Keynote Address, delivered on her behalf by Dr Bala Yunusa, mni, Senior Technical Adviser, at the North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe as part of Nigeria’s VNR preparation for the High-Level Political Forum in New York in July 2025. The SSAP-SDGs noted…

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…

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…