Category: News

CGC Adeniyi calls for AI-Driven Journalism to deepen Democratic Governance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged Nigerian journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to enhance transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. Adeniyi made this call on Monday, May 5, 2025, while delivering the 7th Convocation Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Lagos. The lecture, titled “Artificial Intelligence in Public Governance”, explored the evolving role of AI in shaping media practice and national development.   The Customs boss underscored the importance of leveraging AI’s potential to improve information gathering,…

NAHCON ends 2025 Hajj Registration, Inaugural Flight set to depart Owerri May 9

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the official closure of registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. According to a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division, the registration ended on Friday, May 2, 2025, following an extension granted by the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. The original deadline had been fixed for March 25, 2025.   The Commission explained that the halt in registration was necessary to enable smooth planning and airlift of intending pilgrims with adequate provision for their welfare…

Social Media Activist, VeryDarkMan, Regains Freedom after NHRC Intervention

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has regained his freedom following the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).   His release came shortly after a peaceful protest staged by a group of Nigerian youths at the NHRC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding his immediate release from custody.   In swift response to the protest, a high-level delegation from the NHRC, led by the Director of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Mr. Harry Obe, visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office…

NiDCOM applauds Diaspora medical experts for pioneering Respiratory Therapy training in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has hailed the recent launch of a groundbreaking Respiratory Therapy training programme initiated by a group of Nigerian medical professionals in the Diaspora. The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave the commendation through Mrs. Violet Nwosu, Assistant Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, described the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system.   “This training not only fills a critical gap in respiratory healthcare services, but also enhances professional development opportunities for Nigerian medical practitioners,”…

Ex-Lawmakers urge N’Assembly intervention in Benue, Zamfara crises … Hail protesting Lawyers as true defenders of democracy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Coalition of Former Nigerian Lawmakers (CoFoNiL) has thrown its weight behind the protest by over 1,000 lawyers to the National Assembly, calling for a federal takeover of legislative functions in Benue and Zamfara States over alleged constitutional violations and breakdown of legislative order.   Describing the action as a “patriotic move to save democracy,” the Coalition said the lawyers had acted within their rights and in the best interest of the nation’s constitutional integrity.   In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Rt. Hon. Dapo Olowolagba, the group lauded…

NAPTIP deepens strategic collaboration with DIA to combat Human Trafficking

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen multi-agency collaboration in the fight against human trafficking, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, on Tuesday led senior management staff of the Agency on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye Parker, at the DIA Headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, the NAPTIP DG commended the DIA for its continued support to the Agency, which she said has been instrumental…

Information Minister charges Media on National Security, urges responsible reporting

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals across the country to deny terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements the undue publicity they crave, urging the press to remain patriotic and responsible in their reportage.   He made this call on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, while addressing journalists during the seventh edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja.   The event featured presentations from the Honourable Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas, and…

Nigeria Police nabs Human Trafficking Kingpin, Armed Robbery Fugitive

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a decisive move against transnational organized crime, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested two high-profile fugitives wanted by international authorities for heinous crimes including human trafficking and armed robbery.   Acting on an INTERPOL Red Notice, operatives tracked down Felix Omoregie, alias “Eghosa Johnson Omoregie,” in Benin City, Edo State. Omoregie, believed to be the mastermind of a major human trafficking ring, was declared wanted by the Belgian government for trafficking young Nigerian women many of them minors—to Europe for sexual exploitation. Authorities revealed the victims were subjected to…

NYSC DG General Nafiu tasks Corps Members on Patriotism, Discipline, Teamwork

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has charged Corps Members to uphold the core values of the Scheme and be exemplary in the discharge of their duties throughout their service year.   General Nafiu gave the charge during his visit to the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream One Corps Members at the NYSC Orientation Camps in Gombe, Taraba, and Adamawa States.   He emphasized that the guiding principles of the Scheme—patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment, and teamwork—must be embraced by every Corps Member…

NHRC intervenes in VDM’s arrest, launches investigation to safeguard his rights

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has waded into the ongoing controversy surrounding the arrest and detention of popular social media commentator, VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM), assured Nigerians that steps are being taken to ensure his fundamental human rights are protected. In a statement made available to journalists, the Commission disclosed that its Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu , has initiated engagements with relevant authorities and directed immediate inquiries into the matter in line with the Commission’s statutory mandate. The intervention was announced by Mr. Benedict Agu, Special Assistant to the Executive…