Category: News

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…

NCS Seme Command Generates N743.7 Million in One Month, Hands Over 444 Parcels of Cannabis to NDLEA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has recorded remarkable achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, raking in N743,728,652.16 in one month. The Command also intercepted large consignments of contraband, including 444 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).   Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, attributed these successes to enhanced intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and operational restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and vigilance.   Within…

Tinubu to Catholic Bishops: Economic Reforms Tough but Necessary for Nigeria’s Future

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his administration understands the economic hardships they face but emphasized that ongoing reforms are necessary to build a resilient nation and secure the future of younger generations.   Speaking at the State House in Abuja on Friday while receiving the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), President Tinubu defended his government’s policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and tax reforms, as essential steps to prevent the country from financial collapse.   “Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for…

Customs dismantles smuggling network, seizes 34,470 litres of PMS in Adamawa-Taraba border raid … CGC orders public auction at subsidised rate

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 34,470 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Adamawa-Taraba border corridors, dealing a major blow to transnational smuggling networks. Acting on credible intelligence, Customs operatives seized 1,149 jerrycans of PMS along with a specially modified transport vehicle valued at ₦4 million, bringing the total duty-paid value of the confiscated items to ₦37.78 million.   Addressing journalists in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, described the operation as a strategic response to the…

Thelema Lion Foundation, NHRC Host 2025 Women Arise Symposium to Empower Vulnerable Women

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Thelema Lion Foundation, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), organized the 2025 Women Arise Symposium to mark International Women’s Day. Themed “Accelerating Action Towards Uplifting Vulnerable Women in Nigeria,” the event focused on empowering women through financial support and skill acquisition. Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of NHRC, was represented at the event by Hajia Rabi Anwar, Director of Legal Services and Enforcement. He emphasized the need to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, and commended Thelema Lion Foundation for its humanitarian efforts. He also…

Security Operatives Rescue Rev. Fr. Ekeli in Edo After Intense Operation

Emporium Reporters

A joint team of security operatives in Edo State has successfully rescued Reverend Father Philip Ekeli, who was kidnapped alongside a seminarian, Peter Andrew, on March 3, 2025, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Iviukha, Etsako East Local Government Area. The Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, commended the combined efforts of security agencies, stating that the operatives engaged in extensive bush combing, which led to the victim’s rescue on March 13, 2025, in Amughe Community after 10 days in captivity. Ibadin disclosed…