Category: News

MURIC warns FG against intimidation of El-Rufai ….. Says arrest will stain Tinubu’s democratic credibility

Lukman Laleye Babalola

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has cautioned the Federal Government (FG) against any attempt to intimidate or arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The group argued that such an action would tarnish the democratic reputation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.   The warning followed El-Rufai’s recent statement, in which he claimed there were rumors of a plot by the FG to detain him. In a press release issued on February 12, 2025, MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, expressed concerns…

MURIC mourns Champion Newspaper Editor, Bisiriyu Olaoye

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bisiriyu Olaoye, an editor with Champion newspaper, who died two days ago. In a condolence message issued on Friday, February 14, 2025, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described Bisiriyu’s death as a great loss to the media industry, his colleagues, and his family. “We grieve over the loss of a companion,” MURIC stated. “Bisiriyu was not just any journalist. He was a friend and a companion. He was a loving family man. He was…

National Productivity Centre, JICA partner to boost efficiency,economic growth through Kaizen

Abubakar Yusuf

The National Productivity Centre (NPC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing efficiency and productivity in Nigeria’s public and private sectors through the adoption of the Kaizen philosophy. This was highlighted at the 2nd National Kaizen Conference, themed “Driving Overall Growth in Nigeria through Continuous Improvement: The Kaizen Approach,” held at Zuma Hall, Rock View Hotel (Royale), Maitama, Abuja. The conference, a collaborative effort between NPC and JICA, aimed to facilitate the widespread adoption of Kaizen principles to drive economic growth and operational excellence…

NYSC, SMEDAN sign MoU to boost Corps Members’ Entrepreneurship

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance job creation and entrepreneurship among corps members.   The agreement, signed at SMEDAN Headquarters in Abuja, aimed to provide corps members with access to funding and resources to develop their business ideas. Speaking at the event, NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, emphasized the importance of financial support in empowering corps members.   “NYSC mobilizes over 400,000 corps members annually and equips them…

Gov Bago appoints Prof Sulaiman Hadi as new Vice Chancellor,IBB University

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a move to enhance academic leadership and institutional growth, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has approved the appointment of Professor Sulaiman Mohammed Hadi as the new Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai.   Professor Hadi, who previously served in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was selected after a rigorous screening process conducted by the university’s Governing Council. His appointment takes effect from Monday, February 17, 2025, for a single term of five years.   The announcement was made in…

World Radio Day: NHRC Champions Radio as a Catalyst for Human Rights,Climate Action

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Nigeria joined the global community in commemorating World Radio Day 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging radio as a powerful tool for human rights education, advocacy, and climate action.   In a statement marking the occasion, NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, emphasized that radio remained an essential medium for promoting human rights, reaching diverse populations including marginalized and rural communities and fostering informed public discourse.   He noted that this year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” underscored the critical role of…

Gov Okpebholo launches Back-to-Farm Initiative to boost food production in Edo

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched the Back-to-Farm Initiative to enhance food production across the state’s three senatorial districts.   Speaking at the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement in Ovia South West Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reviving agriculture, empowering farmers, and ensuring food security for Edo residents and beyond.   He emphasized that the initiative would not remain a mere policy but would be fully implemented to yield tangible results. “I want to thank our farmers who have been dedicated to agriculture. This time,…

Spark News Honours Gov Aiyedatiwa, Senators Barau, Kalu, Hanga as Best Performing Leaders

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been named Spark News Daily’s Best Performing Governor for 2024, recognizing his impactful leadership and developmental strides. Similarly, Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), and Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) have been honoured as the Best Performing Senators for their outstanding contributions to governance and legislative excellence. The awards were announced following Spark Media & Entertainment Ventures’ first quarterly consultative meeting, which involved its editorial board, staff, and associates. The organization,…

FCT NUJ Mourns Veteran Journalist, Gabriel Gwajime

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of a senior journalist, Elder Gabriel Gwajime, who died on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Abuja after a brief illness. He was 60 years old. Until his demise, Gwajime was a respected media professional, worked with the Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI). He had also held various editorial positions in several Nigerian mainstream newspapers and was a Board member of the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice, and Transparency in Nigeria…

CAC Registrar-General signs 2025 Performance Contract, reaffirms commitment to Economic growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Registrar-General/CEO of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, has reaffirmed his commitment to achieving the objectives of the 2025 Roadmap set by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. Magaji made this declaration after signing the 2025 Roadmap Performance Contract alongside other heads of agencies under the ministry. He described the initiative as a strategic step towards enhancing performance, improving service delivery, and fostering economic growth, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative.   “The Corporate Affairs Commission is fully aligned with the vision…