Category: News

INEC dismisses recall petition against Senator Natasha

Emporium Reporters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing procedural deficiencies.   In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC stated that while the recall process is constitutionally guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, the petition submitted did not meet the necessary requirements.   According to the Commission, the petitioners from Kogi Central had presented six bags of documents, purportedly containing signatures from over half…

NAPTIP, DSS dismantle Interstate Human Trafficking Syndicate, arrest female Kingpin ,6 Others

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), has dismantled a notorious human trafficking syndicate specialized in the abduction and sale of children across Nigeria.   The gang’s leader, Hasana Jacob, a 33-year-old truck driver with a well-known cement company in Obajana, near Lokoja, Kogi State, was arrested alongside six accomplices Aisha Suleiman, Murtala Tanimu, Shamsu Tanimu, Adamu Jacob, Abubakar Ahmed, and Ali Muhammed in Abuja while attempting to sell a three-year-old girl stolen from Damaturu, Yobe State.…

Edo Govt Allocates 3,000 Hectares for Agriculture to Boost Food Security … Gov Okpebholo Inspects Cultivated Farmlands in Edo South

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Government has commenced the cultivation of 3,000 hectares of farmlands across the three senatorial districts as part of its efforts to enhance food security and economic growth.   Governor Monday Okpebholo, who embarked on an inspection tour of the state-owned cultivated farmlands in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West Local Government Area, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to large-scale farming. The initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food sufficiency nationwide.   During the visit, the Governor was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of…

Gov. Alia commissions Agila Comprehensive Medical Centre, pledges State Takeover

Emporium Reporters

Agila, Benue State – Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, commissioned the 56-bed Agila Comprehensive Medical Centre, pledged the state government’s commitment to taking over the facility for effective management.   The Governor, represented by his deputy, Chief Dr. Sam Ode, described the centre as a “gigantic edifice” and urged residents of Ado and its environs to utilize it as a medical healthcare hub. The hospital, built and donated by renowned banker Chief John Otse Aboh, is equipped with state-of-the-art medical…

Gowon commends NYSC Leadership for sustaining vision of National Unity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Former Head of State and founder of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), General Yakubu Gowon (GCFR), has applauded the management of the Scheme for upholding the vision that led to its establishment over five decades ago.   Speaking at his Asokoro residence in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, General Gowon recalled that the Scheme initially faced strong opposition from Nigerian students at its inception in 1973. However, he noted that it has since evolved into a widely…

NHRC marks International Day for the Right to Truth, calls for Justice and Accountability among Nigerians

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Right to Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and the Dignity of Victims, urged Nigerians to uphold truth, justice, and accountability.   In a statement issued in Abuja, NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu emphasized the importance of truth in addressing human rights violations and promoting peace in society.   “As we mark this significant day, we must recognize our collective duty to uphold the truth, seek justice for victims, and ensure…

NIMC warns against unauthorized printing of NIN Cards, alerts security agencies

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised alarm over the unauthorized printing of National Identification Number (NIN) cards by cybercafés, individuals, and organizations, warned that those involved will face legal consequences.   In a press statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, NIMC emphasized that it has not authorized any entity to print NIN cards aside from the official General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC). The commission described the unauthorized practice as illegal and a violation of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.   “The…

FHA under fire over unpaid Contractors, stalled Bwari Housing Project …. CSO demands probe into agency’s handling of project’s funds

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is facing intense criticism over its alleged refusal to pay contractors involved in the Bwari Housing Project, leaving many in financial distress and halting progress on the initiative. The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace and Good Governance, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, accused the FHA Managing Director of deliberately withholding payments despite available funds. The group claimed that some contractors have lost their properties due to unpaid loans, while others have suffered severe health issues, including strokes, as a result…

956 Nigerians rescued from Libya Prisons in 3 months – NiDCOM …. Warns against irregular migration

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the successful evacuation of 956 Nigerians from Libya within the first quarter of 2025. The repatriation was facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). A breakdown of the returnees included 683 females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. The evacuation took place in six batches between January and March 2025, with arrivals recorded as follows: January 28 – 152 returnees February 11 – 145 returnees…

EKSU to Confer Honorary Doctorates on Senate Leader, FIRS Chairman, Others

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has announced plans to confer honorary doctorate degrees on the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zach Adedeji; and Chairman of the Governing Board, Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar.   The university’s decision was conveyed in a letter signed by its Registrar, Mr. Ife Oluwole, stating that the honorees were selected in recognition of their contributions to national development. The conferment ceremony is scheduled to take place during EKSU’s convocation on March 29,…