Category: News

100 Days in Office: Okpebholo to renovate 100 schools

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bid to make an immediate impact in the education sector, Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has commenced the renovation and reconstruction of 100 schools across the state to commemorate his first 100 days in office. The Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Onomen Goodness Briggs, disclosed this while inspecting some of the ongoing projects. She urged communities, parents, and residents to help prevent vandalism of school facilities, noting that Governor Okpebholo has included perimeter fencing in the renovation plans to enhance security.…

FoTA rejects Gov Alia’s claim of restored peace in Gwer-West, cites fresh attacks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) has refuted claims by the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, that peace has been restored in Gwer-West and other affected local government areas.   In a press release issued on Sunday, FoTA insisted that the region remained under siege by armed Fulani herders, with recent attacks leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.   The statement, signed by FoTA National President Prof. Patrick Ukase and National Publicity Secretary Prof. John Ajai, described the governor’s remarks as misleading and…

JAMB opens UTME to exceptional candidates below 16 …. Introduces Trial Testing for underage students

Emporium Reporters

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved the participation of exceptionally brilliant candidates below the age of 16 in its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this during an interview on Inside Sources, a Sunday news program on Channels TV. He emphasized that while the board is enforcing the 16-year minimum entry requirement into tertiary institutions, a special window has been created for underage students who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities. “We are saying 16 years is the minimum, but if you know you…

Lagos Imam urges Muslims not to support Anti-Sharia candidates in 2027 Elections

Emporium Reporters

The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, has called on Muslims in the South-West to reject any governorship candidate who opposes the establishment of Sharia courts in their states.   During his Jumaat sermon on Friday, Sheikh Jamiu emphasized the importance of holding political candidates accountable for their stance on Sharia law. He urged Muslim voters to demand a commitment to the establishment of Sharia courts as a condition for their support in the 2027 elections.   “Elections are coming, and any governorship candidate seeking your…

Benue Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged Sale of State Assets, Calls for Legislative Intervention ….. Demands Investigation into Zenith Bank, Dangote Cement Shares

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A pro-transparency group, Benue Good Governance Crusaders, has called on the Benue State House of Assembly to stop Governor Hyacinth Alia from allegedly taking over the state’s shares in Dangote Cement and to investigate the sale of other government-owned assets.   The group, in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Felix Atetan, and Secretary, Peter Ameh, alleged that the governor had already sold Benue’s shares in Zenith Bank Plc and other companies worth N12 billion. They claimed he is now attempting to take over the Benue…

Hajia Saadatu Sani Honored as Garkuwan Matan Paiko, Launches ‘Mamakit Project’ to Empower Pregnant Women in Niger State

Emporium Reporters

In recognition of her unwavering support for rural women, Hajia Saadatu Sani, founder of Future Pathways Foundation, has been conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Garkuwan Matan Paiko by the Emir of Paiko. The title, reserved for outstanding women in the emirate, was bestowed upon her in appreciation of her humanitarian efforts and philanthropic outreach.   Described as a compassionate and selfless woman, Hajia Saadatu Sani has consistently dedicated her resources to improving the lives of the less privileged. To mark this special occasion, she extended her benevolence to…

Congress of African Journalists, NUJ Celebrate Engr Mathew Tonlagha on His Birthday

Emporium Reporters

By Our Reporter     The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have jointly celebrated Engr. Mathew Tonlagha, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist, on the occasion of his birthday.   In a statement issued on Monday, the President of the Congress of African Journalists, Dr. Christopher Isiguzo, MFR, and the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, described Engr. Tonlagha as a selfless entrepreneur whose generosity has significantly impacted the journalism profession and society at large.   The NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan,…

Abdulrahman Bashar rejects Dubai Court verdict, vows legal challenge

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Founder of Rahmaniya Group, Abdulrahman Bashar, has vowed to challenge a judgment issued against him by a Dubai court, described it as a pressure tactic aimed at tarnishing his reputation and business.   A Dubai court sentenced Abdulrahman to one year in prison over an alleged financial crime linked to his dealings with CE Energy Company, an oil and gas firm. However, he maintained his innocence and is actively working with global law firm HFW to overturn the ruling.   The UAE court delivered the verdict on January 30,…

MURIC accuses Governor Abiodun of targeting muslims over shari’ah panel in Ogun

Lukman Laleye Babalola

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, of suppressing Muslim rights following his recent rejection of a purported Shari’ah court in the state.   In a statement released on Monday, 10th February 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the governor’s remarks as “speculative, provocative, manipulative, and opportunistic.” The organization alleged that Governor Abiodun’s stance was part of a broader attempt, similar to that of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to undermine Islamic practices in the South-West.…

CDS mourns Our Nigeria News Editor Lawrence Audu, hails his dedication to Journalism

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has condoled with Our Nigeria News over the passing of its editor, Mr. Lawrence Bilal Audu, describing him as an embodiment of hard work and professionalism.   Audu, a respected Defence Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief of North East Star Magazine, reportedly passed away in his sleep on Thursday, February 6, 2025.   In a condolence message to Our Nigeria News, General Musa acknowledged Audu’s commitment to ethical journalism and his steadfast adherence to the principles of accurate and responsible reporting.  …