Category: Opinion

Between Kyari’s Fuel Importation Figures and the rest of us By Bala Kuta

Emporium Reporters

There seems to be more than meets the eye regarding what is happening in the country’s petroleum sector. Recently we have witnessed the drama between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery. From the foregoing, all is not well and Nigerians are bearing the brunt of the unending imbroglio. Either way, Nigeria and Nigerians are the ultimate losers, unless we get our priorities right by clearly defining what we want and whether we want to make progress as a country.   I will start the piece in…

Amshi and NASC Legacy of Consolidated Democratic Governance in Nigeria. BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF.

Abubakar Yusuf

In anything you do in life ,and anywhere you find yourself, the need to live a lasting legacy is desiring and beyond imagination.   For the Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE, the immediate past Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC and his commissioners , the legacy of service in all ramifications was adored everywhere.   For five consecutive years, Kadi and his commissioners has changed the narratives of activities at the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and the National Assembly NASS, particularly as it boarders on employment status and…

GOV OKPEBHOLO’S UNSHAKEN DRIVE TO RECOVER EDO’S STOLEN ASSETS By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

On Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, could best be described as a day of gloom in Edo State, and indeed, our country, Nigeria! A black Wednesday as mind blogging, heart renting, and unbelievable revelations were brought to light   Gloomy enough to declare for a state wide mourning, with all residents dressed in sackcloths, covered in ashes as they mourned the depth of plundering, mind blogging looting, heartless shady deals, lack of transparency and institutionalization of corruption by Godwin Obaseki’s led administration.   While many have often taunted the immediate past…

Ribadu – El-Rufai: Before Today, There Was Yesterday, and There’ll Be Tomorrow By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

Emporium Reporters

On November 26, 2011, Yasmin, the eldest daughter of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, passed away at the young age of 25 in her London apartment. Overwhelmed by sorrow and grief, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, despite his own constricted emotions, displayed remarkable strength and loyalty. He travelled to London to bring home the fragile remains of Yasmin, the beloved daughter of his friend. It was a deeply moving moment—an exhibition of pure and undiluted friendship. From that day, my admiration for both men grew immensely. Until Yasmin was finally laid to rest, Ribadu…

Re: Redeployment of Senator Victor Umeh, a necessary change for diaspora, By Emmy Ekong

Emporium Reporters

Barely 24 hours after the redeployment of Sen. Victor Umeh from the Senate Committee Chairman on Diaspora and Non-Govermental Organizations (NGOs), Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, a man renowned for not seeing anything good in Nigeria and Nigerians, has taken to town again in his usual stock in trade of running down achievers and compatriots as if he has no other job, which, in fairness, he does not. So, may be he has created an oversight function for himself to keep him busy, albeit a very mischievous one.   This time around,…

Yahaya Bello’s Home Coming . …….in the eyes of his people By Paul Efanga

Emporium Reporters

The detention and release of the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello over alleged financial impropriety , has been a subject of discussion in the public space.   Besides , the heavy reception accorded him on his return goes to show that the former Governor is still popular amongst his people. This according to the people is a measure of his acceptance and political relevance in the confluence state . When asked what the political relevance of the former governor is …. political stalwart Amos Omajale, said ”…

ASUE IGHODALO’S PURSUIT OF A POLITICAL MIRAGE By Fred Itua

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A pie in the sky is often used to describe an illusion—an enticing dream that, despite its allure, remains beyond reach. It represents aspirations that are detached from reality, fantasies that refuse to materialize no matter how fervently pursued.   The ambition to govern Edo State is, in itself, a noble one. Every qualified individual has the right to aspire to public office. However, ambition must be matched with prudence, and political aspirations should be pursued with a sense of realism. When the electorate has spoken through the ballot, and…

Monday Lines : Are Yoruba Muslims truly marginalised? By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

Each time we hear or read outsiders say they are fighting for Yoruba Muslims, some of us (Yoruba Muslims) laugh. Who told them that we cannot fight our war ourselves – if there is a war? A statement signed by an Imam Haroun Muhammad Eze on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) led by the Sultan of Sokoto alleged last week that Yoruba Muslims were suffering marginalization in Yorubaland. The statement headlined ‘Live and Let Live’ complained about what it called “calculated attempts to prevent Muslims…

Financial Vulnerability: Nigerians, POS Reliance, and Economic Risk By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon

Emporium Reporters

As Nigeria continues to embrace digital financial mechanisms, Point of Sale (POS) systems have emerged as an essential tool for transactions.   However, the heavy reliance on POS systems, especially among the less privileged population, raises significant economic risks.   In this article, I will be discussing the landscape of POS dependence in Nigeria, highlighting its implications for lower-income citizens compared to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).   Through case studies and statistical analysis, my finding is that while POS systems offer certain conveniences, they also lead to vulnerabilities that disproportionately…

Nigerian Customs warns public against fraudsters impersonating National PRO

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has alerted the public to the activities of fraudsters impersonating its National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, on Facebook and other platforms.   In a statement issued by the Service, the NCS emphasized that the official and verified Facebook page of the National PRO is marked with a blue verification badge. The Service noted that fraudulent individuals have created fake accounts, using the PRO’s identity to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.   Additionally, the NCS disclosed that a…