Category: Uncategorized

A word for Governor Oyebanji By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

With the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election date set, the stage is now ready. The key issue is that incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, aka BAO, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears poised to win unopposed. It is much like a candidate in a parliamentary system who is “returned unopposed” due to a lack of challengers.   Currently, Ekiti State lacks a discernible opposition, which is unfortunate, given its longstanding and much-admired focus on human capital development. It would be an astonishing feat if any discernible opposition could coalesce…

Bishop Oluyamo urges President Tinubu to prioritize policies that uplift the Poor … Commends Gov Adeleke for Workers’ Welfare , Dynamic Leadership

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Lord Bishop of Ijesa North Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Isaac Oluyamo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus his administration on policies and programmes that will directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable. Speaking during the Second Session of the Fifth Synod of the Diocese, themed “A Sound of Abundant Rain”, Bishop Oluyamo emphasized that true governance must translate into tangible benefits for the masses.   “What is the essence of governance if the poor keep getting poorer?” the Bishop asked,…

Beyond the Barrel: How Nigeria’s Military Diplomacy Campaign is rewriting the Rules of Engagement in the Niger Delta, By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In the lush, oil-rich creeks of the Niger Delta, the sound of boots on the ground is no longer just a symbol of enforcement. It is increasingly becoming the rhythm of dialogue a cautious but deliberate dance toward peace, trust, and partnership.   Earlier this week,the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, launched a bold and unprecedented initiative: the Military Diplomacy and Sensitization Campaign a multi-community outreach program spanning Degema, Ahoada, and Eleme LGAs in Rivers State. At the core of the mission was a clear message from the Chief of Defence Staff,…

UNIFEMGA mourns Oba Shefiu Adewale, Olu of Epe …… Describes late Monarch as Bridge-Builder, Proud Muslim Alumnus of OAU

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Shefiu Adewale, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, described his death as a great loss to the Muslim community, Epe Kingdom, and Nigeria at large. In a condolence message signed by its National President, Engr. Mohammad Buari, and issued on Monday, June 3, 2025, UNIFEMGA said it received the news of the monarch’s death with shock but in total submission to the will of Almighty Allah. Oba Shefiu Adewale passed away…

Readers’ comments on Of journalists’ deaths, security lapses and cut-throat taxes, by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

Inna lilLahi wa inna ilaihir raji’un! May Allah have mercy upon their souls and grant them Aljanna Firdausi. My condolences to you and through you, to the entire Neptune Prime family as well as Borno journalists. – Governor Mai Mala Buni   Inna lil Lah, wa inna ilahirraji’un! May Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them aljannah firdausi, amen. My sincere condolences, and may Allah give you the courage and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. – SK Usman   Please accept our sincere condolences. – Eng Suleiman Bah Gimba,…

2025 Children’s Day:Tinubu reaffirms commitment to child protection, launches Anti-Bullying campaign

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection and development of Nigerian children, declared that they remain the pride and future of the nation. The President made this known in a special address to commemorate the 2025 National Children’s Day celebrated nationwide on Tuesday.   In a heartfelt message titled “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, President Tinubu emphasized the need to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every Nigerian child, while condemning bullying, violence, and neglect in both physical and…

The Delusion of A Coalition Unseating Tinubu By Nelson Ogbu

Emporium Reporters

The proposal by opposition parties in Nigeria to form a coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections has sparked intense debate and recent developments regarding the much-talked-about coalition raise serious doubts about its viability and strategic coherence.   From the task given to two former South-South governors to anchor discussions on whether to create a new political party or adopt an existing one as the coalition’s platform already underscores the uncertainty and lack of direction among the key players.   We recall recently of reports suggesting…

NiDCOM receives 13 Trafficked Nigerians rescued from Ghana and Mali

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has received 13 trafficked Nigerians, including 12 young women and a five-year-old boy, who were rescued from Ghana and Mali. According to the Commission, 11 of the victims were trafficked to Ghana while two others were rescued from Mali. The returnees, whose ages ranged between 16 and 35 years, were received at the NiDCOM Liaison Office in Lagos. A breakdown of the rescued individuals revealed that four victims hailed from Cross River State, four from Benue State, and one each from Imo and Oyo…

CDS General Musa, FRCN DG call for strategic use of Psychological Operations to tackle National Security threats

Emporium Reporters

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa,has emphasized the crucial role of psychological operations in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges, stating that contemporary threats demand more than just kinetic responses. He made the assertion at the opening of the maiden Defence Headquarters Workshop on Psychological Operations held from 13–15 May 2025 in Abuja.   Themed “Defence Headquarters Influence Operations: Optimizing Psychological Operations for Efficiency in a Joint Environment,” the workshop brought together security personnel, communication experts, and strategic partners to deepen understanding and collaboration on influence operations…

Awolowo and the North’s latest warning By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

When vultures surround you, stay awake so that you do not die stupid death. Whether you are in business or you are in politics or you are anything of value, stay alive and stay alert. People shave people’s heads in their absence. In 1938, Britain was rumoured to have toyed with the idea of donating Nigeria to Germany as one of its several offerings of appeasement to Hitler. I read of the “strong rumour” in Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s first book, ‘Path to Nigerian Freedom’, published in 1947 – page 38.…