Category: Uncategorized

Okai hails DSS for proactive Intelligence on Kogi, Ondo threats …. Urges military, security agencies to act swiftly on credible intelligence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Political Activist and Public Affairs commentator, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its professionalism and vigilance in providing timely intelligence that continues to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework.   In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, Okai praised the DSS for its proactive intelligence gathering and collaboration with sister security agencies, describing the Service as “a key player in safeguarding lives and property across the country.”   He cited the Service’s recent alert to the Nigerian Army over an alleged plan by members…

NCC EVC urges State alignment on Broadband as Nigeria eyes 70% penetration by end of 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has made a passionate appeal for national alignment on broadband infrastructure policies, describing digital connectivity as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic transformation. Speaking at a high-level Business Roundtable held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex in Mbora, Abuja, Dr. Maida warned that states must act fast or risk being left behind in the digital revolution.   The event, themed “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity,” brought…

Diaspora Nigerians are key Drivers of Innovation, Investment, and National growth – Gov Bassey Otu

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has emphasized the vital role Nigerians in the Diaspora played as agents of change, innovation, investment, and social transformation. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu made this assertion during the 4th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPO) Summit held in Calabar, the state capital. The summit brought together state diaspora focal officers, government representatives, and development partners to strengthen diaspora engagement across Nigeria.   According to Governor Otu, the establishment of State Diaspora Focal Point Offices…

Army refutes allegations of Troop harassment in Cross River communal dispute

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Headquarters 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that its troops deployed to Ochon Community in Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State, were harassing and intimidating residents in connection with a land dispute with neighbouring Alesi Community in Ikom Local Government Area.   In a statement issued on Sunday, September 21, 2025, by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division described the reports as “false, misleading, and aimed at discrediting the efforts of troops working tirelessly to maintain peace in…

A minister’s message to me By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

“You may forward this to him to reflect on…if he’s redeemable!” A Tinubu minister from the South-West sent this message to a respected, elderly journalist now in his mid-70s. It was meant for me and the Oga did as instructed; he forwarded the message to me. I read what the big man wanted me to read. It was someone’s reaction to my column on the Alaafin-Ooni problem and what I had described as Yoruba’s “curse of enlightenment.”   The minister said he got it from a Yoruba WhatsApp group, author…

Akpabio calls for stronger Church–State partnership in nation building

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called for deeper collaboration between the Church and the State in driving Nigeria’s transformation and human development. He made the call while delivering his address as Chairman of the Opening Ceremony of the Second Plenary Session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held in Obot Akara. In his remarks, the Senate President stressed that no government can succeed without the moral and spiritual foundation nurtured by the Church. Quoting the Psalmist, he said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is…

Eid-ul-Maulud: NOA felicitates Muslims, calls for Unity,Peaceful Coexistence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has extended warm greetings to Muslims across the country on the occasion of Eid-ul-Maulud, urged Nigerians to uphold the rule of law and embrace unity as a pathway to peace and national development. In a statement signed by Bala Musa, NOA’s Director of Communication and Media. the Director General , Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, encouraged Muslims to emulate the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his virtues of forgiveness, tolerance, and compassion, which he described as vital for peaceful and upright living. He noted…

Nigerian Military sustains onslaught against Insurgency, neutralizes Terrorists, rescues victims, foils ₦37.5m Oil Theft

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Armed forces of Nigeria have maintained momentum in nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, neutralized dozens of insurgents, rescued kidnapped victims, and dismantled criminal networks across multiple theatres between 7 and 14 August 2025.   Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated this during the weekly press briefing at Defence Headquarters, Abuja. He explained that the combined efforts of ground and air forces, working alongside hybrid forces and other security agencies, have continued to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt banditry, and curb oil theft across the country.  …

FG unveils N10m Support Fund for Tertiary Institution Staff

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has launched the Presidential Initiative on Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a welfare scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to both academic and non-academic staff of Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, in a statement, said the initiative is another testament to President Bola Tinubu’s vision of progressive investment in education and the welfare of those who drive the sector. He noted that TISSF reflected the administration’s commitment to improving staff well-being and…

NCC, ONSA avert Telecom Service disruption, reaffirm commitment to Infrastructure Protection

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fully operationalising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which classified telecommunications facilities as vital national assets requiring maximum protection.   This followed a successful mediation by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Commission, that led to the suspension of a planned strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA). According to a statement signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at NCC, the…