Assistant to the Administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Dina Esposito, emerged as a key advocate for African agricultural advancement during her participation in the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit hosted by the African Union in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit, which took place from May 7th to 9th, saw Esposito deliver a compelling address affirming the United States’ unwavering support for Africa-led agricultural growth. She underscored the pivotal role African farmers and agribusinesses play in not only nourishing the continent but also contributing to global food security. Esposito’s engagement at the summit extended beyond…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Donald Trump’s hush money trial, his former fixer and now adversary, Michael Cohen, took the stand on Monday, revealing details of his close association with the former president. Cohen’s testimony shed light on Trump’s hands-on management style, alleging that he often lied and bullied on behalf of his boss. The trial, which marks the first criminal case against a former U.S. president, is now entering its final stages as prosecutors anticipate wrapping up evidence presentation by the end of the week. Cohen, a key witness for the Manhattan district attorney, recounted his role in arranging hush money payments during Trump’s…
President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive banning members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) from purchasing petrol-dependent vehicles. Instead, he has mandated the procurement of compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies. In a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu stated the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. CNG-enabled vehicles are recognized for producing lower emissions and offering a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers. Addressing FEC members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu affirmed the government’s determination to lead…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled plans to reallocate N5.5 trillion from its development finance activities. This realignment, as outlined in a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Nigeria, stated the CBN’s plan to refine its economic strategies and focus on its core central banking functions. The restructuring initiative involves transitioning away from direct development finance, a role traditionally centered on providing favorable lending terms to vital sectors like agriculture and small to medium enterprises. Instead, the CBN will collaborate with private banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to facilitate credit flows and…
In the midst of political upheaval in Edo State, the Deputy Governor, Marvellous Omobayo, has denied accusations leveled against him by the Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata. Omobayo refuted claims of sponsoring crises within the party, asserting his unwavering dedication to the principles of integrity and service to the people. A statement released by Victor Adefemi, Chief Press Secretary to Omobayo, stated the Deputy Governor’s longstanding involvement in LP, predating Akpata’s entry into the party. The statement clarified that Omobayo had been instrumental in bolstering LP’s strength and popularity within the state, emphasizing his commitment to grassroots politics…
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has apprehended 45 individuals allegedly involved in various illicit acts across the state. The suspects, accused of crimes ranging from kidnapping to vandalism, theft, burglary, and cultism, were paraded at the corps headquarters in Akure, the state capital. Commander Adetunji Adeleye disclosed that the arrests were made within a span of two weeks of intensified operations by the corps. Among the apprehended, seven were already undergoing court proceedings, while the others were still under investigation. Highlighting a notable incident, Adeleye recounted the capture of a criminal engaged in the…
Israeli forces are pressing forward into the southern city of Rafah amidst escalating tensions in the region, exacerbating fears of a humanitarian crisis as the Gaza hospital system faces imminent collapse. Over the past week, nearly 360,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah following Israeli orders to evacuate civilians. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees reported this mass exodus on Monday, highlighting the urgency of the situation. While Israel claims these evacuations aim to protect civilians, aid groups argue that there are limited safe havens for displaced individuals. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” warned…
The Nigerian Army has apprehended and detained four individuals during a protest against fee hikes at the University of Ibadan (UI). The detained protesters, identified as Aduwo Ayodele, Made Gbadegesin, Olorunfemi Adeyeye, and Nice Linus, were reportedly taken into custody during a demonstration on Monday. According to sources, Adeyeye, who serves as the National Secretary of the African Action Congress, managed to capture a distressing video while inside the Army van. The footage depicts a man in military attire clinging to the vehicle as it speeds towards the Agodi area of Ibadan. Adeyeye conveyed the harrowing experience in a WhatsApp…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has affirmed that interest rates will remain high until inflation is effectively tamed. Speaking to the Financial Times, Cardoso emphasized the implementation of orthodox monetary policies as pivotal in curbing inflationary pressures gripping the nation. “The CBN will persist in employing orthodox measures until we see a significant downturn in inflation,” Cardoso stated firmly, indicating a readiness of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to take actions to rein in the escalating inflation rates. Acknowledging the historical departure from orthodox monetary policies, Cardoso emphasized the need to revert to proven methods to…
NNPC Limited’s upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NNPC E&P Ltd), in collaboration with Natural Oilfield Services Ltd (NOSL), a subsidiary of Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd (SEEPCO), has initiated oil production at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13 in Akwa Ibom State. As disclosed by Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Ltd, production at OML 13 commenced on May 6th, 2024, with an initial output of 6,000 barrels of oil. The partners aim to scale up production to 40,000 barrels per day by May 27th, 2024. Soneye emphasized the historical significance of this…
Amidst the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, the factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, leading the Pro-Fubara Assembly, has summoned Commissioner-nominee Danagogo Iboroma for screening and confirmation. This comes in the wake of the recent resignation of Zaccaeus Adangor, the former State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who declined a reassignment by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In a letter addressed to Iboroma and released to the press, the factional Clerk, Dr. G.M. Gillis-West, instructed the nominee to appear before the House on Monday at 10 am. The screening is scheduled to take place at the Hallowed Chamber, Rivers State House of Assembly…
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has reiterated his support for Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, urging him to maintain his dancing spirit while prioritizing the need for infrastructure projects in the state. Obasanjo’s remarks came during the inauguration ceremony of a VIP lodge located within the premises of Osun State Government House in Osogbo. Reflecting on a previous conversation with Adeleke, Obasanjo stressed the importance of not only continuing to dance but also working diligently to enhance the lives of the state’s residents. In a blend of Yoruba and English, Obasanjo expressed, “Some people once despised you, calling you…