The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an initiative aimed at significantly increasing power generation to 6000 megawatts through the utilization of hydro and solar plants. This revelation was made by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a visit by members of the Senate Committee on Power to the ministry in Abuja on Monday. Minister Adelabu outlined the government’s strategy to ramp up power production, citing the need to address the current shortfall in electricity generation. He expressed dismay at the current peak generation capacity, which stands at only 5800 megawatts, emphasizing the underutilization of existing infrastructure due to…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide the legality of a federal regulation aimed at reining in homemade “ghost guns” as President Joe Biden’s administration combats the increasing use of these largely untraceable weapons in crimes nationwide. The justices took up the administration’s appeal of a lower court’s decision finding that the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) exceeded its authority in issuing the 2022 rule targeting parts and kits for ghost guns, which can be assembled at home in minutes. The case will be heard during the Supreme Court’s next term, which begins in…
In a moment for former President Donald Trump’s legal battles, the $175 million bond secured in his New York civil fraud case has come under intense scrutiny. The insurer, Knight Specialty Insurance Co, tasked with providing the bond, faces a crucial hearing before a state judge today. The bond, intended to ensure Trump’s compliance with a hefty $454.2 million judgment, is being challenged by New York Attorney General Letitia James over concerns regarding the insurer’s qualifications and financial stability. Justice Arthur Engoron imposed the monumental penalty following findings that Trump, then a Republican presidential candidate, had manipulated his net worth…
More than 40 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on Monday morning at Yale University after a tense standoff between students and authorities. The university announced the arrests of 47 students at Beinecke Plaza, who now face potential disciplinary actions, including suspension. Yale’s administration stated that repeated efforts were made over the weekend to engage with the protesters, offering meetings with trustees and warning of impending arrests. However, the protesters remained steadfast in their demands for Yale to disclose its investments in and divest from military weapons manufacturers. The students occupying the plaza allege that Yale’s investments indirectly contribute to what they…
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled the expansion of its Burden Reduction Program. This initiative, aimed at reducing bureaucratic obstacles, targets implementing partners, private sector collaborators, and job applicants. Initially launched last year, the program has already yielded significant results, trimming an estimated 3.8 million hours of inefficient procedures within USAID. Internal reforms include simplifying award review processes, eliminating redundant paperwork, and automating document approvals. Acknowledging feedback from various stakeholders, USAID has intensified efforts to alleviate burdens faced by implementing partners, particularly local organizations in host countries, and underrepresented U.S. entities. The agency also aims to facilitate…
Suspected jihadists in central Mali are holding more than 110 civilians they abducted six days ago, local sources told AFP on Monday. Three buses carrying the civilians were stopped on April 16 by “jihadists”, who forced the vehicles and the passengers to head towards a forest between Bandiagara and Bankass, a local group of associations and an elected official said. “We demand the release of more than 110 passengers of three buses abducted on Tuesday by jihadists,” a member of the group, Oumar Ongoiba, told AFP. An elected official from Bandiagara, who wanted to remain anonymous for…
In a bid to ensure the effective implementation of the new minimum wage across Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed stringent measures, including sanctions for governors and local government administrators who fail to comply. Hakeem Ambali, the National Treasurer of the NLC, revealed this during an interview with the PUNCH in Abuja, stating the absence of punitive measures in the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 as a contributing factor to the non-compliance by some state governors. Ambali stated the need of updating the legislation to reflect the current economic realities, citing the recent cessation of fuel subsidy as…
Sunday turned into a day of distress for residents and motorists across Lagos and Ogun states as torrential rains unleashed havoc, leaving roads submerged and communities in disarray. Areas such as Agege, Akowonjo, and Egbeda in Lagos, alongside Mayegun junction area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Akute, Lotto, Pakuro, and Ijere in Ogun State, bore the brunt of the relentless downpour. Stranded motorists and residents faced with the aftermath of flooding that rendered roads impassable. In Agege’s Mobil area, the entire road succumbed to floodwaters, halting all vehicular movement. Similarly, the Egbeda-Ikotun road faced significant disruption, particularly at crucial points like…
Renowned oncologist, Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, has stated the need for an increase in radiotherapy machines to effectively combat cancer in Nigeria. According to her, a total of 250 radiotherapy machines are necessary to bridge the treatment gap in the country. This call comes amidst the backdrop of the government’s efforts to establish six cancer centers across different regions of Nigeria. These centers aim to provide advanced cancer treatment and care to citizens across the nation. However, Okoye highlighted that despite these initiatives, the current infrastructure remains insufficient to meet the needs of Nigeria’s population, which stands at 250 million. In…
The Warri Focus Group has openly contested the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to conduct a fresh ward delineation within the Warri Federal Constituency. This disagreement, highlighted in a statement by the group’s Secretary, Mr. Olayemi Omateye, signals a potential conflict between civic organizations and electoral authorities. Mr. Omateye, representing the Warri Focus Group, labeled INEC’s move as both selective and mischievous, expressing concerns over what he perceives as abnormalities in the electoral process. He announced the group’s intention to petition INEC, citing specific grievances and discrepancies. “The proposition of INEC to implement the Supreme Court judgment and order…
In response to allegations of the sale of poisonous cow meat in Mandate Market, Kwara State, the government has taken swift action by temporarily closing down the local abattoir. This was announced by the Ministry of Environment, aims to investigate claims made by the Kwara Monitoring Group regarding the distribution of meat from 33 allegedly poisoned cows. According to a statement by Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, the abattoir will remain closed until Wednesday to facilitate thorough cleaning and fumigation. This measure intends to ensure the safety of consumers and prevent further health risks…
In a tragic incident in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, a portion of Dukku hill collapsed, resulting in the loss of eight young lives belonging to the Almajiri community. The catastrophe occurred in the Badariya area, sending shockwaves through the community. Malam Dan Umma, the head teacher, recounted the harrowing events, expressing deep anguish over the loss. He explained that the collapse took place on a Saturday morning, catching everyone unaware. The cries of people alerted him to the disaster, where he discovered a significant section of the hill had fallen on the Almajiri students, instantly claiming eight lives. One…