The House of Representatives in Nigeria has pledged to initiate efforts to reclaim two government helicopters that were recently sold to private individuals. The aircraft, identified as Bell 206L4 BZB and Bell M2061-L4, were assets of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) located in Zaria. During an investigative hearing held in Abuja, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, expressed deep concern over the sale of these helicopters to private entities, especially considering the critical need for such aircraft in the training programs conducted by the college. The committee raised questions about the process leading…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
In response to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity risks fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has released a comprehensive report. This report, a direct outcome of Presidential Executive Order 14110, outlines strategies to mitigate AI-specific cybersecurity threats within financial institutions. Crafted by the Treasury’s Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP), the report delves into the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in securing financial services. It states the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address immediate operational risks, cybersecurity threats, and fraud challenges across the sector. One of the…
In the midst of escalating accusations and mounting tensions, China has called on the United States and the United Kingdom to cease politicising cybersecurity matters and refrain from baseless defamation against the nation. The Chinese foreign ministry, represented by spokesperson Lin Jian, denounced recent actions taken by US and UK officials as mere political manoeuvres aimed at tarnishing China’s image on the global stage. During a routine press briefing, Lin Jian vehemently criticized the revival of allegations implicating China in cyberattacks and the unilateral imposition of sanctions, labeling them as unjustifiable and solely driven by political agendas. Both the US…
Ahead of the Easter celebration, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has initiated a security operation by deploying 35,000 personnel across the nation in order to ensure the safety and tranquility of citizens during this festive period. In a statement released by CSC Babawale Afolabi, the spokesperson for NSCDC, it was revealed that the Corps Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, issued the directive for the deployment. Zonal Commanders and state Commandants have been assigned the responsibility of supervising the deployment within their respective areas of jurisdiction to uphold stringent security measures before, during, and after Easter. The primary objective of…
In a bid to prevent the looming strike by the Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU) over a salary dispute, the House of Representatives has taken action to intervene in the ongoing conflict between the Federal Government and the university workers. Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on University Education, Rep. Abubakar Fulata, led discussion to address the grievances of NASU during a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. Joined by officials from the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and other stakeholders, Fulata pledged to engage with relevant authorities to…
In a recent United Nations Security Council briefing on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United States strongly condemned the aggressive military incursions into eastern DRC by the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and the M23 rebel group. Ambassador Robert Wood, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, voiced grave concerns over the escalating crisis in the region. The US representative expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of the UN peacekeepers, who are risking their lives to protect civilians and combat armed groups amidst heavy fighting. He specifically highlighted the attack on MONUSCO positions near Sake on March 16 and…
To strengthen trade relations between the United States and Africa, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled the Africa Trade Desk, a pioneering initiative under Prosper Africa. Announced by Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman during the Atlanta Phambili event, the Africa Trade Desk aims to connect major U.S. food retailers with African producers, fostering increased trade and investment opportunities. The Africa Trade Desk, a collaborative effort between Prosper Africa and Afritex Ventures, is projected to facilitate over $300 million in export sales between Africa and the United States within the next 18 months. This innovative…
Elon Musk, the CEO behind X (formerly Twitter) and SpaceX, has unveiled plans to revolutionize the platform’s user experience. Musk’s recent announcement, shared via his X handle, has sent ripples of excitement throughout the community as he introduces free premium features for verified accounts. The billionaire entrepreneur, who acquired X in 2022, revealed that accounts boasting 2,500 or more verified subscribers will now enjoy premium features at no cost. Furthermore, those surpassing the 5,000 mark will gain access to even more exclusive privileges with Premium+ benefits. Musk’s announcement, made public on Thursday, has elicited widespread anticipation and…
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has voiced strong opposition to the recent surge in fares for prospective Muslim pilgrims undertaking the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, labeling the move as unjust and intolerable. Ndume expressed his discontent in response to the announcement made by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) regarding the adjustment in fares, emphasizing that such an increase could potentially deprive many Muslims, particularly first-time pilgrims, of the opportunity to partake in this religious journey. The hike in fares, disclosed by NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda-Usara, was attributed to the current exchange rate of…
Senator Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central in the Senate, has taken a step towards challenging his suspension by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In a letter addressed to Akpabio through his legal representative, Femi Falana (SAN), Ningi demanded the immediate lifting of the suspension imposed on him. The senator stated that failure to reinstate him within seven days would result in legal action against the Senate, with potential repercussions for Akpabio. Ningi’s suspension stemmed from his public allegation that the 2024 budget was padded by a significant amount, a claim vehemently denied by the Senate. Despite his defense of…
A Case that has been ongoing for a while about a woman named Chioma Okoli who finds herself embroiled in a complex legal battle following a seemingly innocuous online review of a can of tomato puree has stretched a new perspective. What began as a routine social media post seeking opinions on a recent purchase of Nagiko Tomato Mix quickly escalated into a heated confrontation with a major food company, Erisco Foods Limited, and has now gained international attention with CNN’s involvement. Okoli, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos, took to Facebook on September 17 to share her disappointment…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 17 political parties are set to participate in the forthcoming Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21. This announcement comes following the closure of the candidate nomination portal on March 24, with all parties successfully uploading their candidates’ nomination forms before the 6 p.m. deadline. In a statement released by Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, it was disclosed that the personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates will be made public on March 30. This disclosure…