The Mandilas Building on Broad Street, Lagos Island is currently on fire, and source of the fire is yet to be determined. Reports from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service indicate that the fire started on the first floor and quickly spread to the fourth floor of the 10-storey building. Immediate measures are being taken to contain the blaze and prevent its further progression. Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the incident, stating that responders from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations are on-site working to bring the situation…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform, disclosed plans to train area boys as tax officers, offering them decent salaries to redirect their focus. Oyedele also discussed ongoing efforts to alleviate the burden of multiple taxes at the state and local government levels. Acknowledging the shared impatience of many Nigerians, Oyedele emphasized the gradual nature of fiscal policy changes. He highlighted the submission of a comprehensive report with over 20 recommendations in October, lamenting that only a few have been fully implemented. The key instrument for implementing recommendations is the Emergency Economic Intervention Bill,…
The Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been chosen to represent the nation at the 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development Summit (GFMD) in Geneva, Switzerland, from January 23 to 25.
President Tinubu has emphasized the need for fair access to capital markets for developing countries during his address at the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda. Tinubu highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities for the developing world to secure resources for addressing pressing global challenges. Represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Tinubu asserted that the combined population of the 120 Non-Aligned Movement countries accounts for over 4.4 billion people, yet their total financial resources are significantly less than some individual nations. The total…
President Felix Tshisekedi Sworn In for Second Term in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo witnessed the inauguration of President Felix Tshisekedi for his second term on Saturday, following contentious December elections. Tensions flared as opposition candidates, including businessman Moise Katumbi, rejected the results, citing logistical issues, late openings, and inadequate materials in numerous polling stations. President Tshisekedi, known as “Fatshi,” addressed the nation, expressing his commitment to a more united and prosperous Congo while acknowledging concerns regarding unemployment, youth, women’s rights, and national cohesion. Despite winning over 70 percent of…
A major fire erupted early Sunday at the Ust-Luga at the Ust-Luga natural gas terminal, located just 70 miles west of St Petersburg and operated by Russia’s leading gas producer, Novatek. The incident, captured in a video shared by Leningrad Oblast Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko on Telegram, showed billowing smoke and flames at the chemical complex. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as personnel were successfully evacuated from the scene. Governor Drozdenko declared a high alert regime in the Kingiseppsky district, where the port is situated, emphasizing that the fire has been “localized.” The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations and…
In a bid to combat the persistent security challenges plaguing Nigeria, retired military generals have suggested series of proactive measures, emphasizing the necessity for prompt and decisive actions. A retired Airforce General identified a crucial gap in previous approaches to insecurity, pointing out the lack of clear directives from past Presidents. He recommended that President Bola Tinubu issue explicit orders to top defense officials, specifying a three, four, or six-month deadline for eradicating criminal elements. The retired general emphasized that incorporating consequences, such as the removal of key officials for unmet targets, could bring about a substantial shift in…
Dr. Bayero Farah has been reappointed by President Bola Tinubu to serve a second term as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria. The renewal, effective from January 13, extends Farah’s tenure for an additional four years. The announcement, conveyed through a statement by the institute’s spokesperson, Mr. John Kolawale, underlines the President’s endorsement of Farah’s impressive track record. The reappointment letter, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, aligns with the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Act, 1986 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. Farah’s…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has teamed up with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to strengthen and expand social protection programs across the nation. The collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, aims to extend the reach of social safety nets, particularly targeting vulnerable populations and addressing poverty, health challenges, and unemployment. The partnership, as highlighted by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, focuses on key areas such as the expansion of health insurance coverage and support for those engaged in the informal economy. The…
The World Bank has unveiled a report indicating a seven per cent reduction in extreme poverty in Nigeria and Tanzania, attributed to improved access to internet coverage over the past three years. The report, titled “Digital transformation drives development in Africa,” underscores the transformative impact of increased internet accessibility on economic indicators. According to the World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen, “The minimal usage of mobile internet is a lost opportunity for inclusive growth in Africa. Closing the uptake gap would increase the continent’s potential to create jobs for its growing population and boost economic recovery…
The Nigerian Army has officially opened the online application portal for the Direct Short Service Commission Course 28/2024, welcoming eligible candidates to apply from January 19, 2024, to February 23, 2024. The Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is an opportunity for both civilians and serving military personnel to commission into the Nigerian Army (NA). The Army emphasized that serving military personnel sponsored to civil institutions by any of the Services of the Nigerian Armed Forces would be considered for this course. The announcement, shared on various platforms including X, highlighted that the application process is free of charge. Applicants…
Sierra Leone’s ex-president, Ernest Bai Koroma, facing charges linked to an alleged coup attempt, has arrived in Nigeria for medical care. The 70-year-old, who governed Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, was placed under house arrest in December, following accusations of involvement in a failed military overthrow in November. Amidst heightened tensions, Nigeria extended a temporary entry offer, which Koroma accepted. On Friday afternoon, he landed in Abuja, welcomed by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray. Having received judicial permission on Wednesday, Koroma is authorized to spend a maximum of three…