Author: Omolemi Eboisetale

President Bola Tinubu is in discussions with members of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) at the State House, Abuja, with the agenda remaining undisclosed. Speculation suggests that economic and security matters may be addressed.The meeting follows Sheikh AbdurRasheed Hadiyyatullah’s recent expression of regret for supporting the Tinubu-Shettima same-faith ticket last year. In an interview in Abuja, Sheikh Hadiyyatullah stirred controversy by criticizing the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 election, stating it fell short of expectations. According to Sheikh Hadiyyatullah, the same-faith ticket used by President Bola Tinubu in the last…

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On Thursday, Pakistan launched retaliatory airstrikes inside Iran targeting alleged militant positions near the southeastern border.  The strikes, reported to have hit Baluch insurgent training camps, resulted in at least seven casualties, according to initial reports. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the operation as a “highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts” in Iran’s Sistan-o-Baluchistan province. The mission, codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar,’ aimed to counter perceived threats to Pakistan’s national security. The ministry emphasized Pakistan’s respect for Iran as a brotherly country, noting the people’s admiration for their Iranian counterparts. Despite the…

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A cybersecurity specialist, Mr Chidiebere Ihediwa has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to consider an alternative approach to “Yahoo Boys” rehabilitation. Speaking during an award ceremony at the Police Officers Mess in GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Ihediwa urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to consider reorienting these individuals towards becoming information technology specialists. Ihediwa, a renowned software developer honored at the event, emphasized the importance of redirecting the knowledge of these cyber fraudsters into meaningful ventures instead of allowing them to languish in detention or face destructive dissolution. He pointed out that while many…

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The Cross River State Government has declared a Lassa fever outbreak in the Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra Local Government Area. Dr Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, announced the outbreak and confirmed the cause of death in a notification released in Calabar. “Investigation has been concluded and details of the deceased, a resident of Obubra, gotten from Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State—confirmed he died of Lassa fever”. The deceased, a resident of Obubra, was diagnosed with Lassa fever at the Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State. The state government has initiated immediate measures, commencing…

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The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) experienced a remarkable surge, with the All-Share Index rising by 2.38% to reach an unprecedented 90,063.25 points. The NGX’s exceptional performance in the last few days has been nothing short of extraordinary. Between January 15 and 17, 2024, the market witnessed an impressive gain of 8.45%, and year-to-date, it has soared by a remarkable 20.45%. This remarkable growth has solidified its status as the fastest-growing equities market globally, surpassing the Argentine Stock Market. Despite this surge, the overall equities market cap showed no change, maintaining its position at N48.139 trillion. However, trading volume witnessed…

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially launched the NAFDAC Green Book. This comprehensive repository boasts 7,030 entries of NAFDAC-registered drug products, setting a new standard for accessible and reliable drug information. The launch event, held at NAFDAC’s Lagos office, witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). Prof Moji Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, underscored the importance of transparency in NAFDAC’s mission, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of Nigerians. This Green Book,…

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 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi embarked on a diplomatic tour across Africa, with particular emphasis on North and West African nations. The choice of Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Ivory Coast indicates Beijing’s current foreign policy objectives and a desire to play a more significant role in mediating the Israel-Palestine conflict. The tour kicked off in Egypt, a key player in Middle East politics. Wang advocated for a peace conference on the Gaza conflict and proposed a timetable for implementing a two-state solution. He also expressed concern about escalating tensions in the Red Sea, following attacks on cargo ships by Yemen’s…

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The House of Representatives is set to prioritize the passage of bills on state and community policing to address the escalating insecurity across the nation. Hon. Stanley Olajide, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on ICT, reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to expedite legislative measures during a press briefing at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. Hon. Olajide, who represents Ibadan North West/South West of Oyo State, expressed condolences to the Oyo State Government and the families affected by the explosion. Emphasizing the significance of community policing, he stated, “Community policing is one of the smartest ways…

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code that granted the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) the authority to impose fines on broadcast stations. The court declared that administrative and regulatory bodies, such as the NBC, cannot wield judicial powers. The judgment came in response to a lawsuit filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the NBC. This legal action was initiated following the Commission’s imposition of hefty fines amounting to N5 million each on a television station and three pay TV platforms in 2022. The fines were imposed under the pretext of undermining…

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Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank, has secured preliminary approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to establish Oxygen X Finance Company Limited, a cutting-edge consumer lending subsidiary. The move was disclosed in a regulatory filing with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Wednesday, where Access Bank emphasized that the launch of Oxygen X Finance Company Limited is imminent pending the final authorization from the CBN. Sunday Ekwochi, the Company Secretary of Access Holdings, expressed optimism about Oxygen X’s potential impact on the financial landscape. He stated that the subsidiary aims to provide innovative and seamless digital…

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Qatar and France have successfully mediated a deal to deliver crucial medication to Israeli hostages and essential aid to civilians in Gaza.  Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed that the lifesaving medication, comprising 140 types and procured in France, has been dispatched from the Qatari capital, Doha, to the Egyptian city of Arish. The two Qatari air force planes involved in the operation have set the stage for the delivery, with at least one plane landing in Egypt on Wednesday morning, according to an anonymous Israeli official. The mediation process involved the participation of Mossad head David Barnea,…

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the comprehensive list and personal details of candidates set to compete in the upcoming bye-elections scheduled for February 3, 2024. This disclosure was made through a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. The bye-elections, spanning nine states of the federation, will cover two senatorial districts, four federal constituencies, and three state constituencies. Notable contests include Ebonyi South and Yobe East senatorial districts, as well as federal constituencies in Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, and Taraba states, among others. According to…

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