Author: Omolemi Eboisetale

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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Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has launched a series of visits to instill confidence and address security concerns in the Federal capital Territory. During a town hall meeting in Bwari, he declared a decisive stance against bandits, promising substantial measures to combat the issue. He said; “Security is one of the key priorities of Mr. President’s administration. Yesterday (Tuesday), Mr President summoned a high-level security meeting, which includes all the Service Chiefs, the Minister of Defence, and my humble self, because of recent attacks, particularly in Bwari. And so, currently, it is one of the key priorities, that Mr. President’s Renewed…

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Chinese state-owned banks are implementing tighter restrictions on funding for Russian clients, citing concerns over potential secondary sanctions from the U.S. Reports indicate that at least two banks are reassessing their Russian businesses, intending to sever ties with clients on the U.S. sanction list and cease financial services to the Russian military sector. The move follows the recent announcement by the U.S. Treasury Department to impose secondary sanctions on overseas financial institutions aiding Moscow’s efforts in Ukraine. This includes processing Russia’s transactions for military equipment purchases. The decision underscores the escalating economic ramifications of the ongoing conflict. While…

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Nigerian security forces have successfully thwarted an impending kidnapping operation aimed at communities near Abuja. A recently intercepted phone call between suspected kidnappers in Karu and an informant in Kabusa has unveiled alarming details about the planned attack, scheduled for either Tuesday or January 17, 2024. The intelligence report, sourced from a military insider attached to the intelligence unit, highlights the growing threat of kidnapping syndicates focusing on the Federal Capital Territory. The criminals, attracted by lucrative ransom opportunities in Abuja, are reportedly aided by local informants in gaining entry into the city. Dated January 15, 2024, at…

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 The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) experienced a historic surge, propelling the All-Share Index to a new peak of 87,971.10 points, reflecting a notable 3.93% increase.  This bullish run has led to significant gains for investors, with the market capitalization soaring to N48.139 trillion from yesterday’s N46.319 trillion, resulting in a staggering N1.82 trillion increase. Trading activity also witnessed a substantial uptick, with a 32% surge in trading volume to 1.067 billion units, compared to yesterday’s 807.51 million units. The value of transactions also saw a robust 43% appreciation, reaching N15.77 billion from yesterday’s N11.03 billion. DANGSUGAR, NASCON,…

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In a recent press statement, Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited, shed light on the key reasons driving multinational companies to exit Nigeria. Ekeh, a serial digital entrepreneur, emphasized that corporate blackmail and bullying pose significant challenges to the ease of doing business in the country. He warned that unless addressed promptly, more multinational and indigenous businesses might shutter in the coming months and years. While acknowledging the impact of forex scarcity on businesses, Ekeh pointed out that the cited reason by exiting multinationals—depreciation of the naira—is only a diplomatic explanation. According to him, corporate blackmail, facilitated…

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