The Senate initiates an investigation into the N10 billion restructuring funds allocated to NIPOST by the Federal Ministry of Finance. This decision comes on the heels of the discovery of irregularities within the agency’s subsidiaries, specifically NIPOST Properties and Development Company and NIPOST Transport and Logistics Services Limited. The Red Chamber, in a resolution passed on December 30, 2023, disclosed its findings, pointing to an alleged illegal transfer of federal government shares in the two NIPOST subsidiaries to private individuals. The revelation has stirred outrage among lawmakers, prompting a swift call for immediate action. Individuals holding key positions within the…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Multichoice, the parent company of DStv, announced on Wednesday that its popular SuperSport channels would not be broadcasting the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tournament. The decision comes after the satellite giant failed to secure the broadcasting rights for the highly anticipated football competition. In an official statement, Multichoice revealed, “SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th – February 11th, 2024, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.” However, the company assured football enthusiasts that AFCON 2023 games would still be accessible through their…
Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo of Florida has called for an immediate cessation of the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, expressing heightened concerns about potential public health risks associated with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Ladapo stressed the urgency of prioritizing non-mRNA vaccines to ensure patient safety. Ladapo cited multiple reasons for his call to halt mRNA vaccinations. Firstly, he questioned the safety of these vaccines, pointing to the presence of nucleic acid contaminants. According to Ladapo, each dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines contains billions of DNA fragments, raising concerns about the associated risks. Another key concern raised by Ladapo…
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the approval of a comprehensive Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy. This decision, greenlit by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, marks a notable departure from the existing Group Life Assurance Policy administered by the Ministry of Defence. While the Ministry’s policy primarily addresses the families of military personnel killed in action, the newly approved insurance policy focuses on providing coverage for medical expenses resulting from accidents during military operations. According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, the…
Africa emerges as a radiant powerhouse in the global diamond industry, as indicated by the latest data from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2022. Through Sputnik Africa’s meticulous analysis, the top ten diamond-producing nations on the continent are revealed, emphasizing their profound influence on the international market. Botswana takes the lead in this shining narrative, solidifying its position as Africa’s premier diamond producer, trailing only behind Russia on the global stage. With a remarkable production volume of 24.5 million carats and a value surpassing $4.7 billion, Botswana’s diamond industry resonates across borders, leaving an indelible mark. Following closely,…
In a recent interview with the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), announced the corporation’s plans to initiate night operations before the second quarter of 2024. The move aims to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of the railway services. However, Okhiria highlighted that security concerns are the primary obstacle to implementing night operations. He emphasized that trains should operate at all times, but due to the prevailing security situation in the country, they have restricted their services to daytime operations. Okhiria outlined the ambitious expansion plan, stating, “We intend to bring…
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has issued a weather forecast, alerting citizens, especially those with respiratory issues like asthma, about potential health risks associated with dusty weather. The forecast, released on Tuesday in Abuja, predicts sunny and hazy conditions in the North and North Central states starting from Wednesday, January 3, 2024. While the North and North Central regions can expect a sunny and hazy atmosphere, coastal cities in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states may experience cloudy and hazy weather, with slim chances of isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening periods. NiMet strongly advises airline operators to obtain updated…
In a targeted drone attack on a Hamas office in Beirut, Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of Hamas, was killed along with five others. The strike occurred in the southern suburb of Daliyeh, escalating tensions beyond the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, but Mark Regev, an adviser to the Israeli Prime Minister, emphasized that it was a precise operation against the Hamas leadership. The drone strike, which occurred on Tuesday, was confirmed by both Hamas’ Al Aqsa Radio and Lebanon’s pro-Iranian Mayadeen TV, citing security sources. Al-Arouri, a prominent member of the…
Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, a staunch ally of President Bola Tinubu, has relinquished his position as the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). This decision, shrouded in political intrigue, comes as MC Oluomo now sets his sights on vying for the National Presidency of the NURTW. Sources indicated that MC Oluomo’s departure from the Lagos leadership was not a voluntary move but rather a result of pressure from President Bola Tinubu. The decision was reportedly conveyed during a closed-door meeting at Tinubu’s residence, signaling a shift in…
Tensions escalate in the Horn of Africa as Somalia vehemently rejects a landmark port agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland. The deal, which grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence, faces strong opposition from Somalia, which views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory. The Somali government, declaring the agreement as having “no legal force,” has summoned its ambassador to Ethiopia for urgent deliberations. The pact, signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi, would allow Ethiopia to lease a strategic 20 km area around…
In response to widespread concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, and other stakeholders, the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), has decided to extend the deadline for 2024 Hajj payments. The new deadline is now January 31, 2024, offering an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in the sacred pilgrimage. The extension comes after NAHCON initially insisted on proceeding with the number of intending pilgrims who made payments before the original December 31, 2023 deadline. However, the Commission has acknowledged the inevitability of the extension, emphasizing that it was approved by the federal government in response to the heartfelt…
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has sounded a cautionary note to government Ministries, Agencies, Embassies, and High Commissions, alerting them to exercise caution regarding fraudulent diaspora groups posing with misleading political motives. In a press statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Abdur-Rahman Balogun the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit of NIDCOM, mentioned the deceptive activities of the Nigeria Diaspora Forum (NDF), an alleged arm of the Labour Party, masquerading as an authentic diaspora group. Notably, the NDF lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, raising concerns about its legitimacy. Abdur-Rahman emphasized the established practice of registered…