In a surprising turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ganduje Ward, Dawakin Tofa local government area of Kano State, has taken a drastic step by suspending its own National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, from the party. This announcement was delivered by the ward’s legal adviser, Halliru Gwanzo, during a press briefing held in Kano on Monday. Gwanzo pointed to serious allegations of bribery levelled against Ganduje by the Kano State Government as the primary cause for the suspension. “We have taken the decision to suspend Dr. Ganduje from the party due to the gravity of the…
Author: Editor Francis
Four of the tier-1 banks in the country, FBN Holdings, Access Holdings, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc have indicated plans to raise about over $3.03bn (N3.46tn) in fresh capital. This came barely one month after the Central Bank of Nigeria directed Deposit Money Banks to recapitalise. According to The Punch’s findings on Sunday, the four tier-1 banks announced plans to raise funds from both the international capital market and the local market. At least two of the financial institutions, FBN Holdings and GTCO announced their plans to raise fresh capital last week, while Access…
A landslide in southwest Congo caused by heavy rains killed at least 15 people and left as many as 60 others missing, local officials said Sunday. Seven people were found alive after the landslide Saturday near the port near the town of Idiofa. “There’s a hill above the port, and the rain caused the earth on the hill to collapse,” a local deputy elected official, Dhedhe Mupasa, told reporters Sunday. Interim provincial Gov. Félicien Kiway told reporters a team was dispatched to help search for survivors and seven people were found alive and were hospitalized. A further 60 people were…
Award-winning American author and artist Faith Ringgold has died at the age of 93. Ringgold broke barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly coloured and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling, The artist’s assistant, Grace Matthews, said that Ringgold died Friday night at her home in Englewood, New Jersey. Matthews said Ringgold had been in failing health. Ringgold’s highly personal works of art can be seen in collections across the United States and beyond, but her rise to prominence as a black artist wasn’t easy in an art world dominated by white men. But…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to probe and possibly prosecute more celebrities involved in the act of spraying and mutilating Naira at social events. According to Dele Oyewale, the agency’s spokesperson, the EFCC has invited several celebrities implicated in Naira abuse, following the recent directive to its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and the dollarization of the economy, to intensify efforts to curb such practices. Oyewale disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, emphasising that the recent surge in videos depicting Naira abuse has prompted a thorough investigation by the commission. He…
Nigeria’s electricity grid encountered yet another collapse, as reported The incident occurred at approximately 2:42 am on Monday, with power generation plummeting to 64.70 megawatts. Data from the Independent System Operator (ISO), a division of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, revealed that only Ibom Power was operational during this period. This marks the sixth grid collapse witnessed in 2024. As of 8 am on Monday, the ISO’s latest data indicated that electricity generation from Okpai, Geregu, and Ibom Power has reached 266.50 megawatts. Jos Distribution Company (DisCo) confirmed the outage in a statement, attributing it to the loss of power…
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an inquiry into a tragic boat accident that claimed lives, including those of notable Nollywood actors and crew members, on the Anam River in Anambra State. The incident occurred five days ago when a speedboat, carrying 12 film personnel and a boat operator, collided with a fishing canoe, resulting in five fatalities. Among the deceased were renowned actors Paul Odonwodo (Junior Pope), Abigail Frederick, Precious Oforum, and Joseph Anointing. The NSIB, tasked with investigating transportation accidents, has dispatched its investigators to the scene to determine the cause of the disaster. Mrs. Bimbo…
In response to recent attempts by agitators for secession to infiltrate government facilities, governors across Southwest Nigeria have intensified security measures to safeguard state infrastructure and maintain order. The decision comes on the heels of a foiled incursion by masked individuals into the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, where they sought to raise a secessionist flag over the weekend. Notably, Yoruba Nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Igboho) has distanced himself from these activities, emphasising his commitment to non-violence and disavowing any association with the perpetrators. In solidarity, Afenifere, led by Pa Rueben Fasoranti, has decried the invasion…
Recent economic data and intelligence reports indicate a potential uptick in inflation for the month of March, according to surveys conducted by leading economic and finance firms. The combined impact of monetary and fiscal policies has contributed to a significant slowdown in the previous rapid increase in the cost of living. However, residual pressures from past trends are expected to keep prices somewhat elevated in the near term. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is set to release the official inflation rate for March, with forecasts suggesting a potential increase of 40 to 50 basis points. This contrasts with the…
The Global Centre for Empowerment and Care for Life Challenges (GECLC), a non-governmental organisation supported by the United Nations, has unveiled plans to construct 400,000 housing units across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative is part of GECLC’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goals number 9 and 11, focusing on innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable cities and communities, respectively, within Nigeria by 2030. Speaking at the project’s public launch press conference in Kaduna, Dr. Vincent Ejikeme Agbo, Chairman and Chief Executive of GECLC, revealed that the project would unfold…
The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Police has detained 15 individuals suspected to be affiliated with the notorious cult known locally as the “Shila Boys.” The arrest, which occurred during the Sallah festivities on Wednesday and Thursday, primarily targeted areas within the metropolitan Yola South and Yola North LGAs, as well as surrounding regions. A statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Suleiman Nguroje, highlighted the recovery of nine mobile phones, a POS machine, assorted dangerous weapons, and narcotics during the operation. This seizure further strengthens the suspicion of the suspects’ involvement in phone-snatching activities, a…
The family of the late Nollywood icon, John Ikechukwu Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu, has disclosed June 28 as the slated burial date for the beloved actor. The solemn event is set to take place in his hometown of Amuri, situated in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. In a communiqué issued by Mr. Ibu’s family, jointly endorsed by Elder Sunday Okafor (Mr. Ibu’s elder brother) and his immediate family, the late actor was hailed for his significant contributions to the Nigerian and African entertainment industries during his lifetime. According to Monday Diamond Ani, the Chairman…