In a devastating incident on Saturday afternoon, no fewer than 10 children lost their lives in an explosion that rocked Kidandan Village in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Reports indicate that the children, who had ventured into the bush to collect firewood, returned home with a mysterious object suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The Village Head of Kidandan, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, confirmed the unfortunate incident, expressing gratitude that there were no fatalities but revealing that 10 children sustained injuries. According to him, the injured children have been promptly transported to the hospital for medical…
Author: Editor Francis
The 2nd Memorial Lecture in honor of the late Bashir Othman Tofa, organized by the Kano State Concerned Citizen Initiative, was marked by heartfelt tributes and encomiums. The event saw a series of speakers lauding Tofa’s exemplary qualities as a family man, friend, and influential figure in politics and business. Reflecting on Tofa’s role as a family man, one speaker noted how he embodied values of love, commitment, and sacrifice, setting a standard that left a lasting impression. The enduring friendship shared between the speaker and Tofa was described as a tapestry woven with threads of joy, challenges, and a…
In response to a viral social media post alleging the use of oil adulterated with polythene in the frying of plantain chips, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has initiated an investigation. The agency, in a statement released on Saturday by its Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, emphasized its commitment to public health and assured citizens that a science-based approach would be taken before any action is implemented. The viral post claimed that a woman melted approximately five pieces of “olonka rubber” (polythene) into oil before grating plantains to make chips. However, NAFDAC noted that…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has underscored the pivotal role of the maritime industry in propelling the nation towards a $1 trillion economic milestone by the year 2027. The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akuta, revealed this strategic vision during a recent visit to the Tincan Island Container Terminal Limited in Lagos. President Bola Tinubu had previously announced the government’s ambitious plan to elevate Nigeria to a $1 trillion economy within three years, specifically targeting the year 2027. Speaking during the visit, Akuta emphasized the crucial role of the marine and blue economy ministry in driving this…
In a recent press briefing, a U.S. official, Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson highlighted the significance of engaging with African nations such as Nigeria and Angola, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities on the continent. The official discussed diplomatic efforts to prevent Middle East escalations, expressing concerns about tensions involving Pakistan and condemning Iran’s actions, citing its history of supporting terrorism. Addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict, the U.S. urges Israel to exercise restraint, avoid damaging critical infrastructure, and comply with international humanitarian law. Matthew emphasizes the need for a two-state solution for long-term security and peace, despite challenges posed by Hamas using…
In a press statement released on January 18, 2024, Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller announced Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s upcoming travel to Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola from January 21 to 26, 2024. During the tour, Secretary Blinken aims to underscore the intensified U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, with a particular focus on collaborations in climate, food, and health security. The Secretary will highlight the United States’ commitment to a forward-looking economic partnership, showcasing investments in African infrastructure to stimulate two-way trade, foster job creation, and enhance Africa’s competitiveness in the global market. Moreover, Secretary Blinken…
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is poised to hold its inaugural policy meeting for the year on February 26th and 27th, as disclosed in the preliminary MPC meeting calendar accessible on the apex bank’s website. This significant gathering marks the first under the guidance of Governor Yemi Cardoso and is part of a series of six scheduled sessions throughout the year. The subsequent MPC meeting is outlined for March 25th and 26th, 2024, with subsequent sessions planned for May, July, September, and November. The MPC’s preceding meeting in July, presided over by the temporarily suspended former…
Former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, has been released from the Kuje Correctional Centre upon fulfilling his bail conditions, according to infomation gathered. Agunloye’s release was confirmed by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Duza stated, “Agunloye has been released from the prison after meeting his bail condition. He was released this evening around 5:30 pm.” The release follows a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering Agunloye’s remand in Kuje Custodial Centre in connection with a $6 billion Mambilla hydropower contract. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had…
Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, faced arraignment at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja on Friday on charges related to alleged corrupt practices and forgery. Emefiele, dressed in an ash-colored pair of trousers and a dark jacket, appeared with his legal team and a few aides. Initially charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with six counts of N1.2bn procurement allegations, the charges against Emefiele were later amended by the EFCC with a total of 20 counts. On Friday, the former CBN governor pleaded not guilty after the amended charges were read to him.…
The directive to relocate the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos has been justified by the organization. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, issued the directive, prompting FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, to request an assessment of the implications of the relocation in an internal memo dated January 15, 2024. In the memo titled “Relocation of FAAN Headquarters From Abuja to Lagos,” Kuku instructed the Director of Human Resources and Administration to outline the consequences of moving FAAN’s operations to Lagos. It was revealed that FAAN had a staff strength…
During the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), unveiled Nigeria’s comprehensive plan to spend $3.1 trillion on transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner and renewable energy sources. The ambitious initiative includes a projected $1.9 trillion for the energy transition plan and an estimated $1.2 trillion for renewable energy by 2060. Lokpobiri, in collaboration with Vice President Kashim Shettima and other global leaders, underscored Nigeria’s commitment to responsible fossil fuel exploration, leveraging cutting-edge technologies. He emphasized that the nation’s energy policies align with the expectations…
Electricity consumer in Gombe, as well as parts of Yola and Bauchi states, are set to experience a temporary power outage on Thursday and Friday. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced scheduled maintenance on its T1A 150MVA, 330/132/33kV transformer bay during January 18 and 19, 2024. TCN General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, stated that the maintenance, lasting eight hours each day from 9 am to 5 pm, aims at preventive measures. During this period, the load will be transferred from T1A to T2A 150MVA transformer, affecting bulk power supply to Jos and Yola Distribution Companies through…