In the thrilling lead-up to the African Cup of Nations 2024 in Ivory Coast, 54 teams engaged in a fierce qualification battle, culminating in two intense rounds. The preliminary round saw the 12 lowest-ranked FIFA teams go head-to-head, resulting in six triumphant teams. Moving into the second round, these six victors joined 42 higher-ranked teams, forming 12 groups of four. The group stage unfolded with passion and determination, ultimately sending the group winners and runners-up, along with the host Ivory Coast, to the main event. A total of 24 formidable teams secured their spots for this prestigious tournament. Among the…
Author: Editor Francis
In a high-profile meeting with governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu outlined his strategic vision for a comprehensive revamp of Nigeria’s security architecture. Among the key proposals are the establishment of three new police formations to complement the existing force. President Tinubu specifically highlighted the need for better-trained forest guards, equipped with modern technological gadgets and advanced weapons to fortify national security in forested areas. The aim is to enhance the effectiveness of these guards in addressing security challenges. In a move to safeguard critical economic sectors, President Tinubu proposed the…
Former Kano State Governor and APC Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has presented a comprehensive blueprint for a school feeding program, as revealed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a meeting with APC governors in Abuja on Friday. President Tinubu announced that Governor Ganduje’s proposal would be circulated among the governors for their input before final adoption and implementation. The primary objective of this initiative is to leverage the school feeding program to encourage more children to enroll in schools. Addressing the economic implications of the program, Tinubu highlighted its potential to stimulate investments in agriculture, specifically in the areas of…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his approval for the establishment of the National Philanthropic Office (NPO). The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the inauguration of the Local Implementation Committee of the NPO at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Shettima assured the public that the NPO, under President Tinubu’s administration, is destined for success and positive impact. He highlighted Tinubu’s longstanding commitment to giving back to society, emphasizing that this dedication guarantees the NPO’s success in making a substantial impact. The Vice President revealed that the NPO aims to secure $200 million…
President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of 11 new Chief Executive Officers to lead various agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy. The announcement, conveyed through a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, includes the notable inclusion of Kannywood megastar Ali Nuhu as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation. The appointed CEOs and their respective roles are outlined as follows: 1. Tola Akerele — Director-General, National Theatre 2. Dr. Shaibu Husseini— Director-General, National Films and Censors Board 3. Mr. Obi Asika— Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture 4. Aisha…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the green light for a substantial N683,429,268 billion in intervention funds for public tertiary education institutions in Nigeria in 2024 The announcement was made by Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), during a strategic planning meeting with institution heads in Abuja. Echono revealed that out of the total amount, 90.75% is allocated for direct disbursement, with 8.94% earmarked for designated special projects. Additionally, a stabilization of 2.27% has been set aside to address emerging issues. The breakdown of the allocation includes N1,906,944,930.00 for each university, N1,165,355,235.00 for each polytechnic,…
President Bola Tinubu convened a crucial meeting at the State House in Abuja, engaging with the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru. The focus of the meeting centered on discussions regarding a substantial $10 billion investment in Nigeria’s steel sector. President Tinubu emphasized the pivotal role a revitalized steel industry plays in fostering robust economic growth and providing extensive opportunities for Nigeria’s talented entrepreneurs. According to Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, the President expressed unwavering commitment to building a nation where every…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken decisive action by suspending all programs administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) amid an ongoing investigation into alleged malfeasance within the agency. The suspension, lasting for an initial six weeks, includes key initiatives such as the N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and Home Grown School Feeding Programme. In a statement released on Friday, Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, highlighted President Tinubu’s concerns over operational lapses and improprieties related to payments to program…
Barely a year in office, President Tinubu has initiated a sweeping reorganization leading to the dissolution of numerous boards and companies within various government parastatals, agencies, and corporations. The restructuring affects a wide range of establishments, significantly impacting the country’s administrative landscape. Here is a summary of the key entities affected by this extensive reshuffle: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Social Security Administration of Nigeria (SSA) Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Debt Management Office (DMO) Federal Inland Revenue Service…
Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo secures a second term as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), garnering congratulations from the United States. The resilience and commitment of the Congolese people in ensuring their voices were heard during the electoral process are also acknowledged. Despite the celebratory tone, both domestic and international observers have raised concerns over significant delays and barriers to voting, citing insecurity, logistical issues, and preparatory shortcomings. Instances of fraud and corruption have further cast a shadow over the integrity of the results. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), is urged by the United States to…
In observance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, has issued a resolute statement, emphasizing the imperative to eradicate the global menace that assaults human dignity, undermines the rule of law, corrupts supply chains, exploits workers, and fosters violence. Highlighting the need for a robust coalition of local and global partners, Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of sharing resources and information, empowering front-line workers, and addressing evolving trafficking trends. Collaborating with survivors is at the forefront of this initiative, ensuring that policies, strategies, and programs are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and attuned to the acute threats…
Security Council members from France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States underscored the severe impacts of climate change on peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel. Expressing deep concern, the Council emphasized the lived reality of climate change in the region, particularly in the Lake Chad basin and the Liptako-Gourma regions. The increasing frequency of droughts, floods, biodiversity loss, and desertification is affecting populations heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture and livestock. The leaders acknowledged that these climate impacts amplify risks of food and water insecurity, loss of…