In a press briefing held on January 8, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken shared insights from his recent diplomatic trip across the Middle East. The trip included stops in Türkiye, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Secretary Blinken highlighted the determination of regional leaders to prevent the ongoing conflict from spreading further. Discussions centered around key objectives, including ensuring peace and security for Israel, uniting the West Bank and Gaza under Palestinian-led governance, fostering regional integration, and working towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. While acknowledging the complexities and challenges, Secretary…
Author: Editor Francis
In a shocking turn of events, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is alleged to have been involved in embezzling substantial amounts during his tenure, as disclosed by a Special Investigator in a recent social media post. According to reliable sources close to the investigation, Emefiele has purportedly returned a staggering N4 trillion and relinquished ownership of six banks reportedly linked to him. In a parallel development, former CBN Deputy Governor, Tunde Lemo, is said to have refunded a whopping $500 million, which was allegedly misappropriated through taxpayers’ funds. However, the most startling revelation comes in the…
A Nigerian man has been apprehended in the Kufra District of Libya on charges of murdering another Nigerian national. The arrest came following an investigation into the death of an unidentified individual who was delivered to a hospital in Kufra. According to reports from the Migrant Rescue Watch posted on their official social media account, the accused confessed to the crime during police interrogation. The motive behind the murder was cited as a personal dispute between the accused and the victim. The incident highlights the challenges faced by Nigerian migrants abroad and underscores the need for enhanced security and support…
Some organizations might tell you that screening applicants post hire allows for the client to collect the WOTC credit faster. Under the current IRS guidance, not prescreening places an organization out of compliance. Qualified tax-exempt organizations described in IRC Section 501(c), and exempt from taxation under IRC Section 501(a), may claim the credit for qualified veterans who begin work for the organization before 2026. [Richardson] It has been my experience that most applicants are willing to participate in the WOTC program. Remember, the program has been in place for more than 25 years with most major employers participating in WOTC…
President Bola Tinubu has urgently summoned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Presidential Villa. The summoning is directly linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The focus of concern centers on the award of a consultancy contract worth N438 million for the National Social Register to New New Planet Projects Ltd—a company in which the minister is identified as a beneficial owner. The unfolding situation suggests a critical examination of the circumstances surrounding the contract and potential implications on the integrity of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The controversy raises questions about transparency and…
In his New Year’s address to diplomats at the Vatican, Pope Francis has called for a worldwide ban on surrogacy, labeling the practice of a woman carrying another person’s child as “deplorable.” The Catholic pontiff emphasized that surrogacy constitutes a “grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child.” The Pope’s speech was not only centered on the issue of surrogacy but also included fervent appeals for an end to conflicts worldwide, highlighting the importance of respect for life as a crucial path to achieving peace. Addressing the matter of surrogacy, Pope Francis condemned what he termed the…
The Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), has strongly reacted to a BBC documentary released on Monday, which accuses the late founder of SCOAN, Temitope Babatunde Joshua, known as TB Joshua, of various crimes, including rape against some members. In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Director, Mr. Dare Adejumo, SCOAN dismissed the documentary as unfounded, stating that the characters interviewed in the report were unknown to the church. The church emphasized that the BBC’s investigative unit, Africa Eye, had deviated from journalistic principles of fairness, balance, and objectivity. SCOAN asserted that BBC compromised its journalistic integrity, engaging in…
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has embarked on a transformative journey, implementing strategic initiatives across various sectors. Demonstrating a commitment to efficient governance, the governor conducted a comprehensive workforce verification and enacted the Treasury Single Account (TSA) Bill at the commencement of his term. These measures aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the civil service, curb financial leakages, and ensure compliance with fiscal instructions. In the realm of security, Governor Radda prioritized community-driven policing, introducing innovative approaches focused on intelligence gathering and fostering trust between security agencies and local communities. The…
Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters for interrogation regarding her alleged involvement in a N585 million fraud President Bola Tinubu issued Edu’s suspension on Monday, and the minister is now facing scrutiny over accusations of depositing humanitarian funds into a private bank account. The N585 million in question was earmarked for disbursing grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Cross River, and Ogun states. Edu’s suspension marks the first instance of a minister being relieved of duties since the inauguration of the…
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced its imminent commencement of refined petroleum product production following the receipt of the 6th batch of one million barrels of crude oil needed for its initial operations. In a statement issued on Monday, the company expressed readiness for production, marking a significant milestone for the world’s largest single-train refinery. The latest cargo of one million Agbami barrels of crude, delivered via MT ALMI SUN, completes the initially scheduled six million barrels consignment required for the refinery’s commencement. The crude oil has been arriving in batches, with the first one million barrels received a month…
In a recent stakeholders’ engagement meeting, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced its intentions to implement a Unified Standard Transportation System in Abuja. Dr. Abdulateef Bello, the Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), shared this information on Monday, emphasizing the need for an organized and standardized transportation system in the nation’s capital. Dr. Bello disclosed that the recovery of taxi ranks, which had previously been issued quit notices within the capital city, would soon commence. The objective is to reorganize these ranks for licensed operators, contributing to a more regulated transportation environment. Highlighting the necessity of…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has initiated legal action against former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, accusing him of creating a faction within the party. In a suit filed before the Federal High Court in Osogbo, the Osun APC, through its assistant secretary, Waheed Adeniran, alleges that Aregbesola’s formation of a group called Omoluabi Caucus constitutes an act of anti-party. The suit, marked FHC/OS/CS/1/2024, lists the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), former House of Representatives member Rasheed Afolabi, and ex-Commissioner for Information Lani Baderinwa as defendants. The APC seeks a declaration from the court that Aregbesola’s actions are anti-party…