Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has announced a groundbreaking policy during the 48th Convocation and 53rd Founders’ Day ceremony at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Governor Obaseki assured first-class graduates of Edo origin from any recognized university of automatic recruitment into the Edo State Civil and Public Service. Addressing the graduates at the UNIBEN main campus in Ugbowo, Benin City, Governor Obaseki expressed admiration for the quality of governance displayed by the university’s Vice Chancellor. He commended the institution for its commitment to knowledge for service, highlighting its significant role in positioning Edo State as a leader in human capacity…
Author: Editor Francis
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called upon the World Bank to suspend the issuance of loans to Nigeria’s 36 states, citing allegations of mismanagement of public funds, including those acquired from the international institution. In a letter dated November 25, 2023, addressed to the President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, SERAP specifically requested an investigation into the spending of loans and other facilities by the country’s state governors. The letter emphasised the need for a prompt, transparent, and effective inquiry into the utilisation of loans and funding by the state governors. SERAP urged the World Bank…
In the wake of a security breach near the presidential lodge in Freetown, GOVIMA reported. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Bio, has issued a strong commitment to safeguarding democracy in the nation. President Bio disclosed that unidentified individuals had attempted to destabilise the country, targeting the military armoury in Freetown. However, he reassured the public that the assailants were successfully repelled and calm had been restored. President Bio conveyed the developments through a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday. In the statement, he addressed the citizens, stating, “Fellow Sierra Leoneans, I bring you greetings from the Presidential…
In a startling turn of events, Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, is currently gripped by intense gunfire, raising concerns about the safety and security of the city’s residents. Reports indicate that the heavy gunfire erupted early Sunday morning, with sources pointing to the main military barracks at Wilberforce, situated in close proximity to the president’s lodge, as the origin. The situation has prompted the government to take swift action, imposing a curfew in an effort to safeguard citizens and maintain order. The gravity of the incident remains unclear, but the proximity to key government installations has heightened tensions. Details surrounding the…
During the maiden convocation ceremony at the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) in Okerenkoko, Delta State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom, King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff, Seriya II, as the Chancellor of the institution. The appointment, announced on Saturday, was made on behalf of President Tinubu by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo. As part of the convocation festivities, the university conferred honorary degrees on key individuals who have played pivotal roles in its growth. High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, was honored with a Doctor of Philosophy…
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has addressed a suit brought forth by the True Whig Party (TWP), a Liberian political entity, accusing the Republic of Liberia of violating its rights to property, fair hearing, and effective remedy. The court declared its jurisdiction to hear the case and deemed the application admissible. However, it ruled in favor of the Republic of Liberia, stating that there was no violation of the right to property. The True Whig Party, founded in 1869 and ruling until 1980, alleged that 13 of its members were executed during a coup by the Armed Forces of Liberia…
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has effectively clinched a third term, as confirmed by the electoral body (CENI), citing him as the leading candidate in an election marked by low voter turnout and an opposition boycott. Provisional results released by CENI on Saturday revealed Rajoelina securing 58.9 percent of the votes, with Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, a lawmaker, obtaining 14.4 percent. The final results are expected to be announced by the country’s High Constitutional Court within nine days. Rajoelina, a 49-year-old entrepreneur and former DJ, expressed gratitude, stating, “The Malagasy people have chosen the path of continuity, serenity, and stability. Democracy is exercised…
The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has launched its 2024 Mobile Advert Permit, accompanied by the reveal of a state-of-the-art website and a revamped corporate logo. Prince Fatiu Akiolu, the MD/CEO of LASAA, highlighted that the Mobile Advert Permit, featuring a QR code secured by encryption, is poised to revolutionize the registration process for branded vehicles in the state. The unique code, encompassing brand type, number plate, and permit year, ensures authenticity and compliance. Verification is streamlined through LASAA’s custom QR code scanner, accessible both online and offline. To further ease business transactions, LASAA has decentralized the registration…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has disclosed a substantial decrease in overall liquidity within the country’s banking sector, with total liquidity falling below N100 billion in November 2023. The revelation came during an address by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso at the 58th Bankers Dinner hosted by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Lagos last Friday. Governor Cardoso underscored the pivotal role of sustained debits in Cash Reserves Requirement, which effectively moderated liquidity levels throughout September and October 2023. Proactive measures implemented by the central bank have successfully curbed excess liquidity in the banking system, resulting in a significant…
The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Lokoja, has granted an application filed by Counsel to Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to allow access to election materials and documents used in the recently concluded governorship election. The order was made following the expressed inability of the petitioner’s counsel to access the necessary documents for the case. S.E Aruwa, SAN, representing Muritala Ajaka, highlighted that efforts to obtain the required documents from both the INEC office in Abuja and Lokoja had been unsuccessful, prompting the application for a tribunal order.…
Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has stressed the need to enhance the rent-to-own scheme as a crucial step in reducing homelessness in Nigeria. Fashola made this recommendation during his keynote address at the ongoing 50th-anniversary celebration of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), in Abuja. In his address, Fashola highlighted financial constraints as a significant barrier to outright home ownership for many individuals. He urged both the federal and state governments to focus on expanding rent-to-own programs, emphasizing that addressing homelessness requires a concerted effort from political leaders and policymakers. Fashola stressed, “Homelessness is the most undignifying experience…
The former President Olusegun Obasanjo has come under fire for his recent comments on democracy, with accusations of hypocrisy and distraction. Critics argue that Obasanjo, who played a controversial role in Nigeria’s democratic history, is now bemoaning the system he contributed to undermining. Obasanjo’s statements, which propose an ambiguous concept of “Afro-Democracy,” have been met with scepticism. The critics point out that Obasanjo’s own contributions to Nigerian democracy include subverting the rights of states, orchestrating the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and attempting a third term in office. That persona fiercely leaps out of the latest drama…