In a bid to celebrate and incentivize innovation and resilience among entrepreneurs, the Federal Government has announced plans to bestow monetary rewards upon exceptional individuals who have excelled in their endeavors. According to a statement released by Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant on job creation and MSMEs, recipients of these rewards will be granted houses, cars, and cash prizes as part of the events commemorating the 2024 MSMEs Week. Adekunle-Johnson highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that it underscores the government’s commitment to promoting and rewarding the activities of small-scale businesses. The MSMEs award ceremony, scheduled to coincide…
Author: Editor Francis
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has voiced deep concern over the rising rates of school dropouts, particularly among girls, prompting her to spearhead an initiative aimed at addressing this pressing issue. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo, Osun State, Senator Tinubu underscored the urgent need to provide educational opportunities for young girls who have been forced to leave school due to various challenges such as unplanned pregnancies, cultural barriers, and financial constraints. Senator Tinubu recounted her past efforts in advocating for the establishment of similar schools, citing the successful implementation of…
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has taken decisive action following disturbing allegations of sexual harassment involving one of its faculty members. Mr. Mfonobong David Udoudom, a lecturer in the General Studies division, has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of a thorough investigation. The incident came to light after a video surfaced online allegedly showing Mr. Udoudom harassing a female student, purportedly threatening to fail her unless she engaged in sexual activity with him. Shockingly, the victim is reported to be a married woman, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. According to sources within the university, the…
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released its latest findings on transportation costs, revealing significant increases in fares across various modes of travel in Nigeria. According to the NBS report titled “Transport Fare Watch for March 2024,” the average airfare for passengers rose by 18.96% over the past 12 months. In March 2024, the average airfare surged to N88,964.86, marking a notable 1.10% increase from February 2024. Similarly, bus fares within city limits experienced a 1.85% rise, reaching N969.32. Intercity bus travel saw a month-on-month increase of 2.14%, with fares hitting N7,152.97. Motorcycle (Okada) transportation costs also edged up…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Hadi Sirika, Nigeria’s former Minister of Aviation, in connection with an ongoing probe into an alleged fraud case totaling N8,069,176,864.00. The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into corruption within the aviation sector. Sirika was taken into custody at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command in Abuja at approximately 1:00 pm on Tuesday. A correspondent from Punch confirmed his arrival at the EFCC’s office in Wuse, Abuja, where he is currently undergoing interrogation regarding fraudulent contracts awarded during his tenure. Confidential sources within the EFCC revealed that Sirika is…
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, unveiled a groundbreaking proposal for the establishment of three gigawatts of solar energy sources across 25 states in the northern and southwestern regions. This revelation came during a pivotal power sector stakeholders’ interactive dialogue organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Power, themed “Confronting Nigeria’s Power Challenge as the Nation Migrates to a Multi-tier Electricity Market: A Legislative Intervention.” Emphasising the innovative nature of the initiative, Minister Adelabu underscored its potential to significantly mitigate the nation’s power woes. Encouraging state governments to participate actively in power generation initiatives within their jurisdictions, Adelabu highlighted…
Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has declined an offer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to suspend the execution of an arrest warrant issued against him by a Federal High Court in Abuja. The warrant, issued on April 17, stemmed from a money laundering charge pending against him. Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), speaking before the Federal High Court in Abuja, rejected the offer made by EFCC’s Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), deeming it legally unacceptable. Pinheiro had proposed that if Bello attended court physically, the arrest order would be suspended. However, Adedipe argued that such an offer…
Dana Air has officially acknowledged reports of an incident involving one of its aircraft, bearing registration number 5N BKI, which skidded off the runway at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday morning. In a statement released on Tuesday, the airline expressed regret over the incident, disclosing that the aircraft, en route from Abuja to Lagos, veered off the runway during landing. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported, and all 83 passengers and crew onboard disembarked safely without any injuries. The airline promptly informed the Accident Investigation Bureau and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority about the occurrence. The grounded aircraft…
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another significant reduction in the prices of diesel and aviation fuel. Effective immediately, diesel will now be sold at N940 per litre, while aviation fuel will be priced at N980 per litre. This latest price adjustment comes just weeks after the refinery had already reduced prices to N1,000 per litre. The new pricing structure offers even greater relief to consumers, with discounts available for bulk purchases. Customers buying five million litres and above will benefit from the reduced price of N940 per litre, while those purchasing one million litres and above will enjoy a rate…
In a landmark event today, the U.S. State Department, in collaboration with private sector leaders and civil society organisations, shed light on the pivotal role of high-integrity carbon markets in combating the climate crisis. With a focus on financing solutions for developing nations, the gathering showcased the transformative potential of initiatives like the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance (LEAF) Coalition and the Energy Transition Accelerator (ETA). Esteemed figures, including Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta and former Secretary of State John Kerry, graced the occasion, highlighting recent strides made in advancing international carbon market…
In a heart-stopping incident this Tuesday morning, a Dana aeroplane originating from Abuja faced a perilous crash-landing at the Lagos airport. While the airline has yet to provide official details, eyewitnesses recounted a harrowing scene as the aircraft skidded off the runway upon touchdown on the rain-soaked tarmac. The early hours saw rainfall in the Lagos vicinity, likely contributing to the slick conditions on the runway. This unsettling event comes on the heels of another alarming occurrence involving a Dana plane, which skidded off the runway in Port Harcourt not long ago, leaving passengers in a state of shock. The…
In a collaborative effort to bolster democratic transitions worldwide, Administrator Samantha Power of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Swiss Ambassador to the United States Jacques Pitteloud led a roundtable discussion with representatives from twelve like-minded development partners. The meeting, attended by officials from Canada, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, aimed to strategize support for countries undergoing democratic openings. Additionally, leaders from Guatemala, Moldova, and Tanzania participated, emphasising the pivotal role international partnerships play in advancing reform agendas. Discussions centred around collective efforts to assist reformers in seizing…