Ridoola's blog

At least 14 people have been killed in a brutal attack by bandits in Ri Do, a village in Plateau State’s Riyom Local Government Area. The victims, predominantly Irigwe natives from Bassa LGA, were buried in a mass ceremony shortly after the attack. The news was confirmed by Sam Jugo, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), who said an IDA representative was dispatched to verify the situation. "Reports from the emissary indicate that 14 people were killed in cold blood," Jugo stated, adding that a 32-year-old woman, Linda Moses, is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the assault. In his statement, Jugo urged restraint from the community and called on security agencies to take immediate action to apprehend the attackers. He expressed grief over the tragedy: "Our hearts bleed for the demise of our kinsmen... May their souls rest in peace." Plateau State’s Commissioner for Information, Musa A...

President Bola Tinubu has defended his controversial decision to remove fuel subsidies, asserting that he has "no regrets whatsoever" about the policy despite its economic impact on Nigerians. Speaking during his inaugural Presidential Media Chat on December 23, 2024, Tinubu emphasised that the subsidy removal and exchange rate unification were crucial reforms for Nigeria's long-term economic growth. “I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing the subsidy; it’s necessary, we cannot spend our future generations’ investment,” he stated. The president's remarks come amid significant backlash as the policy has caused a sharp rise in petrol prices, escalating transport costs and exacerbating food prices for millions, especially those reliant on petrol-powered generators. The subsidy cut has also led to a marked increase in the exchange rate, further straining the economy. While Tinubu supports the reforms, many Nigerians continue to experience immediate financia...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed that the controversial tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly are “here to stay.” In his inaugural presidential media chat on Monday night, Tinubu emphasised that the reforms are vital for the nation's economic growth, asserting their “pro-poor ” nature and the need to expand the tax base. “The tax reform is here to stay. The reform is pro-poor, and it is to widen the tax net so we can have more people paying,” the president declared, reinforcing his commitment to the initiative despite opposition, particularly from Northern leaders. Tinubu stressed that effective leadership involves making tough decisions at the right time. “The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it ought to be done,” he stated. While firm on the necessity of the reforms , the president also indicated his openness to discussions. “Tax matters are subjects of debates and negotiations. I don’t mind cutting...

The Federal Government has declared public holidays on December 25, December 26, and January 1, 2025, to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations. The announcement was made in a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The minister extended warm greetings to Nigerians and encouraged them to embrace the season’s themes of love, peace, and unity. “The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo remarked. He further emphasised the importance of strengthening family and community bonds during the festive period, noting that such unity contributes to the nation's overall development. The government’s holiday declaration underscores its recognition of the cultural and spiritual significance of the season for Nig...

A seemingly innocuous Facebook post by Muhammad Alfa, a final-year law student at Maryam Abacha University, Kano, has sparked controversy in Niger State. Alfa’s inquiry about the state government’s “New Niger Bread” initiative led to heated responses from officials, including an audio threat from Shehu Bawa Bwari , the Coordinator on Entrepreneurship to Governor Umaru Bago. The bread initiative, launched in July, aimed to empower 200 trainers and eventually create 10,000 bakers over four years. Governor Bago supported the programme with a ₦20 million donation. While many praised the vision, Alfa’s questions sought updates on the initiative's progress, sparking a defensive backlash. According to Daily Nigerian, Alfa’s Facebook post asked: “What’s the update on the production of New Niger Bread? Were they able to train the thousands of students as promised? Is the bread available in your area?” His inquiry received a measured response from Umar Mohammed , the Coordinator on Emp...

The Federal Government has expressed deep sympathy for the families of victims who lost their lives in recent stampedes during food distribution activities in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, described the incidents as "deeply saddening" and extended prayers to the affected families. “These tragedies underscore the importance of proper crowd management, especially during festive charity events,” Idris stated. The Minister urged event organisers to strictly follow directives from the Inspector General of Police,  Kayode Egbetokun,  and to liaise with local police formations to implement effective crowd control and security measures. He emphasised the vital role of collaboration between the police and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in preventing such disasters during the Yuletide season. Minister warns against politicising yuletide tragedies Idris also appealed to politicians and stakeholders ...