Ridoola's blog

NAN reports that the coordinated attacks, which took many by surprise, were shocking to the people of Borno. Dr Barkindo Saidu, the Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has confirmed more blasts in Gwoza and the rise in the number of people killed to 18. Saidu said in a situation report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the death comprised adult males, females and children. He added that the first blast by a suicide bomber took place at a wedding ceremony, while the second blast occurred at the funeral service of victims when another female suicide bomber rushed into the congregation. He stated that “ 19 people seriously injured were conveyed to Maiduguri in four ambulances, while 23 others are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic. “I am now coordinating for a chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza. “The degree of injuries range from abdom...

The former Anambra governor, therefore, pledged his total support for the conversion of the school to a university as proposed by its management. The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi, says investment in the country’s health sector remains 'critical.' Obi said this on Saturday, when he paid a solidarity visit to Holy Rosary College of Nursing, Emekuku, near Owerri. He said that with an average life expectancy put at 55 years, Nigerians need holistic investment in its health sector, especially through the training and education of younger persons to manage the system in the future. He described such an investment as a favour to the country and not the health workers. The former Anambra governor, therefore, pledged his total support for the conversion of the school to a university as proposed by its management. “With a life expectancy of 55 years, we have certainly deteriorated and must therefore invest in health with our youths a...

PDP said Nigerians should be worried if what's going on in Abia is a miniature of the governance Obi promises the country. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep concern over the performances of the Labour Party-led Abia State government, describing it as shameful. The Vice Chairman of the PDP in Abia state, Abraham Amah , disclosed this in an interview with Saturday PUNCH . Amah condemned Governor Alex Otti-led government's actions , particularly its handling of public servants' affairs and infrastructural projects. He argued that the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi , should feel ashamed about recent development in the South-East state. The PDP vice chairman was reacting to the sacking of staff employed in the Abia State Public by the previous administration. Recall the state Head of Service, Joy Maduka , in a circular dated August 30, 2023, had announced the disengagement of all staff employed into the Abia State ...

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the returnees were given some dignity kits, starter-packs and stipends to enable them to travel to their respective places. The Federal Government has received no fewer than 103 Nigerians deported from Turkey over migration-related issues such as expired visas, and irregular migration, among others. Alhaji Tijani Ahmed , the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) stated this on Friday evening, during the deportees’ profiling in Abuja. Represented by Amb. Catherine Udida , the Director of Migration Affairs in the commission, Ahmed said that the commission expected 110 deportees but received 103, all males. “Some of them have been in the deportation camp for some months, and now that they are here, we are hoping to follow up on all the allegations gathered in their profiling. “We will go through the profiling forms because some of them have said that their passports were...

There have been speculations that the Osun State government is planning to demolish the Ilesa Central Mosque for the ongoing road dualisation project. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has allayed the fears of the Ijesa Muslim Community that the Ilesa Central Mosque won't be demolished for the ongoing Ilesa road dualisation project. Adeleke gave the assurance in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed , on Friday, June 28, 2024. There have been concerns among Muslims in the Ijesa community over speculations that the state government had marked the central mosque for demolition to create space for road rehabilitation. Speaking on the matter during the recent ‘Ipade Imole’, a governor community engagement programme held in Ilesa, the Governor reiterated that the religious building won't be touched. According to Rasheed, Adeleke reportedly assured the Muslim faithful that the mosque would remain intact after the completion of the road project. “Governor Adeleke...

Fani-Kayode described Biden as a "confused, bungling, fumbling idiot" who seemed unaware of his words and actions. The Democrats in the United States might be at risk of conceding the helm of power to the Republicans after a horror show at the presidential debate by its candidate, President Joe Biden, against the resurgent Donald Trump. Trump's performance at the debate might have made him the people's favourite in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, President Biden's health concerns take a toll on him again after his stuttering delivery puts him on a slippery, sloppy edge ahead of the presidential poll. Nigeria's former minister of aviation, Barrister Femi Fani-Kayode, who is a vocal commentator on American politics, described the scenario as a "literal murder" of President Biden at the hands of the bombastic Trump. Reacting via his official X handle, Fani-Kayode wrote, "Donald Trump literally MURDERED Joe Biden in their 90-minute encounte...

The PDP says it would not allow itself to be robbed of victory in any of the two states. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will be difficult for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, said this while inaugurating the PDP National Campaign Councils for Edo and Ondo governorship elections, on Thursday in Abuja. Damagum said that the manner in which the candidates emerged in the two states was an indication that the party would be victorious in the elections. He expressed the party’s confidence to win the Edo and Ondo elections, saying it would not allow itself to be robbed of victory in any of the states. Damagum said that Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State had already laid a foundation for the success of the party in the state election. “We will not sit down and allow anybody to search, grab, and steal. We will be battle-ready for any thief that rears his...

Available data from the BHCPF and the Africa Health Budget Network shows that from 2019 to 2022, funds disbursed through BHCPF summed up to an estimated ₦89 billion. The Federal Government on Thursday approved the disbursement of ₦12,911 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). The amount represents the 2023 fund for one quarter, to be utilised in the third quarter of 2024. This is according to the 2020 BHCPF guideline, pending the review of the new guideline. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate , disclosed this at the 7th meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March 2024, the Nigerian government authorised the disbursement of ₦25 billion through the BHCPF across the states of the federation The allocated funds were earmarked for direct facility financing and workforce incentives across states. Available data from the BHCPF and th...

In 2018, she became the first female and youngest Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law and the pioneer Director at the University of Abuja. Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been appointed acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja. This development came after Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah completed his tenure as the 6th Vice Chancellor of UniAbuja. According to a report by PRNigeria, Prof Maikudi will serve in this role until the University Council is inaugurated and a permanent Vice Chancellor is selected. Professor Maikudi, who specialises in international law, is currently the deputy vice-chancellor (academic). Born in Zaria on January 31, 1983, and originally from Katsina State, Aisha completed her secondary education at Queens College, Lagos, where she earned her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). She then earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Reading and her Master of Laws (LLM) from the London School of Economics in the ...

Governor Fubara’s comments followed an incident on Tuesday, June 25, in Port Harcourt, where a man attempted to detonate an explosive at the Presidential Hotel. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has voiced his discontent with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming the party has let him and his supporters down. Fubara, elected governor under the PDP a year ago, shared his sentiments during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Privatisation, chaired by Senator Orji Kalu , at the government house in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, June 26. Senator Abba Moro , a former Minister of Interior and prominent PDP leader was also present at the meeting. Fubara humorously informed Moro that he would no longer follow party protocols, emphasising that the PDP had failed Rivers State. The governor resolutely stated that he and his supporters are now focusing on defending democracy, a cause they believe in more than functioning within the party framework, as he also addressed the ongoi...

Before jumping to his death, Imudia reportedly instructed his United States-based brother on how to distribute his wealth. Nick Imudia former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Konga is dead. Imudia reportedly killed himself by jumping from the balcony of his Lekki, Lagos apartment on the night of Tuesday, June 25, 2024. According to TheWill , before jumping to his death, he instructed his United States-based brother on how to distribute his wealth should anything happen to him. Imudia also reportedly called his young daughter from a previous relationship, promising he would always be there for her and that all she needed to do was to look in the sky and she would see him. No one is sure why he took his own life as family members and friends are reportedly still in shock as to why he committed suicide. Until his death, Imudia was the CEO of D.light, a leading innovator in residential solar energy solutions. More details to come… ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Nigerian students willing to join the Russian troops in the fight against Ukraine are free to volunteer. Contrary to the reports that the Kremlin is conscripting African students in Russia to join the ongoing war in Ukraine, Nigerians in the country have confirmed to Pulse Nigeria that such action is far from the truth. Earlier in June, Bloomberg reported that the Russian Government has “ forced thousands of migrants and foreign students to fight alongside Russian troops in its war against Ukraine.” The report added that Russia threatened that the visas of Africans studying in the country wouldn’t be extended unless they joined the Russian troops as mercenaries. Reacting to the report, the Federal Government of Nigeria in a statement on June 11, 2024, dismissed the claim as “ false and misleading.” The government said reported cases of any Nigerian or other African students being enlisted to join the unending war between Russia and Ukraine didn't exist . Despite that assuran...

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) also approved upscale cost variations for several ongoing road and bridge projects nationwide. The Federal Ministry of Finance has allocated ₦300 billion for urgent repairs of 330 roads and bridges nationwide. The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced this following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday, June 25. “Let me announce that the 330 emergency repairs of roads and bridges across the country valued at over ₦ 500 billion is about 80 per cent completed, and the ministry of finance has fully released ₦ 300 billion for the projects, and we are going to publish by next week the full details and the level of completion,” he said. He announced that the council approved cost variations for several ongoing road and bridge projects nationwide. President Bola Tinubu presides over a FEC council meeting. [Presidency] To ensure the quality and durability of the Umulungbe-Umuoka road in En...

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) spokesperson, Benson Upah, said the decision would “create room for injurious speculations.” The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has temporarily halted the proposal for a new minimum wage to allow President Bola Tinubu to consult with state governors and the private sector. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information, shared this update with State House correspondents on Tuesday, June 25, following the FEC meeting. Idris clarified that the final decision on the national minimum wage will have far-reaching implications, affecting not only the federal government but also the states, local government areas, and the private sector. He reiterated that President Tinubu is committed to making a well-informed decision, a decision that will be the result of extensive consultations and the inclusion of input from all relevant stakeholders. “That memo was stepped down to enable Mr President to consult further, especially with the state governors and the or...

Oyerinde said that the organised private sector cannot afford above ₦62,000 as agreed during the tripartite committee negotiation meetings. The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) says any amount above ₦62,000 approved as a minimum will create job losses. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA said this while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja. He spoke on the sidelines of the third edition of the Nigeria Employers Summit with the theme, “ Economic Renaissance: Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility,” Oyerinde said that the organised private sector cannot afford above ₦62,000 as agreed during the tripartite committee negotiation meetings. According to him, any figure above ₦62,000 will create two different dynamics – setting the tone for non-compliance and attendant litigations -. He stressed that setting a national minimum wage that will take away the ability to pay will set the stage for litigation and crisis. On the alleg...

The diversion will enable Federal Ministry of Works to carry out the first phase of rehabilitation of the asphaltic sections from Osborne Foreshore Estate to Sura Bridge Ramp. The Lagos State Government will divert traffic from Alfred Rewane and Osborne roads in Ikoyi for four weeks. The government will divert the traffic through the Osborne Foreshore Estate axis, from June 26 to July 27. Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi , disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. Osiyemi said that the diversion would enable the Federal Ministry of Works to carry out the first phase of rehabilitation of the asphaltic sections from Osborne Foreshore Estate to Sura Bridge Ramp. “Motorists from Alexander/Glover are advised to use Oba Adeyinka Oyekan Avenue inwards Ikoyi to connect Obalende/Ring Road and access Third Mainland Bridge to proceed with their journeys. “Those from Victoria Island are advised to go through Falomo Roundabout to link Awolowo Road and access Thi...

The human rights activist noted that Tinubu’s government replicating their ideas resulted from people not paying attention to candidates who had ideas and glorifying the ruling class, which has no tenets of governance. Two-time presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore has revealed that the Student Loan initiative and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration were his ideas. Sowore made this claim in an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on the latest episode of the ‘Mic On For The Independent Mind Podcast’. He stated that some of his ideas were being pilfered by the political class, which left people with no ideas in power and people with ideas relegated to the sidelines. “This student loan that they’re doing, we didn’t promise student loans, we promised grants. N100,000 was what we proposed per semester to Nigerian students, and people said it was impossible. “When they (Tinubu’s government) took the ...

Ayuk says it is not true that new cases of cholera were detected in the state. The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, says there is no recent confirmation of a cholera outbreak in the state. Ayuk, who was reacting to the recent outbreak of the disease in some states in the country, said this on Monday in Calabar during a chat with journalists. He said that contrary to some news reports, it was not true that new cases of cholera were detected in the state. “The last time there was a confirmed case was in January and that has been addressed, this notwithstanding, the state is fully prepared for any emergency response in the current wave of national outbreak. “The public health emergency response centre has been activated, while the local government response teams have all been strengthened with adequate capacity, including commodities to handle any emergency. “The citizens of the state are advised to adhere to precautionary measures by maintaining good personal hy...

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) was established in 2004 as one of the nine African Union organs (AU) organs, with its headquarters in Midrand, South Africa. Hon. Philip Agbese, a Nigerian House of Representatives member, praised Hon. Benjamin Kalu for bringing extensive experience and expertise to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). Agbese, a PAP member, expressed optimism about Deputy Speaker Kalu’s upcoming role as one of 21 new members, who would be sworn in during Monday’s third ordinary session of the sixth parliament’s opening in Midrand, South Africa. Agbese’s congratulatory message highlighted that Kalu’s appointment allows Nigeria to influence the continent’s legislative direction significantly. He believes Kalu’s leadership and diplomatic skills will enhance collaboration among member states, promote knowledge sharing, and advance PAP’s goals. He said, “As a member of the West African Caucus, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu will bring his vast expertise to bear on the region’s challe...

Tinubu said that the ministry had achieved a major milestone in the administration’s drive to diversify the economy. President Bola Tinubu has commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the first commercial transaction under the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP). The President said this when he received gold bars sourced from artisanal and small gold miners from Dr Dele Alake , Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on Sunday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gold was refined by the Solid Minerals Development Fund, an agency of the Ministry. The programme has delivered 5 million dollars into Nigeria’s foreign reserves and injected about ₦6 billion into the rural economy. Tinubu said that the ministry had achieved a major milestone in the administration’s drive to diversify the economy. “This is another concrete step towards the diversification process under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the President said. Alake, who presented a symb...

The governor who recounted the hitches pilgrims encountered, described the 2024 Hajj exercise as a failure. Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has called for a review of the activities of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) This is contained in a statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim , the Chief Press Secretary to the governor in Minna on Sunday. Bago made the call in an interview with newsmen in Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess this year’s Hajj operation. He expressed concern over the way NAHCON turned itself into an operator of Hajj activities instead of playing regulatory roles. The governor who recounted the hitches pilgrims encountered, described the 2024 Hajj exercise as a failure. He suggested that Hajj operation should be private sector-driven for effective and efficient service delivery. Bago said that he will lead a Committee of state governors to meet relevant authorities for a review of the commission. “Let the private sector drive Hajj operations, NAHC...

Abubakar could not immediately give the details of the health status of the victims and other information regarding the time they spent while undergoing sexual exploitation in Senegal. The combined operatives of the Nigerian Embassy and a Senegalese-based NGO have in an overnight operation rescued 24 Nigerian girls who were subjected to sexual exploitation in the Tamaccounda and Kedougou Regions of Senegal. Dr Salihu Abubakar , the acting Ambassador of the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dakar on Sunday. According to him, the girls mostly under-aged, ranging between the ages of 11, 13 and 24 are being trafficked to Senegal, through Cotonou, Republic of Benin, via the Mali border for sexual exploitation in Tamaccounda and Kedougou Regions. “ These girls and many more are being trafficked to Senegal, through Cotonou, Benin Republic via Mali to the Senegal border for prostitution, ” the diplomat said. Abubakar said preliminary...

The NDLEA boss said that the 2018 drug use survey showed that 15 million Nigerians abused drugs, saying that it was three times the global average. Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the agency seized 761,000 tonnes of illicit drugs and substances between January 2021 and March 2024. Marwa said this during a special Juma’at service as part of activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 every year is set aside to commemorate the day and the theme of the 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) is: “Evidence is Clear, Let Us Invest in Prevention”. The NDLEA boss said that the 2018 drug use survey showed that 15 million Nigerians abused drugs, saying that it was three times the global average. Marwa, who described the report as unacceptable said that the aim of the year 2024 World Drug Day (W...

NERC said that the management of the Fund Manager (FM) is based on terms and conditions, negotiated by the DisCos and approved by the commission. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the approval of ₦21 billion for 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to provide meters for customers. This announcement was made in NERC’s ORDER NO: NERC/2024/072 on The Operationalisation of “Tranche A” of the Presidential Metering Initiative Under the Framework of Meter Acquisition Fund. ”The order signed by NERC Chairman, Mr Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Legal, Dafe Akpeneye , shall become effective From June 2024 and may be amended or revoked by subsequent orders issued by the commission. “The commission hereby approves the sum of ₦ 21 billion apportioned pro rata to contribution by the DisCos as Tranche A of the MAF scheme. ”Attached to this order as Schedule 1 is a breakdown of the funds available for each DisCo for the purchase of end-use customer m...

Alia said the President had given him unimaginable support and urged the people of the state to be patient with him as the President had “very good intentions for the citizenry”. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has attributed all his achievements in office in the last year to President Bola Tinubu. Alia disclosed this on Friday during his thank you tour to Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency held in Makurdi the state capital. He said every achievement he recorded was the handiwork of President Tinubu. He said both the construction of roads, and underpass, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, and remodelling of the Assembly Complex, State Secretariat, were possible because of the support of the President. He said the President had given him unimaginable support and urged the people of the state to be patient with him as the President had “very good intentions for the citizenry”. He also promised to renovate and upgrade the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Square in Makurdi...

The U.S. lawmakers had alleged that the Nigerian government refused Gambaryan access to quality medical care in detention. The Nigerian government has faulted the claims by the United States lawmakers that detained Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan's health is deteriorating due to lack of access to quality medical care at Kuje Correction Centre. Gambaryan is being held by the Federal Government and facing charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes in Nigeria allegedly perpetuated by his company. After visiting the Binance Executive at the Kuje prison on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, U.S. lawmakers, French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan , called for his immediate release. They also alleged that Gambaryan has come down with malaria and pneumonia, stating that he told them he has lost significant weight and is being denied adequate medical attention. FG disagrees with US lawmakers However, responding to the claims by Hill and Houlahan in a statement on Friday, the Minister o...

Abiodun noted that their tireless efforts, unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit with the executive had made the state one of the best in the country. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has allocated farmlands to the 26 members of the state House of Assembly as part of efforts to ensure food security in the state. Abiodun presented letters of allocation on Thursday to the lawmakers in his office in Abeokuta to commemorate the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly. The governor said that the gesture was to make them contribute towards making the state the food basket of the country. “I recall that I had promised to allocate agricultural land to all the Ogun State legislators as part of our food security and agricultural resurgence initiative, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. ” I am glad to present to you the letters of allocation for the speaker and the 25 members of the House of Assembly. ” I hope that you will take advantage of ...

The ex-minister prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace and asked God to give the family strength to endure their loss. Former Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has expressed condolences to the Saraki family following the death of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs) Florence Morenike Saraki. In a statement made available to Pulse in Abuja, Mohammed conveyed his profound sorrow and heartfelt sympathy to the family of former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki and former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Senator Gbemisola Saraki , on the loss of their beloved mother, Chief (Mrs) Florence Morenike Saraki. He said, “Chief Florence Morenike Saraki was a remarkable matriarch whose life was characterised by selfless service and support for philanthropic initiatives. “In this time of mourning, I extend my deepest sympathies to Dr Bukola Saraki and Senator Gbemisola Saraki, their family and all those who were touched by Chief Florence Morenike Saraki’s...

A police officer and a vigilante member lost their lives during a clash between two political groups. The Police have taken over all 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in Rivers. The police said the action was to forestall further bloodbath as well as a breakdown of law and order due to the spread of the crisis over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen. SP Grace Iringe-Koko , spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt that a police officer and a vigilante member lost their lives during a clash between two political groups. “Operatives have been deployed to uphold peace in all the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA). “The clash between the two political factions, sparked by disagreement over the chairmen’s tenures, resulted in the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member in Eberi-Omuma community. “Consequently, the police have taken over the 23 council secretariates and some critical government faci...