Ridoola's blog

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

The minister described the annual Ojude Oba festival as a platform for fostering the unity of the country as well as one of the country’s tourism potentialities. The Federal Government says it has plans to list the annual Ojude Oba Festival as one of the festivals backed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The Minister of Culture, Arts, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, said this on Tuesday, at the 2024 edition of the festival at Awujale’s pavilion, Ijebu-Ode. The festival has as its theme “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift”. The minister, represented by the Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Dr Ben Ugo Anama, noted that the annual festival was in tune with President Bola Tinubu ’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She said the mandate of the ministry was to make revenue generation from tourism to be over $100 billion by 2030. The minister described the annual festival as a platform for fostering the unity of the country a

The Presidency quickly responded to Obi’s remark, calling it insensitive and questioning whether Obi preferred risking the President’s life by using faulty aircraft. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticised the Federal Government’s plan to expand the Presidential fleet. This reaction follows a suggestion by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence to buy new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. Obi, on his verified X account on Monday, June 17, strongly condemned the proposal, labelling it ‘unacceptable’ and ‘insensitive’ in light of Nigerians’ severe economic difficulties. He lamented that the government focuses on luxury expenditures despite the country’s economic struggles. “It is unacceptable that the government is considering purchasing new presidential jets when Nigerians are wallowing in poverty. “This is a clear show of insensitivity to the suffering of the Nigerian p

The PDP says Shaibu can't be a member of the party and be working against its candidate. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has berated the former deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, for declaring support for another party’s candidate. The party said it's contradictory for Shaibu to remain in the PDP and regard Asue Ighodalo, the party’s governorship candidate as an outsider. Recall that on Sunday, June 16, 2024, Shaibu, a PDP member, declared support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo , ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state. The former deputy governor, who was impeached by the state House of Assembly in April described Okpebholo as a homeboy who understood the challenges in the state. Monday Okpebholo and Asue Ighodalo are the candidates for the APC and PDP, respectively, in the upcoming Edo governorship poll. [X/Facebook] He added that Ighodalo, his party’s candidate, was a

Keyamo stated that he knows the exact date when the travel ban will be lifted but emphasised that the official announcement should come from the UAE government. The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to lift the visa ban on Nigerian travellers soon. In a 44-minute interview with Otega Ogra , Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, posted on the official YouTube channel of the Nigerian State House, Keyamo mentioned that President Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reached an agreement during Tinubu’s visit to the UAE in September 2023. While the UAE initially required additional steps before officially lifting the ban, Keyamo confirmed that the Nigerian government has completed these steps, and an announcement from the UAE is expected soon. “After that high-level meeting, Mr. President, credited to him, made things very easy for us all. We did our follow-ups as his ministers. We have done ever

Shaibu clarified that his endorsement of the opposition is not an act of disloyalty to his party, noting that even Governor Obaseki had partial affiliations with both the PDP and the Labour Party in the last election. Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of Edo State, has announced his support for Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, in the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21 in Edo State. Shaibu mentioned that the governorship contest initially featured three local candidates: himself, Okpebholo, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP). “I will support a homeboy, I came into politics to contest as the governor of Edo State because I need government to return to homeboy – people that understand our plight, people that understand what the people are feeling. Even the United Nations talks about the need for assessment. We don’t want outsiders; we have experimented with outsiders, and it’s not working, so this time around, we

UniAbuja's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Na’allah stated that the institution’s management had contacted the government to understand the cause of the delay, saying that it might be due to a glitch in Remita. The Vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah, clarified that the University is not responsible for the withheld salaries of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members from the UniAbuja chapter, who are currently on strike. The ASUU members have been striking for over 40 days over issues related to appointing a new Vice-chancellor. They have also accused the university management of withholding their salaries. However, in a statement released on Monday, June 17, Prof. Na’allah emphasised that, despite the strike and the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” policy, the university management had approved the payment of salaries to all academic staff. “University Management approved payment of salaries to all academic staff, and includ

According to her, fatherhood is a profound responsibility filled with challenges but also immeasurable rewards. The governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Edo, Patience Ndidi, has sought respects for the vital contributions of all fathers to the development of a better society. Ndidi, known as Uwagboe, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, to mark Father’s day acknowledged the strength, love, and guidance that fathers bring into families. She described fathers as first heroes, steadfast protectors, and most impactful teachers, who shape societal values, instill discipline, and prepare their wards to face the world with courage and integrity. According to her, fatherhood is a profound responsibility filled with challenges but also immeasurable rewards. “To all the fathers, who have been working tirelessly to support and nurture their families, know that your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. “Your dedication builds the foundation of our communities and strengt

Amid challenges and uncertainties, let us draw strength from our faith and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Obi said. Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has urged Muslims to draw strength from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH). This is contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko, on Saturday in Onitsha. Obi in a message of felicitation to Muslims on the celebration of Sallah urged Muslims to draw strength from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. “My dear Muslim brothers and sisters, as we gather to celebrate Eid-al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you all. “May this Sallah bring us all closer to Allah, to one another, and our true potential as individuals and as a nation. “Amid challenges and uncertainties, let us draw strength from our faith and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). “His unwavering trust in Allah, his courage, and his willingness to sacrifi

He quoted Nababa as applauding the State Ministry of Justice for a job well done, noting that the exercise would reduce congestion in the custodial centre. Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara has released 23 convicted inmates to “enable them to enjoy the Eid-el Kabir festival at their various homes”. A statement by Adegbulugbe Olumide , the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, Kwara State Command, said on Saturday in Ilorin that the governor decided to extend his hands of love to the inmates. “The governor visited the facility and freed some inmates ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebration. “In addition, the cases of 18 lifers were reviewed with 10 commuted to 21 years imprisonment, six commuted to 10 years, while two were commuted to two years. “A female inmate serving seven years had the term reviewed to six months, ” he said. Olumide stated that the Governor also paid the transport fares of those freed, to enable them to go to their various destinations.

Okorie frowned at the practice where people relied on unfounded revelations and superstitions to witch-hunt innocent citizens in society. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ebonyi has waded into the crisis of gross human rights abuse in Agharoza, Iboko Community in the Izzi Local Government Area. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that trouble erupted in the community on Thursday when the youths allegedly set ablaze the house of their kinsman, John Ekpono . The action followed a spiritual revelation by a clergyman, commonly known in the area as “Ubadimma”, who was in the community for a three-day crusade. The cleric had made a revelation during the crusade that Ekpono was responsible for the community’s backwardness and other calamities befalling the area. Convinced by the revelation, the youths went on a rampage and burned down Okpono’s house and other valuables, accusing him of being evil. Reacting to the development in an interview with NAN, the state Coordi

Zamfara was one of the states yet to implement the ₦30,000 minimum wage since the law was signed in 2019 by former President Buhari. Governor Dauda Lawal has commenced the payment of ₦30,000 minimum wage to Zamfara workers as earlier promised. Lawal recently held a meeting with the leadership of labour unions in the state where he pledged to commence the payment of the minimum wage starting in June. Disclosing the development in a statement on Friday, June 14, 2024, Lawal's spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris , said the state civil servants have also started receiving their June salary on the 12th ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha celebration. Idris also revealed that Zamfara civil servants were being paid a paltry salary of ₦7,000 before now, adding that the current administration is committed to the welfare of workers. “The Zamfara state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, has disbursed the June salary to support workers in preparing for the upcoming Eid celebration. “

NAN reports that on Saturday morning, pilgrims will proceed from Mina to the plain of Arafat for the major ritual of standing. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advised Nigerian pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun. The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi , gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Mina, a valley located eight kilometres South-East of the city of Mecca. NAN reports that this year’s hajj is taking place in sweltering temperatures that test the endurance of worshipers during the mostly outdoor rituals. He implored the pilgrims to always seek shade whenever possible to avoid direct sunlight. Arabi said, ” It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty. ” Pilgrims are also advised to pay close attention to all health advisories and instructions provided by the medical team. ” To limit sun expos

The administration of the criminal justice is critical in restoring peace and security in Zamfara and the country as a whole. Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has called on judges to be prudent in the administration of justice in all cases. The governor appealed while inaugurating 10 newly appointed magistrates of the State High Court held in Gusau on Thursday. Lawal said the administration of the criminal justice was critical in the restoration of peace and security in Zamfara and the country as a whole. He noted with concern how some judges compromise justice for their selfish gain, especially at this crucial time when insecurity had ravaged the state. “You must take your duty diligently and with all sincerity. Judicial process must be handled with fairness, if at all we want restore peace and economic growth of our dear country Nigeria. “You should bear in mind that your judgments could be appealed, so you should try as much as possible to do justice to avoid nullification,’’ Law

Lawal said the administration of the criminal justice was critical in the restoration of peace and security in Zamfara and the country as a whole. Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has called on judges to be prudent in the administration of justice in all cases. The governor appealed while inaugurating 10 newly appointed magistrates of the State High Court held in Gusau on Thursday. Lawal said the administration of the criminal justice was critical in the restoration of peace and security in Zamfara and the country as a whole. He noted with concern how some judges compromise justice for their selfish gain, especially at this crucial time when insecurity had ravaged the state. “You must take your duty diligently and with all sincerity. The judicial process must be handled with fairness if we want to restore peace and economic growth in our dear country Nigeria. “You should bear in mind that your judgments could be appealed, so you should try as much as possible to do justice to avoid n

Hunter Biden, son of President of the United States of America, Joe Biden , has been convicted on three felony gun charges, potentially leading to a 25-year prison sentence. The verdict comes during a critical period for President Biden, who is currently engaged in his reelection campaign. President Biden has publicly stated his intention to respect the jury’s decision and has ruled out the possibility of a presidential pardon for his son. Sentencing, typically scheduled within 120 days, will be determined by Judge Maryellen Noreika. Legal experts suggest that first-time offenders rarely receive the maximum sentence for non-violent crimes. Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, expressed disappointment with the verdict and announced plans to explore all available legal options. Trial Details and Witnesses The trial, overseen by Special Counsel David Weiss, scrutinized the “illegal choices” Hunter Biden made rather than his addiction issues. Weiss emphasized that accountability is

The embassy says Nigerian students in Russia face no difficulties in extending their visas. The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied the report that Nigerian students are being conscripted to fight alongside Russian troops in the ongoing war in Ukraine in exchange for visa renewal. The report by Bloomberg, an international media platform based in America recently stated that Russia has decided not to extend the visas of African students and young workers unless they agree to join its military to fight against Ukraine. But the Russian Embassy has debunked the report, labeling it as fake news. In a statement on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the embassy said the report aimed at undermining the friendship and cooperation between Russia and Nigeria. The statement stated that Nigerian students in Russia face no difficulties in extending their visas, adding that no student has confirmed the allegation. The statement reads, “The Embassy of the Russian Federation is compelled to emphasise

Tinubu laughed off his fall during the Democracy Day ceremony which got many Nigerians talking. President Bola Tinubu has made light of his fall during the Democracy Day ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The President had a nasty slip and tumble while trying to enter the presidential truck to wave at the crowd at the venue of the event at Eagle Square in Abuja. However, his security details swiftly assisted him in getting back up immediately after hitting the deck. Much later, the President entered the presidential truck to wave at the crowd. The footage of the incident circulated on social media sparking mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some citizens saw the accident as an opportunity to remind the president of his age, others think that it could have happened to anyone regardless. Tinubu laughs off the falling incident Meanwhile, reacting to his fall while speaking at the Democracy Day banquet on Wednesday night, Tinubu found humour to deflate the situatio

Read the full text of Tinubu's speech on Nigeria's 25th Democracy Day anniversary. President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, delivered his second Democracy Day speech. In the speech, the president hailed pro-democracy activists who fought on behalf of Nigerians to end military administrations and restore democracy. Tinubu also praised journalists and media organisations that joined the struggle 31 years ago. Read the president’s full speech below. My fellow Nigerians, let me begin by congratulating all of us for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society. Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth b

Umahi says the first 47km of the project would be open to the public by May next year. The Federal Government says the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been rerouted to avoid possible damage to telecommunication companies’ subsea cables. The government also disclosed that the road project has been reduced from 10 lanes to six to save cost. David Umahi, the Minister of Works made this known on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at a meeting with contractors in Abuja. According to the minister, the government has disbursed a total sum of ₦10bn to Nigerians whose properties were demolished for the construction of the 700km road project. David Umahi. Umahi further disclosed that the first 47km of the project would be open to the public by May next year. The minister, however, dismissed the claim that the project has been stopped, adding that four kilometres of concrete road have been completed already. He said, “ For the three legacy projects by the administration, the Lagos-Cala

Both MKO and IBB's supporters wanted their man to emerge as the winner of the political conflict that preceded and trailed the annulment of the June 12 election. The narrative of Nigeria’s democracy is tightly woven around a protagonist, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), and an infamous villain, General Ibrahim Babangida, whose action birthed the reason June 12 became a special day in Nigeria’s political calendar. While Abiola and Babangida remain the main characters in the June 12 debacle, many other Nigerians played crucial roles in the crisis that turned out to be a pyrrhic victory for the largest democracy in Africa. Abiola is dead. Babangida is alive. But on the sides of the two men were power players who wanted their man to emerge as the winner of the political conflict that preceded and trailed the annulment of the June 12 election. Here are the power players behind the June 12 debacle . Alhaja Kudirat Abiola Ahead of the Saturday, June 12 presidential election, Kudirat

According to the report, Russia sought to enlist international students in the war to add extra manpower for its offensive in the Kharkiv region. The Federal Government has dismissed the report that Russia is forcing international students to join in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine alongside its troops in exchange for visa renewal. The report by Bloomberg, an international media platform based in America stated that Russia has decided not to extend the visas of African students and young workers unless they agree to join its military to fight against Ukraine. The report attributed this claim to European officials familiar with the matter. According to the report, Russia sought to enlist international students in the war to add extra manpower for its offensive in the Kharkiv region. In response to the report, the Federal Government has dismissed the report as “ false and misleading.” In a statement on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

The constitution requires that defecting lawmakers vacate their seats, which led to the election of a new speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The National Judicial Council (NJC) has been urgently called upon to investigate the Rivers State High Court following a judgment that reinstated dismissed lawmakers in the State House of Assembly. The Coalition for Justice and Accountability (CJA), led by its President, Comrade Dada Segun Akin, criticised the court's decision that allowed 27 lawmakers to return to the Rivers State House of Assembly. The coalition vehemently denounced the ruling by the Rivers State High Court, which stated that the 27 members who switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain members of both the PDP and the Rivers State House of Assembly, a decision they deemed as a clear violation of the constitutional requirement. According to the group, this judgment can only be celebrated by those who oppose

The IPOB leader alleged that Bichi refused to comply with some court orders. The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a contempt charge against the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, over his alleged refusal to obey court orders. Kanu, through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, on Monday filed Form 49 titled: “Notice to Show Cause Why An Order Of Committal Should Not Be Made,” at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja. The application, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, is dated and filed on June 10. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as complainant/1st respondent, Yusuf Magaji Bichi is listed as 2nd respondent/contemnor. The IPOB leader alleged that despite being served with the orders of the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako of a FHC in Abuja, made on May 20, Bichi had refused to comply with the said orders. NAN reports that Justice Nyako had, on May

The commission advises Nigerians to ignore the date being speculated on social media. The Police Service Commission (PSC), says it has not fixed a date for training of the recently shortlisted candidates for recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force. The Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, Ikechukwu Ani said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja. He said the training dates being speculated on social media were fictitious and should be ignored. According to him, the commission has been inundated by calls and messages from concerned Nigerians on the authenticity of the dates in the public space. “The commission is currently, working with the Nigeria Police Force to determine the training colleges and will make a formal announcement at the appropriate time, ” he said. He urged successful candidates to wait for the official announcement of the date and the colleges for the exercise. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Many Nigerians believe a regional system of government offers a solution to some of the problems bedevilling the country. Talks about Nigeria returning to a regional system of government are back in the news — this time with an air of legitimacy. When the draft of a bill proposing a re-adoption of regionalism surfaced and went viral on social media two weeks ago, the House of Representatives disowned the document, saying there was no such bill before its committee for deliberation. The bill, authored by Akin Fapounda, a retired director in the federal civil service, seeks among other things, a new legal framework to be cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.” However, barring a last-minute change, Fapohunda has resolved to forward the document to President Bola Tinubu , who may present it to the National Assembly as an executive bill. This model of government tends to align with Nigerians’ yearning for restructuri