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Showing posts from September, 2024

Chosen Church refutes mockery of viral 'AK-25' testimony

The church denounced the viral clip as fake and emphasised that the story was taken out of context. In response to the viral mockery surrounding a recent testimony, the Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries has taken a firm stand, dismissing claims that the church fabricates stories. The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing a woman allegedly claiming to have disarmed four armed robbers and seized an "AK-25" rifle. Pastor Chidi Louis, the church's Head of Public Relations and Media, clarified the situation in a statement. "Nigerians should disregard the fake video and visit our church platform to listen to the complete testimony for better understanding. The woman's story occurred in a dream, not in reality," Louis explained, according to Vanguard. The church denounced the viral clip as fake and emphasised that the story was taken out of context. READ ALSO: 5 unique things about the Lord's Chosen "Don

Tinubu says he cut off his trip to America to condole Borno flood victims

The floods have so far claimed about 37 lives, displaced about a million people, and destroyed property worth millions of naira. President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Government will support the government and people of Borno following the floods that have ravaged parts of the state. The President, who was received in Maiduguri on Monday by Gov. Babagana Zulum, expressed sadness over the massive losses caused by the flooding. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the floods have so far claimed about 37 lives, displaced about a million people, and destroyed property worth millions of naira. “I am here to sympathise with you. I heard the report, my Vice President gave details to me personally. I was going directly to America but I had to call off the trip to be with you. “I thank you very much for your leadership and your various prayers. This is one disaster that we must pay attention to, we will help Borno State,” Tinubu told the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-

Tinubu's symbol of hope, now relics of disappointment – Atiku's aide

Shaibu's critique underscores a broader sentiment of disillusionment with Tinubu's presidency. In a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu's leadership, Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the symbolic downfall of Tinubu's once-celebrated "Emilokan" caps. According to Shaibu, these caps, once a beacon of hope during Tinubu's campaign, have now become a relic of political disappointment. In his piece titled "De-cap-itated!" , Shaibu compared the fate of Tinubu's broken shackle symbol to the transformation of the swastika from a symbol of good fortune into one of oppression under Nazi Germany. Tinubu's cap and Swastika symbol He suggested that just as the swastika became synonymous with fascism, the broken shackle emblem has shifted from representing freedom to symbolising oppression in Nigeria. "President Tinubu, in a campaign soapbox in Ogun State

EFCC detains 5 suspected Chinese nationals over illegal mining

Oyewale stated that the arrests followed credible intelligence on foreign mining companies’ illicit activities in Eket and Ibeno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended five suspected Chinese illegal miners in Ndito-Eka-Iba village, Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom. Dele Oyewale , EFCC Spokesperson, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. He said the arrests were made by the Special Task Force on Illegal Mining at the Commission’s Zonal office in Uyo. Oyewale stated that the arrests followed credible intelligence on foreign mining companies’ illicit activities in Eket and Ibeno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom. “The five arrested Chinese suspects are Zhon Qinping , apprehended on 10 September, and Li Yi , Xie Bin , Chen Mou Zhou , and Chen Zeng , arrested on 29 August. “They were arrested at an illegal mining site, where a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral, was bei

Benue govt prepares for massive flooding, creates IDP camps in 18 LGAs

He explained that there was a compelling need for people living in flood-prone areas, especially on river banks to relocate. The Benue government says it has prepared camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the 18 local government areas in the state in case of flooding. The Technical Committee on Flood Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Response team took the decision during their meeting on Sunday in Makurdi. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had predicted that eight local government areas in Benue would be heavily affected by the impending flooding. The agency had listed Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Agatu and Apa. The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde , said that the committee had earmarked camps to relocate the would-be victims of the expected flooding. Kunde listed some of the camps to include: International Market, Suswam Thank You Prima

64 Nigerians graduate from 2 Sudanese universities in Sokoto

Aliyu encouraged the graduates to stay committed to their fields of study and to continue striving towards a brighter future. A total of 64 Nigerians who were studying at the Sudan International University (SIU) and Hayat University College have graduated in Sokoto State. The graduation ceremony that took place on Saturday featured the presentation of certificates and awards to the students and some dignitaries who contributed to their academic successes. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative resulted from a partnership between the two universities and the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan on April 15, 2023. Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State described the development as a significant opportunity towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to education, health, and a brighter future for the younger generation. Aliyu, represented by Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi , the State Commissioner for Higher Education,

Brother of Sokoto monarch says his killers among bandits killed by troops

The monarch, who was abducted alongside his son and six others, was murdered by the bandits over the family's failure to pay ransom. Senator Shu’aibu Gwanda Gobir, the younger brother of the slain district head of Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, said the bandits who murdered the monarch were among those recently killed by troops in Zamfara State. Troops of the Nigerian Army recorded a huge success in their campaign in the North-West on Thursday, September 12, 2024, neutralising several notorious bandits in an intelligence-led operation. The military said among the bandits killed during the offensive were the dreaded Kachalla Buzu alias Halilu Sububu , Blacky and many others. The troops also recovered a large cache of weapons and motorcycles and destroyed the bandits’ hideouts in what proved to be a thorough operation. Troops gunned down killers of Sokoto monarch. Meanwhile, reacting to the development, the Senator identi

Houses, farmland destroyed as flood wreaks havoc in Ebonyi community

The victims appealed to the government at all levels to come to their aid with relief materials to cushion the effect of the disaster on them. Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in Azuoto, Okpuitumo Community in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi, destroying many farmlands and people’s property, worth millions of naira. A victim, Chinyere Nworie , told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Friday that her rice, yam and cassava farms were submerged by flood. Nworie said the incident had become a perennial experience in the area due to the nearness of the Azuoto and Ebony Rivers, linking the River Niger. She further said that no fewer than 96 households in the area were affected by the disaster. She said, “ This flood happened on Saturday, following Friday’s heavy downpour. “Our farms have been taken over by the rain flood. “Our community has always suffered flooding every year, especially whenever it rained heavily and water overflows the Ebonyi River bank, ” Nwo

Lifting of petrol from Dangote Refinery begins Sunday, NNPC sole buyer - FG

He said that the initiative would help reduce pressure on the naira , eliminate unnecessary transaction costs, and improve the availability of petroleum products in the country. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says the Dangote Refinery will begin the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on Sunday. Edun, who was represented by the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji , said this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday. “I am glad to announce that all agreements have been completed and loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday, September 15. “From Oct. 1, NNPC Ltd. will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery, to be paid for in naira. In return, the Dangote Refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market, to be paid in naira . “Diesel will be sold in naira by the Dangote Refinery to any i

This is just beginning, fuel prices will keep rising, Presidential candidate

Adebayo urged Nigerians to conserve their energy and tighten their belts for more challenging economic times soon. A presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has asked Nigerians to brace themselves for even higher fuel prices, stating that the current hike is just the beginning. Nigerians are currently paying through their noses for fuel after scarcity hit Africa's largest oil producer, forcing the commodity’s prices to go through the roof. The scarcity, caused by the supply shortage resulting from the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to meet its debt obligations to international petroleum marketers, has lingered for weeks. In response, the NNPCL jacked up the pump price of fuel last week from ₦650 to nearly ₦900 with the hope of increasing supply and consequently fading out the long queues at filling stations nationwide. However, the move received strong resistance from many Nigerians, especially t

259 dead, 25,239 displaced, 1 million affected by floods - NEMA

The flooding has particularly impacted Borno State, where a broken spillway at the Alau Dam exacerbated the situation. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed alarming statistics on the current flooding situation in Nigeria. It revealed that 1,048,312 people have been affected across 29 states and 172 Local Government Areas (LGAs). NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar confirmed on Thursday, September 12, that 259 deaths have been recorded and 625,239 people have been displaced. Umar, speaking at the National Emergency Coordination Forum, provided a comprehensive overview of the ongoing response to the crisis. This includes active search and rescue operations in severely affected areas like Borno State. "Our ongoing intervention across the affected states includes the deployment of additional personnel, distribution of water purification equipment, and provision of food and non-food items," she stated. The flooding has particularly impacted Borno S

Benue APC crisis: Gov Alia accused of refusing Tinubu's peace moves

The conflict between the governor and the SGF has caused a rift within the Benue APC, leaving supporters uncertain about which faction to support. The Benue National Assembly caucus has accused Governor Hycient Alia of undermining peace efforts initiated by President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve the party crisis in Benue State. The state chapter of the APC has been embroiled in internal conflict just two months after Alia's inauguration as governor. In a press briefing on Thursday, September 12, Hon. Philip Agbese, spokesperson for the Benue NASS and Federal appointees caucus, expressed disappointment over Alia's refusal to engage in peace talks. "It is a cog in the wheel of progress for anyone, not to talk about the Governor himself, to undermine the efforts of President Tinubu in ensuring peace returns to the party," Agbese said. The ongoing conflict has intensified, with the party producing parallel candidates for the upcom

Abiodun asks Ogun workers to take 2 days off in a week as fuel price hike bites

Onasanya then urged all accounting officers to immediately implement the policy in their respective ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) by working out the modalities. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on Wednesday in Abeokuta approved two days as off-duty days weekly for officers on Grade Level (GL) 01 to 14 in the state government’s employment. The State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya , in a statement said officers on GL 15 to 17 were however to maintain the weekly one-day off-duty arrangement in place earlier. “The gesture is aimed at further easing the burden on the teeming workers who now face more significant challenges commuting to work. “It is also expected to translate to substantial relief while also enhancing service delivery through a more motivated and energised workforce, ” he said. Onasanya described Governor Abiodun as highly committed to the welfare of workers. He pointed out that the current extension to two days of off-work for grade level 01 to 14 staff

US national sentenced to 74 years in Lagos over $1.2m visa scam

Ramirez's scam involved defrauding investors by promising them U.S. Green Cards via the EB-5 immigrant investor program. The Lagos State Special Offences Court sentenced American businessman Marco Antonio Ramirez to 74 years in prison for defrauding victims of $1.2 million in a fraudulent EB-5 visa scheme. Ramirez, who claimed to assist investors in obtaining U.S. visas, was convicted on multiple fraud charges. Justice Mojisola Dada, who presided over the case, found Ramirez guilty of two consolidated charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ramirez faced multiple counts of fraud, including obtaining money under false pretences and theft. The judge sentenced Ramirez to serve eight years each for counts one to six and ten years each for counts seven and eight. For counts one to 12 and 13 to 16, an additional 10 years per count were given, resulting in a total of 74 years behind bars. READ ALSO: Nigerian brothers jailed in US over sextortion schem

Edo 2024: Gov Obaseki sounds alarm over ongoing arrests of PDP leaders

Obaseki vowed to take decisive action after his discussions with the IGP, emphasising that the democratic process in Edo must be respected. Governor Godwin Obaseki has expressed serious concerns over the continuous arrest and harassment of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains in Edo State ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election on September 21. Obaseki cautioned that the police's unchecked actions could potentially lead to a state-wide crisis, which could have far-reaching and destabilising effects on the country. Speaking to protesters at the Government House in Benin City, who gathered to voice their displeasure over the police's actions, Obaseki stated, "A local government chairman has also been arrested in connivance with the opposition party in the state to intimidate members of our party, the PDP. "I heard that the plan is to arrest as many PDP stalwarts as possible, including me, if they can. This is a very dangerous trend and a real threat to ou

Tinubu backed in anti-bandit war despite mass resignation from army

President Tinubu has been urged to remain resolute in his mission to rid the country of criminal elements. Over the past four years, more than 1,000 Nigerian soldiers have resigned from the Army, sparking concerns over the country's security challenges. According to reports, the Nigerian Army approved the voluntary discharge of 1,008 soldiers between 2020 and 2024. This year alone, 196 soldiers resigned in August, marking a significant turnover. The soldiers who resigned were yet to reach retirement age or complete the mandatory years of service. Brigadier O.H. Musa signed the latest disengagement letter, dated August 23, directing the 196 soldiers to proceed on terminal leave by November 1. According to Punch, the letter confirmed that the disengagements would take full effect by the end of November. READ ALSO: Matawalle presents Hi-Tech unmanned water vessels to Tinubu to fight against insecurity Army reacts to mass resignation of officers Responding to the development

DSS releases NLC president Joe Ajaero

The DSS has remained silent on the arrest, so the motives behind Ajaero's detention remain unclear, even as the NLC celebrates his release. The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), following a brief detention that sparked outrage from labour unions. Ajaero, detained on Monday, September 9, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, en route to the UK for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) meeting, was released on bail after 11:00 p.m. the next day. According to the Nigerian Tribune, credible sources within the labour union revealed that Ajaero's release came after the NLC threatened to mobilise nationwide protests. The union had set a deadline for midnight on Tuesday, September 10, warning of potential industrial action if Ajaero remained in detention. In a strongly worded statement, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah criticised the arrest, saying, "The congress will not stand idly by wh

Maiduguri flooded as Alau dam breaks down

Residents of the affected areas have been advised to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage. Residents of Maiduguri in Borno are on high alert as flood has submerged many homes following the alleged breakdown of Alau Dam that has been filled to capacity for the past one week. A statement in the early hours of Tuesday by Prof. Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, titled “Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents “, called for immediate evacuation. He said, “ Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties. “The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank.” Tar also urged the residents of the affected areas to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the last time the dam had such a

Prophet Fufeyin denies deceptive use of spiritual items in NAFDAC dispute

The church, as expressed in the release, is frustrated by NAFDAC's lack of response to its inquiries, despite its willingness to engage in dialogue. Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry has refuted allegations that his ministry deceived Nigerians by using the name of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The allegations surfaced after NAFDAC issued a public warning on Sunday, 8, September cautioning against the ministry's use of its name in association with spiritual items. In a statement signed by Sophia Iloyd , the church's media representative, Fufeyin's ministry declared the claims "false and misleading." According to the statement, the church operates within the legal protections of Sections 38 and 39 of Nigeria's Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and expression. "As a church, we are guided by our faith and the teachings of the Bible. We have not produced or

FG debunks plan to increase VAT

The FIRS, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Finance, is responsible for tax collection on behalf of the Nigerian government and ensures compliance with relevant tax laws. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed recent rumours that the Federal Government plans to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10%. According to a statement issued by Arabinrin Aderonke , the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, the reports circulating in some media outlets are false and misleading. "No plans to raise VAT," FIRS assures Nigerians Aderonke stated, "The Nigerian Government is not proposing any such thing as the increment of VAT. Such reports should be ignored and discarded. It is false and misleading, as the FG is not planning to add to the economic burden of Nigerians." READ ALSO: Bill Gates blames Nigeria’s struggles on low tax collection She clarified that neither the Federal Ministry of Finance nor

Igbokwe begs Tinubu to lower electricity tariff after spending ₦20k in a day

The Lagos APC chieftain warned the President that businesses would be forced to shut down if the hike in electricity tariff isn't reviewed to reflect the economic reality. Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to review the new electricity tariff in the country. Igbokwe made the plea in a post on his Facebook page over the weekend. Recall the Federal Government has grouped electricity consumers in the country into different bands with customers in Band A enjoying more hours of power supply but also paying a higher tariff. Many Nigerians have called for a reverse of the policy, as individuals and businesses under Band A complained of spending too much on electricity. However, Igbokwe, a staunch supporter of Tinubu's presidency, appeared to have gotten his dose of the painful electricity charges some days ago. As revealed in his post, the APC chieftain lamented that ₦20,000 worth of units only last

I will win 2027 presidential election — Kwankwaso

Kwankwaso also called on the party’s leaders to redouble their commitment towards the success of the party in the state and the country as a whole. The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, says he will win the 2027 presidential election. Kwankwaso, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, made the bold prediction on Saturday when he inaugurated the NNPP Secretariat, along IBB Way, Katsina. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he was in Katsina for a condolence visit to the Yar’adua family over the death of their matriarch, Hajiya Dada . According to him, the party is ready to take over the presidency, states and other positions across the country come 2027. He explained that the party was heading towards success in the 2027 General Elections. The Kwankwasiyya leader said, “I wish to remind you that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is already dead, because we were in the party, since they have gone out of the lin

Kano gov postpones schools’ resumption date indefinitely

Kiru appealed to the people concerned especially the students, parents and guardians to bear with any inconveniences that may be caused by the postponement. Kano State Government has postponed the resumption date of both Primary and Post Primary Schools for the commencement of the 2024/2025 academic session. This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano by Balarabe Kiru , Director, Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Education. According to him, the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Umar Doguwa , said the decision was compelled by some undisclosed ‘urgent reasons’. Kiru quoted Doguwa as saying that a new date would soon be announced by the ministry. ” I wish to inform pupils, students and parents that the announcement earlier made for school resumption on 8th and 9th Sept 2024 is now being postponed. ”This is due to some urgent reasons that will help in improving the provision of a conducive learning atmosphere for our children. “Another date for the resumption wil

PDP hails Appeal Court judgment affirming Ighodalo’s eligibility

The party’s spokesman added that the judgment also brought to an end, the propaganda of the APC and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo , against the PDP and its candidate. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the Court of Appeal over its judgment affirming the eligibility of Dr Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate for the Sept. 21 Edo governorship election. The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba , in Abuja on Friday, described the judgment as another victory for the collective will and aspiration of the people of Edo. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Court of Appeal on Friday affirmed the authenticity of Ighodalo’s voter’s card, the subject of litigation filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ologunagba said that the judgment was another triumph of truth over falsehood and propaganda. He said the court’s ruling that the appeal lacked merit and was based on flawed assumption, was proof that the several court cases

FG increases inmates’ feeding allowance by 50%

The spokesperson stated that since the change in name of the organisation, significant progress has been made in reforming those who were in NCoS custody. The Federal Government has increased the feeding allowance for inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCos) by 50 per cent. The service spokesperson, Umar Abubakar , made the disclosure at the monthly news conference organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC). This month’s conference was hosted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday in Abuja. Abubakar said that the review was effective from August 2024 and was being implemented to cushion the high cost of food in the nation. “The government has actually reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates in our custody by 50 per cent, and this is just the first phase of the review. “The government is also looking at the next phase, where they will actually improve the allowances of the inmates,” he said. He debunked a viral video dep

Ibadan residents lament ‘unbearable’ increment in transport fares

Residents said the hardship brought about by the recent increase was sudden and agonising. Some residents of Ibadan have described the sudden increase in transport fares, following the announcement of a new petroleum pump price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as unbearable. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that NNPC announced a new pump price effective Tuesday. The residents told NAN in separate interviews in Ibadan on Wednesday that the hardship brought about by the recent increase was sudden and agonising. An accountant with a private organisation, Sola Famakinwa , said he spent more than ₦3,000 for a ₦1,500 trip from his house to his office. “Before I used to board Mokola from Apata for N500 but now it is ₦800; Mokola to Gate has also increased from ₦150 to ₦300. “It is worse if you take a commercial motorcycle (Okada). You will eventually spend so much more than you can imagine on a day’s journey. “Things have to change for people to be able

Abure pushed out as Obi-led stakeholders pick Usman as caretaker chairman

Senator Usman will lead the caretaker committee which is expected to resolve the crisis in the party and organise a convention within 90 days. Extended stakeholders of the Labour Party, including its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, have appointed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the party’s Caretaker Committee Chairman. The decision, which was reached at a stakeholders meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State capital, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, was aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections . Usman is a former Minister of Finance who also represented Kaduna South senatorial district in the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015. The 29-member Caretaker Committee has the immediate past Senate Minority Deputy Leader, Senator Darlington Nwokocha from Abia Central as its Secretary. The committee has been given 90 days to resolve the leadership crisis and organise a convention where a new leadership of the party

No plan to stage protest over fuel price increase, Nigerian students

Akinteye called for a collective effort to ensure that the integrity of the nation’s democratic processes and the rule of law were upheld at all times. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has debunked the planned protest rumours to shut down the country, calling on security agencies to apprehend instigators. The President of the Senate, NANS Headquarters, Babatunde Akinteye , debunked the rumours in a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday. Akinteye said the leadership of NANS was aware of rumours and misinformation circulating across various platforms, suggesting that NANS was planning a massive shutdown of the nation’s major cities. “We wish to categorically state that NANS has not announced or endorsed any such protest. “These reports are entirely baseless and do not reflect the position or intentions of our organisation. “As the umbrella body representing the interests of Nigerian students, we have always been committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive

Global leaders converge in Nigeria for strategic dialogue against poverty

Experts urge more inclusive policies to address poverty and gender disparities to foster a more equitable society. As Nigeria's poverty index remains a pressing concern, the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) is set to host the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2024 (GS-24) to address Nigeria's escalating poverty crisis. New reports highlight that over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Systemic issues, including a lack of gender inclusivity in economic opportunities, exacerbate the economic disparity. Women, who constitute a significant portion of the impoverished, face severe barriers to economic participation and empowerment. Despite various government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation, gender inequality persists, with women often excluded from key decision-making roles and economic advancements. Experts urge more inclusive policies to address poverty and gender disparities to foster a more equitable society. READ ALSO: Economic expert warns ₦897 fuel p

Nigeria and China strengthen ties with 5 key MoUs signed in Beijing

This meeting is expected to set the stage for deeper collaboration between the two countries, with a focus on mutual growth and regional stability. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping have solidified a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China. The encounter marked the transition of their relationship into a comprehensive developmental partnership, a significant milestone for both nations. President Tinubu, through his X handle, announced the signing of five key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during the discussions. These MOUs, which include agreements on the Belt and Road Initiative and the peaceful application of nuclear energy, mark significant steps in the deepening of the Nigeria-China partnership. These agreements highlight the growing cooperation between Nigeria and China, particularly in areas critical to Nigeria's development. President Bola Tinubu was given a guard of honour as he was welcomed by Chinese Presid

Presidency defends Tinubu's stance on fuel subsidy amid rising costs

The presidency hinted that relief might come with the operationalisation of the Dangote Refinery and other local refineries In response to recent criticisms, the Presidency has firmly defended President Bola Tinubu's stance on fuel subsidy removal. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga clarified that the current administration has not reintroduced fuel subsidies, contrary to media claims. Onanuga emphasised that subsidy provisions have been entirely removed from the national budget since May 29, 2023, when President Tinubu announced the deregulation of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sector. "There is no discovery. No lie uncovered," Onanuga stated, responding to allegations that the government had secretly continued subsidising fuel. He further explained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited's decision to absorb rising petrol costs is a temporary measure aimed at shielding consumers from financial strain. READ ALSO:

NLC demands immediate reversal of new pump price of petrol

Ajaero said the Congress felt a deep sense of betrayal by the increase in the pump price of petrol. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate reversal of the new price increase in the pump price of petrol across the country. The Congress made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its President, Joe Ajaero , and made available to newsmen. The Nigerian Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL) on Tuesday morning, reportedly directed an increase in its pump price of between ₦568 – ₦617 per litre to ₦855 – ₦897 per litre, depending on the area. Although, the company had denied issuing the directive, checks at NNPCL retail stations in Abuja reflected the new price of ₦897 per litre Reacting to the development, Ajaero said the Congress felt a deep sense of betrayal by the increase in the pump price of petrol. He recalled that one of the reasons for accepting ₦70,000 as national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of petrol would not b

5 times Wike went against PDP and faced no penalty

This pattern of behaviour suggests that Wike operates with a level of autonomy rarely seen in Nigerian politics, making him a formidable and unpredictable figure within the party. Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has a history of openly defying the People's Democratic Party (PDP) without facing significant consequences. His actions have often been controversial, yet he remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics. Here are five instances where Wike defied the PDP, and nothing substantial happened. 1. Formation of the G-5 Governors G-5 governors storm Aso Rock 2 [Twitter:@Tosquo] In the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, Wike, alongside four other governors, formed the G-5, a group within the PDP that challenged the party's leadership. The group was formed out of dissatisfaction with Atiku Abubakar 's emergence as the party's presidential candidate. It argued that the PDP'