Ridoola's blog

Akpabio says though the nation is faced with numerous challenges, citizens should remain resolute and resilient. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed optimism for a better Nigeria, calling on Nigerians to remain patient, and hopeful, and to believe in the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for a better future. In a congratulatory message to Nigerians to mark the nation’s 64th independence anniversary, Akpabio commended the indomitable spirit of Nigerians over the years. He said though the nation had been faced with numerous challenges, the citizens, however, had remained resolute and resilient. “My fellow countrymen and women, on behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and indeed the 10th National Assembly. “I heartily extend my warmest congratulations to each and every one of you on this momentous day. “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey as a nation, and I am honoured and greatful to God to be a part of it. “It is axiomatic that as a nati...

The NLC representative noted that the benefits of the CNG buses would become more apparent once more buses were deployed across the country. The Federal Government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The handover of the buses took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary. Wale Edun , the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance led the government delegation to the handover ceremony. The delegation included Alhaji Mohammed Idris , Minister of Information and National Orientation, Senator Abubakar Bagudu , Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and Mr Ayodele Olawande , Minister of State for Youth Development. Edun said when deployed for commuter service, the buses would significantly reduce transportation c...

Tella lamented that the party had undergone a series of underserved traumas, various forms of unnecessary internal friction and judicial interventions. The newly elected Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of PDP, Abayomi Tella says he will ensure the party is rejuvenated, rebuilt and repositioned for success in the state. Tella said this after he was elected at the party’s state congress, supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Abeokuta on Saturday. He said that his leadership would restore the party’s heritage, and identity as one of the ruling political parties. He said that the true identity of the PDP was not that of an opposition but of a strong and ruling party, adding that the process of returning to the seat of power was imminent and must happen at the next polls. Tella lamented that the party had undergone a series of underserved traumas, various forms of unnecessary internal friction and judicial interventions. He expressed optimism that ...

Tunji-Ojo said that the FG had also intensified efforts towards re-enacting a legal framework that would strengthen the existing laws guiding fire service response in the country. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government has introduced new technology towards ensuring quick response in fire disasters across the country. Tunji-Ojo disclosed this during a High-Level Media Parley to mark his One-year in Office, on Friday in Abuja. He said that one of his cardinal objectives upon assumption of duty was to introduce a cutting-edge technology that would go a long way to reduce response time in the event of any fire outbreak. “One of our most important goals was to reduce response time and ensure that the Federal Fire Service, (FFS) is better placed and prepared to deal with emergencies swiftly and effectively. “We have in the last one year inaugurated new operational vehicles, electric gadgets and other fire fighting equipment to enhance their operati...

The donation is part of a broader campaign that began in July last year to encourage innovation in technical and vocational education. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has kicked off the second phase of a nationwide initiative to distribute tablet computers to public school students, beginning with 50 students at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja. The goal is to provide five million tablets nationwide, empowering students with technical and vocational skills to prepare them for the modern workforce. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, Abiola Arogundade , highlighted the initiative's alignment with Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda." Speaking during the donation, she said, "The President mandated relevant agencies, including my office, to train not less than five million Nigerians annually in diverse skills, not only to make them employable but also to enable them to ...

Onanuga said the law that set up the NIMC initially precludes foreigners from being issued NIN. Foreigners in Nigeria may soon be compelled to register for the National Identity Number (NIN) as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) proposed an amendment to the National Identity Management Commission Act №23, 2007. Bayo Onanuga , the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this known while briefing the State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Onanuga said the law that set up the NIMC initially precludes foreigners from being issued NIN. Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy and Mr O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Digital Communication and Engagement, briefing State House correspondents on Wednesday [NAN] According to him, if the bill scales through at the National Assembly, every expatriate in the country would be given identification numbers. “If...

The media office of Yahaya Bello says the EFCC is bent on tarnishing the ex-governor's image for political reasons. The Media Office of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Kogi State’s immediate past governor, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is driven by desperation and ulterior motives in its prosecution of Bello. In a statement issued in Lokoja on Wednesday, Director Ohiare Michael said: “The EFCC’s operational and procedural blunders since the inception of the money laundering case against Bello reveal its true intentions.” Michael noted that the EFCC’s actions, including its statement titled “ Yahaya Bello Must Have His Day in Court,” demonstrated a fixation on tarnishing Bello’s image for political reasons. He cited the events of 18 September, where Bello voluntarily submitted to the agency but was not detained, followed by an overnight attack on the Kogi Government Lodge. Michael questioned the EFCC’s motives: “ If genuinely interested in prosecu...

The increase in corps members' allowance comes following an upward review of the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. The Federal Government has approved the increase of monthly allowance of corps members under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 effective from July 2024. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu , on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. According to Embu, the approval was contained in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25 2024 and signed by the Chairman, Ekpo Nta , in line with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. Before now, corps members were paid a monthly allowance of ₦33,000 following an upward review of the minimum wage to ₦30,000 in 2019. However, President Bola Tinubu signed into law, the new Minimum Wage Bill on July 29, 2024, which stipulated the sum of ₦70,000 as...

As investigations proceed, Bobrisky has urged his followers to disregard the rumours, maintaining his innocence. Controversial social media personality Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has denied allegations of bribing officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges against him. Social media influencer Martins Otse , also known as VeryDarkMan, made the claims in a viral audio recording that is currently circulating online. In the audio, Bobrisky was accused of paying ₦15 million to unnamed EFCC officers to avoid prosecution for money laundering. However, the crossdresser took to Instagram on Wednesday morning to refute the accusations, calling the viral voice note fake and misleading. READ ALSO: Bribery scandal rocks EFCC over Bobrisky's case "My attention has been drawn to a fake voice recording circulating on the internet that I paid EFCC 15 million naira and that I was never in prison," he wrote. Bob...

The investigation is expected to clarify the case and address concerns regarding corruption within the EFCC. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into bribery allegations involving its personnel, social media influencer Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, and activist Martins Otse, a.k.a. VeryDarkMan. Bobrisky, who had faced charges related to naira abuse and money laundering, claimed in a viral video shared by Otse that he paid ₦15 million to unnamed EFCC officers to have the charges dropped. In response, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede ordered a probe and summoned Bobrisky and Otse to assist in the investigation at the EFCC's Lagos Directorate. In a statement, EFCC's Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale , confirmed the investigation, stating, "The EFCC chairman has ordered an immediate investigation of alleged bribery... To this end, the Commission hereby invites both Okuneye and Otse to make themselves availabl...

The minister expressed optimism that the figures would be multiplied in subsequent years in terms of tourist arrivals and revenue. Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism, on Tuesday, said that Nigeria played host to no fewer than 1.2 million international visitors in 2023. Ade-John disclosed this during the 20th edition of AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market in Lagos. The Minister said that Nigeria recorded three million trips within the period under review with a 20% boost compared to the figures generated in 2022. She expressed optimism that the figures would be multiplied in subsequent years, in terms of tourist arrivals and revenue. “Welcome to AKWAABA African Travel Market 2024, the continent’s premier travel and tourism event. Nigeria stands at the forefront of a tourism revolution, positioned to become a leading global destination. “Our numbers tell a compelling story, tourism contributed 3.65% ($17.3 billion) to our 2022 GDP, with vast untapped potential. The sector em...

The review of the 1999 Constitution also remains a key priority, with efforts aimed at restructuring governance in the country. The National Assembly, through a joint committee, is set to investigate allegations of economic sabotage in the petroleum sector. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed the joint effort, highlighting concerns over crude oil theft, refinery inefficiencies, and fuel supply disruptions. The National Assembly (NASS) has resolved to conduct a joint investigation into alleged economic sabotage within Nigeria's petroleum sector. Senator Bamidele, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate's ad hoc Committee, revealed that the investigation will now be handled by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. READ ALSO: Senate probes $1.5bn spent on Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation In a statement personally signed by Bamidele on Monday, September 23, he said, "The National Assembly will revisit its decision to decisively address chal...

The Africa's richest man acknowledged that the Arsenal's current value is now beyond his reach, with reports estimating it around $4 billion. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group, has expressed regret over not purchasing Arsenal Football Club when the opportunity arose. The Nigerian billionaire, who once aspired to own the North London club, revealed that he had to forgo the deal to complete his massive refinery project. In an interview with Bloomberg's Francine Lacqua in New York, Dangote explained how Arsenal's value was around $2 billion when he initially considered buying the club. However, his financial focus shifted to his refinery project, which became his priority. "I think that time has passed. The last time we spoke, I told you as soon as I finish with the refinery, I am going to try and buy Arsenal. But you know everything has gone up, and the club, too, is doing very well. At that time, Arsenal wasn't performing well,"...

The roads were awarded in addition to a contract for the repair and rehabilitation of Gamboru Bridge along Gambor-Ngala/Kala-Balge Road in Bornu. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the construction of 14 roads and bridges, which were badly affected by floods, in Ekiti State, Adamawa, Kebbi, and Enugu States. Works Minister David Umahi said this while addressing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting. He said the others are in Cross River State, Ondo State, Osun State, Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo states. He said the roads were awarded in addition to a contract for the repair and rehabilitation of Gamboru Bridge along Gambor-Ngala/Kala-Balge Road in Bornu. The minister said FEC also approved a new contract for the rehabilitation of Maraban-Kankara/Funtua Road in Katsina State and construction of 258 kilometer three-lane carriageway, a component of the 1,000 Sokoto/Badagry Super-highway, Section 2, Phase 2A. Likewise, he said FEC approved the contract for the constru...

Members of the committee include Mike Adenuga, Alhaji Karami Isyaku-Rabi’u, Folorusho Alakija. The Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation has donated ₦1 billion to the victims of the flood disaster in Borno. The fifth Wazirin Katsina, Alhaji Sani Lugga , who is a member of the committee disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday. He said, “Because of the unprecedented flood catastrophe in Maiduguri, Borno, the committee held an emergency meeting via Zoom on Sept. 11, 2024. “During the meeting, the sum of ₦1 billion was instantly approved for the procurement and supply of immediate and urgent relief materials to flood victims in Borno, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). “The 34 member Committee was established by former President Goodluck Jonathan on Oct. 9, 2012, with Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr Olisa Agbakoba as Co-Chairmen. ” Lugga explained that other members included: Alhaji Mohamed Indimi , Dr Mike Adenuga, Alhaj...

Okpebholo secured a total of 291,667 votes to defeat his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Asue Ighodalo, who got 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third in the race with 22,761 votes. As Edo State prepares for the leadership transition, the spotlight falls on Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected governor. A relatively lesser-known figure in Nigerian politics, Okpebholo's victory has sparked curiosity about his background, policies, and vision for the state. Here are five essential things to know about the governor-elect as he takes office. 1. Early life and academic background Okpebholo was born on 29 August 1970 in the Udomi-Uwessan community of Irrua. He attended Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School, both located in Uwesan Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area. He completed his secondary education in Jos, Plateau State, where he earned his senior school certificate. Following this, he ...

Tinubu commended APC national leaders, Edo leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve victory. President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s Edo governorship election, on his victory at the polls. Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, having defeated other contenders for the position. In a statement, Tinubu commended APC national leaders, Edo leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve victory, Bayo Onanuga , the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy. The President said the victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, progressive ideals, economic reengineering programme, and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. He urged Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a call to service. He encouraged him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his politica...

The President urged all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through legal channels. President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s Edo governorship election, on his victory at the polls. Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, September 22, 20224, having defeated other contenders for the position. Tinubu commended APC national leaders, Edo leaders and party governors for working hard to achieve victory, Bayo Onanuga , the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement. The President said the victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, progressive ideals, economic re-engineering programme and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. He urged Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a call to service. He encouraged him to demonstrate magnanimity by reach...

The Zamfara Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the state considering the lingering security challenges facing it. This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris . Idris said: “ We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to enforce a state of emergency in the state over insecurity. “People of Zamfara have lost confidence in the ability of the administration of Gov. Dauda Lawal to deal with the security situation in the state. “The Zamfara APC chapter commended the ongoing onslaught on bandits and terrorists in the state by the military in the North-Western states under the coordination and supervision of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.” According to Idris, the ongoing military operations in the North-West as directed by Tinubu are certainly yielding unpredictable unprecedented results. He added, “Bandits’ leaders ...

The APC urged Nigerians to disregard the results circulating on social media, showing that the opposition party is in the lead. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is holding a comfortable lead in the ongoing Governorship election in Edo State. Edo residents went to the poll on Saturday, September 21, 2024, to elect a successor to incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki whose eight-year double tenure will come to an end on November 12, 2024. The election was dubbed a three-horse race between Okpebholo and Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party's Olumide Akpata . Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has started uploading results from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal. Following this, some people have been bandying around figures on social media, suggesting that the PDP candidate has taken an unassailable lead. Reacting to this in a statement by its Nati...

The APC spokesman attributed the latest crisis to the PDP’s failure to adhere to its constitution on zoning and power sharing between the North and South zones. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied responsibility for the protracted leadership crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as alleged by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. Felix Morka , the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, made this statement on Friday in Abuja in response to comments attributed to the governor. Morka emphasised that the PDP’s crisis was self-inflicted and endemic, citing its history of leadership imbroglios that predated the APC’s formation. He said that the chaotic tenures of national chairmen Barnabas Gemade , Audu Ogbeh , Vincent Ogbulafor , Okwesilieze Nwodo , Bamanga Tukur , Ali Modu Sherriff , Ahmed Makarfi , Uche Secondus and Iyorchia Ayu attested to confusion in the PDP. The APC spokesman attributed the latest crisis to the PDP’s failure to adhere to its constitution o...

Kabir-Yusuf also promised to increase school enrollment and teacher training in the state. Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has launched the distribution of over 50,000 desks and chairs to primary schools in the state. Flagging off the exercise on Friday in Kano, Kabir-Yusuf said the furniture distribution signalled the beginning of interventions in the education sector. According to him, this is to fill the existing Infrastructural gap inherited from the previous administration. The governor, who explained that he met the state education sector in a deplorable condition, said efforts were being deployed to provide conducive teaching and learning environment for teachers and pupils. “This is in pursuant to our continued commitment to revamp the education sector. “Most of our pupils are sitting on the floor. This initiative is not merely about providing furniture but restoration of confidence and hope of transformation. “The desk we are distributing today is in addition t...

With each candidate bringing distinct strengths and challenges, the race remains wide open as Edo’s electorate weighs their options ahead of a crucial vote. The race for Edo State's governorship seat has gained momentum as three high-profile candidates from the state's major political parties gear up for a competitive election. These candidates, who represent the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP), bring different backgrounds, visions, and political strategies to the table. This analysis examines Senator Monday Okpebholo, Asue Ighodalo, and Olumide Akpata in more detail as they vie for the leadership of Edo State. Senator Monday Okpebholo - All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo [Presidency] Senator Okpebholo, the APC candidate, is a prominent political figure in Edo State with a solid legislative background. As a senator representing Edo Central, Okpebholo has built a reputation for championing ...

Sources within the EFCC said operatives could not take further action against Ododo due to the immunity he's enjoying as a serving governor. Some details have emerged on how the embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, evaded arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the State Governor's Lodge on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Bello slipped away from the grasp of the anti-graft agency again after a similar attempt to arrest him in April was thwarted by his successor in office, Governor Usman Ododo . The erstwhile Governor is wanted by the EFCC for having allegedly laundered ₦80.2 billion and operatives laid siege to the Kogi Government Lodge in the Asokoro District in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) late Wednesday to apprehend him. This came hours after Bello, accompanied by his legal counsel and Ododo, voluntarily visited the EFCC office as claimed by his media team. Despite the claim, the commission, in a statement by its sp...

He said that the police had perfected a top synergy with the Army, Air Force, DSS, Navy and other sister agencies to ensure a violent free election. The Police have warned individuals without assigned legitimate duties to steer clear of the Edo governorship election monitoring process. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, in charge of security for the election, Frank Mba , gave the warning at a news conference, on Thursday in Benin. Mba said that the individuals included those claiming to be media practitioners, election observers, vigilantes, and members of private security organisations. He said that only accredited personnel would be allowed to participate in the election monitoring process. The DIG said that anyone found infringing on this directive would be held accountable and arrested, if necessary. He reassured voters in Saturday’s election of unmatched security during and after the poll, warning troublemakers to also steer clear of the exercise. “We want to reassu...

Governor Mohammed alleged that the APC's plot was to ensure that the crisis in the PDP remains unresolved to keep the opposition party in perpetual disarray. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has claimed that the internal wranglings within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were engineered by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum, said this while receiving members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) at the Government House in Bauchi, the state capital on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. His allegation comes amid crises rocking the opposition in different states, including Rivers, Kaduna and Katsina, not forgetting the national level. In August, a former Kogi State lawmaker, Dino Melaye , accused the party's acting National Chairman , Ambassador Iliya Damagum; National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu ; and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature , of destroying the PDP. Melaye doubled down on his allegation l...

The EFFC operatives faced strong resistance from security personnel at the Governor's lodge, preventing them from effecting Bello's arrest. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made a fresh attempt to arrest the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, at the Kogi State Governor's lodge in the Asokoro District in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The attempted arrest comes hours after the embattled former Governor voluntarily appeared at the office of the anti-graft agency in the company of his successor, Governor Usamn Ododo , on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. According to a statement by Ohiare Michael , Director of Bello's Media Office, the EFCC refused to subject the politician to questioning and told him he was free to leave. However, in a twist on Wednesday night, operatives of the EFCC stormed the Governor's lodge where Bello was believed to be held and tried to arrest him but faced resistance from security personnel ma...

The FAAC noted a revenue decline compared to July, with gross statutory revenue dropping by ₦165.99 billion and VAT revenue decreasing by ₦51.99 billion. The Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed ₦1.2 trillion in revenue to the Federal Government, state governments, and Local Government councils for August 2024. This represents an 11% decrease from the ₦1.358 trillion shared in July. According to a statement released by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the distribution was announced at the September FAAC meeting in Abuja. The statement confirmed that the revenue disbursed in August included ₦186.636 billion in statutory revenue, ₦533.895 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), ₦15.02 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy, and ₦468.25 billion from exchange differences, providing a comprehensive breakdown of the revenue distribution. August revenue An analysis of the communiq...

Cardoso, President Tinubu's long-time ally assumed office as the CBN Governor in September 2023. The Presidency has debunked the report that President Bola Tinubu has asked Yemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to resign. The purported presidential directive to Cardoso became a social media topic on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, after reports by a online media outlet. The report claimed President Tinubu asked Cardoso to resign because he failed to save the economy and bring the naira to between ₦700 and ₦900 per dollar before May 29, 2024, as promised. The reports stated, “Cardoso, who reportedly secured the nomination for the plum job through the Yoruba Elders, allegedly lacks the knack to turn around the troubled institution and the poor economy he inherited. “Cardoso’s undoing, according to insiders, is his inability to live up to the promise he made to President Tinubu in January to salvage the naira and return it to between N700 and N900 to $1 be...

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...