Ridoola's blog

The Naira appreciated on Friday's official market, trading at N1,492.49 against the Dollar. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website showed the Naira gained N6.57. This marks a 0.44 per cent increase compared to Thursday, Feb. 27, when it closed at N1,499.07 to the Dollar. The local currency ended Wednesday’s trading at N1,499.11 against the Dollar. The Naira has remained relatively stable following CBN reforms aimed at ensuring transparency in the Foreign Exchange (FX) market. Analysts have praised the CBN for the steady progress of the Naira since December 2024. However, Prof. Jonathan Aremu , a retired CBN Director, has warned that it is too soon to celebrate. Aremu, a Professor of International Economic Relations at Covenant University, is also a Regional Expert on Trade and Investment for ECOWAS. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, Aremu called for increased production to sustain the Naira’s gains. He described the currency’s steady appr...

Mudashiru Obasa, the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has publicly apologised to security agencies for the assault on Department of State Services (DSS) operatives within the Assembly complex on February 17. In a statement issued on Thursday, February 27, Obasa expressed deep regret over the incident and acknowledged the embarrassment it caused the DSS and the Nigerian Police Force. "On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I hereby apologise to the security agencies, for the embarrassment caused them, and in particular the assault on security operatives of the DSS as widely circulated in videos," Obasa said. He emphasised the Assembly’s longstanding relationship with security agencies, stating that their presence had been requested on that day for additional support. "It is regrettable that security operatives of the DSS had to be assaulted in the hallowed chambers of our State Assembly, " he added. "We plead on behalf of ...

Nigeria's electoral system is in dire need of reforms to curb wasteful spending and improve voter participation, according to findings presented by YIAGA Africa at the launch of its voter turnout report in Abuja. Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo , highlighted the staggering financial losses incurred due to low voter turnout. He noted that in the 2023 elections, 93 million registered voters received ballot papers, but only 27% participated, leaving over 500 million sheets unused. “These billions of naira could have been allocated to healthcare, education, and business support instead of being wasted on unused ballot papers,” Itodo told reporters at the launch of the voter turnout report. He advocated for scrapping the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) requirement, arguing that the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) already maintains voter records. “It doesn’t make sense that we’re still using PVCs when the BVAS contains the voters register. Many Nigerians wer...

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a lawmaker representing Abia Central Senatorial District, has appealed to former Military Head of State General Yakubu Gowon to write a memoir and document his firsthand account of the 1966 coup led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu. The fallout of the infamous coup, controversially referred to as an " Igbo coup" by some citizens, has continued to divide opinions in the country. This is coming amid the revelation of another former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in his recently released autobiography in which he documented his version of what transpired in the bloody coup. IBB's account countered the long-held narrative that officers who carried out the coup were largely of Igbo extraction, and they deliberately killed leaders of other majority ethnic groups. ALSO READ: He just had to go - Babangida explains why he overthrew Buhari's regime Babangida explains that while Nzeogwu was Igbo by ethnicity, he was born and raised in...

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared N 1.703 trillion in revenue among the Federal Government, states and Local Government Councils (LGCs) for January. This is according to a communiqué made available to reporters by Bawa Mokwa , the Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), on Thursday in Abuja, at the end of the FAAC meeting. According to the communiqué, the total revenue of N1.703 trillion was comprised of N749.7 billion in statutory revenue and N718.781 billion in Value-Added tax (VAT) revenue. It also comprised Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N20.548 billion and Augmentation of N214 billion. It said that the total gross revenue of N2.641 trillion was available in January. “Total deduction for the cost of collection was N107.786 billion while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings was N830.663 billion, ” it said. It said that gross statutory revenue of N1.848 trill...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) has officially ratified the zoning of its national chairmanship position to the North-West. This was disclosed on Wednesday, February 26, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, while addressing journalists at the end of the NEC meeting. “The NEC has ratified the zoning of the national chairmanship position to the North-West,” Morka confirmed. READ ALSO: Buhari, El-Rufai, Amaechi snub APC NEC meeting amid internal crisis The chairmanship position was previously zoned to the North-Central, which led to Senator  Abdullahi Adamu's emergence  as the party’s chairman.  However, a major internal crisis within the APC resulted in the resignation of Adamu and the former National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore. Following their resignations, former Kano State Governor Dr.  Abdulahi Adamu  took over as chairman, while Senator Ajibola Basiru assumed the role of National Secr...

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, has expressed uncertainty about whether former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is a member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Morka stated, “By the way, let me not say this, because I don’t know how to check. I don’t know if he’s a member of NEC. Certainly a member of caucus, but I don’t know that he’s a member of NEC. I mean, I doubt that.” El-Rufai was notably absent from the NEC meeting held at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Key party leaders, including President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  Vice President  Kashim Shettima,  Senate President  Godswill Akpabio , and Speaker of the House of Representatives  Tajudeen Abbas , were in attendance. The meeting followed a national caucus meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The top absentees However, tensions within the ruling party have been esca...

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has raised the alarm over threats to her life and the safety of the agency's officials. Adeyeye made this known at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, where he provided updates on the agency's ongoing nationwide enforcement against fake drugs. She disclosed that NAFDAC officials constantly face danger while coming down heavily on fake and substandard pharmaceutical products across the country. Therefore, she urged the authorities to provide them with better protection. ALSO READ: NAFDAC seals over 11,000 shops, arrests 40 in ongoing crackdown against fake drugs The NAFDAC DG renewed her call for the application of the death penalty against dealers of counterfeit drugs , describing them as merchants of death who put millions of lives at risk. “One of our staff members in Kano had his child kidnapped because he refused to co...

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has endorsed the call for President Bola Tinubu to posthumously declare Chief MKO Abiola as Nigeria’s rightful President. Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, confirmed the group’s position on Tuesday, aligning with an earlier demand by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who urged the federal government to take decisive action in honouring Abiola’s legacy. “We support the proposal. In fact, we reached the same resolution during our monthly meeting on Tuesday,” Faloye told Punch. He noted that while former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) honour on Abiola, traditionally reserved for Presidents, Tinubu should go further. “If Tinubu could take this next step, it would be a welcome rectification of a historic political injustice,” Faloye added. Earlier, Senator Kalu, representing Abia North, had called for Abiola’s formal recognition as a former President,...

The Obidient Movement has unveiled a new logo ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, reinforcing its commitment to accountability, equity, and good governance. In a statement on Tuesday, February 25, Dr Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the movement, said the new emblem symbolises the values and aspirations of the Obidient family. At the centre of the logo is the image of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate. “His face on this logo is more than a reflection of an individual; it represents the collective hope of millions who believe governance should serve the people, not the privileged few,” Yunusa said. According to him, Obi’s leadership embodies “integrity, humility, and tireless service,” inspiring a movement dedicated to justice and meritocracy. "This logo is a bold declaration of our commitment to justice, equity, and the pursuit of a better Nigeria—a nation where merit prevails over mediocrity, where every citizen’s voice matters, and where ...

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has threatened legal action against former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, following revelations in his newly released autobiography. Babangida’s book, presented to the public last week, detailed key events from his time in the military, including the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The former leader admitted that the election—widely considered Nigeria’s most credible—was won by the late Moshood Abiola, a revelation that has reignited public outrage. Reacting to Babangida’s confessions, Falana, who was jailed during the military regime for protesting the annulment, accused the retired general of malicious prosecution. Speaking on Channels Television, the senior advocate said he is assembling a legal team to challenge Babangida’s past actions. “I’ve assembled a team of lawyers, they’re looking into it,” Falana declared. “He [Babangida] has now admitted there was no basis for my prosecution ...

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is united, stronger, focused and supportive of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Uzodinma said this while briefing newsmen at the end of the party’s caucus meeting presided over by President Tinubu, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday. The governor debunked claims that the party operated as a one-man show, adding that the APC’s diverse representation across six geopolitical zones, including governors from various states at the meeting, underscored its inclusive nature. He said the party’s structure, as outlined in its constitution, included multiple leadership positions and a hierarchical framework that ensured broad participation in decision-making processes. READ ALSO: Tinubu rejected me - El-Rufai finally breaks silence “Our party is united, stronger, focused, and supportive of the government. We need to celebrate our own. “The government is heavily supported by the APC, and from ti...

French President Emmanuel Macron has backed former US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic outreach to Russia over Ukraine but insisted that any European troop deployment must be reinforced by American support. Speaking at a joint press conference at the White House on Monday, Macron stressed the need for a robust and enforceable peace deal. “We want a quick deal but not a fragile one,” he stated. Macron, who previously engaged Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022 in a failed attempt to avert the invasion of Ukraine, acknowledged the shift in US leadership. “There is good reason for President Trump to re-engage with President Putin,” he said, emphasising the importance of renewed dialogue. READ ALSO: China supports Trump-Putin negotiations on ending Russia-Ukraine War However, he cautioned against repeating past mistakes. “In 2014, our predecessors negotiated peace with President Putin, but because of the lack of guarantees and especially security guarantees, President Put...

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has accused President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu of orchestrating his failed ministerial nomination. Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, el-Rufai alleged, "The President did not want me in his cabinet." However, public affairs analyst Reno Omokri has refuted the claim, asserting that security concerns, not political manoeuvring, led to el-Rufai’s exclusion. “Nothing could be further from the truth. President Tinubu nominated him, and his name was duly sent to the National Assembly,” Omokri stated. Omokri explained that el-Rufai failed the mandatory security clearance required for ministerial appointments. READ ALSO: Omokri blasts El-Rufai for attacking Ribadu He said multiple security agencies flagged the former governor as a "diplomatic liability" due to his controversial past statements and actions. On Nasir el-Rufai's Allegations Against President Tinubu and NSA Ribadu...

Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, has accused Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), of orchestrating a campaign to tarnish his reputation due to Ribadu’s alleged 2031 presidential ambition. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, February 25, El-Rufai claimed that Ribadu is working alongside Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to discredit him. “This project of ‘destroy Nasir el-Rufai’ is Nuhu Ribadu’s conception. He is the architect and builder of that project. He is the one working with Uba Sani to implement it. So far, it has been frustrating for them,” el-Rufai stated. READ ALSO: NSA Ribadu’s critics are driven by envy – Hamzat Lawal The former governor alleged that Ribadu sees him as a political threat and is taking steps to neutralise him ahead of the 2031 presidential race. “Somebody wants to destroy my reputation. Why? Nuhu Ribadu wants to be president in 2031. He...

The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a 23-year-old man for prosecution for allegedly beating his girlfriend to death. The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin , confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday in Lagos. He said the suspect committed the offence on Friday at about 8:00 pm at Ijedodo, Isheri-Osun area of the state. ALSO READ: ' Evil' husband in jail for pouring hot oil on wife, stabbing her during dispute Hundeyin said that a neighbour reported the incident at the Isheri-Osun Police Divisional Station. The neighbour said that he saw the suspect beating his girlfriend in his room for a reason yet to be determined. He said a few minutes later, the suspect screamed for help and getting to his apartment, he met his girlfriend lying unconscious on the bed with visible marks of violence found on her body. The girl was immediately rushed to the hospital in Ijegun, where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, Hundeyin said. EXPLORE: Je...

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against undermining democracy in Osun State and urged adherence to due process in local government administration. Speaking on Sunday, February 23, at the swearing-in ceremony of 30 newly elected local government chairmen in Osun, Makinde warned against using federal influence to disrupt democratic processes. “ We were recently in Lagos for the South-West Governors’ Forum meeting, where both PDP and APC governors were present. Our goal is to work together for the development of our region. Governance is about delivering the dividends of democracy to the people, ” Makinde said. He expressed concern over recent unrest in Osun, which resulted in the loss of lives, and cautioned against a repeat of the region’s turbulent political history. “We do not want a return to the ‘Wild Wild West’ days. We must allow the democratic process to run its course. Even if a court ruling is in your favour, there is a leg...

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has extolled the ongoing economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, saying that they were already yielding positive results. Ganduje made this statement during an empowerment programme’ organised by  the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, where 1,200 vehicles and motorcycles were distributed to party leaders on Sunday in Kano. He lauded the administration’s commitment to restructuring Nigeria’s economy, saying that the reforms have brought about greater stability. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we have witnessed substantial progress in revitalizing the economy. READ ALSO: Northern leaders reject Ganduje’s call for Tinubu’s re-election “These efforts are already yielding results, including improved infrastructure, job creation, and growth across various sectors. “The recent reduction in food prices, the drop in petrol costs, and the appreciation of the naira are ...

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says over 11,000 shops have been sealed and 40 individuals arrested in its ongoing nationwide clampdown on fake and substandard medicines. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye , disclosed this to reporters in Lagos on Saturday. Adeyeye said the enforcement was planned over a year as covert operations. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAFDAC, on February 10, commenced enforcement operations at the Idumota open drugs market, Ariaria drug market in Aba and Bridge market in Onitsha. ALSO READ: Aba Cemetery a hub for fake wines, beverages in Africa, NAFDAC closes market again According to the Agency, enforcement operations at the three markets, which are the hub of the distribution of over 80 percent of medications, will rid the country of falsified and unregistered drugs. Adeyeye said that over 20 trucks of substandard drugs were evacuated at different locations in Aba, not less ...

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra has pledged to collaborate with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to eliminate fake, substandard, and adulterated drugs from the market. Soludo made the promise on Saturday in Onitsha while addressing traders of Ogbo Ogwu and surrounding markets, which were recently shut down by NAFDAC for dealing in counterfeit and expired drugs. The governor recalled that the market was also shut for four months in 2007, emphasising that such actions were crucial for collective safety. “The enforcement is being carried out by NAFDAC. We are here to solve the problem,” he said. Soludo mentioned a meeting with the head of the plumbing market, who expressed shock at the discovery of counterfeit drugs in the area. “He did not know that such illicit drugs could be found here. “I’m not here as a politician, but to address the issue at hand—the high rate of fake drugs in the market. “These drugs are so dangerous that taking m...

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential torchbearer in the 2023 presidential election, has said Nigeria has deteriorated since former military head of state Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) left office in 1993. In a post on his X , the former Anambra State governor commented on the launch of Babangida’s long-awaited autobiography, 'A Journey in Service.' He argued that Nigeria was better off under IBB. Obi attended the event in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, 2025, alongside other dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu , former leaders Yakubu Gowon , Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan , and former vice presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar . In his X message, he lauded the former military ruler for contributing to Nigeria's economy and said his strong support for entrepreneurship and private sector growth remains immeasurable. Highlighting his two takeaways from the keynote and Babangida's remark on the June 12 , 1993 election, Obi said Nigeria ...

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says Vice Adm. Jibrin Usman, a former Naval Chief, is still on its wanted list. Also on its wanted list is retired Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Bauka . The ICPC Spokesperson, Demola Bakare , said in an Abuja statement on Friday that the duo were wanted for alleged N3bn fraud. Bakare said that there was still a subsisting arrest warrant against the two ex-military officers, and the criminal charges against them were never withdrawn. He said any claim that the amended charges by ICPC have exonerated the duo of charges concerning embezzlement and abuse of office is fallacious and should be disregarded. ”It should be clearly stated that there is a subsisting arrest warrant against the two ex-military officers; whoever sees them could assist in bringing them to justice. ”For the avoidance of doubt, the charges against them were only amended, not withdrawn,” he said. According to him, ICPC does not clear anybody of a...

Public affairs analyst Jide Ojo and gender advocate Zainab Yahaya-Tanko have decried the Nigerian government’s failure to implement the 35% affirmative action policy for women’s inclusion in governance, blaming political inertia, cultural biases, and economic constraints. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on tracking the implementation of the court judgment on affirmative action, Ojo criticised the lack of commitment among political leaders. “Most men in decision-making positions have wives and daughters, yet they fail to act against gender discrimination,” he said. Despite existing policies, such as the National Gender Policy and gender inclusion provisions in the electoral law, women remain largely marginalised. “We are at the very rock bottom of the global gender participation index. Even countries under military rule fare better than Nigeria, ” he added. Ojo identified patriarchy and financial barriers as major obstacles, citing the cost of election nomination forms as a de...

Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the last Kogi governorship election, has called for the ouster of Godswill Akpabio as the President of the Senate following an incident between the latter and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was ordered out of the plenary by Akpabio on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after she started a protest over a seating arrangement. Having discovered that her seat had been changed without her consent, the lawmaker questioned the rationale behind the decision. “Why was my seat moved without my consent?” she queried, refusing to be silenced. However, the situation quickly escalated, prompting the Senate President to order the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove the lawmaker from the plenary. ALSO READ: Akpabio succumbs, apologises to Senator Natasha over ‘nightclub’ comment But Natasha resisted, standing her ground and defiantly declaring, “ I am not afraid of you, and ...

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has successfully arrested K Jeff, a notorious Nigerian drug syndicate leader, in a high-profile joint operation. K Jeff, 59, was the mastermind behind a vast global drug trafficking and scam network operating across Southeast Asia, Africa, Korea, the United States, and Europe. His syndicate smuggled narcotics while orchestrating elaborate romance and investment scams to deceive unsuspecting individuals into acting as drug couriers. Authorities say his victims were often tricked into transporting drug-laced backpacks, groceries, or confectionery under the guise of delivering gifts. READ ALSO: NDLEA intercepts 2,000kg cannabis coming from Ghana at Lagos beach One such victim, a Korean woman in her 50s, was arrested last year while unknowingly smuggling cocaine from Brazil to Cambodia via Korea. Korean intelligence officials have linked K Jeff to a Nigeri...

The United States government has strongly denied allegations that funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are being channelled to Boko Haram or any terrorist group. Speaking after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, dismissed the claims, assuring Nigerians that strict measures are in place to prevent aid misuse. "Let me be clear—there is no friend of Nigeria stronger in condemning Boko Haram’s violence than the United States. We have designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation since 2013, blocking the group from transferring assets to the US," Mills stated. The controversy arose after US Congressman Scott Perry, during a congressional hearing on February 13, alleged that USAID funds were indirectly reaching terrorist groups , including Boko Haram. Perry claimed that "$697 million annually" was being misused. Under Obama and Biden, USAID Was Funding Bok...

Council chairmen and councillors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform have succeeded in taking control of various local government areas in Osun, heightening tension in the state after a day of bloodshed. The officials who Governor Ademola Adeleke had sacked resumed work at various LG secretariats in the state on Wednesday, February 19, 2024. This development comes despite the Governor's order to shut down the councils following the ensuing violence after the officials' initial attempt to resume on Monday, February 17, 2024. No fewer than six people have been confirmed dead by the police after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC supporters clashed in secretariats across the state. ALSO READ: ‘The world is watching’: Atiku warns Tinubu, lambasts APC over Osun crisis The council officials were elected during the regime of Adegboyega Oyetola , the former Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, but they were sacked by his successor, tr...

Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, the Vatican confirmed on Monday, describing his condition as "complex." The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling a respiratory infection for over a week and remains under medical care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. A follow-up chest CT scan revealed "the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy," the Vatican stated. While the Pope’s condition remains serious, he is reportedly in " good spirits," spending his time "reading, resting and praying." READ ALSO: Pope Francis prays for Trump, criticizes immigration plans ahead of inauguration The Vatican also confirmed that all of Pope Francis’ public events have been cancelled until Sunday. He had been scheduled to lead events for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year but had already been delegating speeches to officials due to lingering bronchitis symptoms. The Pope, who previously suffered from pleurisy and had part...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pegged nomination and expression of interest forms for  the Anambra governorship election at  N40 million. This is contained in a letter by  Mr Umar  Bature, the  PDP National Organising Secretary to the party’s Chairman in Anambra, Mr Chidi Chidebe. The letter was titled:   “Release of Timetable and Schedule of Activities.” Bature stated that the PDP  National Working Committee (NWC) had  approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra. He also stated that the NWC  pegged the nomination form at N35 million and expression of interest at Five million Naira. “It is important to draw your attention to the new highlights according to the approved timetable. “The fees for the nomination and expression of interest have been reviewed upward to reflect the current economic situation in the country. To this effect, please find below the current approv...

Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecommunications operator (Telco), has significantly adjusted its data pricing structure. A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) using the *312# code and on the Airtel website showed the revised data prices. According to the telco’s website, the revision, which affects various data bundles, is aimed at mitigating the impact of escalating operational costs on the company’s operations, amidst a challenging economic landscape. ALSO READ: MTN Nigeria plans 100% tariff hike on calls, data packages The revised data plans, published on its website, include daily plans: N50 for 40MB (valid for 1 day), N100 for 100MB (valid for 1 day), N200 for 200MB (valid for 3 days), and N350 for 1GB (valid for 1 day). On the other hand, weekly plans have become N350 for 350MB (valid for 7 days), N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify (valid for 7 days), N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials (valid for 7 d...

Nigerian lawmaker Philip Agbese has filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan over allegations that he and two other legislators sought a $150 million bribe. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Monday, February 17, under case number FCT/HC/CV/576/2025, accuses Gambaryan of falsely linking Agbese to corruption in social media posts. The suit seeks financial damages, a public apology, and a court order restraining further defamatory statements. According to Agbese’s legal counsel, Barrister S. Ihensekhien , Gambaryan’s claims were “ false, malicious, and intended to damage the lawmaker’s reputation.” The lawsuit states that Agbese has never owned a cryptocurrency account nor engaged in digital currency transactions. The controversy began when Gambaryan, Binance’s Chief Compliance Officer, accused Agbese and two other lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe through cryptocurrency transactions. H...

Senator Ali Ndume has asserted that Nigeria should not rely on foreign aid, emphasising that the country has enough resources to support its citizens and even assist others. Speaking on Channels Television, the senator representing Borno South stressed that Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of resources but poor leadership. “What I’m saying is that the security and welfare of Nigerian citizens is the responsibility of the government. It is not the responsibility of any other government or any other country,” Ndume said. He called for a shift in mindset, urging Nigeria to become a donor nation rather than a recipient of aid. READ ALSO: VIDEO: US Congressman Scott Perry accuses USAID of funding Boko Haram under Obama, Biden “This is like a wake-up call for all of us to stand up. We have everything. The only problem is in the leadership,” he added. His comments come in the wake of the Trump administration’s decision to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),...

An Islamic Cleric, Dr Sharafudeen Aliagan,  has called on  Nigerian political leaders to always obey the laws of God in the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed. Aliagan made the call at a Pre-Ramadan lecture and prayer for the country on Sunday in Abuja organised by the leadership of  Late Alhaji Mohammed Lawal (former Kwara governor) Mosque in Abuja. Aliagan,  who is also the Chairman and Founder of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, said that Ramadan was a period when people tried to get close to Allah and do away with sin. “My message to politicians and political leaders is that they should learn more about their religion and obey the laws of Allah and teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed. “As they strategise for politics, they should spiritually strategise and prepare for Ramanda to  enable them more. “Politics ends here on earth, but your records with Allah will last long even to the day of judgement. “Be prepared and do the right th...

The Nigerian Naira continued to strengthen against major foreign currencies in the parallel market on Saturday, February 15, 2025. However, more than 16 hours after the market closed, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had yet to update the official exchange rates. In the black market, the Naira appreciated by ₦5 against the US dollar, trading at ₦1,565/$1, compared to ₦1,570/$1 the previous day. The official exchange rate from the apex bank remained at ₦1,507.88/$1, with no updated FX data available for February 14, 2025, as of 8:31 AM on Saturday. READ ALSO: 8 effective tactics to protect your naira from inflation Against the British Pound, the Naira also gained N5, trading at ₦1,980/£1, up from ₦1,985/£1 the previous day. The exchange rate for the Canadian Dollar remained unchanged at ₦1,200/CA$1. READ ALSO: Smart ways to manage your finances during Naira fluctuations Similarly, the Naira strengthened by N5 against the Euro, trading at ₦1,610/€1, compared to ₦1,615/€1 the da...