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●●●Pleads For Patience From Nigerians  President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has said that the economic situation inherited by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, which has caused the current economic harship in the country, could be likened to a mirage, just as he pleaded for patience from Nigerians. Akpabio stated this in his remarks at the thanksgiving service in honour of Senator Barinada Mpigi at St. Cyprian's Anglican Church Koroma Parish, Diocese of Ogoni, on Saturday.  A statement by the Special Assistant on Media, to the Senate President, Mr Jackson Udom quoted Akpabio, as saying," the crowd here proves that Senator Mpigi is truly, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator. In the 10th Senate, God has melted us together because we see ourselves as Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not of any political party. According to Akpabio, "the economic situation that President Bola Tinubu inherited on assumption of office was v

The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, (SEOF) in continuation of it's founder's 65th birthday, today at the Anambra Police Command, Awka, handed over 1,000 bags of rice and 200 wrappers to Police officers wives.    In his keynote address, at the handing over of the items, the Chief of staff to Sir Emeka Offor, Mr. Chris Ezike, eulogized him for his magnanimity, which he said, has been extended to the wives of police officers in the state. He stressed that Sir Emeka Offor, even after celebrating his birthday last week, has gone on to share with the people of Anambra state and is happy that POWA are partakers of his kind gesture today.  He stressed, that Sir Emeka Offor, as a humanitarian and Philanthropist, saw reason to also share this love with wives of police men in the state.    Sir Emeka Offor, also used the occasion of the visit, to express his love for the force, especially for their commitment at ensuring that citizens of Anambra state came back to the state to cele

BY RAYMOND OZOJI As part of proactive measures to curb insecurity in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked the 36 state governors to support the activities and operations of Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in their respective states.  Tinubu who made the appeal at a crucial meeting with governors of the 36 states at the State House Abuja, underscored the pivotal role of hunters in combing the forests,  stressing that they were veritable security alternatives that would complement the services of the Nigeria Police and other conventional security agencies in the country.  He noted that the activation of hunters in all the states of the federation would help a great deal to drastically reduce crimes especially forest related crimes.  Although the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service Establishment Bill awaited the assent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he urged state governors to provide logistics as well as operational equipment to enabl

The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, (SEOF) in continuation of it's founder's 65th birthday, yesterday at Oraifite, handed over palliatives to all correctional centers across Anambra state. In a brief event at the Blaze FM radio house, Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local government area of Anambra state, handed out 400 bags of rice, 1000 cartons of Indomie noodles, and 50 cartons of Izal disinfectant to the head of the correctional service in the state, Comptroller, Usifo Joseph Ehimeme, which will be distributed to  Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi, and Aguata correctional centers respectfully.  In his keynote address, the Chief of staff to Sir Emeka,  Mr. Chris Ezike eulogized Sir Emeka Offor, for his magnanimity, in seeing to it, that inmates in all the correctional centers in the the state were partakers of his kind gesture, as he turned 65th years recently.  He stressed, that Sir Emeka Offor, as a humanitarian and Philanthropist, saw reason why those that are incarcerated in correctional

The foreign Direct Investment (FDI) drive of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration has yielded about N30 billion in investment commitment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment has disclosed. The Minister made the disclosure while reeling out achievements recorded so far, within the administration of President Bola, through her ministry, at the second edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja. Dr. Uzoka-Anite said even though the investments came in form of commitment, the FDIs have started flowing as actual buildings had already started, stressing that some the investments would come in form of equipment and other means. “For us in investment, when you say commitment, it means that you have committed to bring that money or a promise. So this is a commitment so the money and investment, the proposal everything is done. They have already started building and they

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called on the Government of Saudi Arabia to assist Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and trans-border terrorism, through sharing of intelligence, assuring that Nigeria intelligence community is ever ready to cooperate with them. Akpabio made the call while receiving in courtesy, members of the Saudi Arabia/ Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by Dr Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Salamah, in his office on Thursday.  A release by the Special Assistant On Media to the Senate President, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted him as saying, " let me welcome you to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are very delighted to receive you here. Nigeria as a country, has a very strong diplomatic relationship with Saudi Arabia since 1961." "Nigeria as a country needs a lot of assistance from the Saudi Arabian Government in the area of security. We can only overcome insecurity and trans-border terrorism through sharing of i

President Bola Tinubu and state governors, yesterday, agreed to establish state police in the country as part of measures to check the rising wave of insecurity in the country. This was one of the six high points of an emergency meeting summoned by the President at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, in view of economic hardship in the country and upsurge of insecurity in different parts of the country. The emergency meeting also had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Nyesom Wike. Specifically, President Tinubu approved the establishment of a committee comprising state governors and representatives of the Federal Government to, among other things, explore modalities for establishing state police. The President and the state governors also discussed the possibility of improving the numerical strength of forest rangers to train them so that they can keep our forests and borders ve

The Senate has commenced the review of the Nigerian consitution. This is so, because of the granting of local government autonomy, electoral reform and state creation which are now in the front burner of the Nigerian Senate as it commenced the review of the 1999 constitution. It's however on record that the last Assembly failed to address these issues in the last amendment but hopes are now high on the 10th assembly to correct the wrongs. Despite the last attempts for the fifth alteration of the 1999 constitution, issues of local government autonomy, election irregularities and creation of more states are some of the issues the Senate under Godswill Akpabio will be looking at. Even though Nigerians, groups and associations would be required to bring a memorandum, the Senate has constituted a 43-member committee for constitution amendment by the 10th National Assembly. Senate President Godswill Akpabio picked a senator from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital T

The House of Representatives has taken a major step towards replacing the current presidential system of government being run in Nigeria with the parliamentary mode. This is as the House introduced three bills seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to transition from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system at all levels – federal, state and local government. The bills, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024, HB.1115, HB.1116 and HB.1117, sponsored by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda,  and 59 others, passed first reading at plenary yesterday. The proposed legislation seeks to replace the president with a prime minister to serve as the head of government and establish the office of the president as a ceremonial leader with the elective offices chosen from elected members of the legislature. It also intends to shift the process of electing governors and chairmen of local govern

... Get Supports From Governors  BY  RAYMOND OZOJI  The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) says massive recruitments and  deployments of hunters in the North-East region of the country have helped tremendously to battle as well as reduce forest crimes in the region.  Speaking exclusively with this journalist on Wednesday, the Zonal Commander North-East zone, ACG Haruna Umaru Hammanjoda Furo, said hunters now battle criminal elements which he described as bigger animals in the forests.  He said over 50,000 hunters now ensured that the 6 states in the Northeast region were protected from insurgents who committed crimes and ran into the bushes and forests for cover. That hunters have ensured that Bauchi, Bornu, Adamawa and other states in the region have forests devoid of kidnappers'den, armed-robbery gangs and other daredevils.  The North-East ACG of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) who disclosed that about 400 hunters were recent

The Rivers Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has lauded Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for approving the immediate promotion of Local Government workers with full financial benefits. The state President of the union, Clifford Paul, made the commendation in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. Paul stated that Fubara announced the approval during his meeting with NULGE leadership and principal officers of the Local Government Councils at the Government House, Port Harcourt. He noted that the governor also approved the immediate implementation of N30,000 minimum wage for Local Government workers. “The governor also approved the immediate implementation of the N35,000 wage award approved by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy in the country. “We commend the governor for the inclusion of NULGE in the Local Government Pensions Board, as provided by

The International Labour Organisation, ILO, Save the Children and United Nations International Children Fund, UNICEF, have said 1.4 billion children globally, aged under 16, lack social protection. They are therefore vulnerable to disease, poor nutrition and poverty, according to new data released Wednesday by the three bodies. According to the data, in low-income countries fewer than 1-in-10 children have access to child benefits, highlighting a significant disparity compared to the coverage enjoyed by children in high-income countries. Child benefits are a critical form of social protection, intended to promote the long-term well-being of children. Delivered as cash or tax credits, child benefits are essential for reducing poverty as well as accessing healthcare, nutrition, quality education, water and sanitation. In addition, these benefits support socio-economic development, particularly in times of crisis. Many children are deprived of the basic resources and services

The Progressive Governors’ Forum has advised their counterparts in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against utterances and actions capable of inciting the masses against the federal government. In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State,Senator Hope Uzodinma said the economic and security challenges confronting the nation needed a collaborative approach towards finding lasting solutions to them,and not finger pointing. Reacting to the press briefing by PDP Governors on Monday where they likened Nigeria to another Venezuela, Uzodinma said it was unpatriotic for those in leadership positions to play the ostrich when they were fully aware of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was doing to reverse the situation. According to him, while the PDP had catalogued what they perceived to be the economic problem of the country, they could not proffer a single solution to it. Uzodimma said, “Ultimately, the decision res

Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  on Tuesday arrested two suspected money racketeers,  Adigun Johnson,  an Ordinary National Diploma,  OND, graduate of Public Administration and James Friday, an artisan  at a nightclub in Wuse Area of Abuja. The suspects were arrested with the sum of N3, 480,000.00  in their possession and three Point of Sale POS machines which they allegedly used to carry out their activities. A statement by EFCC Spokesman Dele Oyewale, said the arrest followed surveillance and intelligence by operatives of the EFCC on currency abuse and mutilation. Oyewale said that the  suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned that over 9,671 title owners who failed to pay their ground rents in 2023 are at the risk of losing their lands if they fail to pay within two weeks. Top on the list are foreign embassies, who the administration said are owing over $5.3 million . Others, according to a publication in national dailies signed by Muhammad Hazat Sule, FCTA’s director of information and communication, included companies and individuals, who are collectedly owing N2,205, 079,937.  ‘’The FCT Administration hereby reminds the general public, particularly allotees of land(s) within the FCT of their obligation to the FCTA as stipulated in the covenanted terms of the Certificate of Occupancy to wit ‘to pay in advance, without demand to the Honorable Minister, FCT, the annual ground rent from the first day of January of each year. “All allotees, property owners as well as beneficiaries of the sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT who cou

The Federal Government yesterday declared a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria. CBN, Odoh Ocheme, and two other persons are wanted for allegedly forging the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari to steal $6.2m cash from the apex bank. In a letter addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police by office of the CBN special investigator, Ocheme, alongside one Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar, were accused of conspiring and forging documents in the name of Buhari to steal $6,230,000 from the coffers of CBN. The letter, signed by Head of Operation, Office of Special Investigator, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Eloho Okpoziakpo, read: “The Special Investigator, appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to investigate the CBN Related Entities and other key government business entities, KGBEs, kindly requests you to place the above-named individuals on INTERPOL red notice. “In the course of the Special Investigator’s ass

Nigeria on Tuesday signed the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) with the United Kingdom (UK) to boost trade and investment between the two countries and unlock new opportunities for businesses in both countries. The UK Secretary of State, Ms Kemi Badenoch signed the ETIP alongside her Nigerian counterpart, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mrs Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, in Abuja. The ETIP is the first the UK has signed with an African country and is designed to grow the UK and Nigeria’s already thriving trading relationship, which totalled £7 billion in the year to September 2023. This arrangement will pave the way for opportunities in sectors crucial to both economies such as finance and legal services as well as foster new collaborations in innovative areas like the creative industry. The visit by the Secretary of State comes a week ahead of a UK Government-led fashion and beauty trade delegation to Nigeria. The ETIP also initiates further collaboration

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite has expressed the need to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to boost diaspora investments in the Country. Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Minister said she  will create  a full department called “Catalytic Investment Unit” in the Ministry to accommodate all diaspora related matters. The Minister commended NiDCOM, partnering with three private sector-led Nigerian Diaspora Summit initiative (NDSI) to organise the Nigerian Diaspora Investment summit, which has provided a platform for Nigerians who want to invest . She said the Ministry would synergise with NiDCOM and NDSI to make the summit even stronger , in-line with the Ministry’s investment initiatives and policies. The Minister said “I have been charged by  Mr President to look for inward investment into the country. NiDCOM has saved me from starting from the scratch. We will build on your platform and wor

The House of Representatives is set to consider a bill seeking to create three additional states in the South-West region. The bill which has been listed to be brought for first reading before the House of Representatives is sponsored by the member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, Oluwole Oke. Oke who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary, is proposing the bill seeking the creation of Oke-Ogun, Ijebu and Ife-Ijesa States. According to a copy of the bill signed by Vanguard, the proposed bill titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)” in the amendment of the First Schedule, Part I of the Constitution reads, “The First Schedule, Part I of the Constitution is amended by introducing new states and reducing the number of Local Government Areas.” In the drafted bill, Ijebu State when created will include Ijebu East, Ijebu North East, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North

The Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) has resumed the production of arms and ammunition years after it suspended operations. Its Director-General, Maj.-Gen. Aniedi Edet, made the declaration in Jos on Tuesday when he visited Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army. The corporation’s 24th director-general said it was undergoing some reforms aimed at meeting its statutory mandates. “DICON was established in 1964 and mandated to produce enough to meet the defence needs of the entire armed forces and other security agencies. “Over the years, DICON has been doing its best to meet these needs, but people feel it should do more. “We have resumed the production of ammunitions which has been stalled for sometimes. As we speak, we are churning out a good batch of 7.6 by 55mm rounds of ammunition. “In January, DICON supplied about four million rounds of ammunition to the Nigerian Army and it is assembling some rang

The Super Eagles finished as runners-up in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Côte d’Ivoire.  President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, rewarded the Super Eagles of Nigeria with a national award (Member of the Order of the Niger, MON) flats in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and piece of land. President Tinubu made the pronouncement when he received the players and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja. The delegation is led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh. The Super Eagles finished as runners-up in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Côte d’Ivoire.  All the team members, clad in green attire, and officials were in attendance, including Alex Iwobi, who had faced cyber attacks following Nigeria’s loss to Cote d’Ivoire at the final of the just concluded African Cup of Nations. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publi

Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, sitting in Maiduguri, on Monday, February 12, 2024, convicted and sentenced Aisha Wakil (otherwise known as Mama Boko Haram), Tahiru  Daura and  Lawal Soyade to 10 years imprisonment. This was disclosed in a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Dele Oyewale, late on Monday night. The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the EFCC had earlier secured a conviction against Wakil and her accomplices for falsely obtaining N15m from one Bukar Kachalla of Hamiza Global Resources Limited under the guise of supplying three units of Chemistry Analyser Solar Energy Brand Model 1800 (UK version). The action was said to be contrary to Section 1(1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Former EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, sentenced Wakil and the others, to seven years imprisonment

Prominent groups from the South and Middle Belt including   Ohanaeze, Afenifere and  Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, have jointly appealed to President Bola Tinubu  to  release  the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is in the best interest of Nigeria. A communique issued after their meeting in Abuja  expressed concern over the potential repercussions of Kanu’s continued incarceration on peace and security in the South-East region. Part of the communique released under the aegis of Southern, Middle-Belt Forum Leaders read: “The SMBF condemns the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu and its implication on peace and security in the South-East. “The SMBF, therefore, calls on President Tinubu to ensure that the rule of law is allowed to prevail on this matter and all court rulings on this matter are obeyed. “The  release  of Nnamdi Kanu is in the interest of the entire country as the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anite on Monday assured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to creating over three million jobs. She made the statement in her office during a meeting with delegates of the Oil and Gas Industry and some investors in the industry in Abuja. A statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations Mrs. Ozokwelu Nonye said the minister acknowledged the current economic challenges. However, she noted that investors’ confidence is paramount to sustaining investment in the oil and gas sector for economic growth. She said, “If you want to know if a country is doing well, follow the money, the oil and gas sector is a priority sector for economic growth for the country. “The development of the sector will be backed in every way possible as there are lots of potentials present, in terms of forex earning, job creation and also economic development because whatever is being produced can be used internally “Th

Commander of Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army, Major General KO Aligbe, has assured officers writing the practical promotion examination 2024 from Lieutenant to Captain of fairness and transparency. Aligbe, who stated this in Jos, Plateau State venue of the event, said they shall in the conduct of the examination be guided by good conscience and the extant provisions of the Nigeria Army Charter on Examination stressing that they will be firm but fair to all. According to the examination president, the committee will not tolerate any actions that would jeopardize the integrity of the process while challenging the officers to remain focused, intuitive and confident in their abilities to carry out all the tasks before them. He also disclosed that they are not there to fail anybody stressing that the 2024 examination is a professional military education in the course of their career and is based on integrity , while urging participants not to cheat and that an