News Archives - Page 25 of 77

FG Gifts Teenager Who Won Global English Contest N200,000

August 28, 2025 by admin

The Federal Government, on Thursday, gifted the winner of the TeenEagle global finals competition, Nafisah Abdullahi, N200,000. Recall that the Atiku Foundation rewarded the TeenEagle champions, namely Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Fema, and Khadija Kalli, with fully-funded scholarships following their outstanding performance at the TeenEagle Global Finals. The girls, who emerged as global winners in various categories of the prestigious academic competition, were recognised by the Foundation for what it described as their “remarkable success.” At a special recognition ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, celebrated Nafisa’s remarkable feat and other students who excelled during the competition. They described her as “a beacon of excellence and inspiration to Nigerian youths.” Representing Nigeria through the Nigerian Tulip International College, Nafisa outshone more than 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to clinch the world title. TeenEagle competition is an internationally acclaimed contest that evaluates students’ proficiency in the English language, critical thinking, and communication skills. Speaking at the event, Alausa said the Federal Government was laying the groundwork for stronger foundational education to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country. He stressed that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development through increased investment in education, health, and social protection. “You are the future of Nigeria, and you have made us proud. For the first time in the history of our nation, we have one of the highest budgetary allocations to education. “Each time we approach the President for support in the sector, his response has been a resounding ‘yes’ because he believes in you, the children of Nigeria. “Your success gives us the confidence to ask for more, and we will continue to do so on your behalf,” the minister said. The minister also announced a gift of over N100,000 to Nafisa and her other colleagues who excelled in other fields. On her part, Ahmad commended Nafisa’s resilience, intellect, and determination, pledging the Federal Government’s continued support for young talents who bring honour to the nation. “Nigerian youths can compete and excel globally. Nafisa has demonstrated that Nigeria is blessed and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. You are a shining example,” she said. She urged the teenager to see the achievement as the beginning of a greater journey, while commending her parents and teachers for providing the foundation for her success. Responding, Nafisa appreciated Tinubu and the ministers for creating an environment for her to excel while thanking her school, NTIC and her parent for the support. The Yobe state Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof. Abba Idris, thanked the minister for his gesture. He also noted that the state government has continued to celebrate milestones in the education sector.

Explosion Not Cause of Anambra, Enugu Blackout, TCN Counters EEDC

August 28, 2025 by admin

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has dismissed claims by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC that an explosion at its Onitsha Sub-Region station was responsible for the recent power outage in parts of Anambra State and Oji River in Enugu State. According to a statement signed by GM, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Thursday, the company said it was “compelled to correct the misinformation recently published by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC on August 27, 2025, regarding the cause of the power outage in Anambra State and Oji River in Enugu State. “Contrary to EEDC’s claim, there was no explosion at the Transmission Company of Nigeria station at Onitsha Sub-Region.” Explaining the actual cause of the incident, TCN noted that the partial loss of power in the 330kv switch yard at Onitsha Sub-Region occurred on August 21, 2025, at about 02:34 hours. It said the outage was due to “an insulation flashover of porcelain insulator (P1) of the red phase jumper conductor to bus bar 1 due to rainfall.” The company disclosed that power was restored the same day at 17:54 hours. It further stated that a planned scheduled outage had already been arranged for August 31 and September 1, 2025, to replace the stack porcelain insulators. “We clarify that there was no explosion of equipment or loss of switchgear equipment in the TCN Onitsha region,” the statement stressed. TCN also urged EEDC to ensure due diligence in its communication with the public, warning that “deliberate deception or propaganda is unprofessional and unacceptable.” Recall that electricity customers in Anambra State and parts of Enugu State were thrown into darkness on Wednesday following what they thought was an explosion in the Awada area of Anambra. The incident, which occurred around 2:34 a.m., disrupted the power supply across affected areas. Confirming the development, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC, through its Group Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, attributed the blackout to the explosion at the TCN facility. Punch

Femi Falana Slams Pay Rise Plan For Politicians Amid Hardship

August 26, 2025 by admin

Human rights advocate, Femi Falana, has faulted the plan to increase the salaries of political office holders, describing it as “highly insensitive” amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges. During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Falana criticised the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission for what he termed misplaced priorities, arguing that the agency had ignored the daily struggles of millions of Nigerians. “The RMAFC seems to have overlooked the harsh living conditions in the country and the daily hardships endured by ordinary people,” he said. Falana referenced recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which shows that over 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, questioning the rationale behind any salary increment for public officials. “At this point, proposing higher wages for political office holders is not only tone-deaf but also unfair to the majority battling severe economic pressure,” he added. The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) plans to review the salaries of political office holders, describing the current pay structure as “inadequate and outdated.” At a press briefing in Abuja on 18th August, 2025, Chairman Mohammed Shehu revealed that the President currently earns ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million, figures unchanged since 2008. He argued that these amounts are no longer realistic given the responsibilities of the offices and the higher earnings of agency heads. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has opposed the proposal, citing growing inequality and the hidden perks politicians already enjoy. Shehu clarified that the RMAFC only determines the salaries of political, judicial, and legislative officers—not civil servants. In addition, the commission has commenced a review of Nigeria’s revenue-sharing formula, which has remained unchanged since 1992. The current formula allocates 52.68% to the federal government, 26.72% to states, and 20.60% to local governments. Previous attempts to amend the formula failed due to political resistance. The new review, according to Shehu, aims to reflect current socio-economic realities and reduce overdependence on the federal government. Punch

C’River Recruits 4,000 Local Government Staff

August 26, 2025 by admin

The Cross River Local Government Service Commission says no fewer than 4000 staff have been recruited for the 18 council areas of the state in the last one year. The Chairman of the commission, Mr Darlington Eyo, disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday. Eyo noted that the commission inherited a depleted local government staff of about 9000, adding that with the 4000 personnel already recruited, efforts were still ongoing to fill the remaining vacant spaces. He said that the mass recruitment approved by Gov. Bassey Otu under his “People First Mantra” was the first in 37 years. “The councils we met had a depleted workforce, so the governor deemed it necessary that we fill the vacancies and also ensure a sustainable means of livelihood for the people. “In actual fact, we were supposed to meet about 12,000 or 13,000 staff, but what we met was about 3000, so we approached the governor on this, and he saw reason for the recruitment of more hands to fulfill the obligations of the local government areas. “We have systematically carried out this and paid over 3000 of them already that have met the requirement, while we strategise on more recruitment processes. Yes, the process is ongoing as it is not possible to fill all the 9000 vacant spaces at once,” he stressed. On the allegations of buying employment, the chairman said there was nothing of such to the best of his knowledge. He said the commission had operated an open process in such a way that a son or daughter of nobody has been gainfully employed. According to him, I won’t rule out the possibility that some individuals outside the commission might be trying to undermine it or act as its agents. “The good thing however is that anyone who patronise such a person will be fished out as we have a system in place that will expose them.” Eyo added that the local government service commission uncovered 800 ghost workers during the audit of the staff payroll. “This is the figure that we have expunged from the local government’s payroll, and the audit is ongoing because we can’t continue to have a huge wage bill when the number of staff remains low. “In all of these achievements, including the various training programmes for staff of the council areas the governor provided the needed environment for us to diligently carry out our mandates,” said.

Nigeria Safer, Attacks Reduced — CDS

August 22, 2025 by admin

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said that Nigeria has significantly become safer today than it was two years ago, citing a reduction in the frequency of attacks and a return to normalcy in many communities as evidence of progress. He declared this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday. “I know we’re doing better. I’ve travelled around this country, and everywhere I’ve been to, people commend us for the effort,” Musa said when asked if Nigeria is safer currently than the previous two years. The defence chief acknowledged that isolated attacks still occur but emphasised that their frequency has drastically reduced compared to previous years. He stated, “Sometimes when you hear one attack, one strike, and you think. Then, in the past, it used to be rampant. Now, it’s slowing down. “To tell you we’re succeeding, markets are back, schools are opening, people go to church. Yes, there’ll be attack. There can never be 100 per cent, but I can tell you we’re moving forward, and we’ll continue to do more.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to securing peace in the country. “The government is working hard, the armed forces are working hard, and we all need Nigerians coming together to make sure, firstly, we must love each other as Nigerians, and then we must protect ourselves, and we can succeed,” the CDS said.

Japan Hosts Tinubu, Other African Leaders At TICAD Conference

August 20, 2025 by admin

Japan hosted African leaders on Wednesday for a three-day development conference, offering itself as an alternative to China as the continent reels from a debt crisis exacerbated by Western aid cuts, conflict and climate change. Attendees at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) included Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, William Ruto of Kenya and UN head Antonio Guterres. “The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens,” Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement. China has invested heavily in Africa over the past decade, with its companies there signing deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars to finance shipping ports, railways, roads and other projects under Beijing’s Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative. But new lending is drying up, and developing countries are now grappling with a “tidal wave” of debt to both Beijing and international private creditors, the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, said in May. African countries have also seen Western aid slashed, in particular through President Donald Trump’s dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). TICAD was expected to touch on possible future free-trade deals between Japan and African nations, loan guarantees and investment incentives for Japanese firms, local media reported. However, Japan’s biggest business lobby, Keidanren, warned that Tokyo must work to win the trust of developing nations. “By actively contributing to solving the social issues faced by countries in the Global South, Japan must be chosen as a trustworthy partner,” Keidanren said in a policy recommendation in June. Africa presents opportunities with its young population and natural resources, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters on Tuesday. “We will be discussing how we may leverage these human and material resources as a source of vitality and connect them to Japan’s growth and the prosperity of the world,” he said. “Rather than focusing on our own needs, we want to carefully identify the needs of our partners and earn their trust, thereby fulfilling our role as a nation,” Ishiba said. Ishiba was set to propose at the conference — the ninth since 1993 — an “economic zone” encompassing the Indian Ocean region and Africa, Kyodo News reported. Japan will pledge to cultivate 30,000 artificial intelligence experts over the next three years to promote industrial digitalisation and job creation, Kyodo said. AFP

“It Takes Grace of God To Ascend The Throne, It Is A Bumpy Road – Ladoja

August 18, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – THE Olubadan-elect of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has broken his silence on his ascension to the ancient stool, describing his journey as “bumpy, filled with trials, and only made possible by the grace of God.” The former Oyo State governor said he was overwhelmed with shock when he received news of the passing of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, noting that he never imagined destiny would call him to the throne at this time. The Olubadan-elect also paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing him as a leader who upheld tradition with dignity. He commiserated with family of the late Olubadan, the entire Olubadan in-council, and the Ibadan land praying for God to repose the soul of the departed. Addressing a crowd of well wishers who thronged his Ondo Street private residence at Bodija in Ibadan on Monday August 18, upon his arrival to the city from Lagos, Oba Ladoja recalled his over three-decade journey through the traditional hierarchy of Ibadan chieftaincy, which uniquely requires aspirants to climb 36 carefully arranged steps, beginning from Jagun Olubadan. Earlier upon his arrival in Ibadan from his two month trip outside of the state since the demise of the late Olubadan, Oba Ladoja headed straight to his family House in Isale-Osi, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area where according to him, the journey to the throne all began. In his words: “The road to the throne was indeed bumpy. Many of those who were with me and also stood by me when I became Jagun Balogun Olubadan are no longer alive today. It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and the grace of God,” he said. Oba Ladoja became Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993, shortly before his election as a senator representing Oyo South in the National Assembly. From there, he steadily rose through the ranks of the Balogun line, a process that has taken him more than 31 years before emerging as the Olubadan-elect. He explained that while the system is predictable in structure, the timing of ascension is never in the hands of any man. “When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, I was shocked and not ready at the time. It hit me with rude shock because I had envisaged that our king would still reign for another five to ten years but I was again confronted with the reality that the next turn was unavoidably mine. “Even though our system is structured and predictable, the timing is never ours. Only God decides. When I arrived, it was where the journey all began that I went for prayers. “And when I arrived there, I remembered many of those that were there with me on that day on 1st of October, 1993. I remember that Late MKO Abiola was present because he was in the mix of being called president-elect or not, Late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu was there, my late father and mother were also present. “Governor Kolapo Ishola, Dr Rahimi, Adebayo Akala were all there because he was the one that cover the palace when I became Jagun. My very good friend who we both became Jagun same day, Eyinadebimpe were in attendance. My friend Jimoh Aliu, Folake Aremu popularly known as ‘Orisabunmi’, and many other notable theater actors were there. “So, in my reflection, I asked God why I’ve been preserved in good health, then I realized I’m yet to complete my mission and God’s purpose for my life on earth. Therefore, I’m eternally grateful to God for his grace. “There were also many coincidences because I was born in 1944 and I’m the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. So, I’m grateful to everyone,” Oba Ladoja narrated. He particularly expressed gratitude to the Olubadan in-council for their official nomination to become the next king, saying “if they didn’t approve my nomination, what can I do? All the 10-man Olubadan in-council gave their unanimous approval, and I want to assure them that our relationship will grow better.” He asserted that God has destined them all to work together. He assured that now he is fully back and will commence engaging with relevant government and traditional authorities including the Governor, Oluwo and Araba of Ibadan as well as others to determine how to go about the process of coronation. He prayed that his time on the throne shall witness unprecedented prosperity, peace, and economic development. In his final remarks, Oba Ladoja appealed to Ibadan sons and daughters at home and abroad, as well as residents of the ancient city, to uphold him in their prayers for God’s guidance. “I seek your prayers for God’s wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to guide me in the discharge of this sacred duty as the new Olubadan. It is a huge responsibility, and I pray for divine direction to lead Ibadanland with fairness, peace, and progress,” he said. Aare Egbe Omobalogun of Ibadanland, Chief Taofeek Adegoke, said the reign of Ladoja as Olubadan of Ibadanland will witness tremendous progress. He said, “It is going to be a period when Ibadan will witness remarkable development during his tenure. We are happy that he is back, and we pray that God will grant him the strength and wisdom to lead both Ibadan and Oyo State aright.” Chief Adeola Oloko, the Media Aide to Ladoja while speaking with Naijanewshub online Newspapers Reporter who was on ground to monitor the event said, “We are all aware that he has not been around, but today he returned to Ibadan to a very warm embrace by his people. He addressed us, assuring that his reign will foster cooperation among all members of the Olubadan-in-Council. He promised that his leadership will be one of unity and progress, and that the council will enjoy his full cooperation as he moves Ibadan forward. “The next step is the coronation rites. We will have to consult all relevant stakeholders, the Araba of Ibadanland, the Afobajes, and of course, His … Read more

Ekiti Gov Assures Resumption Of Ado-Ijan Road Construction

August 17, 2025 by admin

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said that the state, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has resolved all issues that led to the temporary abandonment of the Ado-Ijan-Aisegba road project by the contractor in charge. Oyebanji assured residents and road users that work would soon resume on the road following the resolution of the issue that caused abandonment. The governor, who spoke at Aisegba Ekiti on Saturday during the burial service of the late Chief Mathew Fatoba, the father of his Aide-de-Camp, said, “I assure you that I see the road leading here from Ado Ekiti. It is part of our efforts. “The Federal Government has awarded the road, and the contractor has moved to the site, but they left for one reason or another. “But by His grace, the Lord has helped us to settle it; very soon, the contractor will go back to the site,” the governor said. Oyebanji commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the state, saying, “The president’s policies have helped in addressing infrastructure gaps as well as promoting economic development and welfare of citizens.” This was as the state government over the weekend, listed alternative routes to the state capital, “while the federal and Ekiti State governments work out lasting solutions to some bad portions of roads leading to the state”. The alternative routes, as contained in a travel advisory to ease your journey into Ado Ekiti, are: “From Lagos/Ibadan: Iwaraja – Efon – Ipole – Ikogosi – Erijinyan – Ilawe – Ado Ekiti. From Akure: Akure – Igbara Oke – Igbara Odo – Ilawe – Ado Ekiti, and from Abuja: Kabba – Irun Akoko – Iro Ekiti – Isinbode – Ikole – Igbemo – Ekiti Ring Road – Ado Ekiti.” The advisory stated, “The state government will continue to invest in road infrastructure, while also working collaboratively with the Federal Government to ensure the remaining two federal roads, that are yet to be awarded, are fixed”. A public service announcement by the State Ministry of Works stated that “currently, the Ado-Ikere-Akure Road has been awarded, and work is ongoing; the Ado-Ijan Ekiti Road has also been awarded, with work in progress” on the two federal roads. Punch

Awujale Stool: Family Kicks Over Exclusion From Royal Lineage

August 17, 2025 by admin

The Adeyemi ruling house of the Anikilaya dynasty has faulted their exclusion from the Anikilaya ruling house, one of the ruling houses producing candidates for the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State. Recall that the Anikilaya ruling house produced the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors last month. The family, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday and signed by Adedeji Ademola Adeyemi, said a few members of the Anikilaya ruling house deliberately distorted history by removing the name of the Adeyemis from the family lineage. Adeyemi explained that Adeyemi Anikilaya was the eldest crown prince of the late Oba Anikilaya Saagun, while Ogbagba and Ademolu were his remaining two sons. He explained that “Prince Ademola Aiyegbajeje Adeyemi was selected for the stool of Awujale after the demise of Oba Daniel Adesanya, Gbelegbuwa the II, in 1959, but he rejected the offer. “His immediate brother, Prince Mubashiru Adedipupo Adeyemi, the father of late Oba SK Adetona, contested and pushed forward his son, Sikiru Kayode Adetona of the Adeyemi Anikilaya family, who received the blessings of the kingmakers and was crowned Awujale in 1960.” The Adeyemi ruling house said it rejected a claim by some members of the family who refused to recognise the Adeyemis as the eldest son but erroneously gave the headship to the second-born and added two others who were not part of the family to the royal family lineage. He explained that “Putting the record straight, the Adeyemi ruling house rejected the inclusion of Mabadeje, Adekoya Ofirigidi, and Adeire Adeewu, who were unknown alleged children of late Oba Anikilaya Saagun Figbajoye, who reigned in 1821. “The Adeyemi ruling house reiterates that they remain descendants of Adeyemi Anikilaya, the eldest son of the late Oba Anikilaya Saagun Figbajoye, Awujale of Ijebu Ode till 1821. The family, therefore, implores the world to disregard the so-called submissions of a few misguided members of the family posted in the media, whose submissions are inconsequential and fraught with falsehood.

Ibom Air Bans ‘Unruly Passenger’ For life After Airport Row

August 11, 2025 by admin

Ibom Airlines Limited has banned a passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson, from flying with its airline after she was found assaulting one of the crew members of their aircraft. Emmanson had in a viral video repeatedly slapped a Purser with Ibom Aircraft after she was allegedly told to switch off her phone before take-off. Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, Ibom Air said the incident happened on Sunday while Emmanson was on board their Uyo to Lagos flight. The statement read, “Shortly before take-off from Uyo, Ms. Emmanson was instructed in line with standard aviation safety procedures to switch off her mobile phone. She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off. “This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled. “Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the Purser, who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her. She slapped her several times, and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too.” The airline also maintained that the passenger attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act they described as “an intention to damage and ground the aircraft”. “By this time, the Pilot-in-Command had alerted airport security. Before security could arrive, the Purser, as seen on the viral video on the internet, prevented the passenger from leaving the aircraft until security arrived. “The arrival of Ibom Air Security personnel did not deter the passenger, as she attacked them as well, lashing out violently at the security personnel. She was then restrained and removed from the aircraft by force. Even after disembarking, she continued to assault Ibom Air security personnel and even slapped the ground supervisor. “The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation,” Ibom Air stressed. The airline stated that it had submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of their aircraft, while commending the crew members and the security personnel for handling the situation with decorum. “Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of our aircraft. “Ibom Air reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment. Such behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services. “We commend the bravery and professionalism of our crew in handling this situation under extremely challenging circumstances, as well as the swift support from airport security and the Nigerian Police.”